‘Practice makes perfect’ tops poll of words of wisdom

It is a phrase only too familiar to youngsters slaving away at their studies — and now "practice makes perfect" has been revealed in a survey as the most influential saying.

The expression topped a British poll of words of wisdom that people picked up in childhood and continue to use well into their older years.

Other oft-repeated maxims include “the grass is always greener on the other side” and “good things come to those who wait”.