The logic behind 10 Brazilian popular sayings that don’t always make sense

“To the wise, half a word is enough”! This is precisely the idea of ​​those who use a popular saying: to summarize thoughts and concepts in just one sentence. And, between us, Brazilians are very good at this task. Want proof? Just stop and think for a moment and you will probably remember at least ten proverbs that you always hear or repeat. What most of us probably never ask is where they come from and what the logic behind these phrases is.

Here in the awesome.club, we started to think about it and we went to research the real meaning hidden in the sayings that we heard our grandparents and parents talking and we just keep repeating. From now on, you can check ten sentences with the explanation of their origin. Follow with us!

The expression “Dog that barks, doesn’t bite” in some regions people say “dog that barks, doesn’t bite”. The meaning of the two phrases is the same and generally refers to someone who makes threats but does not carry them out. The curiosity is that this saying, possibly, arose from the logical observation that, while it has its mouth open barking, the puppy does not close it to bite! Have you ever thought about it that way?

This phrase is often used when we want to say that we shouldn’t make demands when someone gives us a gift or does us a favor. The origin of the saying, however, comes from the fact that it is possible to tell if a horse is young or old through its teeth. In other words, if you receive a treat, it doesn’t matter if it’s expensive or cheap, old or new… After all, what counts is the intention!

Who never said that sentence at least once in their life, right? We usually use this saying to express that, because we are not aware of the occurrence of something, it has no impact on us. However, even though vision is our main way of perceiving the world – it accounts for about 80% of the stimuli received – it is already known that other factors make “the heart feel” what is happening around us.

This saying is often used when someone wants to convince others to take collective action, for example. Saying that a single swallow does not make a summer has an explanation in biology. This is because, in winter, they leave the cold places and migrate to warmer regions. When the birds start to flock, it’s an omen that summer is approaching. However, if you see a swallow by itself, it could be that it has lost its way.

The soulmate concept taken to the heart of the home — the kitchen! The saying encourages us to take it easy when we seek love, because for “every pan there is a correct lid”. However, without wanting to end the romanticism, just visit a store or even take a look at your closet to see that many pans have already been designed to “fulfill their function” without the need for a lid. An invitation to self-reliance!

Although very poetic, this saying means that, in order to get to the best things in life, you have to face some obstacles. And, although most of the time it is like that, it can happen that the journey is smoother at times, with no stones in the way, nor thorns in the roses. In real life, there are already species of the flower with a very smooth stem!

This expression comes from a parable and, like so many other fables, they use elements of the routine of those who are going to hear the story. Separating the wheat and the chaff is a common task for those who cultivate the cereal, since the crops can be taken over by this invasive plant, very similar to wheat, but capable of harming the entire production. You’ve figured it out, haven’t you? Separating the two means separating the good from the bad.

Another saying, the result of observing nature, reinforces the importance of persistence to overcome challenges. In the case of water, the repetition of its passage through a certain place can create cracks and holes in rocks, which we call erosion. If even a stone can be pierced, even with the delicacy of water, imagine what we are capable of doing?

Generally, this saying is used to say that a situation or person has no “fix”. In short, those who use it believe that people are born with tendencies that are impossible to change. However, it is possible to correct the growth of a tree. When noticing that the plant is getting a little “crooked”, the gardener can apply techniques to keep it in the correct position. And you know the best? It also works with people! If we direct children, they can grow up with behavior considered right.

Scientifically proven! It’s worth singing in the shower, at karaoke, on the way to work… Exposure to music releases dopamine and causes a feeling of well-being. In addition, it helps to reduce anxiety and trains the expression of feelings. Want more? Singing and listening to music helps with concentration and memory. Whoever invented this saying must have been passionate about musical notes, because he realized what it is capable of, even before Science discovered it!

Have you ever thought about these phrases? Often, we don’t even realize the real meaning of proverbs. Do you have any sayings or jargon that you repeat often? Tell us in the comments tab!