Life Lessons: English Vocabulary List

used to emphasize that facing and overcoming difficult challenges can lead to greater strength and resilience

"Hardship builds strength — what does not kill you makes you stronger."

"The gruelling first year in the role had prepared her for everything that followed — what does not kill you makes you stronger."

used to imply that negative experiences can leave a lasting impact on a person's behavior, leading them to be cautious and avoid similar situations in the future

"A painful experience makes you permanently cautious — a burnt child dreads the fire."

"Having lost money in that market once, he would never invest there again — a burnt child dreads the fire."

used to imply that experience and skill are developed through facing challenges and adversities, not in easy or peaceful situations

"Easy conditions do not build resilience — smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."

"The team had never faced a real crisis and struggled badly when one arrived — smooth seas do not make skillful mariners."

used to imply that facing and overcoming challenges can be beneficial for personal growth

"Hardship is sometimes necessary — a dose of adversity is often as needful as a dose of medicine."

"The setback was exactly what the complacent team needed — a dose of adversity is often as needful as a dose of medicine."

used to suggest that denying a fault or refusing to admit a mistake can lead to repeating the same error

"Denying a mistake doubles it — a fault once denied is twice committed."

"He refused to acknowledge the error, which only made things worse — a fault once denied is twice committed."

used to emphasize that leading by example is a more effective way of influencing others' behavior than simply preaching to them

"Leading by example teaches more than words — a good example is the best sermon."

"She demonstrated everything she expected of her team — a good example is the best sermon."

used to imply that going through difficult or challenging situations can provide valuable lessons and insights, ultimately contributing to the development of wisdom and maturity

"Hardship teaches wisdom — adversity and loss make a man wise."

"The company's near-collapse in its early years had made every leader in it sharper and more careful — adversity and loss make a man wise."

used to imply that difficult experiences can be valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning

"Hard times teach you a lot — adversity is a great schoolmaster."

"The collapse of the first venture taught her more than any business school could — adversity is a great schoolmaster."

used to highlight the idea that even in times of significant loss or adversity, there is often a hidden opportunity or benefit that can be gained from the experience

"Something good always comes from a loss — there is no great loss without some gain."

"The failed merger freed up capital for a far better acquisition — there is no great loss without some gain."