Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Kathy Cao calendar 2021-03-27 01:03

Meaning of Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water

Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water literary

Từ 'manners' ở thời của Shakespeare có nghĩa là cách sống. Vì thế, 'men's evil manners live in brass' đang chỉ cho chúng ta rằng những điều xấu người ta làm được viết lên đồng. Theo cách này, chúng ta sẽ ghi nhớ những cái xấu này rất lâu. Ngược lại,  'their virtues we write in water' ngụ ý rằng những điều tốt đẹp mà người khác làm, hay chính là virtures của họ-những phẩm chất tốt thì không được ghi nhớ đơn giản bởi vì chúng được viết trong nước.

People tend to remember the bad things others do and while they easily forget or get rid of others' good things.  

Origin of Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water

The phrase comes from one of Shakespeare’s plays, which is Henry VIII, Act 4, Scene 2.

The Origin Cited: William Shakespeare - Henry VIII, Act 4, Scene 2 .
error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
under the harrow

1. The phrase is used to talk about the earth that is broken up and flattened by a harrow.

2. If somebody is under the harrow, he or she is forced to experience distress, or torment.

Example:

1. About 1000 hectares of farmland have been under the harrow for 2 hours.

2. Many families are under the harrow because of the economic recession.

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode