pearl of wisdom

pearl of wisdom

A piece of valuable advice. The phrase is sometimes used sarcastically. The old woman shared her pearls of wisdom with the struggling teen, in the hopes of making him feel better. Thanks for the pearl of wisdom, buddy, but your suggestion is ridiculous.
See also: of, pearl, wisdom
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a pearl of wisdom

If you describe something that someone has said or written as a pearl of wisdom, you mean that it sounds very wise or helpful. I tried to attract the attention of a passing waitress and waited for Josh's next pearl of wisdom. We here in Arkansas are always so grateful for all the pearls of wisdom that may fall from Mr. Greenberg's lips. Note: People usually use this expression humorously, to suggest that in fact they think the person is saying something very obvious, boring or silly.
See also: of, pearl, wisdom
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

pearls of ˈwisdom

(usually ironic) good advice; wise remarks: They all gathered round her, hoping for some of her pearls of wisdom.
See also: of, pearl, wisdom
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

pearls of wisdom

Brilliant sayings or precepts. This phrase, which dates from the late 1800s, is often used sarcastically. The Daily Chronicle had it on December 12, 1907: “The gramophonist will redistribute the pearls of wisdom which have fallen from the lips of great Unionist statesmen to crowds of admiring villagers.”
See also: of, pearl, wisdom
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a pearl of wisdom
  • (one) will be lucky
  • (one) would be lucky
  • (one) should be so lucky
  • take (something) under consideration
  • (I) would if I could
  • take under advisement
  • advisement
  • take (something) under advisement
  • barrel of fun
References in periodicals archive
Nushrat Bharucha seems to have taken this pearl of wisdom rather seriously.
Nushrat Bharucha to become a student again
Another pearl of wisdom from the diet guru is that breakfast cereals which colour milk should be avoided.
LIVING; One in four adults in UK are obese Eat plants claims American author
Or this pearl of wisdom: "Don't let love fall to the bottom of your to-do list - the turkey can wait!" Until when precisely?
A new book has detailed [...]
Glancing through Woman and Home magazine - as you do - I was taken by a pearl of wisdom in an interview with BBC2's new weekday morning queen.
A TV mum's wisdom
Reader Sam Fleeting wrote into tell us of posters which have appeared in Penarth and elsewhere quoting the likes of Einstein and Franklin D Roosevelt who oered this pearl of wisdom: "We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future."
Posters on the street that make you think
"It's a moral obligation to dig deep and find that little glimmer of hope or pearl of wisdom.
Pirlo still stunned by final
In another pearl of wisdom, which attracted 200,718 "likes" from followers, the 'Riddick' star asserted that "you angels can turn hate to love, change poison into medicine and replace doubt with dreams".
Vin Diesel wins 46mln Facebook fans with inspirational quotes
Is that another pearl of wisdom from Migration Watch or did he just make it up?
Differing views on Galloway victory; LETTERS
Dear Junior Lows, Pearl of Wisdom number 3: Always remember to consider what is really important in life.
Cardboard model won't cut it on mum's day, boys
Hussman was targeted for attention in a separate "In My Opinion" as Combs serves up this pearl of wisdom attributed to Adolf Hitler:
Parting shot
And for the record, here's Bono's latest pearl of wisdom: "I always say Irish people are like South Americans who can't dance."
Bono's Save The World Schemes
Yesterday's pearl of wisdom from the great man was: "The third round I think is the most important one.
Sport On Tv
This is her pearl of wisdom, living life to the fullest-genuinely, joyfully and generously.
Patti drops her "Pearls": the diva who moved from singing to writing her memoirs and a cookbook now gives us inspirational reading. (Cover Story)
McCall's report on gambling had an unexpected pearl of wisdom on page 4, "If a state does not legalize casinos then it will participate unwillingly in the adverse impacts from casino gambling without sharing in any of the benefits." I would go one step further.
Tourism: lead, follow or get out of the way!
Each chapter is illustrated with lively black and white drawings to bring each pearl of wisdom to life.
Gear up to be gorgeous; Time Off The family entertainment guide