Importance of Cautiousness: English Vocabulary List

used to caution against engaging in activities or using tools that could be dangerous, particularly for individuals who lack experience or knowledge

"Children and inexperienced people should not handle dangerous things — children and fools must not play with edged tools."

"They let the new intern manage the entire server — children and fools must not play with edged tools."

used to emphasize that it is important to protect one's thoughts and emotions, as they have a powerful influence on one's actions and behavior

"Protect your values — above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

"The mentor reminded the young executive that above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

used to emphasize that it is better to take a longer or more circuitous route if it reduces the risk of danger or failure

"Sometimes a longer safer route is better than a shortcut — better go about than fall into the ditch."

"She took extra time to verify the figures rather than rush — better go about than fall into the ditch."

used to caution against speaking without proper consideration or caution, particularly in situations where the stakes are high or the consequences of one's words could be serious

"Words in the wrong hands cause damage — careless talk costs lives."

"The confidential strategy was discussed in a public place — careless talk costs lives."

used to suggest that sometimes it may be wiser to exercise caution and avoid a potentially risky or dangerous situation, even if it may seem less courageous or brave to do so

"Knowing when not to act is also bravery — discretion is the better part of valor."

"Rather than escalate the conflict, she chose to walk away — discretion is the better part of valor."

used to suggest that it is better to be humble and appreciate the gift of life, than to pursue fame or power at the cost of one's own well-being or life

"Staying alive in a bad situation is better than a heroic end — a live dog is better than a dead lion."

"He accepted the reduced role rather than resign and lose everything — a live dog is better than a dead lion."

used to caution against creating opportunities for wrongdoing or crime, as even an honest person may be tempted to engage in wrongdoing if an opportunity presents itself

"Easy access invites dishonesty — a postern door makes a thief."

"The unsupervised back entrance had been used to remove stock for months — a postern door makes a thief."

used to suggest that it is often better to be cautious and use good judgment, than to rely solely on one's wit or cleverness

"A moment of good judgement is worth more than hours of cleverness — an ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit."

"He thoughtlessly shared confidential details at the meeting — an ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit."

used to imply that by securing or organizing something well, it will be easier to find or retrieve when needed

"Lock things properly and they stay safe — fast bind, fast find."

"She labelled and locked every file carefully — fast bind, fast find."

used to warn against overconfidence, suggesting that even those who are skilled or experienced can still experience failure or harm

"Confidence without caution is dangerous — good swimmers are often drowned."

"The most experienced pilot on the team was the one who made the fatal error — good swimmers are often drowned."

used to suggest that it is often the speed or intensity of one's actions that can lead to failure or harm

"Moving too fast causes mistakes — it is the pace that kills."

"The team rushed the launch and it failed — it is the pace that kills."

used to caution against blindly pursuing the most prestigious or desirable option, without considering the potential risks or drawbacks

"The most visible position carries the most risk — the highest branch is not the safest roost."

"The most glamorous career often hides the greatest dangers — the highest branch is not the safest roost."

used to emphasize the importance of being prepared because even if one is skilled or experienced in a particular activity, unexpected challenges or obstacles may still arise

"Know the risks of what you do — those who play at bowls must look out for rubbers."

"He entered a competitive industry knowing that those who play at bowls must look out for rubbers."

used to emphasize the importance of considering the potential harm or danger associated with something attractive or tempting

"Good things with hidden dangers should be approached carefully — though honey is sweet, do not lick it off a briar."

"The investment promised huge returns but carried serious risks — though honey is sweet, do not lick it off a briar."

used to warn that there is often a hidden cost or risk associated with something that appears to be free or easy to obtain

"There are no truly free offers — the only free cheese is in the mousetrap."

"She was suspicious of the generous offer from the start — the only free cheese lies in the mousetrap."

used to emphasize that it is more important to consider the meaning and impact of what is being said, rather than simply focusing on the number of words being used

"It is not how much you say but how well you say it — words must be weighed, not counted."

"His short speech had more impact than the hour-long presentation — words must be weighed, not counted."

used to advise individuals to avoid certain topics or words in sensitive situations, showing respect for others' feelings and experiences

"Don't mention rope at home."

"You should not mention rope in the house of a hanged man, as it could cause great pain and distress."

used to advise people to avoid doing things that could have negative consequences on their current situation or environment, particularly in the workplace or personal relationships

"Don't shit where you eat."

"You should not shit where you eat, meaning avoid causing problems in places where you live or work."

used to say that if someone cannot behave or act in an ethical manner, they should at least be cautious and take steps to minimize the negative consequences of their actions

"Have fun but stay sensible — if you cannot be good, be careful."

"She winked at her friend before the party and said if you cannot be good, be careful."