Mawson, C.O.S., ed. (1870–1938). Roget’s International Thesaurus. 1922.
Class VI. Words Relating to the Sentient and Moral PowersSection II. Personal Affections
3. Prospective Affections
864. Caution.
foresight [See Foresight]; vigilance [See Care]; warning [See Warning].
worldly wisdom; “safety first,” Fabian policy, “watchful waiting.”
COOLNESS &c. adj.; self-possession, self-command; presence of mind, sang-froid [F.], well-regulated mind.
think twice, look before one leaps, keep one’s eye peeled [slang], keep one’s weather eye open [colloq.]; count the cost, look to the main chance; cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth; feel one’s -ground, – way; see how the land lies (foresight) [See Foresight]; pussy-foot [Roosevelt]; wait to see how the cat jumps; bridle one’s tongue; reculer pour mieux sauter [F.] (prepare) [See Preparation]; let well enough alone, ne pas reveiller le chat qui dort [F.]; let sleeping dogs lie.
keep out of -harm’s way, – troubled waters; keep at a respectful distance, stand aloof; keep -, be- on the safe side.
ANTICIPATE; bespeak &c. (be early) [See Earliness].
LAY BY; husband one’s resources [See Store].
WARN, caution [See Warning].
UNENTERPRISING, unadventurous, cool, steady, self-possessed; overcautious.
- Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.—Vergil
- Festina lente.
- Ante victoriam ne canas triumphum.
- Give every man thine ear but few thy voice.—Hamlet
- Il rit bien qui rit le dernier.
- Ni firmes carta que no leas ni bebas agua que no veas.
- Nescit vox missa reverti.—Horace
- Love all, trust a few.—All’s Well
- Noli irritare leones.
- Safe bind safe find.
- The cautious seldom err.—Confucius