We often use sayings in our daily conversations. Over time, many of them have been shortened or misquoted, altering their original meanings.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day” is one of those sayings we have always heard, but the complete saying is much more interesting and enlightening.
This article examines some misinterpretations that occur due to the partial quoting of popular sayings in relation to their actual meanings and how they may apply better in our daily lives.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
The phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day” dates back to the medieval era. This phrase is said to have originated from a French proverb, “Rome ne s’est pas faite en un jour,” which literally translates to “Rome wasn’t made in a day.” This was later adopted into English and became popularly known due to its simple yet powerful meaning.
This popular saying is often used to remind us that great achievements take time and that one shouldn’t be in a rush; else, it will yield incomplete or unfavorable results.
Whether you are in a career growth phase, embarking on a personal development journey or project, understanding the actual meaning of this saying can provide deeper insights and motivation.
The full version is “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.” This emphasizes that while it takes time to accomplish great achievements, consistency is key. It not only highlights consistency but also patience and persistence in the face of adversities.
Curiosity Killed the Cat
“Curiosity killed the cat” is one of those phrases often heard to advise against probing into things or investigations that are unnecessary, as they will only get one into trouble or even danger.
But the original saying is “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.” This little completion sheds more light on the meaning of the phrase, indicating that while curiosity may lead one into dangerous situations, the knowledge or satisfaction gained makes up for the risk.
For instance, imagine a student who decides to study a tough subject despite warnings from others that it might be too difficult and should be dismissed. With much travail, the student masters the subject and becomes knowledgeable and confident. In this instance, the student’s curiosity paid off and gave full meaning to the saying.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water
The full saying may surprise you. The phrase “Blood is thicker than water” is mostly said to make to point out that family relationships are much stronger than friendships or other relationships.
Yet the full phrase is “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” This latter structure suggests that the bonds one intentionally adopts can be closer and more significant than those by mere blood relations through birth alone.
For instance; two friends who have supported each other through thick and thin might have a stronger bond than one might have with a distant family member or relative. In this context, the full saying emphasizes or draws attention to the power of chosen relationships.
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
There is more to this saying. The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” is often used to identify a person who is multi-talented; someone who can perform various types of tasks but isn’t a master of any of them.
The partial saying carries a negative implication, suggesting that one who spreads oneself too thin cannot achieve true mastery. This has been viewed with such negativity whereas it is a compliment. A “Jack” can be quite masterful, and being a Jack of all trades allows one to pivot.
The complete saying, however, is “A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” This suggests that being versatile and ready to learn might be better than being a master of only one.
For instance, at work, a person with a broad skill set is likely more valuable than one who has mastered just one area. This means that they can handle more types of tasks and thus are a more versatile and valuable member of the team and organization.
Money Is the Root of All Evil
The saying “money is the root of all evil” is sometimes quoted as though it states the principle that wealth and material gain, in and of themselves, are corrupting and inherently evil.
Yet, the biblical expression goes, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” The fuller saying points out that it’s not money per se that’s evil, but the relentless pursuit of it that is likely to bring about dangerous results.
The misquoted saying has brought about different perceptions of money. But that small part of the structure makes all the difference, as it shifts the emphasis from monetary wealth to reprehensible greed for money and material things, which may push one to engage in morally despicable conduct.
For instance, a businessman obsessed with money might stop at nothing to make a profit, even at the expense of his morals.
Customers Are Always Right
This saying is one of the most popularly used in the business world. It seeks to emphasize the importance of customer choice and satisfaction, and to encourage business owners to prioritize the desires of their customers. And as frustrating as it might have been, the full saying might surprise you.
The full saying is “Customers are always right, in matters of taste.” You’re probably too surprised to comprehend this, as many customers have misquoted the saying, which has in one way or another affected the flow of business.
According to the complete version, customers are right in matters of their taste or preference. That is, regardless of your view or opinion, customers’ tastes and preferences should be respected. While customer satisfaction is crucial, this sets limits, such as when a customer is being abusive or disagreeable.
Great Minds Think Alike
The phrase, “Great minds think alike,” has been around for centuries and is often used to indicate that brilliant and creative people tend to reason similarly and come to the same conclusions on issues.
However, the full saying of this phrase is “Great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ.” This version is heard less often.
The complete version acknowledges that while similar thoughts may indicate intelligence or greatness, it is also possible that people can agree on something for less thoughtful reasons.
This addition warns that merely agreeing with others doesn’t necessarily indicate brilliance or intelligence; it can signify a lack of independent thinking. The full version brings balance to the benefits of shared ideas and the need for independent thinking.
The Impact of Misinterpreted Sayings
The aforementioned examples serve to illustrate how the truncation of sayings can distort their meanings and sometimes even reverse their meanings altogether.
In the fast-paced world we live in, where sayings are often heard quickly and retained easily, it is important to know what these phrases really mean to avoid misinterpreting them. It is by using these sayings in their fullness that our language becomes enriched and that deeper meaning is given with regard to the wisdom they offer.
Conclusion
In all, while partial and misquoted sayings may indeed be catchy and easily remembered, there is deeper richness and wisdom in their original versions.
By exploring the complete versions of these sayings, we can better understand and interpret them, which will result in the proper use of them in our daily lives.
Next time, before we use a common saying, let’s consider the full version—it might just change the way we think.
