What does “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” mean?
"An idle brain is the devil’s workshop" means that if you have nothing to do, you are more likely to get into trouble or engage in unproductive or harmful activities.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Instead of sitting around with nothing to do, find something productive to occupy your time. An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
Example
She always gets into trouble when she's bored and has nothing to do. It's true what they say, an idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
Example
He started getting involved in illegal activities because he had too much free time on his hands. It's a perfect example of how *an idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
Is “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” 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 idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” effectively in context?
You can use "An idle brain is the devil's workshop" to emphasize the importance of staying busy and engaged in meaningful activities. It serves as a reminder that when you have nothing productive to do, you are more susceptible to getting into trouble. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this proverb effectively:
- 1Time Management
Instead of sitting around doing nothing, find something productive to do. An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
- 2Avoiding Trouble
When you have too much free time on your hands, you are more likely to get into trouble. Remember, an idle brain is the devil's workshop.
- 3Boredom
Don't let boredom take over your life. Keep yourself busy with meaningful activities. Remember, an idle brain is the devil's workshop.
Similar phrases to “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "An idle brain is the devil's workshop" can be traced back to the 17th century. It is believed to have originated from a quote by English writer and preacher Richard Baxter, who said, 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' The phrase emphasizes the idea that when a person has nothing productive to do, they are more likely to engage in negative or harmful activities.
Is “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "An idle brain is the devil's workshop" is a well-known proverb and is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize the importance of staying occupied and engaged in productive activities to avoid negative consequences.
What tone does “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” have?
"An idle brain is the devil's workshop" conveys a cautionary tone. It serves as a warning against the potential dangers of having too much free time and not using it productively. It encourages individuals to stay focused and engaged in meaningful tasks.
Can “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "An idle brain is the devil's workshop" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized phrase that conveys a valuable lesson about the importance of staying busy and avoiding idleness. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, speeches, or written essays.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The proverb "An idle brain is the devil's workshop" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Instead of wasting time, remember that an idle brain is the devil's workshop.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, an idle brain is the devil's workshop.' to imply the importance of staying occupied.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- an empty mind is the devil's playground
- a lazy mind is a dangerous mind
- an unoccupied mind is a breeding ground for trouble
- a vacant mind invites mischief
- a dormant mind is a devil's abode
Antonyms
- a busy mind is a peaceful mind
- productivity keeps trouble at bay
- an engaged mind is a safe mind
- a focused mind avoids mischief
- meaningful activities ward off trouble
