25 English Idioms Related to Wisdom

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Have you ever wondered how wisdom, one of the most revered virtues, is depicted in the English language? Isn’t it fascinating that a handful of idiomatic expressions could encapsulate such profound knowledge? English idioms add color and depth to our words, helping us express ourselves more vividly. For English learners, understanding these idioms can be a doorway into the heart of the language, where the richness of English culture, wisdom, and philosophy dwell.

So, join me on this exciting journey where we delve into 25 commonly used English idioms related to wisdom.

1. Pearls of wisdom: Wise words or advice.
Example: Grandma often shares her pearls of wisdom with us.

2. Wisdom tooth: The third molar that some people believe comes with wisdom as it appears later in life.
Example: The dentist had to extract my wisdom tooth.

3. The school of hard knocks: Learning through difficult experiences.
Example: He never went to college but learned everything from the school of hard knocks.

4. Older and wiser: Becoming more intelligent or sensible as you grow older.
Example: I’ve become older and wiser and avoid such mistakes now.

5. Bite the bullet: To face a difficult situation with courage and fortitude.
Example: She had to bite the bullet and start all over again.

6. A word to the wise: A piece of advice or information given to someone as a warning or guidance.
Example: A word to the wise, never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

7. Wise up: To start understanding the truth about something.
Example: It’s time for you to wise up and take control of your finances.

8. Put on your thinking cap: To think deeply about something.
Example: I’ll need to put on my thinking cap to solve this riddle.

9. Learn the ropes: To learn the basic skills needed to do a job or activity.
Example: As a new member of the team, he’s still learning the ropes.

10. See the light: To understand or realize something after thinking about it for a long time.
Example: After months of denial, he finally saw the light and accepted the truth.

11. Get the hang of something: To learn how to do something, especially when it is not obvious or simple.
Example: After a few weeks, she got the hang of her new job.

12. Old hand: A person who is very experienced at something.
Example: He’s an old hand at negotiations and handles them with ease.

13. Have your wits about you: To be able to think quickly and make sensible decisions.
Example: You must have your wits about you while walking alone at night.

14. Keep your ear to the ground: To pay attention to everything that is happening around you and to what people are saying.
Example: As a journalist, she always keeps her ear to the ground.

15. Cut your teeth on something: To gain your first experience of doing something.
Example: He cut his teeth on this project as a junior developer.

16. A penny for your thoughts: A way of asking what someone is thinking.
Example: You seem distant, a penny for your thoughts?

17. Stand the test of time: Something that lasts for a very long time, or that remains good or valid.
Example: Their friendship has stood the test of time.

18. In the long run: Over a long period of time.
Example: It might seem expensive now, but in the long run, it’s a good investment.

19. Food for thought: Something worth thinking seriously about.
Example: His speech gave us all food for thought.

20. Use your loaf: To use your brain or intelligence to figure something out.
Example: You don’t need me to solve this problem, just use your loaf.

21. See eye to eye: To agree with someone or have the same opinion as them.
Example: We rarely see eye to eye on political matters.

22. Go against the grain: To act contrary to the natural inclination or tendency.
Example: His unconventional teaching methods go against the grain.

23. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: It’s better to have a lesser but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one that may come to nothing.
Example: I turned down the new job offer because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

24. Walk a mile in someone’s shoes: To spend time trying to consider or understand another person’s perspectives, experiences, or motivations before making a judgment about them.
Example: It’s easy to criticize others, but you should try walking a mile in their shoes.

25. Look before you leap: Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it.
Example: You should look before you leap when considering such a major decision.

In essence, the wisdom imparted by these idioms adds an insightful dimension to our conversations, infusing them with depth and meaning. Remember, wisdom is not just about intelligence but about understanding and learning from life’s experiences. So let’s keep learning, shall we?

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