Thursday 16 June 2011

Questioning old words....

I was speaking to a friend the other day and we started talking about how the saying 'Blood is thicker than water' doesn't apply all the time. This is because friends can sometimes be more reliable than blood relatives.


Well, dreamer that I am, this conversation got me thinking about some old common English sayings and how I now question them: 


(1) 'A Jack of all trades is master of none'
My take: Not any more. With the way the global economy is right now...one cannot rely on only one skill. 
There is nothing wrong with multi-tasking because one always has something to fall back on.
In today's world...A jack of ONE trade is likely to be JOB (Just Over Broke) !



(2) 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'
My take: Some 'friends' are always in need  - Does that mean they are my real friends?  Indeed, if one has to go by this saying.......a demanding friend who leeches - and is constantly coming back for more help - off you should be your truest friend? 


(3) 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'
My take: It depends on the quality of the 'bird'. If I have one scrawny pigeon in my hand and I know there are two fat hens in the bush..................I rather get rid of the scrawny pigeon and go after the two fat hens. 
Just thinking of how those hens will taste with jollof rice will be a great incentive. LOL

(4) 'Business before Pleasure' 
My takeOne should aim for a business that gives us pleasure because the passion you feel will propel you to greater heights. 
Why make life hard for yourself? ..........Make money off whatever gives you pleasure...........em........Clean stuff only though. LOL 


(5) 'An idle brain is the devil’s workshop'
My take: Sometimes one has to be idle to be able to reassess life and determine the way forward. Being busy can be counter-productive sometimes. For example, the daily routine of rushing to work in the morning and then rushing back home - at the end of the day - can leave one so exhausted that one is unable to take a step back and ask: Is this the right job for me? Idleness can be very productive.....so long as it's temporary though *smile*


(6) 'Honesty is the best policy'
My take: Dishonesty can be neccessary sometimes. I try to be honest at all times .........BUT.........As a rule, I will not tell a friend if I know their partner is cheating on them (I prefer to speak to the partner)..... I will not also tell a friend they have an ugly baby.......... 
Again, I will never tell a child they are awful at something they are trying hard to do i.e. football, drawing etc. I prefer to point out ways they could improve !  LOL
You could say my I can be dishonest to be kind when it involves emotions and children


(7) 'The more the merrier'

My take: Not all the time. When I was at uni, some girls moved around in large groups with the result that any guy who was interested in any of them, had to gain the approval of ALL of them. 
In most cases, the guy had to buy stuff for all of them, try to be nice to all of them etc - so they can put in a good word for him. 
Unfortunately, there were cases where a guy was interested in one girl and another girl was secretly fancying him. The result - the secret admirer would be very negative about the guy - discouraging the admired girl. So many girls lost out this way. The only thing I can think of that brings merriment as it multiplies - is money.

(8) 'Let sleeping dogs lie'
My take: Like I mentioned sometime ago - My father always used to say that 'If two friend never quarrel, one is cheating the other'. That is why I believe it is not always good to let sleeping dogs lie. Some issues need to be addressed once and for all - or someone will definitely remain cheated.



(9) 'The end justifies the means'
My take: I guess this is what Naija politicians tell themselves before proceeding to loot and pillage???
I disagree with this saying becomes I believe in Karma - whatever you reap, you shall sow.  



(10) 'Two Heads are Better Than One'
My take: Totally disagree because it depends on the quality of the OTHER head LOL
If I wanted to find out more about a research topic, I'd ask a University Professor. However, if I want to find out where the best tailor in town was..........my guess is that Prof is not likely to know.


So,
Do let me know any English saying that doesnt make sense to you anymore.................
xoxoxo


36 comments:

  1. Hmm Naija mum u don come again abi lol

    I will try to come back to u on this...but MOST of this English sayings aren't so true. They sound true but in my opinion,some are empty old wives myths.

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  2. Btw... Two heads are better than one is in Ecclesiastes ;)

    An idle man can be replaced with "in quietness and confidence ‎​you find strength". Busy bodies can be devil's advocates. Even the busiest of men can be plotting evil so its not just when ‎​you seat down doing nothing. Yes,its good to engage the mind in constructive things but as ‎​you said; "why not REST the mind too?"

    A bird in hand... Means manage whatever even a bad job where ‎​you live in Sango and go to VI daily for 30K abi? Haha or manage a crude man/shrew nagging woman cos no other has come shebi? Abeg oh I jump ​​​am pass.

