Help me to find a proverb about average being better
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I am looking for an American proverb which connotes that average is better than maximum or minimum. For instance, if you work regularly you are probably in some cases more successful than people who work to their utmost or than people who are relaxed.
proverbs proverb-requests
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I am looking for an American proverb which connotes that average is better than maximum or minimum. For instance, if you work regularly you are probably in some cases more successful than people who work to their utmost or than people who are relaxed.
proverbs proverb-requests
New contributor
Good luck with that. Americans are notorious for a "win at all costs" and "second place is just the best loser" attitude.
– DJClayworth
Dec 2 at 3:56
Does it need to be an American proverb, or can it be any English-language proverb?
– Mark Beadles
Dec 2 at 19:02
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I am looking for an American proverb which connotes that average is better than maximum or minimum. For instance, if you work regularly you are probably in some cases more successful than people who work to their utmost or than people who are relaxed.
proverbs proverb-requests
New contributor
I am looking for an American proverb which connotes that average is better than maximum or minimum. For instance, if you work regularly you are probably in some cases more successful than people who work to their utmost or than people who are relaxed.
proverbs proverb-requests
proverbs proverb-requests
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New contributor
edited Dec 2 at 1:42
Law29
1,6801514
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asked Dec 1 at 18:58
mohammad
132
132
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New contributor
Good luck with that. Americans are notorious for a "win at all costs" and "second place is just the best loser" attitude.
– DJClayworth
Dec 2 at 3:56
Does it need to be an American proverb, or can it be any English-language proverb?
– Mark Beadles
Dec 2 at 19:02
add a comment |
Good luck with that. Americans are notorious for a "win at all costs" and "second place is just the best loser" attitude.
– DJClayworth
Dec 2 at 3:56
Does it need to be an American proverb, or can it be any English-language proverb?
– Mark Beadles
Dec 2 at 19:02
Good luck with that. Americans are notorious for a "win at all costs" and "second place is just the best loser" attitude.
– DJClayworth
Dec 2 at 3:56
Good luck with that. Americans are notorious for a "win at all costs" and "second place is just the best loser" attitude.
– DJClayworth
Dec 2 at 3:56
Does it need to be an American proverb, or can it be any English-language proverb?
– Mark Beadles
Dec 2 at 19:02
Does it need to be an American proverb, or can it be any English-language proverb?
– Mark Beadles
Dec 2 at 19:02
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
The closest common expression I can think of would be "slow and steady wins the race".
It does not however have the minimum-average-maximum connotation that you are looking for; it means that an effort that is sustained and not excessive will do better in the long run compared to an effort that is higher but erratic.
EDIT: another expression is "Moderation in all things", translated from the Latin "Est modus in rebus". Kudos due to @LPH from French.SE -- but I see Scott already came up with it.
add a comment |
up vote
2
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Avoiding extremes is often referred to as "striking a Happy Medium". The implication is that you are finding the most appropriate midpoint between two undesirable opposing poles.
In your example, you might say: Working a 40 hour week allows me to strike a happy medium between laziness and overwork.
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Of course this doesn't say that there's anything wrong
with all play and no work. :-)
Pushing the envelope a little, we could mention
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
which implicitly encourages a course of action
between the two stated options.
Cambridge English Dictionary says that moderation in all things
is "said to advise someone that it is best
not to have or do too much or too little of anything".
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
To "keep one's head down" is an expression that addresses many implicit values in not being noticed, not standing out, and not possessing any trait that makes one exceptional or considerable. This 'blending in' is typical with the mean/average statistical body.
The 'betterness' is thus regarding 'better at avoiding the complexity of life that comes with being targeted [for anything]'.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is one that I think fits, but because it mostly used in shortened version is not popular.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things.
Which is commonly shorted (in the US anyway) to "A jack of all trades is a master of none". The implication of shortered version being that you must be at the maximum level of your profession (or specifically one particular part of your profession) rather than average at a broader subject.
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
The closest common expression I can think of would be "slow and steady wins the race".
It does not however have the minimum-average-maximum connotation that you are looking for; it means that an effort that is sustained and not excessive will do better in the long run compared to an effort that is higher but erratic.
EDIT: another expression is "Moderation in all things", translated from the Latin "Est modus in rebus". Kudos due to @LPH from French.SE -- but I see Scott already came up with it.
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
The closest common expression I can think of would be "slow and steady wins the race".
It does not however have the minimum-average-maximum connotation that you are looking for; it means that an effort that is sustained and not excessive will do better in the long run compared to an effort that is higher but erratic.
EDIT: another expression is "Moderation in all things", translated from the Latin "Est modus in rebus". Kudos due to @LPH from French.SE -- but I see Scott already came up with it.
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
The closest common expression I can think of would be "slow and steady wins the race".
It does not however have the minimum-average-maximum connotation that you are looking for; it means that an effort that is sustained and not excessive will do better in the long run compared to an effort that is higher but erratic.
EDIT: another expression is "Moderation in all things", translated from the Latin "Est modus in rebus". Kudos due to @LPH from French.SE -- but I see Scott already came up with it.
The closest common expression I can think of would be "slow and steady wins the race".
It does not however have the minimum-average-maximum connotation that you are looking for; it means that an effort that is sustained and not excessive will do better in the long run compared to an effort that is higher but erratic.
