Introduction
Have you ever heard the phrase “every rose has its thorn”? Do you know what it means and where it comes from? If not, you are not alone. There are many people that are curious about this popular expression that has been used in songs, poems, books, and everyday conversations. Let’s, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of “every rose has its thorn” and provide some examples and tips on how to use it correctly.
Meaning
The basic meaning of “every rose has its thorn” is that nothing is perfect. It doesn’t matter how beautiful, good, or desirable something or someone is, there is always a drawback, a flaw, or a negative aspect. The phrase compares a rose, which is a symbol of beauty and love, to a thorn, which is a sharp and painful part of the plant. The idea is that even the most wonderful things in life have some disadvantages or risks.
The phrase can be used in different ways depending on the context and the tone. Sometimes, it can be used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment over a situation or a person that turned out to be not as good as expected. For example:
I loved him so much, but he cheated on me. Every rose has its thorn.
She got her dream job, but she had to move away from her family and friends. Every rose has its thorn.
Other times, it can be used to show acceptance, realism, or optimism about a situation or a person that has some imperfections or challenges. For example:
He snores a lot, but he makes me laugh every day. Every rose has its thorn.
The house is old and needs some repairs, but it has a lot of character and charm. Every rose has its thorn.
Origin
The origin of “every rose has its thorn” is not very clear. Some sources suggest that it dates back to the 17th century in English literature. For instance, the poet John Florio wrote in his collection of proverbs in 1611: “The fairest roses have their prickles”1 Another poet, George Herbert, wrote in his poem “The Flower” in 1633: “Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good”2
However, other sources claim that the phrase is much older and has roots in other languages and cultures. For example, some say that it comes from a Persian proverb that says: “Every flower has its own insect”3 Others say that it comes from a French proverb that says: “There is no rose without a thorn”4 Still others say that it comes from an Italian proverb that says: “Every beauty has its defect”5
Regardless of the exact origin, the phrase became widely known and popular in the late 20th century thanks to the American rock band Poison. They released a song titled “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” in 1988 as part of their album Open Up and Say… Ahh!. The song was written by the lead singer Bret Michaels based on his personal experience of being cheated on by his girlfriend. The song became a huge hit and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 19886 Since then, the phrase has been used in many other songs, movies, books, and media.
Usage
As we have seen, “every rose has its thorn” is a versatile phrase that can be used in different situations and contexts. However, there are some tips and rules to follow when using it correctly:
Use it as a proverb or a metaphor. A proverb is a short and wise saying that expresses a general truth or advice. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things that are not literally alike. Therefore, do not use “every rose has its thorn” as a literal statement or a fact. For example:
Wrong: Roses are beautiful flowers, but every rose has its thorn.
Right: Life is full of surprises, but every rose has its thorn.
Use it with singular nouns. The phrase uses the singular form of “rose” and “thorn”, so it should be used with singular nouns as well. For example:
Wrong: Every roses have their thorns.
Right: Every rose has its thorn.
Use it with commas or periods. The phrase can be used as an independent clause or a dependent clause in a sentence. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence with a period at the end. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and needs to be attached to an independent clause with a comma. For example:
Independent clause: Every rose has its thorn.
Dependent clause: She was happy with her new car, but every rose has its thorn. Read more at forbes blog post
Examples
Here are some examples of how to use “every rose has its thorn” in sentences:
He is a great singer, but he has a bad temper. Every rose has its thorn.
Every rose has its thorn. You can’t expect everything to be perfect all the time.
She was excited to travel the world, but she soon realized that every rose has its thorn. She missed her home and her friends.
He loved her with all his heart, but she didn’t love him back. Every rose has its thorn.
Every rose has its thorn. Don’t let the small problems ruin your happiness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “every rose has its thorn” is a common and useful phrase that means that nothing is perfect. It can be used to express different emotions and attitudes towards a situation or a person that has some flaws or drawbacks. The phrase has a long and uncertain history, but it became famous thanks to the song by Poison in 1988. The phrase can be used as a proverb or a metaphor with singular nouns and commas or periods.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about “every rose has its thorn”:
Q: Is “every rose has its thorn” a cliché?
A: A cliché is an overused or trite expression that has lost its originality or impact. Some people may consider “every rose has its thorn” a cliché because it is very common and familiar. However, others may argue that it is still a valid and meaningful phrase that can convey a universal truth or wisdom.
Q: What are some synonyms for “every rose has its thorn”?
A: Some synonyms for “every rose has its thorn” are:
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
There is a catch to everything.
Nothing good comes easy.
Q: How do you pronounce “every rose has its thorn”?
A: The pronunciation of “every rose has its thorn” is:
EH-vree ROHZ HAZ ITS THORN
