Customs & Social Conformity: English Vocabulary List

used for implying that it is more beneficial to let go of outdated or harmful practices and customs in favor of positive change and improvement

"Abandon bad customs."

"The inefficient process had been running for years — a bad custom is like a good cake, better broken than kept."

used to warn that blindly following customs and traditions can be detrimental to progress and wisdom, and encourages individuals to question and examine established practices

"Tradition is the guide of the ignorant and the trap of the wise — custom is the plague of wise men and the idol of fools."

"The village elders refused to adopt new farming methods, proving that custom is the plague of wise men and the idol of fools."

used to emphasize that people in different countries have different customs and ways of behaving, and that it is important to recognize and respect these differences

"Different places have different rules — so many countries, so many customs."

"She adapted quickly wherever she worked — so many countries, so many customs."

used to suggest that people who lack knowledge or understanding often rely on established habits and traditions as a default guide for decision making

"Those who do not think follow tradition — custom is the guide of the ignorant."

"They followed the outdated procedure without thinking, which shows that custom is the guide of the ignorant."

used to convey the idea that traditions can be beneficial as a guiding principle but can also become an obstacle to progress or adaptation if they are too rigidly followed

"Tradition guides, but does not imprison."

"While traditions offer valuable guidance, we must not let them become rigid constraints preventing necessary change."

used to imply that in some groups or societies, people who are different may be criticized or punished, and there is pressure to conform to established norms

"Being different invites criticism."

"In this conservative community, anyone who deviates from the norm quickly finds that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down."

used to imply that it is unwise and futile to act contrary to what is generally accepted or practiced, emphasizing the challenge of going against prevailing norms or opinions

"Don't swim against the stream."

"It is ill striving against the stream; you will find more success by aligning with the prevailing current."