What does “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” mean?
"An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold" means that even if someone has a lot of money or material possessions, they can still be foolish or stupid.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may be rich, but an ass is but an ass, though laden with gold. Money can't buy intelligence.
Example
Don't be fooled by his fancy car and expensive clothes. An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.
Example
She may have inherited a fortune, but an ass is but an ass, though laden with gold. Money doesn't make you wise
Is “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” 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 “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” effectively in context?
You can use "An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold." to emphasize that material possessions or wealth do not necessarily make someone intelligent or wise. It's a way to caution against judging someone solely based on their external appearances or wealth. For example, if someone is boasting about their expensive possessions, you might say, 'Remember, "an ass is but an ass, though laden with gold."'
- 1Judging Others
Before you judge someone based on their appearance or wealth, remember that an ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.
- 2Money and Intelligence
Just because someone has a lot of money doesn't mean they're smart. An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.
- 3Wisdom and Material Possessions
Having expensive things doesn't make you wise. An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.
Similar phrases to “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.”:
This phrase means that things or people may not be what they seem at first glance.
Example
Don't judge a book by its cover. Appearances can be deceiving.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold." is unknown.
Is “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold." is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in literature or as a way to express a deeper philosophical idea.
What tone does “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” have?
"An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold." conveys a tone of wisdom and caution. It reminds us to look beyond material possessions and not to judge others solely based on their wealth.
Can “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold." is more formal in nature. It is not commonly used in casual conversations, but it can be used in more serious discussions or in writing.
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, 'Don't be fooled by appearances, "an ass is but an ass, though laden with gold."' However, in some cases, it can be understood even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "an ass is but an ass, though laden with gold."' to imply the importance of looking beyond material possessions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- wealth does not equal wisdom
- material possessions don't make you smart
- riches don't guarantee intelligence
- foolishness knows no wealth
- intelligence cannot be bought
Antonyms
- intelligence trumps wealth
- wisdom over riches
- smart is better than rich
- knowledge is more valuable than money
- intelligence outweighs material possessions
