What is the reasoning behind the English proverb "Give neither advice nor salt, until asked for it"?
Many thanks!
2006-11-02 15:08:59 · 13 answers · asked by l0st 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Advice has always been something very carefully given out, and when this proverb was written, it was not polite, proper nor a common practice to give advice to anyone. It was an era of being prim and proper, always a gentleman and lady, and advice was out of order.
Salt has been a precious commodity since ancient times. It was often traded ounce for ounce for gold. Salt being of value, was not something one would readily give out since it was so precious.
2006-11-02 15:18:22 · answer #1 · answered by Nancy S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that this means that if a person requires advice he will ask for it and the meaning of the salt is simply an example of how each person prefers to use it more or less by their own choice... which is why they would ask for salt. You wouldn't pour salt on someone's plate because you don't know for certain if they really like it or not, so its the same all together when it comes to lending advice.
2006-11-02 23:20:21 · answer #2 · answered by Mom_of_two 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeh, do not "buy" into something until you are asked to. Salt, since this is an old English proverb, could represent money. Within the past 500 years, salt was originally a widely accepted form of money because it was so hard to obtain. It does indeed add "flavor", but it could represent money or "excess" wisdom...
2006-11-02 23:20:59 · answer #3 · answered by vegasbrother99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some things are more of an irritation than a help. You may think that you are doing someone a favor by giving them advice or adding seasoning to their food, but they probably will not appriciate either unless it is something they asked for.
2006-11-02 23:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by kpax 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Giving advice when it's not asked for can be hurtful and draining - like eating salt.
2006-11-02 23:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by puma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this proverb. means one simple think dont interfeef with others who are married or the salt that is within you will be no more this quate is all throught the book of provers. not to interfeer in a man,s or woman,s marrage or you shall loe grace from god and your way is not good in god,s eyes . ?
2006-11-02 23:22:59 · answer #6 · answered by the_silverfoxx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means don't be getting into other people's business unless they ask you for your opinion--- think of giving salt as like adding your own flavor to someone else's life
2006-11-02 23:14:09 · answer #7 · answered by mandie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means dont judge or provide advice unless asked first, and even then pick your words wisely because they could hurt you later.
2006-11-02 23:17:21 · answer #8 · answered by noOne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
salt and advice are acquired tastes and generally one knows when they are needed ;)
hope that helps!!
2006-11-02 23:15:10 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
salt and advice are needed when it is necessary..don't give unsolicited advice.
2006-11-02 23:19:18 · answer #10 · answered by barge118 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