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les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières

/le pɛ.ti ʁɥi.so fo le ɡʁɑ̃d ʁi.vjɛʁ/
proverb★Intermediate◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
Small, consistent efforts accumulate over time to produce significant results or achievements.
¶ Literal Meaning
Small streams make large rivers.
Literal Breakdown
les petits ruisseauxsmall streams+fontmake or form+les grandes rivièreslarge rivers
◇ Mental Image
The image of small streams gradually forming a large river symbolizes the accumulation of small efforts leading to significant outcomes.
◈ When to Use
A manager might use this proverb to encourage their team to stay focused on their daily tasks, emphasizing that their collective efforts will lead to long-term success.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb is deeply rooted in French culture and is often used to inspire perseverance and patience in various contexts, from personal development to professional settings.
informal

Small, consistent efforts accumulate over time to produce significant results or achievements.

En économisant quelques euros chaque mois, les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières.

By saving a few euros each month, small amounts add up over time.

Ne sous-estime pas l'importance de tes petites actions quotidiennes : les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières.

Don't underestimate the importance of your small daily actions; they add up to big results.

💡

This proverb emphasizes the value of persistence and incremental progress.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nidproverb
Little by little, the bird builds its nest
qui va doucement va loinproverb
Slow and steady wins the race

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Professional Contexts

This proverb is often used in business and personal development to motivate teams or individuals to stay committed to their goals.

⚡Gold Rule

Consistency is Key

The proverb underscores that regular, small efforts are more effective than sporadic, large ones.

📖Word Origin

This proverb originates from French folklore and reflects the idea that small streams eventually form large rivers, symbolizing the power of accumulation.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is commonly used to encourage perseverance and to highlight the importance of small, consistent efforts in achieving long-term goals.

Word Breakdown

les petits ruisseaux
small streams
root
+
font
make or form
root
+
les grandes rivières
large rivers
root
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais

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