It is the bridle and spur that makes a good horse.必须有马勒和马刺才能驯服出好马。
bridle(马勒)和spur(马刺)作为一个整体是个操控的工具。这句谚语以马喻人,强调管教的重要。人也是需要种种管教、约束才能成材。
关于管教(discipline)还有以下的谚语,其中有负面的“管”,也有正面的“教”:
Rule youth well, and age will rule itself.
年轻时管教好,成长后能自管。(管教须从小开始)
He that chastises one, amends many.
惩戒一个,可纠正多人。(相当于中国成语“杀一儆百”)
Reward and punishment are the walls of a city.
赏罚分明是一个城市的支柱。(言外之意是有罚还须有赏)
A good horse should be seldom spurred.
好马无需鞭策。
谈管教的谚语,可参阅另一组:Mother's darlings are but milksop heroes.