In this article, we will look at the enduring expression "Water sharpening stone." The meaning of the proverb can be interpreted as follows: any stronghold can change under the daily influence of the elements. Due to frequent contact, it can indeed break through the block's indestructibility through time. And in the falling drops of water, a powerful potential is laid, they are capable of delivering a hydrodynamic shock, and over time, notches may appear on solid rock.
But the main secret is hidden not in the elements itself, but in the frequency and constancy of the impact, therefore it is the mountainous stormy rivers that have greater power than quiet lakes.
“Water sharpens a stone”: meaning of expression
This aphorism has a double metaphorical meaning. Water makes a persistent and regular movement and is able to destroy the rock over time, so it is associated with persistent and patient people. Even a single drop has strength, daily by slightly grinding up strong stones. In this way, a person can achieve a lot if he adjusts certain efforts, not to sit and wait, but to act. Let every day a little, but in the future, the result will be achieved.
The stone does not resist, but indifferently and passively expects influence on it. In a figurative sense, this means that any activity will bear fruit, and this does not threaten inaction. That's what is meant by the phrase "water sharpens the stone." The meaning of this aphorism is driven by determination, perseverance, perseverance, patience, which are necessary to achieve the goal. The meaning of the proverb is that even a slow, small force, but a constant step-by-step movement, will not remain without a trace, but will necessarily lead to some kind of result. Eloquent proof of this is pebbles sanded by water on the seashore, but once upon a time these were rough stones with sharp edges.
Etymology of expression
This proverb is considered by many to be popular, but there was a certain person who once wrote "water sharpens stone." The value can be more fully disclosed if you refer to the original source. The author of this aphorism is the poet Haril, who lived in Ancient Greece in the 5th century BC. e. One of the lines of his poem “A drop of water hollows a stone with constancy” speaks for itself. This metaphor is based on a comparison with a real physical phenomenon.
The use of proverbs in fiction, media and everyday life
Haril's lines far outlived their creator and became winged. Later, this aphorism was written by the Roman poet Ovid (2nd half of the 1st century BC) in the “Epistle from Pontus”, therefore, authorship is also often attributed to him. Then a more complete expression appeared in the comedy production of “Candelabrum” by the Italian poet Giordano Bruno. Often this aphorism is found in other works of art, such as “Crime and Punishment” by F. Dostoevsky, “Who is to Blame” by A. Herzen, “On the Nature of Things” by Lucretius.
Even in the media and everyday life they use the saying “water sharpens the stone” in the meaning that we have revealed. She teaches never to give up and never give up, but to perceive failure as an invaluable experience and the opportunity to take small steps to move towards her dream. Often such an expression can be found in articles and stories about successful people who have been pursuing their goals for more than a year. It is also used when they want to draw the attention of readers and viewers to a problem that they nevertheless could solve. Although initially it seemed impossible.
Conclusion
The meaning of the expression “water sharpening stone” has a colossal meaning and a call to action. This persistent phrase is encouraged by those who have already made many attempts, who go for a long time to their dreams and meet many difficulties along their way, but still want to achieve the desired result.