What does “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” mean?
"An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue" means just as you can control an ox by grabbing its horns, you can control a man by what you say to him. Words have power and can be used to manipulate or persuade others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He knew exactly what to say to her to get what he wanted. An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.
Example
She was able to convince him to change his mind with her persuasive words. An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.
Example
He regretted saying those hurtful words to his friend. He realized the truth in the saying, *An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.
Is “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” 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 ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” effectively in context?
You can use "An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue" to emphasize the power of words and their ability to influence or manipulate others. It suggests that just as you can control an ox by grabbing its horns, you can control a person by what you say to them. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this proverb:
- 1Negotiation
During a negotiation, it's important to choose your words carefully and use persuasive language to influence the other party. Remember, an ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.
- 2Apology
If you have said something hurtful to someone, you can acknowledge the power of your words and apologize sincerely. You can say, 'I'm sorry for what I said. I now understand that an ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.'
- 3Leadership
As a leader, you can inspire and motivate your team by using positive and encouraging words. By understanding that an ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue, you can effectively communicate your vision and goals.
Similar phrases to “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue" is unknown.
Is “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” common in everyday conversation?
"An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue" is not a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. However, it is still widely recognized and understood by native English speakers.
What tone does “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” have?
"An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue" conveys a tone of caution and awareness. It highlights the importance of being mindful of the words we use and their potential impact on others.
Can “An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.” be used in informal and formal settings?
This proverb is considered formal and may be more appropriate in professional or serious contexts. It is less commonly used in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He knew exactly what to say to her to get what he wanted. "An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue"' to imply the power of words.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- words have power
- speech is influential
- language can control
- what you say matters
- the tongue is a powerful tool
Antonyms
- actions have no consequences
- silence has no effect
- words are meaningless
- the tongue is powerless
