English proverbs (C)

English proverbs (C)

Proverbs are popularly defined as short expressions of popular wisdom. Efforts to improve on the popular definition have not led to a more precise definition. The wisdom is in the form of a general observation about the world or a bit of advice, sometimes more nearly an attitude toward a situation.

C

• The calm (comes) before the storm.
• A camel is a horse designed by committee.
  • Meaning: a vision is more perfect from the individual rather than a group of people where it becomes anodyne.
• A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
  • Attributed to Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi
• A cat may look at a king.
  • Meaning: If a cat may look at the king - then I have a right to look where I please.
• A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.
  • Meaning: The strength of any group depends on the individual strength of each of its members.
• The child is father to the man.
  • Meaning: What is true of a child will still be true when it grows up; or, early experiences shape future character.
• A closed mouth catches no flies.
  • Meaning: You cannot say a bad thing if you don't speak at all.
• The coat makes the man.
• A coin of gold is delighting in a bag of silver coins
  • Alternative meaning: One who is unique is often praised or receives more pleasure.
• Cometh the hour cometh the man.
  • (Some information about the phrase and about its use by a 1940's cricketer)
• A constant guest is never welcome.
• A coward dies a thousand times before his death. The valiant never taste of death but once.
  • From William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
  • Meaning: The valiant (the brave) take no account of possible danger, whereas cowards are constantly fearing the worst.
• The cure is worse than the disease.
• The customer is always right.