Les petites gouttes font les grandes rivières

/le pə.tit ɡut fɔ̃ le ɡʁɑ̃d ʁivjɛʁ/

proverb★Intermediate— small actions accumulate to create significant results◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

Small, consistent actions can lead to significant results over time.

¶ Literal Meaning

Small drops of water form large rivers.

Literal Breakdown

les petites gouttessmall drops+fontmake or form+les grandes rivièreslarge rivers

◇ Mental Image

The image of small drops of water gradually forming a large river, symbolizing the cumulative effect of small actions over time.

◈ When to Use

A teacher might use this proverb to encourage students to keep practicing, even if their progress seems slow, because their efforts will eventually lead to mastery.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects the French cultural value of perseverance and the belief that consistent effort, no matter how small, can lead to significant achievements.

general

This proverb emphasizes that even small, seemingly insignificant actions or contributions, when repeated over time, can lead to substantial outcomes or achievements.

En économisant quelques euros chaque mois, les petites gouttes font les grandes rivières.

By saving a few euros each month, small actions accumulate to create significant savings.

Les petites gouttes font les grandes rivières : chaque petit pas vers votre objectif vous rapproche du succès.

Small actions accumulate to create significant results: every small step toward your goal brings you closer to success.

💡

This proverb is often used to encourage persistence and to highlight the value of consistent effort, even when progress seems slow.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nidproverb

slow and steady progress leads to success

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

This proverb is often used to encourage someone to keep working toward a goal, even if progress seems slow.

📖Word Origin

This proverb is derived from the observation of how small drops of water gradually form large rivers, symbolizing the cumulative effect of small actions.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to motivate or inspire perseverance and to emphasize the importance of consistent effort.

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais