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English - United Kingdom - British English

The elder tree bends before it breaks

Meaning

Flexibility prevents destruction.

Usage example

Adjust the plan; the elder tree bends before it breaks.

Cultural context

Additive seed entry for British English / English. Use as starter content and replace with verified community-sourced wording where needed.

Related idioms

English - Zambia It takes a village. English - United States Do not count your chickens before they hatch. English - Canada The early bird catches the worm. English - United Kingdom A stitch in time saves nine.