The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs.Pdf

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THE FACTS ON FILE DICTIONARY OF

Pr o v e r b s

Second Edition

MARTIN H. MANSER

Associate Editors: Rosalind Fergusson David Pickering

i-xii_DictProverbsFM_(FOF).indd i 1/29/07 3:23:27 PM The Facts On File Dictionary of Proverbs

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ISBN-10: 0-8160-6673-6 ISBN-13: 978-0-8160-6673-5

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Manser, Martin H. The Facts On File dictionary of proverbs/Martin Manser; associate editor, Rosalind Fergusson. David Pickering. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 0-8160-6673-6 1. Proverbs, English. I. Title: Dictionary of proverbs. II. Fergusson, Rosalind. III. Title. PN6421 .M36 2002 082—dc21 2002067832

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i-xii_DictProverbsFM_(FOF).indd ii 1/29/07 3:23:27 PM To Hannah and Ben

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Preface to the New Edition vii Introduction ix

Entries A–Z 1

Boxes African proverbs 3 Arabian proverbs 11 Biblical proverbs 27 Chinese proverbs 41 Dutch proverbs 69 French proverbs 95 German proverbs 100 Greek proverbs 111 Indian proverbs 142 Irish proverbs 144 Italian proverbs 145 Japanese proverbs 157 Literary proverbs 171

i-xii_DictProverbsFM_(FOF).indd v 1/29/07 3:23:27 PM Russian proverbs 235 Scandinavian proverbs 238 Scottish proverbs 239 South American proverbs 249 Spanish proverbs 250 Turkish proverbs 281 Yiddish proverbs 308

Index by Key Word 320

Index by Theme 444

Bibliography 499

i-xii_DictProverbsFM_(FOF).indd vi 1/29/07 3:23:27 PM Pr e fa c e t o t h e Ne w E d i t i o n

The text of this second edition of the dictionary has been expanded to include more familiar, long-established proverbs (e.g., it takes one to know one; worse things happen at sea) as well as a selection of more modern proverbial sayings (e.g., you snooze, you lose; men are from Mars, women are from Venus). As in the ﬁ rst edition, care has been taken not to confuse idiomatic sayings with true proverbs and to include details of variant forms by which proverbs might be known to different readers. Existing entries have also been updated to include modern variants, e.g., the email of the species is more deadly than the mail, as a variant of the female of the species is deadlier than the male; and the geek shall inherit the earth, as a variant of the meek shall inherit the earth. The indexes have been similarly expanded.

Boxes In addition, this text of this new edition has been embellished with boxes containing selections of interesting proverbs from a number of other languages and cultures. The aim of these is to provide a glimpse of other proverbial traditions. Many of these examples are foreign-language equivalents of familiar English sayings, while others are unique to their particular cultural background. Further boxes group proverbs that are related through their biblical or literary origins. Most of the proverbs included in the boxes are not covered elsewhere in the main text.

vii

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A proverb is a saying, usually short, that expresses a general truth about life. Proverbs give advice, make an observation, or present a teaching in a succinct and memorable way. This dictionary covers the main English-language proverbs that are widely recognized today. We use proverbs or allude to them quite often in everyday speech: Better safe than sorry; The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence; If at ﬁ rst you don’t succeed, try, try again; Let sleeping dogs lie; A trouble shared is a trouble halved.

Arrangement of proverbs In this dictionary the proverbs are listed by strict letter-by-letter alphabetical order of the proverb, excluding only at the beginning of a proverb, A, An, and The:

big ﬁ sh eat little ﬁ sh

the bigger they are, the harder they fall

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

a bird never ﬂ ew on one wing

too much of a good thing is worse than none at all

toot your own horn lest the same be never tooted

to the pure all things are pure Proverbs can also be found using the keyword index, which lists all the main nouns, adjectives, and verbs.

Deﬁ nitions After the proverb itself comes an explanation of the meaning of the proverb:

pride goes before a fall

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Arrogance and overconﬁ dence often lead to humiliation or disaster; often used as a warning . . .

uneasy lies the head that wears a crown Those in power are weighed down by responsibilities, feelings of insecurity, or fears of losing their position and can never rest easy . . .

Examples Examples have been chosen to demonstrate the use of a proverb. They come from English literature or have been specially compiled for this text:

boys will be boys Boys must be forgiven for their bad or boisterous behavior; also used ironically when grown men behave in an irresponsible or childish manner: “Aunt Sally was a good deal uneasy; but Uncle Silas he said there warn’t no occasion to be—boys will be boys, he said, and you’ll see this one turn up in the morning all sound and right” (Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, 1884).

a good name is sooner lost than won It takes a lot of time and effort to earn a good name for yourself, but you can lose it in an instant with a single foolish act: Think carefully before you get involved in anything that is not strictly legal—remember that a good name is sooner lost than won.

Origins Many proverbs have been in use for many years:

every man is his own worst enemy . . . The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in Thomas Browne’s Religio Medici (1643).

every man is the architect of his own fortune . . . The proverb is attributed to the Roman politician Appius Claudius Caecus, who held the post of censor from 312 b.c. to 308 b.c. Sometimes, proverbs are quotations:

the leopard can’t change its spots . . . The proverb is of biblical origin: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” (Jeremiah 13:23).

i-xii_DictProverbsFM_(FOF).indd x 1/29/07 3:23:27 PM Introduction

a rose by any other name would smell as sweet . . . The proverb comes from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet (2:2): “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet.” Some proverbs have come into use in contemporary times. These include:

garbage in, garbage out . . . First recorded in 1964, the proverb originally referred to computer input and output, and is still used in that context, often in the form of the acronym GIGO.

if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it . . . The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1977, popularized by Bert Lance, director of the Offi ce of Management and Budget in President Jimmy Carter’s administration.

it takes a village to raise a child . . . Of African origin, the proverb was popularized by Hillary Clinton, wife of President Bill Clinton, in the mid-1990s. The “ﬁ rst recorded” date given is not the date of origin—most proverbs originated in spoken language, and this is simply the ﬁ rst known written record of the proverb:

fi rst impressions are the most lasting . . . The proverb was fi rst recorded in William Congreve’s play The Way of the World (1700) in the form “There is a great deal in the fi rst impression.” Where an early form of a proverb or other quotation is taken from a named source, the spellings of the original have been retained; in other cases spellings have been modernized for the convenience of the user:

nature abhors a vacuum . . . Of ancient origin, the proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in English in 1551, in Thomas Cranmer’s Answer to Gardiner: “Naturall reason abhorreth vacuum.”

a cat has nine lives . . . The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1546 in the form “A woman has nine lives like a cat.”

