Advice: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that one should be discerning and evaluate any advice or suggestions received, regardless of the source

"Even a foolish person can sometimes offer a good idea — a fool may give a wise man counsel."

"The intern's offhand comment solved a problem the senior team had struggled with for weeks — a fool may give a wise man counsel."

used to suggest that a wise person only needs a brief hint or explanation to fully understand something

"A word to the wise is enough for him."

"A word to the wise is enough so I will not repeat my warning about being late again."

used to imply that giving advice is easy and does not necessarily require much effort or expertise

"Advice is easy to give and costs nothing — advice is cheap."

"Everyone had an opinion about what she should do — advice is cheap, she reminded herself."

used to imply that those who give advice or counsel are typically not exposed to the potential dangers or negative consequences that may arise from the decisions made based on their recommendations

"It is easy to advise when you have nothing to lose — advisors run no risks."

"It is easy to tell others what to do when you face no consequences yourself — advisors run no risks."

used to convey the idea that people are often less likely to take advice or guidance when they are in dire or challenging situations

"People rarely want advice when they most need it — advice is least heeded when most needed."

"She warned him about the risk many times and was ignored — advice is least heeded when most needed."

used to imply that advice or suggestions are not the same as orders or commands, and that one is free to accept or reject them as they see fit

"Advice is a suggestion, not an order — counsel is no command."

"She appreciated the guidance but reminded her mentor that counsel is no command."

used to suggest that leading by example is more effective than giving instructions or preaching, as people are often more influenced by actions than words

"Show people how to do things rather than just telling them — example is better than precept."

"Children learn more from watching their parents behave well than from listening to lectures — example is better than precept."

used to advise individuals to be cautious and discerning in choosing whom they trust and follow for advice or guidance

"Do not follow bad advice blindly — it is a silly goose that comes to a fox's sermon."

"She warned her colleague not to trust the slick consultant without checking his credentials — it is a silly goose that comes to a fox's sermon."