One could say that proverbs are a legacy of the Wise.
Following are some with their origins, when possible, and their English equivalent.
_ Vouloir, c’est pouvoir.
Literally: “to want is to can”. In other words, if you want something bad enough, you will find a way to get it or to make it happen. The English equivalent is “ Want is the mother of industry”.
Note. After publication, a reader suggested a different English equivalent that is closer to the French idea. Hers is “”where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Thank you Heather.
_ Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point.
This one comes straight from 17th century writer Jean de La Fontaine’s fable “The Hare And The Tortoise” or “The Tortoise And The Hare”. The French fabulist’s inspiration is the work with the same title by Greek storyteller Aesop whose own existence some authors even contest. That, of course, would make the latter the quintessential fable character.
Literally: “It serves no purpose to run — or rush–, one must start on time”. The English equivalent is: “Slow and Steady Wins The Race”.
_ Se tirer en douce.
Ex.: Comme la situation s’aggravait, il s’est tiré en douce.
This is not a proverb but a saying, “un dicton” in French.
I include it because it is so interesting. It means “to leave without saying good-bye” or “to leave quietly, so not to draw attention”. The funny part is that another version of it is “Se tirer à l’anglaise”, meaning “to take an English leave” while English speakers translate that expression by “to take a French leave”. Go figure.
_ Tant que l’or luit, force d’amis.
Translation: “ As long as the gold shines, many friends gather around”. The English version is “In time of prosperity, friends are plenty”.
