Heywood, John - Proverbs collected by | English Idioms and Phrases

Definitions

to emphasize the importance of common sense and practicality
to highlight the wisdom found in everyday sayings and proverbs
to reference a collection of well-known proverbs and sayings
to indicate that a particular phrase or saying is widely recognized and accepted

Examples of Heywood, John - Proverbs collected by

The new boss is a breath of fresh air in this stale work environment.

This is an example of the idiom "a breath of fresh air" which means a welcome and positive change or influence. In this context, it suggests that the new boss will bring about a noticeable improvement in the otherwise uninspiring work environment.
Don't beat around the bush and just tell me what you mean.

This is an example of the idiom "beat around the bush" which means to avoid being direct or clear about something. The instruction "just tell me what you mean" is an indication that the person does not want someone to beat around the bush and instead wants them to be clear and straightforward.
This project is a piece of cake compared to the last one.

This is an example of the idiom "a piece of cake" which means an easy task. This implies that the current project is much less challenging than the previous one.
The sales figures have really taken off like a rocket.

This is an example of the idiom "take off like a rocket" which means to rapidly increase or improve. This suggests that the sales figures have experienced a sudden and significant increase.
John threw his hands up in the air and exclaimed, "When it rains, it pours!"

This is an example of the idiom "when it rains, it pours," which means that a series of unfortunate or difficult events seem to happen all at once, as if a heavy rain were pouring down continuously. John is expressing his frustration at multiple challenges or problems occurring at the same time, as if they're pouring down on him all at once, like a heavy downpour of rain.
She worked hard and saved every penny, and now she's reaping the rewards.

This is an example of the idiom "reaping the rewards," which means benefiting from one's efforts or actions. She has put in the hard work and made smart financial choices, and now she's reaping the benefits of those efforts in the form of rewards, such as financial success or a sense of achievement.
The team worked together and pulled off a major upset.

This is an example of the idiom "pulled off," which means successfully accomplished or executed a difficult or unexpected event. The team worked together and succeeded in a major upset, which was unexpected or challenging for them, by "pulling it off" or executing it successfully.
She took the bull by the horns and tackled the project.

This is an example of the idiom "took the bull by the horns," which means to boldly and confidently tackle a difficult or challenging situation. She took charge of the project and faced it head-on, demonstrating courage and confidence in the face of difficulty, as if she were grabbing a bull by the horns and controlling it.

Conclusion

The idiom "Heywood, John - Proverbs collected by" is often used to emphasize the value of traditional wisdom and to show that a particular saying or proverb is widely known and respected. It can also be used to emphasize the importance of common sense and practicality in decision-making and problem-solving.

Origin of "Heywood, John - Proverbs collected by"

The idiom "Heywood, John - Proverbs collected by" refers to John Heywood, a 16th-century English playwright and collector of proverbs. Heywood is known for his work in collecting and popularizing traditional English proverbs and sayings. His most famous collection, "Proverbs collected by John Heywood," was published in 1546 and contains over 2,000 proverbs and epigrams.

The idiom is often used to reference Heywood's work and to indicate the widespread recognition and acceptance of the proverbs and sayings included in his collection. It serves as a reminder of the enduring wisdom found in these traditional sayings and the importance of practical knowledge in everyday life. Overall, the idiom "Heywood, John - Proverbs collected by" highlights the value of traditional wisdom and the enduring relevance of age-old proverbs and sayings.