- English translation
Do not praise or criticize until a year and a half has passed.
- Literal wording
Do not criticize and do not praise except after a year and six months.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying advises withholding both praise and criticism until enough time has passed for experience to reveal a sound basis for judgment. Early impressions are not treated as sufficient grounds for a firm evaluation.
Its stated period emphasizes patience in forming an opinion. Rather than reacting to an initial appearance, a person should wait until sustained acquaintance provides fuller knowledge of what is being assessed.
- When it is used
It can be used to caution someone against praising or criticizing a person or thing too quickly, urging them to wait for longer experience before making a settled judgment.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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