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Analyzing the validity of idioms, expressions, proverbs, and other types of phrases. Some provide wisdom and others may not apply to every case.

Throughout daily life we often hear or read someone use common phrases that have been passed down through generations. We know what the phrases mean based on context, but do we always truly understand their meaning or why the phrase is worded the way that it is? More interestingly, is the phrase actually valid? Most phrases aren't so black and white. Some are occasionally used in situations where they don't completely apply.

How often do we stop and think about the meaning or applicability of a phrase? What about the origin of idioms, which are often difficult to understand without context? Can apples and oranges be compared? Why did the pot call the kettle black? Why shouldn't we fix what isn't broken? These and many others are explored.

The name Idiom Proof comes from the term "idiot proof". This brings about three possible meanings to the name Idiom Proof that all apply to the purpose of Idiom Proof.

  1. Proving the validity of idioms and other phrases.
  2. Arming yourself with knowledge, thereby becoming idiom proof if faced with one being used incorrectly or one that simply doesn't apply at all.
  3. Learning about the history and validity of the idioms now makes their usage easy and idiot proof.

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The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

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This idiom is typically used as a response by someone after having received criticism by another. The user's point is to say that the person bringing about criticism is just as bad and has faults of their own. That the critic doesn't have a right to judge if they themselves have the same faults or also engage in the actions that they are criticizing. For example, a wife tells her husband that he smokes too much. However, the twist is that the wife also smokes and the husband knows that she smokes just as much, or even more than he does. So the husband's response is "Well that's the pot calling the kettle black!" As with many idioms, the meaning and intended use isn't immediately obvious if the idiom is learned by itself without any context. The reason for the use of pots and kettles as well as the use of the word "black" isn't immediately apparent. Someone may ask why pots and kettles are assumed to be black. They may recall the many shiny si...
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A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

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