Importance of Cautiousness Vocabulary Set in Knowledge & Wisdom: Full and Detailed List

The 'Importance of Cautiousness' vocabulary set in 'Knowledge & Wisdom' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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children and fools must not play with edged tools

/ˈtʃɪl.drən ænd fuːlz mʌst nɑːt pleɪ wɪð edʒd tuːlz/

Example:

He tried to fix the high-voltage wiring himself, but children and fools must not play with edged tools.

above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it

/əˈbʌv ɔːl ɛls, ɡɑːrd jʊər hɑːrt, fɔːr ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ juː duː floʊz frʌm ɪt/

Example:

The counselor reminded him, 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,' to emphasize the importance of mental well-being.

better go about than fall into the ditch

/ˈbetər ɡoʊ əˈbaʊt ðæn fɔːl ˈɪntuː ðə dɪtʃ/

Example:

The mountain path is steep, so let's take the road; better go about than fall into the ditch.

careless talk costs lives

/ˈker.ləs tɔːk kɑːsts laɪvz/

Example:

During the war, posters everywhere reminded soldiers that careless talk costs lives.

discretion is the better part of valor

/dɪˈskreʃ.ən ɪz ðə ˈbet̬.ɚ pɑːrt əv ˈvæl.ɚ/

Example:

I decided not to argue with the angry customer, thinking that discretion is the better part of valor.

a live dog is better than a dead lion

/ə laɪv dɔːɡ ɪz ˈbetər ðæn ə ded ˈlaɪən/

Example:

He decided to surrender rather than fight a hopeless battle, reasoning that a live dog is better than a dead lion.

a postern door makes a thief

/ə ˈpoʊ.stərn dɔːr meɪks ə θiːf/

Example:

You should lock the back gate, because a postern door makes a thief.

an ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit

/æn aʊns əv dɪˈskreʃ.ən ɪz wɜːrθ ə paʊnd əv wɪt/

Example:

I know you want to make a joke during the meeting, but remember that an ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit.

fast bind, fast find

/fæst baɪnd fæst faɪnd/

Example:

I always double-check the locks before leaving; fast bind, fast find, as my grandmother used to say.

good swimmers are often drowned

/ɡʊd ˈswɪm.ərz ɑːr ˈɔː.fən draʊnd/

Example:

He became too arrogant with his investments and lost everything; as they say, good swimmers are often drowned.

it is the pace that kills

/ɪt ɪz ðə peɪs ðæt kɪlz/

Example:

I can handle the workload, but it is the pace that kills.

the highest branch is not the safest roost

/ðə ˈhaɪɪst bræntʃ ɪz nɑt ðə ˈseɪfɪst ruːst/

Example:

The CEO realized that the highest branch is not the safest roost when the board suddenly called for his resignation.

those who play at bowls, must look out for rubbers

/ðoʊz huː pleɪ æt boʊlz, mʌst lʊk aʊt fɔːr ˈrʌbərz/

Example:

If you're going to start a price war with your competitors, remember that those who play at bowls, must look out for rubbers.

though honey is sweet, do not lick it off a briar

/ðoʊ ˈhʌni ɪz swiːt, duː nɑːt lɪk ɪt ɔːf ə ˈbraɪər/

Example:

He wanted the high-paying job despite the toxic environment, but I reminded him that though honey is sweet, do not lick it off a briar.

the only free cheese is in the mousetrap

/ði ˈoʊnli friː tʃiːz ɪz ɪn ðə ˈmaʊstræp/

Example:

He offered me a free vacation, but I remembered that the only free cheese is in the mousetrap.

words must be weighed, not counted

/wɜrdz mʌst bi weɪd, nɑt ˈkaʊntəd/

Example:

In a serious debate, remember that words must be weighed, not counted.

not mention rope in the house of a man who has been hanged

/nɑt ˈmɛn.ʃən roʊp ɪn ðə haʊs ʌv ə mæn hu hæz bɪn hæŋd/

Example:

I didn't ask about his failed business; you should not mention rope in the house of a man who has been hanged.

don't shit where you eat

/doʊnt ʃɪt wer ju iːt/

Example:

I know you like the new intern, but remember: don't shit where you eat.

if you can't be good, be careful

/ɪf juː kænt biː ɡʊd, biː ˈker.fəl/

Example:

I know you're going out tonight; just remember, if you can't be good, be careful.