proverbs run in pairs

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: proverbs hunt in pairs · proverbs come in pairs · proverbs go in pairs · proverbs often come in pairs · proverbs should be sold in pairs · proverbs should be writ in pairs · proverbs should come in pairs · proverbs should go in pairs

Meaning · English

Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposing or contradictory message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Mỗi tục ngữ dường như bị phản đối bởi một tục ngữ khác.

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Moreover, all the world over, proverbs run in pairs, and pull both ways: for the most part one neutralizes, by contradiction, the other.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “proverbs run in pairs” mean?

Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposing or contradictory message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."

Is “proverbs run in pairs” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.