    And business before pleasure... I'd prefer to find pleasure at what I do or NIL is there any other meaning to this saying?

    I boldly say that some of this sayings counter the TRUTH of Gods word so I take them with a pinch of salt.

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  3. N.I.L i think the saying a friend in need is supposed to read something like this: "a friend (to you) in (your times of) need is (really) a friend indeed".Thats my own interpretation of it.However, i love your fresh perspectives on all the others...actually makes sense..nice post..i just started reading your blog

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    Replies
    1. lol I agree with you. I think the need has to be mine, not the friend's. Anyone who thinks the need has to be theirs is selfish!

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  4. i think you are misinterpreting that a friend in need quote. a friend IN need means someone who is there in times of need is a friend indeed not someone who is always asking you for things. get it?

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  5. Nice to have fresh perspectives, I agree with Anon on the meaning of A friend in need. BTW, mot of these cliches are now being phased out. What about "Money cannot buy you happiness?" Some say it's just because the person doesn't have enough, lol...

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  6. Different perspective here. You try sha. This your mind ehn

    I think you misinterpreted the number 2 quote. what it means is that the friend that helps you in the timme of need is your true friend.
    It is originally 'A friend in the time of need is a friend indeed'

    The case of idleness you mentioned is not really idleness. It is just the brain refreshing.But the truth is that some people's idle minds think up ideas, while some others think evil

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  7. hahahahaha, oh! 9jamum! you have done it again :D

    like the new perspective on this old sayings, esp jack of all trades & the more the merrier, but disagree with the one on '2 heads are better than one'...is just like wanting to solve a problem, sometimes one cannot do it alone, so seeking for help from other person means 2 heads are now tackling the same problem, which would be solved quickly.....just like doing a difficult assignment in school and the reading group tackle it together,,,,,and the book of ECC in the bible even says so: 2 HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE...i believed it was referring to marriage though...the example you gave is understandable, which reflects that the 2nd head that you choose depends on the problem at hand...you met a prof becox it's an academic problem, but would ask a friend or a beautician if it pertains to hair or beauty, see the difference? I don't have any old saying that comes to mind now....take care.

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  8. enybees-hub
    'Two heads are......in Ecc'
    Yup. I believe I have read it there.
    Agree that it is good to rest the mind. For me, that's the only way I make big decisions.
    Re: 'A bird in hand' ...I see your interpretation. My take is that - in some cases - 'managing' will mean settling for less, when you can get better.
    Thanks for dropping by. Hope all is well


    @Anonymous
    *I see* re: "a friend (to you) in (your times of) need is (really) a friend indeed"
    I think I prefer that interpretation :)))
    I always took it as - a friend who comes to you in time of need is a true friend :)))
    Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Much appreciated.


    @leggy
    Like I said to anon, I interpreted it the other way.
    Thanks for dropping by


    @Myne Whitman
    Hope you are having a good road trip
    Yes oh re "Money cannot buy you happiness?"
    It definitely must have been coming from someone who lacks some - and is trying to make themselves feel better LOL


    @Boma
    Thanks dear


    @ilola
    I have a wandering mind LOL
    Yup re the friend quote. Makes more sense your way
    LOL @'some people's idle minds think up ideas, while some others think evil' True talk
    Hope all is well? Thanks for dropping by


    @Ibhade said...
    Sisterly...re: '2 heads'
    I agree - to some extent that 'is just like wanting to solve a problem, sometimes one cannot do it alone'
    However, like you said - one has to look for the 'right' head. It's like someone coming to mu hubby and asking him where the best nursery schools are in the area. LOL
    Hope all is well. Thanks for dropping by. I really enjoyed your post about the troublesome mother. A lesson for us all

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  9. i think a friend in need is a friend in deed means when you have a friend by your side during those rough days, that friend is a true friend. It doesnt mean a friend that is constantly in need is a true friend lol

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  10. Naijamum, you try jare. I enjoyed reading your perspective on these sayings. LOL @ Myne's shared take on "money cannot buy happiness".

    My mum got this from a friend of hers: Money cannot buy happiness but it makes unhappiness bearable. Lol.

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  11. lolss. NIL, you don come again!
    Cosigning with you my sister except for 6,7,8,10
    For me, 2 heads are better than my okoro head oo. I believe the other person's point of view can help to strengthen your resolve or help you think it through. Everytime we use google, we are consulting another head.

    The more the merrier - solitude is good. but when I want to have fun fun fun ala Rebecca Black, the more the merrier please!

