proverbs go in pairs

A form of proverbs run in pairs — Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposing or contradictory message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work."

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Meanings

proverb
  1. alternativeAlternative form of proverbs run in pairs.

    As a rule, proverbs go in pairs which say opposite things.

    1932, Bertrand Russell, “On Proverbs”, in Mortals and others: American essays, 1931-1935, →ISBN, page 136
Cite this entry
APA

proverbs go in pairs. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/proverbs%20go%20in%20pairs

MLA

“proverbs go in pairs.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/proverbs%20go%20in%20pairs. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “proverbs go in pairs,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/proverbs%20go%20in%20pairs.

Source: proverbs go in pairs on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.