an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory

proverb Sound, practical, common-sense solutions will always be more beneficial than abstract theoretical ones. You can talk and talk about the socioeconomic analyses your department has undertaken to help solve the homelessness crisis, but as ever before, an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory—the only thing we need right now is more affordable housing! I know you're looking into some out-of-the-box ways to lose weight, but you should save your time and money. Just eat less, eat healthy, and exercise more—an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory. I hated having to read those philosophical texts in college. To me, an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory, you know?

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domino theory

1. The political theory that, if one country or area adopts communism, then the surrounding ones will as well. The domino theory was a major concern as the Soviet Union expanded its power after World War II. What role did the domino theory play in US involvement in the Vietnam War? Although the domino theory initially referred to the threat of Communism in Southeast Asia in the 1950s, it came to be applied to Soviet Communism in the 1980s.

2. By extension, the idea that an event in one country will result in similar events in the surrounding countries. The string of revolutions that occurred in neighboring countries during the Arab Spring was a great example of domino theory in action. Of course that country is worried about the domino theory—its neighbor is poised to adopt a democratic government! A dictator's fears about the domino theory are never unfounded.

in theory

Hypothetically; as a possibility. As opposed to in reality or in practice. In theory, we could drive to the mountains for a quick ski session before our flight tomorrow evening, but I think it would be cutting it too close. These magnets are supposed to regulate the body's natural energy, in theory anyway. It's a good idea in theory, but I don't think it would work in a real-world environment

in theory

according to a theory; theoretically. In theory, if I take my medicine regularly, I will get well. How things work in theory doesn't always match with how things work in reality.

ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory

Prov. Common sense will help you solve problems more than theory will. The psychologist had many elaborate theories about how to raise her child, but often forgot that an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory.

See also: common, of, ounce, pound, sense, theory, worth

in ˈtheory

used to say that a particular statement is supposed to be true but may in fact be wrong: In theory, these machines should last for ten years or more. ♢ That sounds fine in theory, but have you really thought it through?