"El tiempo todo lo cura y todo lo madura."
/el TYEM-poh TOH-doh loh KOO-rah ee TOH-doh loh mah-DOO-rah/
Time cures all and matures all.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"El tiempo todo lo cura y todo lo madura."
🎨 Visual Representation

The proverb suggests that time has the power to both heal wounds and bring things to their natural, mature state.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
A traditional Spanish proverb (refrán) originating from popular wisdom, with no single attributable author. It has been part of the Spanish oral tradition for centuries.
📝 In Action
Sé que ahora duele mucho la ruptura, pero dale tiempo. Ya sabes lo que dicen: 'el tiempo todo lo cura y todo lo madura'.
B2I know the breakup hurts a lot right now, but give it time. You know what they say: 'time cures all and matures all'.
No te apresures en tomar una decisión tan importante. Dejemos que las cosas se asienten, pues el tiempo todo lo cura y todo lo madura.
C1Don't rush into such an important decision. Let's let things settle, as time heals all and brings everything to maturity.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This proverb is part of the rich oral tradition of Spain, known as the 'refranero español'. These sayings reflect the practical wisdom of everyday people, often tied to agriculture and the natural cycles of life, and have been collected in books for centuries.
🌍 Cultural Significance
Deeply embedded in the Hispanic cultural mindset, this saying reflects a patient, long-term perspective on life's problems. It's common advice from parents and grandparents, embodying a trust that things will work out eventually without being forced.
📚 Literary Analysis
The quote uses parallelism, a technique where parts of a sentence are structured in a similar way. The balanced rhythm of 'todo lo cura' and 'todo lo madura' makes it memorable. The verbs 'curar' (to heal) and 'madurar' (to ripen/mature) are powerful metaphors for emotional and situational resolution.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Offering Comfort and Patience
Use this proverb to console someone going through a hard time or to advise patience when a situation is unresolved. It’s a gentle way of saying 'this too shall pass' and that clarity will come with time.
A Universal Truth
This is a universally understood proverb across the Spanish-speaking world. It’s safe and appropriate to use in almost any context where you want to express hope and patience.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: El tiempo todo lo cura y todo lo madura.
Question 1 of 2
What kind of saying is 'El tiempo todo lo cura y todo lo madura'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this quote considered optimistic or fatalistic?
It's generally considered optimistic and hopeful. It encourages patience and faith that difficult situations are not permanent and will improve or resolve over time, rather than suggesting one is helpless.
Is there a direct equivalent in English?
The closest English equivalent is 'Time heals all wounds.' However, the Spanish version adds the element of 'madura' (matures/ripens), which implies not just healing but also resolution, growth, and wisdom gained over time, making it slightly more comprehensive.
