Pearls of wisdom is a description of wise advice, concise pieces of sagacity that are metaphorically as precious as pearls. Originally, pearls of wisdom referred to bits of information or advice that the receiver truly found precious. Today, referring to information or advice one receives as pearls of wisdom is often, but not always, sarcastic, as the phrase is now considered a terrible cliché. The term pearls of wisdom dates back at least to the early 1800s, though the idea of comparing wisdom to the preciousness of pearls is found in the book of Job in the Old Testament, “No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.”
Examples
Here’s an investing rule for you: Be wary of pearls of wisdom. Any “pearl” that can be summed up in six words or less might have the benefit of making life easier, but often that’s about it, and following these bits of conventional wisdom too closely can be a recipe for disappointment. (The Financial Post)
Plus, we have the cash crusading duo of the Daily Mirror’s personal finance editor Tricia Phillips and finance expert Andrew Hagger, who will be dishing out their pearls of wisdom at the quick-fix financial sessions each day. (The Mirror)
MASTERTON business owners Janice and Trevor McKeown are closing their menswear shop Intersection — and they have pearls of wisdom for anyone thinking of setting up shop in Wairarapa. (New Zealand Times-Herald)
Among her pearls of wisdom she dolloped out in Invercargill on Tuesday night, Lawson says food it not only fuel but it’s about sharing an occassion with someone. (The Southland Times)