Variants and use of proverbs Variants on the proverb are given after the main entry:

a word to the wise is sufﬁ cient

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Variant of this proverb: a word is enough to the wise. Alterations to the words of the proverb, shorter expressions of the proverb, or humorous applications are also shown:

once a thief always a thief . . . Other words may be substituted for thief, such as crook, drunkard, fool, or whore, and the proverb is occasionally applied to those with enduring virtues rather than persistent vices, as in “Once a lady, always a lady.”

to err is human, to forgive divine . . . A modern facetious variant is “To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer.”

Cross-references Cross-references are given from all variant entries that are not alphabetically adja- cent to the main form:

A word is enough to the wise See A WORD TO THE WISE IS SUFFICIENT.

Proverbs with similar or opposite meanings Proverbs that express similar or opposite meanings are listed at the end of entries:

actions speak louder than words Proverb expressing similar meaning: deeds are fruits, words are but leaves.

absence makes the heart grow fonder Proverb expressing opposite meaning: out of sight, out of mind.

Indexes Two indexes are included at the back of this dictionary: Index of themes—a listing of proverbs under thematic headings. Index of keywords—a listing of the nouns, adjectives, and verbs of the proverbs.

Martin H. Manser Rosalind Fergusson David Pickering

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absence is the mother of disillusion A Proverb expressing opposite mean- period of separation may enable you to ing: out of sight, out of mind. consider people or things more objec- tively and see them in a truer but less the absent are always in the wrong See favorable light: While her boyfriend was away he who is absent is always in the she became increasingly aware of all his little wrong. faults, which she had ignored when they were together—absence is the mother of disillusion. the absent are never without fault nor The proverb is recorded as a regional the present without excuse See he expression in the United States. who is absent is always in the wrong.

absence makes the heart grow fonder accidents will happen in the best-regu- Your affection for those close to you— lated families No matter how careful family and friends—increases when you you are, you may still do something are parted from them: “. . . meantime he by accident or mistake; often used to exhorts me to the exercise of patience, console somebody who has done such a ‘that fi rst of woman’s virtues,’ and desires thing: “‘Copperfi eld,’ said Mr. Micawber, me to remember the saying, ‘Absence ‘accidents will occur in the best-regulated makes the heart grow fonder,’ and com- families; and in families not regulated by fort myself with the assurance that the . . . the infl uence of Woman, in the lofty longer he stays away the better he shall character of Wife, they must be expected love me when he returns” (Anne Brontë, with confi dence, and must be borne with Tenant of Wildfell Hall, 1848). The proverb philosophy’” (Charles Dickens, David was fi rst recorded c. 1850, but the senti- Copperfi eld, 1850). The proverb was fi rst ment is expressed in earlier literature— recorded in George Colman’s play Deuce for example, by James Howell Is in Him (1763) in the shorter form “acci- (1593?–1666), who wrote “Distance dents will happen.” some times endears friendship, and Variant of this proverb: accidents absence sweeteneth it.” Compare Sextus will happen in the best of families. Propertius (c. 54 b.c.–a.d. 2), “semper in absentes felicior aestus amantes [passion is accusing the times is but excusing our- always warmer toward absent lovers].” selves People who seek to blame the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 1 1/29/07 5:12:15 PM action is worry’s worst enemy

times or conditions they live in are really admiration is the daughter of ignorance trying to avoid taking the blame them- People often admire others about whom selves: It strikes me that the prime minister they only have incomplete knowledge: needs to be reminded that those who accuse the The president’s current popularity only proves times are but excusing themselves. The prov- the rule that admiration is the daughter erb was fi rst recorded in 1732 by Thomas of ignorance. This U.S. proverb was fi rst Fuller in Gnomologia. recorded in 1733–58 by Benjamin Frank- Proverb expressing similar mean- lin in Poor Richard’s Almanack. ings: he who excuses himself accuses Proverb expressing similar meaning: himself. what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over. action is worry’s worst enemy You can Proverb expressing opposite mean- banish anxiety by keeping busy and active, ing: prejudice is the daughter of igno- or by taking action to solve the problem rance. that is worrying you: Action is worry’s worst enemy, so don’t just sit there brooding—do adventures are to the adventurous something! Those who are not bold, and who take no risks, will not have exciting lives actions speak louder than words What or achieve spectacular things: “He told you do is more important than what himself that adventure was to the adven- you say, or what you promise to do: turous. . . . If he could not make the “The gallant foreigner, who could not tell effort for the small he would miss the big them how he sympathized with them, but adventure” (Thomas Hinde, Mr. Nicholas, whose actions spoke louder than words” 1952). The proverb was fi rst recorded in (F. McCullagh, With the Cossacks, 1906). Benjamin Disraeli’s Coningsby (1844). The fi rst recorded use of the proverb, in the form “actions are more precious than adversity makes strange bedfellows In words,” was in a speech by the English times of hardship or misfortune people politician John Pym in 1628. Its current often befriend or form alliances with those form is of U.S. origin. whose company they would normally avoid: Proverb expressing similar mean- The merger of the two companies surprised every- ing: deeds are fruits, words are but body, but these are hard times for the industry and leaves. adversity makes strange bedfellows. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Shakespeare’s play The action without thought is like shooting Tempest (2:2) in the form “Misery acquaints a without aim Think before you act in order man with strange bedfellows.” to achieve the best results: Disregarding the Variants of this proverb: misery proverb that action without thought is like shoot- makes strange bedfellows; poverty makes ing without aim, he went straight out and bought strange bedfellows. a computer that proved to be totally unsuitable for his needs. after a storm comes a calm A period Proverb expressing similar meaning: of anger or trouble is usually followed look before you leap. by a period of relative peace: “After a

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 2 1/29/07 5:12:15 PM åååååafter dinner rest awhile, after supper walk a mile AFRICAN PROVERBS Every African country has its heritage of sayings and proverbs. Some are known throughout the continent, while others are unique to particular countries. The following list includes some of the most colorful examples, many of them inspired by the wildlife and landscape of Africa.

The best trees grow on the steepest hills By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree Do not blame God for having created the tiger, but thank him for not giving it wings Even if the elephant is thin he is still the lord of the jungle Even the best cooking pot will not produce food Every beast roars in its own den Fear is no obstacle to death Goats cannot live in a herd of leopards He on whose head we would break a coconut never stands still The horizon will not disappear as you run towards it Hunt in every jungle, for there is wisdom and good hunting in all of them If there were no elephants in the jungle, the buffalo would be big If they are offered winged ants, people will eat them If you have escaped the jaws of the crocodile while bathing in the river, you will surely meet a leopard on the way If you have ﬁ ve wives, then you have ﬁ ve tongues Rain does not fall on one roof alone The smaller the lizard the greater the hope of becoming a crocodile The viper assumes the colors of his surroundings When you chop off a snake’s head all you are left with is a piece of rope Where the cattle stand together, the lion lies down hungry Where there is no wealth there is no poverty

storm comes a calm. Wearied with a for- dawn; when things are at the worst mer blustering they began now to repose they begin to mend. themselves in a sad silence” (Thomas Fuller, Church History of Britain, 1655). The after death the doctor Help sometimes proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in this form comes too late: “All his tricks founder, and in 1582, but the sentiment it expresses is he brings his physic/After his patient’s death: found in writing more than 200 years ear- the King already/Hath married the fair lady” lier. It has given rise to the cliché the calm (William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, 3:2). The before the storm, which reverses the order proverb was ﬁ rst recorded c. 1385–90 by of things and describes a period of peace Geoffrey Chaucer in Troilus and Criseyde. before an upheaval. Proverbs expressing similar mean- after dinner rest awhile, after supper ing: the darkest hour is just before walk a mile It is best for the digestion

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 3 1/29/07 5:12:15 PM age before beauty

to rest after a heavy meal and take some alcohol will preserve anything but a exercise after a light meal: “As the prov- secret People have a tendency to talk too erb says, for health sake, after dinner, or freely and become indiscreet when they rather after supper, willingly then I’ll walk are drunk: I hoped that he would not have too a mile to hear thee” (Philip Massinger, The much to drink at the reception—I had told him Unnatural Combat, 1639). The proverb was about Kate’s pregnancy in confi dence, and it’s fi rst recorded in 1582 in a slightly differ- well known that alcohol will preserve anything ent form, with talk in place of rest. but a secret. The proverb is recorded as a Variant of this proverb: after dinner regional expression in the United States. sit awhile, after supper walk a mile. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: drunkenness reveals what soberness age before beauty Older people have conceals; there’s truth in wine. precedence over those who are younger and more attractive; said when standing all animals are equal, but some are more back to let another person go fi rst or equal than others In a society or orga- when pushing in ahead of somebody: “Age nization where all are supposedly equal, it before beauty,” she said as she stepped in front of is often the case that some have special privi- the young woman at the head of the line. The leges, or greater power than others: “Thus, proverb was fi rst recorded in 1843. Face- even on the night of such personal triumph, tious retorts or extensions to the proverb Jason Gilbert was once again reminded include “Beauty before the beast,” “Grace that although all Harvard undergraduates before meat,” and “Pearls before swine.” are equal, some are more equal than others” (Erich Segal, The Class, 1985). Other the age of miracles is past Miracles no words may be substituted for animals, as longer happen; used when some desirable in the above quotation. The proverb comes occurrence seems highly unlikely: I didn’t from George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm expect the authorities to take any action in (1945), where it is the ultimate slogan of a response to my complaint—the age of miracles supposedly egalitarian regime set up by the is past. The proverb occurs in Shakespeare’s animals of a farm, which gradually becomes play All’s Well that Ends Well (2:3) in the form as tyrannical as the human one it replaced. “They say miracles are past,” which implies Proverb expressing similar meaning: that it is of earlier origin. all men are created equal. Proverb expressing opposite meaning: wonders will never cease! all arts are brothers, each is a light to the other The arts should not be con- agree, for the law is costly It is expen- sidered as separate entities but as parts sive to settle disputes in court because of of one whole, each complementing and the legal costs involved: “Come, agree, leading to a better understanding and agree; the law’s costly” (Jonathan Swift, appreciation of the others: Looking at a A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious great painting can move me in the same way Conversation, 1738). The proverb was fi rst as listening to a fi ne piece of music—they say recorded in 1605 by William Camden in all arts are brothers. The proverb was fi rst Remains Concerning Britain. recorded in 1847.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 4 1/29/07 5:12:15 PM all is grist that comes to the mill

Variant of this proverb: all arts are all good things come in threes See one, all branches on one tree. things come in threes.

all bad things come in threes See all good things come to those who things come in threes. wait See all things come to those who wait. all cats are gray in the dark People have no distinguishing features, and their all good things must come to an appearance becomes unimportant, in the end Nothing lasts forever; often said dark; sometimes used with reference to resignedly when a pleasant experience a person’s choice of sexual partner: “You or sequence of events fi nally ends: We forgot that all cats are grey in the dark and had had a wonderful vacation, but all good so are uniformed policemen” (Jonathan things must come to an end. The proverb Ross, Dark Blue and Dangerous, 1981). The was fi rst recorded c. 1440: “Ye wote wele proverb was fi rst recorded in this form of all thing moste be an ende” (Partonope in 1596. It was used with sexual con- of Blois). The word good was probably notations in a letter written by Benjamin not added until the 19th or early 20th Franklin in 1745: “And as in the dark all century. Cats are grey, the Pleasure of corporal Enjoyment with an old Woman is at least all is fi sh that comes to the net Anything equal, and frequently superior.” that comes along is accepted and turned to Variants of this proverb: all cats are advantage: “I don’t know that she cares for black at night; at night all cats are gray. one more than the other. There are a couple of young Air Force chaps too. I fancy all chiefs and no Indians See too many all’s fi sh that comes to her net at present” chiefs and not enough indians. (Agatha Christie, Murder in Mesopotamia, 1936). First recorded c. 1520, the proverb all commend patience, but none can is sometimes applied to a particular person endure to suffer It is far easier to tell by substituting my, his, her, and so on for the, somebody else to be patient than to be as in this example. patient yourself: She said I should wait and Proverb expressing similar meaning: see, but it was diffi cult to take her advice—all all is grist that comes to the mill. commend patience, but none can endure to suffer. The proverb was fi rst recorded in all is grist that comes to the mill Every- 1948 in a U.S. proverb collection. thing, no matter how small or unpromising, can be put to use: She carried a notebook all fi sh are not caught with fl ies In and pencil with her wherever she went—for a some circumstances different methods writer, all is grist that comes to the mill. The must be employed to achieve a desired proverb was fi rst recorded, with slightly end: The old man grinned and said something different wording, in 1655. It also occurs about all fi sh not being caught with fl ies. The with my, his, her, and so on in place of the proverb was fi rst recorded in 1580 by and in the fi gurative phrase grist to the mill, John Lyly in Euphues and his England. as in Charles Dickens’s novel A Tale of Two

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 5 1/29/07 5:12:16 PM all is not gold that glitters

