Literal translation
the more the old woman went on, the more she learned
Meaning
the older the woman grew, the more she learned
Explanation
This saying asserts that learning never stops, even at an advanced age, contradicting the common belief that only youth is fit for learning. The verb to go, used here in the sense of advancing, of progressing through time or through life, along with the words more and to the, are well attested, while the words for the old woman and the verb to learn, in the exact forms used here, could not be found directly in our sources under this precise spelling, though their meaning leaves no doubt given the context. The construction, repeating the formula the more... the more... twice, creates a parallel that highlights the constant correlation between advancing age and growing knowledge, never suggesting any ceiling or end to that process. The saying thus values the experience accumulated by older people, against prejudices that would associate old age with a decline in learning ability. It is used to recall that one keeps progressing throughout life, in a warm register, often addressed as a tribute to an elderly person known for their wisdom or undimmed curiosity.