    Honesty is the best policy should read Diplomacy is the best policy lol. and its best complimented by letting sleeping dogs lie. I really dont want to know your deep down secrets pls... just like a husband who has repented of his wandering (note I said repented oo) then out of some deep sense of TMI comes to confess to his wife about his past sins. Let the sleeping dog lie abeg. in fact give it valium.

    Great post!

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  12. LWKMD@" It depends on the quality of the 'bird'. If I have one scrawny pigeon in my hand and I know there are two fat hens in the bush..................I rather get rid of the scrawny pigeon and go after the two fat hens". o_O N.I.L. HAHHAH... this is hilarious, you have some good points, now I have come back responses for when people throw stupid sayings at me :D

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  13. You sked for others

    If the shoe fits wear it - I say if the shoe doesnt fit, customise it to fit.

    Barking dogs seldom bite - I guess then they didnt have pitt bulls and rottweilers that are mauling and killing sef.

    Dont cross a bridge before you come to it - In this world of projecy management and plan Bs? they are not serious!

    If you can't beat them join them - I say be unique and stand out. let posterity judge.

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  14. I am with you on this!

    These are some of such quotes:
    1. "The patient dog will eat the fattest bone" Not anymore o! If a dog wants to eat a bone, that dog MUST hustle for the bone!

    2. "Teachers have their reward in Heaven" I have never liked that saying. Although I am not a teacher, I believe teachers should be encouraged right here on earth!

    Stay blessed!

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  15. I agree jare with all 10 points! These days everyone is a Jack of all trades, and the patient dog doesn't always eat the fattest bone, na hunger go kill am!

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  16. As in... this post makes sense jare! All these saying don't make any sense any more, and even if they are right sometimes, they aren't all the time

    Adiya
    http://thecornershopng.blogspot.com

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  17. hahaha... nice one!
    I'll be back to comment as soon as I finish this dress. You've given me lots to think about as I sew.
    xoxo

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  18. lol @ some of these...so true too.

    As some have already pointed out, I believe no. 2 refers to a friend in your own time of need...

    Also, no. 10 definitely has to be 2 good heads, not just any heads...

    Nice job NIL.

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  19. lol you are right sha.. lol i just use them when it suits the situation i am in.

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  20. Very funny, NIL. I can see things from your point of view. However it is worth researching the origin of these sayings as the usage has changed a lot over the years.

    A lot of these sayings were even adapted from the Bible like 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' could very well read 'Better a living dog than a dead lion' from Ecclesiastes.
    Also 'let sleeping dogs lie' could well be 'Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own' Prov 26:17.

    It really is all down to the context in which these proverbs are used.

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  21. Talking about sayings, how does one reconcile "absence makes the heart grow fonder" with "out of sight is out of mind"?

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  22. @kitkat
    Thanks for that Kitkat. I always took it the other way
    Hope all is well


    @Adura Ojo
    I loved your mum's friend take on "Money cannot buy happiness but it makes unhappiness bearable'
    That is really true my sistah


    @Ginger
    LOL @'my okoro head oo'
    Agree that 'Everytime we use google, we are consulting another head' However, some of the data on some sites can NOT be trusted
    Yes, good company is great for having fun

    LOL @'Diplomacy is the best policy lol. and its best complimented by letting sleeping dogs lie' As you said - it's probably best we dont know EVERYTHING about each other.
    LOL @ giving the sleeping dog valium
    You no go kill person with laughter :)))


    @9jaFOODie
    Yes oh re: the two hens. I'm sure you know what I mean.
    Hope all is well with you.
    Have a fab weekend


    @Ginger
    LOL re: 'shoe - customise it to fit'

    'Barking dogs seldom bite'

    ' Dont cross a bridge before you come to it'

    'If you can't beat them join them'

    LOLLL. These really made me laugh. I guess we all have to take all these 'wise' sayings with a pinch of salt abi.
    Thanks so much for coming back. Reall, really appreciate it. xoxoxo

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  23. @Darbie
    I almost choked when I read these: ' "The patient dog will eat the fattest bone" Not anymore o!

