a chain is only as strong as its weakest link »
An organization (especially a process or a business) is only as strong or powerful as its weakest person. A group of associates is only as strong as its laziest member.
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a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
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a good beginning makes a good ending »
Good beginnings promise a good end; start off on a good note to reap the benefits at the end.
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a man's home is his castle »
(US) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
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a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
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a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
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a stopped clock is right twice a day »
A normally unreliable person or instrument can occasionally provide correct information, even if only by accident.
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a watched pot never boils »
A process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
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according to »
In a manner conforming or corresponding to; in proportion.
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according to Hoyle »
In strict accordance with the rules, especially of card games; in the proper or expected manner.
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account for »
To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.
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act out »
To go through the process of a scene from a play, a charade or a pointless exercise.
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admiral of the blue »
A landlord or publican wearing a blue apron, as was formerly the custom among men of that vocation.
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against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
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all clear »
permission to proceed
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