By all means continue destroying my possessions. I daresay I have too many.
J. K. RowlingRead
Never tickle a sleeping dragon.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoid provoking someone or something that could be dangerous if disturbed.
This quote suggests the importance of recognizing and respecting boundaries. Like a sleeping dragon, certain situations or individuals may seem calm, but provoking them can lead to unforeseen trouble. It serves as a metaphor for the wisdom of staying clear of potential dangers that are better left undisturbed.
Themes
DangerWisdomProvocationCautionBoundaries
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about negotiation tactics, one might say, 'As the quote goes, never tickle a sleeping dragon, we should tread carefully when addressing sensitive topics.'
More from J. K. Rowling
All quotes →Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?” James lifted an invisible sword. “‘Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!’ Like my dad.” Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him. “Got a problem with that?” “No,” said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. “If you’d rather be brawny than brainy —” “Where’re you hoping to go, seeing as you’re neither?” interjected Sirius.
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Depression isn't just being a bit sad. It's feeling nothing. It's not wanting to be alive anymore.
J. K. RowlingRead
I tell you, that dragon's the most horrible animal I've ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you'd think it was a fluffy little bunny rabbit.
J. K. RowlingRead
Imagine losing fingernails, Harry! That really puts our sufferings into perspective, doesn't it?
J. K. RowlingRead
The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.
J. K. RowlingRead
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