Sayings in America that reflect the American mindset
Guys, today I want to touch on the topic of sayings, since sayings are a reflection of the thinking of the American people and show their attitude towards many important aspects of life. Native speakers often use them in everyday conversation, sometimes without even realizing it. Sayings can tell you more about the culture of the country whose language you are studying. For example, when I was a child, my grandmother often said to me, “We didn’t live well, there’s no point in starting.” And if you pay attention to Russian sayings, their main emphasis is on collective work, a modest lifestyle and friendship. But in America it’s the other way around. I would like to show you with several examples how different American thinking is from Russian.
One of the most famous American sayings, “time is money,” was made famous by Benjamin Franklin, and Americans are still guided by this principle. They value people who know how to manage time effectively. I noticed this against the backdrop of the fact that Americans calculate their salaries per hour. That is, they usually ask you not how much you earn per month, but how much you earn per hour. I think that by the same principle, Americans mostly eat in cafes or use ready-made food delivery. This helps them use their time more efficiently.
"The early bird catches the worm" emphasizes the importance of starting something early to maximize potential results. Americans most often get up early in the morning. Some people start their day as early as 5 am in order to have time to get everything done and manage their time at work or classes. This schedule helps them have time to do everything planned and make time for themselves - relaxation and personal hobbies. Moreover, this also manifests itself in the work of establishments, for example, shops or clubs. There are almost no 2-hour shops here, and clubs are open until a maximum of XNUMX a.m., so even in this case you can go to bed early and get up early.
The proverb “actions speak louder than words” is also popular in America. A person is characterized by his actions, not his words. After all, you can talk as much as you want and not do anything. Americans value honest and reliable people, and this proverb emphasizes the importance of keeping promises.
Another famous American saying goes: “all that glitters is not gold,” which reflects the American tendency toward skepticism and caution. Americans are often wary of things that seem too good to be true.
Finally, the saying “if at first, you don't succeed, try, try again” reflects the American spirit of perseverance and determination. How many great companies and brands were born in America precisely because their founders continued to work hard even in the face of obstacles. In many industries, there are people who started their businesses after 50, 60, or even older. They see opportunities rather than risks and use their wealth of life experience to create and grow their companies. For example, Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of the KFC restaurant chain, started his business at the age of 65 when he needed to earn a living after going bankrupt. As a result, he created a recipe for unique chicken pieces that became the main feature of his business.
In general, American proverbs reflect the mentality and culture of the United States, and also convey the worldly wisdom and experience of previous generations.
Author: Anton Nayanzin