Cities (1859): “The clearance was effected or to come to the same conclusion: “All at last; the Stryver arrears were hand- roads lead to Rome: and even animal somely fetched up; everything was got individuality throws a ray on human prob- rid of until November should come with lems” (J. S. Huxley, The Individual in its fogs atmospheric, and fogs legal, and the Animal Kingdom, 1912). The proverb bring grist to the mill again.” Grist is grain was ﬁ rst recorded, with different word- brought to a mill to be ground. ing, in Chaucer’s Prologue to Astrolabe (c. Variant of this proverb: it’s all grist 1391). Compare the medieval Latin prov- for the mill. erb “Mille vie ducunt hominem per secula Proverb expressing similar meaning: Romam [A thousand roads lead man for- all is fish that comes to the net. ever toward Rome].” In modern use other place-names are sometimes substituted all is not gold that glitters See all that for Rome. glitters is not gold. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: there are more ways of killing all lay loads on the willing horse See a cat than choking it with cream; the willing horse carries the load. there’s more than one way to skin a cat. all men are created equal No person is born superior or inferior to another, all’s fair in love and war Any action, so all should have equal rights: “Colonel however mean or unscrupulous, is per- Cathcart was infused with the democratic missible in certain situations; often used spirit: he believed that all men were cre- to justify cheating or deception: “‘You ated equal, and therefore spurned all men opened the letter!’ . . . ‘How was I to read outside Group Headquarters with equal it if I hadn’t? All’s . . . fair in love and war, fervor” (Joseph Heller, Catch-22, 1955). you know’” (Francis Edward Smedley, The proverb comes from the Declara- Frank Fairleigh, 1850). The proverb was tion of Independence (1776), in which ﬁ rst recorded, with different wording, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “We hold these in 1620. In modern use an extra word is truths to be self-evident, that all men are often added to or substituted for part of created equal, that they are endowed by the proverb, as in “All’s fair in love—an’ their Creator with certain unalienable war—an’ politics” (George Ade, County Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, Chairman, 1903). and the pursuit of Happiness.” Proverbs expressing similar mean- all’s for the best in the best of all pos- ing: jack’s as good as his master; all sible worlds Everything that happens animals are equal, but some are more does so for a good reason, and things in equal than others. general cannot be any better; generally Proverb expressing opposite mean- used to present an optimistic worldview: ing: equality begins in the grave. “The administrative departments were consuming miles of red tape in the cor- all roads lead to Rome There are many rectest forms of activity, and everything different ways to achieve the same result, was for the best in the best of all possible

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 6 1/29/07 5:12:16 PM all things come to those who wait

worlds” (George Bernard Shaw, The Shew- have to play: “Jackie [Onassis] never lets ing-up of Blanco Posnet, 1911). The proverb down in public. The whole world is a stage is a translation of a line from the French and she’s its leading lady” (New York Post, writer Voltaire’s philosophical tale Candide 1994). The proverb was popularized in (1759). In The Silver Stallion (1926), James this form in Shakespeare’s play AsYou Like It Branch Cabell made the more cynical (2:7): “All the world’s a stage,/And all the observation: “The optimist proclaims that men and women merely players:/They we live in the best of all possible worlds; have their exits and their entrances;/And and the pessimist fears this is true.” one man in his time plays many parts.” Variant of this proverb: the world is a all’s well that ends well Problems and stage and all the people in it actors. misfortunes along the way can be forgotten when everything ends satisfac- all things are easy to industry, all things torily: “When the books were signed diffi cult to sloth Anything can be the vicar congratulated the husband and achieved by those who are prepared to wife on having performed a noble, and work hard: You’ll never fi nd a job if you sit in righteous, and mutually forgiving act. front of the television all day—all things are ‘All’s well that ends well,’ he said smiling” easy to industry, all things diffi cult to sloth. The (Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, 1895). proverb was fi rst recorded in 1734, in Ben- First recorded in this form c. 1530, the jamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. proverb is perhaps best known as the title Variant of this proverb: sloth makes of one of Shakespeare’s plays. all things diffi cult, but industry makes all things easy. all that glitters is not gold People and things are not always as attractive or valu- all things are possible with God Noth- able as they seem: “‘I do wish I hadn’t a ing is impossible to the divine will; often penny in the world, then I should know used more generally to imply that any- who my true friends were.’ ‘Poor little thing might happen: He seemed an unlikely lass! She has found out that all that glitters candidate for the priesthood, but all things is not gold, and the disillusion has begun,’ are possible with God. The proverb is of said the doctor to himself ” (Louisa May biblical origin in its current form: “With Alcott, Rose in Bloom, 1876). The proverb men this is impossible; but with God all occurs in Shakespeare’s play The Merchant things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), but of Venice (2:7) in the form “All that glisters the sentiment it expressed is found much is not gold,” but the sentiment it expresses earlier, in Homer’s Odyssey (c. eighth cen- was fi rst recorded c. 1220. tury b.c.): “with the gods all things can Variant of this proverb: all is not gold be done.” that glitters. Proverb expressing similar meaning: all things come to an end See every- appearances are deceiving. thing has an end.

all the world’s a stage Everybody goes all things come to those who wait If through life acting out the roles that they you are patient, you will have what you

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 7 1/29/07 5:12:16 PM all things will pass

desire: Remember that all things come to those bridesmaid to three of my old schoolfriends— who wait, and don’t be too disappointed if you when will it be my turn to get married? Always miss promotion this time. First recorded in a bridesmaid, never a bride. The proverb was 1530 with different wording, the proverb fi rst recorded in 1882 in E. M. Ingraham’s occurs in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Bond & Free in the form “Always a maiden, Tales of a Wayside Inn (1863): “All things never a wife,” the word maiden meaning come to him who will but wait.” “bridal attendant” in this context. Variants of this proverb: all good Variant of this proverb: three times a things come to those who wait; every- bridesmaid, never a bride. thing comes to those who wait. always in a hurry, always behind When all things will pass See this, too, shall you try to do things too quickly you work pass. less effi ciently and ultimately take longer: Bearing in mind the saying “Always in a hurry, all words are pegs to hang ideas on always behind,” I made an effort to slow down Words are simply tools for the formula- and work more methodically. The proverb tion and communication of ideas: It doesn’t was fi rst recorded in 1948 in a U.S. prov- matter which terminology you use—all words erb collection. are pegs to hang ideas on. The proverb origi- Proverbs expressing similar mean- nated in 1887, in Henry Ward Beecher’s ing: more haste, less speed; haste Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit. makes waste.

all work and no play makes Jack a dull always look on the bright side You boy People who do not make time should always take the optimistic or posi- for leisure activities risk damaging their tive view, especially when things are going health, the quality of their work, or their badly: “I was walking the ridgepole and I personal relationships; often used to jus- fell off. I expect I have sprained my ankle. tify a break from work or to persuade But . . . I might have broken my neck. Let somebody to take one: You’re doing far us look on the bright side of things” (Lucy too much overtime—all work and no play Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, makes Jack a dull boy. The proverb was 1908). The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded ﬁ rst recorded in 1659. It may be applied in 1726, in a sermon by John Wesley. to people of either sex, often with the According to a less well-known saying, person’s name in place of Jack (and girl in “If you try to make some people see the place of boy, if appropriate). bright side, they will complain that it hurts their eyes.” always a bridesmaid, never a bride If Variant of this proverb: look on the you are often asked to be a bridesmaid— bright side, or polish up the dark one. traditionally, three or more times—you will never marry yourself; also used more always something new out of Africa generally as a lament by a young woman Africa is an endless source of novelty and who receives many invitations to be brides- interest: The story just goes to prove that maid but no proposals of marriage: I’ve been there is always something new out of Africa.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 8 1/29/07 5:12:16 PM an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet

