PROVERBS
Over the next few months we will be using Proverbs to aid our discussion group.
We looked at the differences and links between them and idioms
Idiom
A group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word understood on its own.
Proverb
A short sentence, etc., usually known by many people, stating something commonly experienced or giving advice.
'A little knowledge is a dangerous thing'
Meaning
A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are.
Origin
First used by Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744) in An Essay on Criticism, 1709:
'A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again.'
Although proverbs are seen to give us sound advice the group somewhat disagreed with this one.
When it comes to learning a new language for instance a little knowledge is definitely better than none!