Most of us of a certain age have heard these sayings many times. Even the very old sayings that aren’t commonly used, we know what they mean.

But some old sayings are timeless while others might be considered outdated or inappropriate today. Even if you’re not on the ‘politically correct’ bandwagon, you probably agree that some sayings need to be retired…such as “You can kill two birds with one stone.” 

Here are 25 old sayings, some of which are timeless and others that might be considered outdated or inappropriate today:

A stitch in time saves nine – Meaning it’s better to deal with a problem right away, to prevent it from becoming a bigger issue.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away – This promotes eating fruit daily for health benefits.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – Advising against making plans based on assumptions or unconfirmed outcomes.

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise – Suggesting that going to bed early and waking up early is good for personal success.

A penny saved is a penny earned – Emphasizing the importance of saving money.

Spare the rod and spoil the child – This now controversial proverb suggests that without discipline, children will become spoiled.

Curiosity killed the cat – A warning against being too inquisitive or nosy.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks – This is often used to suggest older people can’t learn new things, which is not true and can be seen as ageist.

Better safe than sorry – Advising caution rather than risk-taking.

Birds of a feather flock together – People of similar character or interests will congregate.

Blood is thicker than water – Family relationships are stronger than other relationships.

A watched pot never boils – Time feels longer when you’re waiting for something to happen.

 

You remember all of these, don’t you? We don’t hear them so much anymore because most young people of today don’t know them. Or, possibly, they know them but don’t use them due to not knowing exactly what they mean or because it will make them sound old :).

Here are some more…

 

Actions speak louder than words – What you do shows your intentions more clearly than what you say.

Beggars can’t be choosers – People asking for help have no right to be picky.

Cleanliness is next to godliness – Keeping clean is a sign of spiritual purity and goodness.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – Don’t risk everything on the success of one venture.

Every cloud has a silver lining – There is something good in every bad situation.

Familiarity breeds contempt – The better we know someone, the more likely we are to find faults.

Good things come to those who wait – Being patient can lead to rewards.

Ignorance is bliss – Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it.

Laughter is the best medicine – Finding humor in life can be very healing.

Make hay while the sun shines – Take advantage of favorable circumstances.

No news is good news – If you haven’t heard about a situation, it’s probably not bad news.

Opportunity seldom knocks twice – Opportunities are rare and should be seized quickly.

The early bird catches the worm – Success comes to those who prepare well, put in effort and get there early.

 

These sayings encapsulate wisdom, caution, and sometimes outdated perspectives, reflecting changes in societal values and norms over time.

A child who hears “practice makes perfect” objects, saying nobody is perfect and that her teacher says “Practice makes progress”…hmmm. While that is also true, this is not one of those sayings that is no longer appropriate. Saying “practice makes perfect” is still quite acceptable.

If you know someone who continues to use sayings that are considered inappropriate for the time, you might want to try to help them understand…

Some older individuals don’t want to admit that perceptions have changed, so it’s important to be respectful and understanding.

Here are some tips on how to approach this conversation:

• Explain the Shift in Perception: Start by explaining that language evolves as societal attitudes and values change. Mention that some phrases we grew up with can now have negative connotations or be seen as insensitive.
• Provide Alternatives: Offer modern, less problematic alternatives to the sayings. For example:

1. • Who wants to kill birds? Instead of “kill two birds with one stone,” you could suggest “accomplish two things at once” or “double the benefit.”
   • We shouldn’t be swinging cats, right? Instead of “there isn’t room to swing a cat in here,” you might say “it’s really cramped in here.

• Highlight the Impact of Language: Stress the importance of language in promoting a respectful and caring society. Explain that adjusting the way we speak can contribute to a more respectful environment.
• Be Patient and Open to Discussion: Understand that changing long-held speech habits can take time. Be patient and open to discussing why these changes are beneficial. This helps in making the transition smoother and more meaningful.
• Use Humor When Appropriate: Sometimes, a light-hearted approach can ease the conversation, making it less about correcting and more about evolving together.

By approaching the conversation with sensitivity and providing clear, easy alternatives, you can help bridge the gap between traditional expressions and modern sensibilities.