The proverb was recorded as early as the recorded in 1957, in D. Erskine’s Pink fourth century b.c. by Aristotle in De Hotel, but may have originated earlier in Anima. It became more familiar in more the 20th century. modern times through the release of the Variant of this proverb: a new day, a ﬁ lm entitled Out of Africa in 1985. new dollar.

always take the bitter with the better any port in a storm In desperate cir- See you have to take the bitter with cumstances people will accept help from the sweet. any source, including those they would normally shun: “‘I have understood that America is a tune: it must be sung there is a little feeling between you and together There is a need for unity and Mr. Hand and the other gentlemen I have harmony among and within the states of mentioned. But . . . I’m in a corner, and America: America is a tune, it must be sung it’s any port in a storm. If you want to together, and we must strive to achieve consen- help me I’ll make the best terms I can, sus on this issue. The proverb is recorded and won’t forget the favor’” (Theodore as a regional expression in the United Dreiser, The Titan, 1914). The proverb States. was fi rst recorded in 1749, in John Cle- land’s Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, better anger improves nothing but the arch of a known as Fanny Hill. cat’s back There is nothing to be gained by losing your temper: It’s no use shouting any publicity is good publicity Even at them when they make a mistake—anger bad publicity draws attention to a person improves nothing but the arch of a cat’s back. or product and may therefore serve a The proverb is recorded as a regional useful purpose: The show was panned in the expression in the United States. popular press, but ticket sales have soared—it seems that any publicity is good publicity! The anger without power is folly It is futile proverb probably originated in the 20th to get angry about things you can do noth- century. ing about: He is in no position to do anything and might as well as calm down: as they say, any stick will serve to beat a dog anger without power is folly. The proverb is with See it’s easy to find a stick to thought to have been ultimately of Ger- beat a dog. man origin. anything worth doing is worth doing another day, another dollar However well See if a thing’s worth doing, hard or tedious paid work may be, at least it’s worth doing well. there is some fi nancial reward; often said with relief at the end of the working day an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though or, more generally, in the hope of a better they be clad in silk or scarlet The true day tomorrow: I get little job satisfaction nature of a person or thing may be hid- from the work, but my philosophy is “Another den by outside appearance but cannot be day, another dollar.” The proverb was fi rst changed: “The naked ape is in danger of

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 9 1/29/07 5:12:16 PM appearances are deceiving

. . . forgetting that beneath the surface appetite comes with eating Desire or gloss he is still very much a primate. (‘An enthusiasm for something often increases ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though as you do it: They say that appetite comes they be clad in silk or scarlet’)” (Desmond with eating, and it seemed that the killer grew Morris, The Naked Ape, 1967). The prov- more hungry for blood after each successive erb is of ancient origin in the form “An murder. The proverb was fi rst recorded ape is an ape, even if it has gold insignia,” in Rabelais’s Gargantua (1534), in the which occurs in the works of the Greek French form “l’appétit vient en mange- writer Lucian (c. 125–c. 200). The word ant.” In Hamlet (1:2), Shakespeare wrote varlet may mean “servant” or “rogue,” and (of Gertrude’s love for Hamlet’s father): silk and scarlet are traditionally worn by “Why, she would hang on him,/As if holders of high offi ce, such as in the legal increase of appetite had grown/By what profession, at whom the proverb is often it fed on.” directed. Variant of this proverb: the appetite Proverb expressing similar meaning: grows on what it feeds on. clothes don’t make the man. Proverb expressing opposite mean- an apple a day keeps the doctor ing: clothes make the man. away Fruit is an important part of a healthy diet: “An apple a day keeps the appearances are deceiving Things are doctor away. But wait! Has the apple not always as they seem, and you can- been treated with Alar?” (Washington Post, not necessarily trust the evidence of 1991). The proverb was fi rst recorded in your eyes: “Ahem—nothing of this, eh, 1866 in the form “Eat an apple on going Selden? As one of the family, I know I to bed,/And you’ll keep the doctor from may count on you—appearances are earning his bread.” deceptive—and Fifth Avenue is so imper- fectly lighted” (Edith Wharton, The House the apple never falls far from the of Mirth, 1905). The proverb was fi rst tree Children resemble their parents in recorded in 1666, in an Italian proverb character and nature: “Forbes has a lively collection, but the sentiment it expresses sense of fun (his motorcycling, balloon- can be found in one of the fables of riding father, Malcolm, certainly had one, Aesop (sixth century b.c.), which also and the apple does not fall far from the gave rise to the fi gurative phrase a wolf in tree)” (Washington Post, 1996). The prov- sheep’s clothing. erb is also sometimes used with reference Variant of this proverb: appearances to children who choose to live close to are deceptive. their parents or their place of birth, as in Proverbs expressing similar meaning: a letter by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1839): all that glitters is not gold; a good “As men say the apple never falls far from horse cannot be of a bad color. the stem, I shall hope that another year Proverbs expressing opposite mean- will draw your eyes and steps to this old ing: if it looks like a duck, walks like dear odious haunt of the race.” Compare a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s a the 16th-century German proverb “Der duck; what you see is what you get. Apfel fellt nicht gerne weit vom Baume [The

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 10 1/29/07 5:12:16 PM April showers bring May ﬂ owers

apple does not usually fall far from the months setting up the project, but April showers tree].” bring May fl owers, and we’re optimistic about the Variant of this proverb: an apple future. First recorded c. 1560, with different doesn’t roll far from the tree. wording, the proverb is often used with its Proverbs expressing similar mean- literal meaning as one of the many sayings ing: like father, like son; like mother, quoted by amateur weather forecasters. like daughter. Variant of this proverb: March winds and April showers always bring April showers bring May fl owers Some- May fl owers. thing unpleasant often leads to something Proverb expressing similar meaning: moreååååå desirable: We have had a diffi cult few every cloud has a silver lining. ARABIAN PROVERBS Arabic culture places great importance upon the qualities of courage and honor, and this is refl ected in numerous proverbs of Arabian origin. Others are clearly rooted in the desolate desert wastes in which that culture evolved.

