What does “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” mean?

"Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse" means being enthusiastic and eager to achieve something is great, but it must be combined with knowledge and understanding to be effective. Without knowledge, zeal can lead to mistakes and reckless behavior.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He was so excited to start his new business venture, but zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. He ended up making costly mistakes.

Example

She had a lot of passion for the project, but zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. She didn't take the time to research and ended up making poor decisions.

Example

They were determined to climb the mountain, but zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. They didn't have the necessary skills and had to turn back halfway

Is “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” 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 “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” effectively in context?

You can use "Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse" to emphasize the importance of combining enthusiasm with knowledge and understanding. It serves as a reminder that being passionate about something is great, but it's crucial to have the necessary knowledge and skills to avoid making mistakes or engaging in reckless behavior. For example, if a friend is eager to start a new business without doing proper research, you might say, 'Remember, "zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse". Take the time to gather information and make informed decisions.'

1Entrepreneurship
He was so excited to start his new business venture, but zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. He ended up making costly mistakes.
2Project Management
She had a lot of passion for the project, but zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. She didn't take the time to research and ended up making poor decisions.
3Outdoor Activities
They were determined to climb the mountain, but zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. They didn't have the necessary skills and had to turn back halfway.

Similar phrases to “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.”:

Look before you leap

To think carefully about the possible consequences before taking action

Example

Before investing all your savings, remember to look before you leap.

Measure twice, cut once

To double-check and plan carefully before taking action to avoid mistakes

Example

In carpentry, it's important to measure twice, cut once to ensure accuracy.

A little learning is a dangerous thing

Having a small amount of knowledge on a subject can lead to overconfidence and mistakes

Example

He thought he knew everything about investing, but a little learning is a dangerous thing.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse" is unknown.

Is “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to more popular proverbs. However, it is still recognized and understood by English speakers.

What tone does “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” have?

"Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It highlights the potential dangers of acting solely on enthusiasm without the necessary knowledge and understanding.

Can “Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse" is considered formal. It is more likely to be used in written or formal spoken contexts, such as presentations, essays, or academic discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He was so excited to start his new business venture, but "zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse". He ended up making costly mistakes.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse"!' to imply the importance of combining enthusiasm with knowledge.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

passion without knowledge is a recipe for disaster
enthusiasm without understanding is like a ship without a rudder
eagerness without insight is a recipe for failure
excitement without education is like a car without brakes
fervor without comprehension is a path to ruin

Antonyms

knowledge without zeal is a stagnant pond
understanding without enthusiasm is like a bird without wings
insight without eagerness is a missed opportunity
education without excitement is like a book without pages
comprehension without fervor is a lifeless existence