What does “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” mean?
"A great dowry is a bed full of brambles" means that excessive material possessions can lead to problems and complications. The expectation of a great dowry, which is a large sum of money or property brought by a bride to her husband, can lead to unrealistic and harmful expectations. This proverb encourages people to focus on the quality of a person's character rather than their material possessions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thought he hit the jackpot when he married her for her wealth, but soon realized that a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
Example
She was warned about his obsession with money, but she ignored the advice. Now she understands that a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
Example
They thought their lavish lifestyle would bring them happiness, but they soon discovered that *a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
Is “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” effectively in context?
You can use "A great dowry is a bed full of brambles." to caution against valuing material possessions over personal qualities. It emphasizes the idea that excessive wealth or possessions can lead to complications and unhappiness. For example, if a friend is considering marrying someone solely for their wealth, you might say, 'Remember, a great dowry is a bed full of brambles. Focus on finding someone who truly makes you happy.'
- 1Relationships
He thought he hit the jackpot when he married her for her wealth, but soon realized that a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
- 2Ignoring Advice
She was warned about his obsession with money, but she ignored the advice. Now she understands that a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
- 3Wealth and Happiness
They thought their lavish lifestyle would bring them happiness, but they soon discovered that a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
Similar phrases to “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A great dowry is a bed full of brambles." is unknown.
Is “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "A great dowry is a bed full of brambles." is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in literature or as a topic of discussion in cultural contexts where dowries are still prevalent.
What tone does “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” have?
"A great dowry is a bed full of brambles." conveys a cautionary tone. It serves as a warning against placing too much importance on material possessions and encourages a focus on personal qualities and happiness.
Can “A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "A great dowry is a bed full of brambles." is formal in nature. It is not commonly used in casual conversations but may be used in more serious discussions or when discussing cultural traditions and values.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He thought he hit the jackpot when he married her for her wealth, but soon realized that a great dowry is a bed full of brambles.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "a great dowry is a bed full of brambles."' to imply the cautionary message.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- don't judge a book by its cover
- material possessions are not everything
- focus on inner qualities
- character matters more than wealth
Antonyms
- material possessions bring happiness
- wealth is the key to happiness
- money solves all problems