EDIT: another expression is "Moderation in all things", translated from the Latin "Est modus in rebus". Kudos due to @LPH from French.SE -- but I see Scott already came up with it.
edited Dec 2 at 22:30
answered Dec 2 at 1:00
Law29
1,6801514
1,6801514
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
Avoiding extremes is often referred to as "striking a Happy Medium". The implication is that you are finding the most appropriate midpoint between two undesirable opposing poles.
In your example, you might say: Working a 40 hour week allows me to strike a happy medium between laziness and overwork.
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
Avoiding extremes is often referred to as "striking a Happy Medium". The implication is that you are finding the most appropriate midpoint between two undesirable opposing poles.
In your example, you might say: Working a 40 hour week allows me to strike a happy medium between laziness and overwork.
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Avoiding extremes is often referred to as "striking a Happy Medium". The implication is that you are finding the most appropriate midpoint between two undesirable opposing poles.
In your example, you might say: Working a 40 hour week allows me to strike a happy medium between laziness and overwork.
Avoiding extremes is often referred to as "striking a Happy Medium". The implication is that you are finding the most appropriate midpoint between two undesirable opposing poles.
In your example, you might say: Working a 40 hour week allows me to strike a happy medium between laziness and overwork.
answered Dec 2 at 6:05
Allen R. Brady
51724
51724
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
add a comment |
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
In French I have often heard "Tout extrême nuit" (all extremes are harmful), but not only can I not think of an English equivalent, I can't even find the saying referenced on Google. Heading over to French.SE...
– Law29
Dec 2 at 10:40
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Of course this doesn't say that there's anything wrong
with all play and no work. :-)
Pushing the envelope a little, we could mention
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
which implicitly encourages a course of action
between the two stated options.
Cambridge English Dictionary says that moderation in all things
is "said to advise someone that it is best
not to have or do too much or too little of anything".
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Of course this doesn't say that there's anything wrong
with all play and no work. :-)
Pushing the envelope a little, we could mention
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
which implicitly encourages a course of action
between the two stated options.
Cambridge English Dictionary says that moderation in all things
is "said to advise someone that it is best
not to have or do too much or too little of anything".
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Of course this doesn't say that there's anything wrong
with all play and no work. :-)
Pushing the envelope a little, we could mention
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
which implicitly encourages a course of action
between the two stated options.
Cambridge English Dictionary says that moderation in all things
is "said to advise someone that it is best
not to have or do too much or too little of anything".
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Of course this doesn't say that there's anything wrong
with all play and no work. :-)
Pushing the envelope a little, we could mention
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
which implicitly encourages a course of action
between the two stated options.
Cambridge English Dictionary says that moderation in all things
is "said to advise someone that it is best
not to have or do too much or too little of anything".
answered Dec 2 at 2:28
Scott
6,56782849
6,56782849
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
add a comment |
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
+1 for "moderation in all things"!
– Law29
Dec 2 at 22:33
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
To "keep one's head down" is an expression that addresses many implicit values in not being noticed, not standing out, and not possessing any trait that makes one exceptional or considerable. This 'blending in' is typical with the mean/average statistical body.
The 'betterness' is thus regarding 'better at avoiding the complexity of life that comes with being targeted [for anything]'.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
To "keep one's head down" is an expression that addresses many implicit values in not being noticed, not standing out, and not possessing any trait that makes one exceptional or considerable. This 'blending in' is typical with the mean/average statistical body.
The 'betterness' is thus regarding 'better at avoiding the complexity of life that comes with being targeted [for anything]'.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
To "keep one's head down" is an expression that addresses many implicit values in not being noticed, not standing out, and not possessing any trait that makes one exceptional or considerable. This 'blending in' is typical with the mean/average statistical body.
The 'betterness' is thus regarding 'better at avoiding the complexity of life that comes with being targeted [for anything]'.
To "keep one's head down" is an expression that addresses many implicit values in not being noticed, not standing out, and not possessing any trait that makes one exceptional or considerable. This 'blending in' is typical with the mean/average statistical body.
The 'betterness' is thus regarding 'better at avoiding the complexity of life that comes with being targeted [for anything]'.
answered Dec 2 at 4:01
New Alexandria
3,30811635
3,30811635
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is one that I think fits, but because it mostly used in shortened version is not popular.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things.
Which is commonly shorted (in the US anyway) to "A jack of all trades is a master of none". The implication of shortered version being that you must be at the maximum level of your profession (or specifically one particular part of your profession) rather than average at a broader subject.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is one that I think fits, but because it mostly used in shortened version is not popular.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things.
Which is commonly shorted (in the US anyway) to "A jack of all trades is a master of none". The implication of shortered version being that you must be at the maximum level of your profession (or specifically one particular part of your profession) rather than average at a broader subject.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
There is one that I think fits, but because it mostly used in shortened version is not popular.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things.
Which is commonly shorted (in the US anyway) to "A jack of all trades is a master of none". The implication of shortered version being that you must be at the maximum level of your profession (or specifically one particular part of your profession) rather than average at a broader subject.
There is one that I think fits, but because it mostly used in shortened version is not popular.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things.
Which is commonly shorted (in the US anyway) to "A jack of all trades is a master of none". The implication of shortered version being that you must be at the maximum level of your profession (or specifically one particular part of your profession) rather than average at a broader subject.
answered 2 days ago
Skooba
3,34152134
3,34152134
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Good luck with that. Americans are notorious for a "win at all costs" and "second place is just the best loser" attitude.
– DJClayworth
Dec 2 at 3:56
Does it need to be an American proverb, or can it be any English-language proverb?
– Mark Beadles
Dec 2 at 19:02