Better a thousand enemies outside the tent than one within Better to be a free dog than a caged lion Death rides a fast camel Don’t pour away your water on the strength of a mirage Fate loves a rebel A good deed dies when it is spoken about He who has been bitten by a snake is scared of a rope on the ground If we are both masters, then who shall lead the mules? It is better to cut off the head that has no pride It is not the bullet that kills you, it is fate Kiss the hand of your enemy if you cannot chop it off Men fear, but time fears the pyramids The monkey looks into the mirror and sees a gazelle A mule can go to Mecca, but it will not come back as a pilgrim Never trust a fool with a sword Peace is only possible after war Talent without skill is like a desert without an oasis A thousand curses never tore a shirt Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel Two scorpions living in the same hole will get along better than two sisters in the same house Whoever knew you when you were small will not respect you when you are big You know a man by the sweat of his brow and the strength of his word

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 11 1/29/07 5:12:17 PM an army marches on its stomach

an army marches on its stomach You infl uence: We should remember that art is must eat well if you want to work effec- power, and treat our young artists accordingly. tively or achieve great things: “‘We should The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1839, go,’ one of the sergeants said, eating his in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s prose cheese and drinking a cup of wine. . . . romance Hyperion. ‘An army travels on its stomach,’ I said” (Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, the art of being a parent consists of 1929). The proverb has been attributed sleeping when the baby isn’t looking The to Frederick the Great (1712–86) and parents of a young baby must take what- Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821). ever opportunity they can to catch up Variant of this proverb: an army trav- on lost sleep; a facetious comment on els on its stomach. parenthood, implying that babies delight in keeping their parents awake: Jack’s art consists in concealing art See the fi rst child was born three weeks ago, and he’s best art conceals art. been coming to work with dark rings under his eyes—I had to remind him that the art art is long and life is short Works of of being a parent consists of sleeping while art are far more enduring than human the baby isn’t looking! This proverb is lives: He used the works of the great artists of recorded as a regional expression in the the Italian Renaissance to illustrate the saying United States. “Art is long and life is short.” The proverb originated in the writings of the Greek as a tree falls, so shall it lie People physician Hippocrates (fourth century should not attempt to change their beliefs b.c.), where it was used with the mean- or opinions just because they are about ing that life is too short to become fully to die: “She sent a message . . . to the old versed in an art, specifi cally the profession father to come and see her before she of medicine. Chaucer translated this c. died. . . . His answer was, ‘As a tree falls 1380 as “The lyf so short, the craft so long so shall it lie’” (W. H. Hudson, Traveller to lerne.” The proverb is still sometimes in Little Things, 1921). The proverb is of used with its ancient interpretation, as in biblical origin: “in the place where the Charles Dickens’s novel Martin Chuzzlewit tree falleth, there it shall be” (Ecclesiastes (1843–44): “This . . . is my chamber. I 11:3). It was fi rst recorded in its current read here when the family suppose I have form in a proverb collection of 1678. retired to rest. Sometimes I injure my Variant of this proverb: where the health rather more than I can quite justify tree falls, there it shall lie. to myself, by doing so; but art is long and time is short.” The proverb is also quoted as good be an addled egg as an idle in the Latin form “Ars longa, vita brevis.” bird Somebody who tries and fails has Proverb expressing similar meaning: achieved no less than somebody who the day is short and the work is long. does nothing at all; used as a reprimand for idleness or inaction: You could at least art is power The arts, and those who go out and try to fi x the gate—as good be work with them, are powerful agents of an addled egg as an idle bird. The proverb

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 12 1/29/07 5:12:17 PM as many men, as many opinions

was ﬁ rst recorded in 1578: “If I had not relatively recent; in earlier versions other bene gathered from the tree in the budde, words (such as foolish or strange) were I should beeing blowne haue proued a used in place of silly. blast, and as good as it is to bee an addle Variant of this proverb: silly ques- egge as an idle bird” (John Lyly, Euphues). tion, silly answer.

as is the father, so is the son See like ask me no questions and I’ll tell you father, like son. no lies It is better not to ask questions that somebody is likely to be unwilling as is the mother, so is the daughter See to answer truthfully; used in response to like mother, like daughter. such a question or simply to discourage an inquisitive person: “—Did she fall or was ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, she pushed? he asked her. She answered, and ye shall ﬁ nd; knock, and it shall be slighting:—Ask no questions and you’ll opened unto you If you want some- hear no lies” (James Joyce, Ulysses, 1922). thing, take positive action to get it: Ask, The proverb originated in 1773, in Oliver and it shall be given you—don’t just sit there Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer: “Ask me hoping that something will turn up. The no questions and I’ll tell you no ﬁ bs.” proverb is of biblical origin, from Mat- Variant of this proverb: ask no ques- thew 7:7. tions and hear no lies. Variant of this proverb: them as asks, Proverb expressing similar meaning: gits; them as don’t ask, don’t git. curiosity killed the cat.

ask advice, but use your own common as Maine goes, so goes the nation The sense It is wise to ask for the advice of members of a large group will follow the others when you need it, but foolish to lead of an inﬂ uential part of the group: follow that advice if your common sense They are worried that this crisis in the com- suggests otherwise: Everybody says I should puter industry may be just the beginning—as resign, but I think this is a bit rash—my Maine goes, so goes the nation. The proverb policy is “Ask advice, but use your own com- originated in the late 19th or early 20th mon sense.” centuries, referring to state elections in Maine that were thought to predict how ask a silly question and you get a silly the subsequent national elections would answer If you ask a question that cannot go. Other words or place-names are some- be answered, or to which the answer is times substituted for Maine and nation, as obvious, you are likely to receive a face- in Crain’s NewYork Business (1994): “As Wall tious or nonsensical reply: I asked her what Street goes, so goes the New York ofﬁ ce time I should expect her and she said, “When I market.” arrive.” Ask a silly question and you get a silly Variant of this proverb: so goes answer! The proverb is based on a biblical Maine, so goes the nation. quotation, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own con- as many men, as many opinions See so ceit” (Proverbs 26:5). Its current form is many men, so many opinions.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 13 1/29/07 5:12:17 PM as the day lengthens, so the cold strengthens

as the day lengthens, so the cold strength- against him—as you brew, so shall you drink. ens The coldest part of the winter often The proverb occurs in a collection of occurs in the period following the short- 13th-century poetry in the form “Let him est day, as the hours of daylight begin to habbe [have] as he brew, bale [misery] to grow longer: We usually get our worst frosts in dryng [drink].” From the 16th century January and February, proving the old saying “As onward the variant form became more the day lengthens, so the cold strengthens.” The frequent. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1631: “The Variant of this proverb: as you brew, New Year now begun, as the Days began to so shall you bake. lengthen, so the Cold began to strengthen” Proverb expressing similar meaning: (E. Pellham, God’s Power). as you make your bed, so you must lie in it. as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined A child’s early education and as you make your bed, so you must lie in training are of great importance in deter- it You must put up with the unpleasant mining the way he or she will grow up: It results of a foolish action or decision: We is never too soon to teach your children right disapprove of the young man our daughter is from wrong—as the twig is bent, so is the tree living with, and I told her not to come running inclined. The proverb originated in 1732, home to us if he treats her badly. “As you make in Alexander Pope’s Epistles to Several Per- your bed, so you must lie in it,” I said. The sons: “’Tis Education forms the common proverb was fi rst recorded, with differ- mind,/Just as the Twig is bent, the Tree’s ent wording, c. 1590. A similar proverb inclined.” was recorded in French a century earlier: Variant of this proverb: as the twig is “Comme on faict son lict, on le treuve [As one bent, the child will grow. makes one’s bed, so one fi nds it].” Proverb expressing opposite mean- Variant of this proverb: you’ve made ing: nature passes nurture. your bed, now lie in it. Proverb expressing similar meaning: as you bake, so shall you brew The as you brew, so shall you drink. way you begin determines whether you will do badly or well: As you bake, so shall as you sow, so shall you reap The way you brew, and if you had worked harder at you behave—badly or well—determines college you would have got a better job at the what will happen to you in the future: Her end of it. The proverb was fi rst recorded article offended a lot of important people, and c. 1577: “As thou bakst, so shat brewe” now she fi nds herself ostracized—as you sow, so (Misogonus). shall you reap. The proverb is of biblical ori- Proverb expressing similar meaning: gin: “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall as you sow, so shall you reap. he also reap. For he that soweth to his fl esh shall of the fl esh reap corruption; but he as you brew, so shall you drink People that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit have to face the consequences of their reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7–8). actions: He built up his business by exploit- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ing his workforce, and now they have turned as you bake, so shall you brew.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 14 1/29/07 5:12:17 PM away goes the devil when he ﬁ nds the door shut against him

