Joe Hilton
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joebhilton.bsky.social
Joe Hilton
@joebhilton.bsky.social
160 followers 180 following 20 posts
Research fellow at the Manchester Centre for Health Economics

https://jbhilton.github.io/
https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/joseph-hilton
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joebhilton.bsky.social
I managed two before it called out my BS, and then it went right back to humouring me.
Screenshot of a Google AI overview for the phrase "you can't clean a house with a mouse" AI Overview Learn more The saying "you can't clean a house with a mouse" suggests that a task or situation cannot be resolved by addressing a small, seemingly minor issue. It implies that the presence of a mouse, or the existence of the problem it represents, is an impediment to cleaning or solving the bigger issue. The saying is a metaphor that conveys the idea that tackling a complex problem requires a more significant solution than addressing its smallest components. Here's a more detailed breakdown: The "Mouse": This represents the small, seemingly inconsequential issue or problem. "You can't clean a house with a mouse": This signifies that addressing only the mouse (the small issue) will not solve the larger problem (the house needing cleaning). The "House": This represents the larger, more significant issue or problem that needs to be addressed. In essence, the saying highlights the need to tackle the root cause of a problem, rather than just addressing the surface-level symptoms. Screenshot of a Googe AI overview for the phrase "too many eggs spoil the leg" AI Overview Learn more The saying "too many eggs spoil the leg" is a variation of the more common phrase "too many cooks spoil the broth." It means that if too many people are involved in a task, the outcome is likely to be unsuccessful because of conflicting ideas, excessive intervention, or lack of clear direction. The saying highlights the idea that while help can be beneficial, excessive involvement can hinder progress and ultimately ruin the project. Here's a more detailed explanation: "Too many cooks spoil the broth": This is the standard expression, and it's used to convey the same meaning as "too many eggs spoil the leg". The image of cooks in a kitchen, each trying to add their own recipe or method, is a visual metaphor for the problem of excessive input. The core idea: The saying warns against the pitfalls of over-delegation or having too many people involved in a process where clear leadership and direction are needed. Consequences: Too many people can lead to confusion, delays, disagreements, and ultimately, a less successful outcome. Alternative expressions: While "too many eggs spoil the leg" is not as common, it serves the same purpose, and it highlights the idea that excessive involvement, even if well-intentioned, can be detrimental. Screenshot of a Googe AI overview for the phrase "You can't use crayons on Tuesday" AI Overview Learn more The saying "You can't use crayons on Tuesday" is a nonsensical phrase. There's no common or established meaning to it. It's likely a play on words, a silly saying, or perhaps a piece of local folklore that you encountered. Here's why it's likely nonsensical: No Known Origin or History: The saying doesn't appear to be a well-known proverb or idiom. Absurd Combination: The idea of having a "crayons-on-Tuesday" rule is illogical and doesn't fit any recognized cultural or societal context. Lack of Context: Without more context, it's hard to determine the specific meaning intended. Possible Interpretations: Silly or Playful: It could be a joke or a way to create a lighthearted, nonsensical phrase. A Local Saying: It might be a phrase used within a specific community or group, perhaps with its own unique meaning. A Misinterpretation: You might have heard it incorrectly, or it could be a variation of another phrase. In summary: The phrase "You can't use crayons on Tuesday" likely doesn't have a universally understood meaning. It's probably a playful, silly, or locally specific saying that doesn't have any significant meaning beyond its surface absurdity. Screenshot of a Googe AI overview for the phrase "as the old clock cleaner says". AI Overview Learn more The saying "as the old clock cleaner says" typically precedes a statement implying that someone should not be taken too seriously, or that their advice is not very valuable. It suggests the person offering the advice is either not knowledgeable or is outdated in their thinking. The "clock cleaner" is a metaphor for someone who has spent their time in a mundane job, and is therefore not likely to have a keen insight into life. Here's a more detailed breakdown: "As the old clock cleaner says": This phrase introduces a statement, often humorous or sarcastic, and implies that the speaker is about to make a statement that is likely to be outdated or not very useful. "Clock cleaner": This metaphor paints a picture of someone who might have a very limited perspective on the world, and their advice is likely to be based on old, outdated ideas. Meaning: The phrase implies a statement that is not meant to be taken seriously, or that the speaker is not an expert in the field. In essence, "as the old clock cleaner says" is a way of saying something that is not meant to be taken as serious advice, or is a statement that is likely to be outdated or inaccurate.
April 23, 2025 at 10:56 AM