a cat in gloves catches no mice
1
used to imply that being overly cautious or passive prevents one from taking action and achieving desired results
The proverb "a cat in gloves catches no mice" originates from a French saying dating back to the 14th century. It was later popularized in English by Benjamin Franklin, who included it in his 'Poor Richard's Almanack.' This saying serves as a reminder that achieving goals often requires determination, effort, and sometimes a bold approach rather than excessive restraint. It also implies that being too concerned with appearances or avoiding risk can lead to missed opportunities.
- My grandfather used to say that a cat in gloves catches no mice, to remind me that sometimes you need to take risks in order to achieve success.