    "Teachers have their reward in Heaven" - 'I believe teachers should be encouraged right here on earth!' Agree oh. Good ones are a blessing

    Thanks so much for these. Your take on them makes sooooo much sense. LOL


    @ Sisi Yemmie ™
    Yes oh - re: 'These days everyone is a Jack of all trades, and the patient dog doesn't always eat the fattest bone, na hunger go kill am!' LOL
    Thanks for that Yemmie.
    Everybody get to shine their eye nowadays oh :))


    @Adiya
    Like you said, 'these saying don't make any sense any more......' and they are only right sometimes.
    Too true.
    Hope all is well with you


    @Gbemisoke
    So glad to see you around and to know you're busy. Hope all is well with you?
    Hope to read something from you soon

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  24. Anoda Phase
    Yes oh re '.... has to be 2 good heads, not just any heads...'
    A common mistake we can make when asking for advice from the wrong person :))
    Hope all is well with you


    @angelsbeauty
    Agree with your approach of using them when it suits the situation you are in.
    I'm not a fan of people who throw them out - whenever and wherever. LOL
    Hope all is well with you


    @thewordsmythe
    Thanks, I'm glad you found them funny

    RE: A lot of these sayings were even adapted from the Bible. Agreed :)))

    However, I love to question stuff and I find SOME of them a tad simplistic and contradictory

    Like you said, it really does depend on the context used.

    Thanks for the Biblical analogies. Much appreciated.


    @os
    LOL @"absence makes the heart grow fonder" contradicting with "out of sight is out of mind"?
    Good one OS. Welcome back
    xoxoxoxo

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  25. ...MAN NO DIE, MAN NO ROTTEN
    lol dat rily cracks me up, still hvnt figured it out sha, can u?????
    lol@ a friend always being in need, serious gbese!





    ladyguide.blogspot.com aka LG, blogger no gree sign me in :(

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  26. @LG
    How far?
    What is wrong with dis bugger Blogger sef? :)))
    The same thing happened sometime ago.
    Try signing off and restarting your laptop/ computer

    RE: ...'Man no die, man no rotten' ...This is usually used to answer an enquiry about one's well being i.e:

    Question: 'HOW YOU DEY?'
    Answer: 'I DEY OH ....MAN NO DIE, MAN NO ROTTEN'
    (Same as 'Body dey inside cloth' or 'I dey like Dele' or 'I just dey manage' or 'I dey as you leave me oh')

    Hope that helps
    Have a fab, fab weekend
    xoxoxox

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  27. Ahahaha, funny post. I would have loved to refute some of your takes on the quotes but it's not necessary, lol. It's only you being light-hearted and humorous, which it was. I enjoyed the post. I used to do this too, I think do sometimes where I tear apart quotes I find stupid. One I used to find the most utterly stupid is the one Roosevelt said "the only thing to FEAR is FEAR itself"... I still think, huh?

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  28. Good thing I came back cos the comments are interesting :o)
    I only just got the "a friend in need is a friend indeed". I always interpreted it like you before now.

    xxx

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  29. LOL @ "if two friends are not fighting, one is cheating the other"... I never thought about it, but I kinda agree.

    And LOL @ money multiplying and bringing merriment...I can't think of another substitute for that too...

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  30. lol very interesting and true! i agree with all 10 points! lol @ It depends on the quality of the 'bird'.

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  31. N.I.L, you flipped the script! Every single point you made was on point jare. Times have changed and these old sayings are really no longer relevant. I like am.

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  32. I found it quite funny... nice one

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  33. heheheheh@ Ginger's If the shoe fits wear it - I say if the shoe doesnt fit, customise it to fit.
    very true tho, with plenty shoe pads and all

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  34. @aeWHYoh
    LOL @ 'I would have loved to refute some of your takes on the quotes but it's not necessary
    Yes, this was just a light-hearted take on these words.
    RE: "the only thing to FEAR is FEAR itself"
    I actually like that one :)))
    Thanks for dropping by
    xoxoxox


    @Gbemisoke
    LOL @ 'I always interpreted it like you before now'
    I guess that's why they say 'Great minds think alike' :))


    @ Relentless Builder
    LOL @ I can't think of another substitute for that too...
    Thanks dear.
    xoxoxo


    @Dee Dee
    re: 'It depends on the quality of the 'bird'
    My sister, that is my motto oh!
    Thanks for dropping by
    xoxoxox


    @Ms.Buki
    Thanks dear

    Yes oh....times have changed oh
    Like all things...we need to question stuff at times.
    Thanks
    xoxoxo

    @Anon
    Thanks for dropping by
    xoxoxox


    @Toinlicious
    Yes oh re: Ginger's comment
    Adaptability is the key to survival my sister
    Thanks for leaving a comment
    xoxoxo

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I always look forward to reading comments from visitors - so please leave yours. Many thanks for dropping by....xoxoxox