Phrases such as “As a dog returns to its own vomit” or “spare the rod and spoil the child” are well-known in English as colloquial proverbs.

Despite their age, the sayings preserved in the manuscript today known as the Durham Proverbs remain remarkably insightful. We can all agree that ‘a friend, or kinsman, is helpful whether far or near, ...

Here are 13 wise sayings from around the world – old and new – to help you unwind, deflate and breathe easy. Word of Mouth Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them.