at night all cats are gray See all cats Proverb expressing opposite mean- are gray in the dark. ing: there’s a remedy for everything except death. attack is the best form of defense See the best defense is a good offense. away goes the devil when he fi nds the door shut against him Evil will never avoidance is the only remedy Some- triumph if all temptations are rejected: times the only solution to a problem is to The old lady prevented her daughter receiving avoid it in the fi rst place: As we have no cure male visitors, fi rmly believing that the devil for the disease, avoidance is the only remedy. goes away when he fi nds the door shut against The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1380 by him. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Geoffrey Chaucer in Minor Poems. 1659 by James Howell in Paroemiographia.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 15 1/29/07 5:12:18 PM ååå b å

the back door robs the house See a lation of coins made of low-value metal postern door makes a thief. caused people to hoard those made of precious metal and thus remove them a bad excuse is better than none It from circulation. Although Gresham may is better to give a poor or implausible not have originated the idea, the principle excuse—which may, in fact, be believed— was formulated as a theory and named in than to have no explanation or justifi cation his honor by the Scottish economist H. D. at all: On the basis that a bad excuse is better MacLeod in 1858. The proverb was fi rst than none, I told him that I had accidentally put recorded in its current form in 1902 in my essay in the mailbox. The proverb was fi rst The New English Dictionary. recorded in 1551: “This is as thei saie in English, better a badde excuse, then none at bad news always comes too soon See all” (Thomas Wilson, The Rule of Reason). he comes too early who brings bad Variant of this proverb: a poor excuse news. is better than none. bad news travels fast Bad news, or a bad husband makes a bad wife See a unfavorable gossip, tends to be dissemi- good husband makes a good wife. nated far more quickly than good news, the implication being that people delight bad money drives out good The exis- in talking or hearing about the misfor- tence or availability of something infe- tunes of others: I know bad news travels fast, rior or worthless—whether it be money, but I had only just got home from work when music, literature, or whatever—has a my sister phoned to ask if it was true that I had tendency to make things of better qual- been fi red. The proverb was fi rst recorded ity or greater value more scarce: “bad in 1592 (“Euill newes fl ie faster still than politics tends to drive out good politics good” [Thomas Kyd, Spanish Tragedy]) but just as bad money drives out good money” is probably of ancient origin. (Aldous Huxley, letter dated November Variant of this proverb: ill news 18, 1933). Known as Gresham’s Law, comes apace. this principle was suggested by the Eng- lish fi nancier Sir Thomas Gresham (c. a bad penny always turns up Undesir- 1519–79), who observed that the circu- able people will always return; often used

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 16 1/29/07 5:12:18 PM bear and forbear

when somebody who has left in disgrace 13th century, the proverb features in a reappears after a long absence: I hear her popular 20th-century joke about a man ex-husband’s back in town—a bad penny who is reluctant to enter premises where always turns up. First recorded in 1766 a dog is barking loudly. On being assured as a simile, in a letter written by Abigail that “A barking never bites,” he replies, “I Adams, it subsequently occurred in Sir know that and you know that, but does Walter Scott’s Redgauntlet (1824) in the the dog know that?” form “the bad shilling is sure enough to Variants of this proverb: dogs that come back again.” bark don’t always bite; barking dogs sel- Variant of this proverb: a bad penny dom bite. always comes back. a bawling cow soon forgets her own a bad workman quarrels with his calf See a bellowing cow soon for- tools Workers who lack skill or com- gets her calf. petence blame their tools or equipment when things go wrong: He apologized for a bayonet is a weapon with a worker the rough edges on some of the panels, say- at each end The weapons of war are ing that his saw was blunt—a bad workman used by ordinary people against ordinary always quarrels with his tools. The proverb people: Although I knew I was fi ghting the was fi rst recorded in English, with dif- enemies of my country, my conscience kept ferent wording, in 1611. However, the reminding me of the saying that a bayonet French had a similar proverb in the late is a weapon with a worker at each end. The 13th century: “Mauvés ovriers ne trovera ja proverb originated in 1940 as a British bon hostill [A bad workman will never fi nd pacifi st slogan. a good tool].” The U.S. writer Ambrose Bierce parodied the proverb in his Devil’s bear and forbear Patience, tolerance, Dictionary (1911): “A bad workman quar- endurance, and forgiveness are valuable rels with the man who calls him that.” qualities in all walks of life: “‘Davie, ye’ll Variant of this proverb: a bad work- have to try and forgive me.’ ‘O man, let’s man blames his tools. say no more about it! . . . We’re neither one of us to mend the other—that’s the a barking dog never bites People who truth! We must just bear and forbear’” make the most or the loudest threats (Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped, are the least likely to take action: “‘De 1886). First recorded in this form in la poigne et des formes,’ cried the stout 1573, the proverb is probably of ancient general, ‘de la poigne surtout.’ And to origin: the Greek philosopher Epictetus translate into Russian; be civil, but don’t (fi rst century a.d.) wrote “be patient and spare your fi sts.” “‘Ah, you’re a ras- endure.” In its early use the proverb was cal, an incorrigible rascal,’ interposed often put forward as a formula for harmo- the condescending general. ‘Mesdames, nious married life. don’t listen to him, please. A barking dog Variant of this proverb: you must does not bite’” (Ivan Turgenev, Smoke, take two bears to live with you—bear 1867). First recorded in French in the and forbear.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 17 1/29/07 5:12:18 PM beauty and honesty seldom agree

