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Explaining “Good fences make good neighbours”
Anwar Kareem 17/10/2024, 15:29English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase "Good fences make good neighbours" suggests that clear boundaries and the respect for them lead to good relationships between people. It implies that when each party understands and respects boundaries, conflicts are minimized, fostering a more harmonious relationship.
Tone
Pragmatic
Origin
The phrase originates from Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall," published in 1914. The line is recited by a neighbor in the poem and reflects the idea that boundaries are important for maintaining order.
Examples of usage
- After Mark put up a new fence around his property, he joked, "Well, good fences make good neighbours!"
- Even though Sara and Chris get along well, they believe in the adage that "good fences make good neighbours" to avoid any potential disputes.
- In their small community, everyone respects each other's space because they understand that good fences make good neighbours.
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