beauty and honesty seldom agree It is beauty is in the eye of the beholder The rare for a person to be both good-looking perception of beauty is subjective, and and honest: “Beawtie and honesty seldome not everybody fi nds the same people or agree, for of beautie comes temptation, of things attractive: “‘Answer, O my Gul- temptation dishonour (John Florio, Sec- Bahar, more beautiful growing as the ond Frutes, 1591). The proverb was fi rst days multiply!’ ‘Thou fl atterer! Do I not recorded in 1580 by John Lyly in Euphues know beauty is altogether in the eye of and his England. the beholder, and that all persons do not Proverb expressing similar meaning: see alike?’” (Lewis Wallace, Prince of India, beauty is only skin deep. 1893). The proverb was fi rst recorded in Proverb expressing opposite mean- this form in the late 18th century, but the ing: beauty is truth, truth beauty. sentiment it expresses is of much earlier origin. Compare Theocritus (c. 308–c. beauty draws with a single hair A beau- 240 b.c.), “in the eyes of love that which is tiful woman has great powers of attraction: not beautiful often seems beautiful.” “Fair tresses man’s imperial race insnare,/ And beauty draws us with a single hair” beauty is no inheritance Good looks (Alexander Pope, The Rape of the Lock, are not necessarily passed on from gen- 1714). The proverb was fi rst recorded in eration to generation: It took only one look 1591, in John Florio’s Second Fruits: “Ten at mother and daughter to confi rm the truth teems of oxen draw much less,/Than behind the saying “beauty is no inheritance.” doth one haire of Helens tresse.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1633 Variant of this proverb: beauty draws by T. Draxe in Bibliotheca Scholastica, in the more than oxen. variant form “beauty is no heritage.” Proverbs expressing opposite mean- beauty is a good letter of introduc- ing: like father, like son; like mother, tion Beautiful people make a better like daughter. fi rst impression on strangers than ugly people do: She doesn’t know anybody in beauty is only skin deep Beauty is only the town, but if it’s true that beauty is a a superfi cial quality, and may conceal an good letter of introduction, then she’ll have unpleasant character or nature: He was one no diffi culty making friends. This proverb of the many men who forget that beauty is only is recorded as a regional expression in skin deep and fi nd themselves fi ling for divorce the USA. after a couple of years of marriage. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1613. In 1960 beauty is but a blossom Good looks do Jean Kerr wrote, in The Snake Has All the not last: “As there is no true cuckold but Lines, “I’m tired of all this nonsense about calamity, so beauty’s a fl ower” (William beauty being only skin deep. That’s deep Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, 1:5). The prov- enough. What do you want—an adorable erb was fi rst recorded in 1616 by T. Draxe pancreas?” in Bibliotheca Scholastica. Variant of this proverb: beauty is Proverb expressing opposite mean- only skin deep, but goodness goes to the ing: a thing of beauty is a joy forever. bone.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 18 1/29/07 5:12:18 PM believe only half of what you see and nothing you hear

Proverb expressing similar meaning: during the relatively short period that it beauty and honesty seldom agree. lasts: My philosophy is “Be happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time dead,” and I try beauty is truth, truth beauty The not to let things get me down. The origin of qualities of beauty and truth are, or this proverb is the Scottish motto for a should be, inseparable and interlinked; house: “Be happy while y’er leevin,/For often used when real life falls short of y’er a lang time deid.” this ideal: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,” but there is nothing beautiful about the behind every great man is a great woman truths that have been exposed in this sordid Important or successful men often owe affair. The proverb originated in 1819, in their status or success to the support of a John Keats’s poem Ode on a Grecian Urn: female partner or colleague: They say that “‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty,’—that is behind every great man there is a great woman, all/Ye know on earth, and all ye need but the new head of the corporation—a con- to know.” ﬁ rmed bachelor—seems to be an exception to that rule. be careful what you wish for: you might get it See don’t wish too hard; you be just before you’re generous You might just get what you wished for. should make sure all your debts are paid and other obligations met before you because a man is born in a stable that start giving money away or living extrava- does not make him a horse See the man gantly: “I owe every farthing of my money. who is born in a stable is not a horse. . . . There’s an old proverb—be just before you’re generous” (Captain Marryat, beggars can’t be choosers We must Peter Simple, 1834). The proverb was ﬁ rst accept with gratitude and without com- recorded in 1745, but with the implication plaint what we are given when we do not that it was already in general use. have the means or opportunity to provide ourselves with something better: “. . . it’s be kind to your friends; if it weren’t for a shame we got to entertain you in such a them, you would be a total stranger You cramped place. And there ain’t any water cannot afford to lose your friends by treat- except that ole iron sink outside in the hall, ing them badly, because without them you but . . . beggars can’t be choosers” (Sinclair would be alone in society: I think you Lewis, Main Street, 1920). First recorded in should invite her to stay with you for a few 1546, the proverb formerly had must not or days—be kind to your friends; if it weren’t for should not in place of can’t. them, you would be a total stranger. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: never look a gift horse in the believe only half of what you see and mouth; when all fruit fails, welcome nothing you hear Do not be too ready haws. to believe all the evidence of your eyes and ears; used as a warning to beware of be happy while you’re living, for you’re false appearances and rumors: “Diplomats a long time dead Make the most of life arriving in Haiti are told to believe ‘noth-

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 19 1/29/07 5:12:18 PM a believer is a songless bird in a cage

ing you hear and only half of what you Variant of this proverb: a bawling see’” (New York Times, 1994). The proverb cow soon forgets her own calf. was fi rst recorded in 1845, but the sentiment it expresses dates from c. 1300 or be longing See an idle youth, a needy earlier. The verb read is sometimes substi- age. tuted for see or hear. Variant of this proverb: believe noth- be nice to people on your way up ing of what you hear, and only half of what because you’ll meet them on your way you see. down Try to avoid making enemies as you rise in your chosen career, because a believer is a songless bird in a you may need the help of the same people cage Religious belief restricts a per- if you fi nd yourself descending through son’s freedom of action and expression: the ranks again: “The man whose posture When asked why she never went to church, my is servile in the presence of his superiors aunt would always reply with the saying “A and rude or off-hand with his subordi- believer is a songless bird in a cage.” The prov- nates has forgotten the old chestnut ‘Be erb originated in a speech made in 1873 nice to the little man on your way up, by the U.S. lawyer, orator, and agnostic you might meet him on your way down’” Robert Green Ingersoll. (Milla Alihan, Corporate Etiquette, 1974). Of U.S. origin, the proverb is believed believing has a core of unbelieving Be- to have been coined by either Wilson lief and unbelief are closely related, and Mizner (1876–1933) or Jimmy Durante sometimes you need to start from a posi- (1893–1980). tion of skepticism to arrive at the truth: Believing has a core of unbelieving, and they be not idle and you shall not be eventually accepted what had fi rst appeared to longing See an idle youth, a needy be an incredible explanation of the phenom- age. enon. The proverb originated in Robert Buchanan’s Songs of Seeking (c. 1866). the best art conceals art Artistic excellence lies in making something that is a bellowing cow soon forgets her subtle or intricate in construction appear calf The loudest laments or complaints simple and streamlined: “In oratory the are often the fi rst to subside; used spe- greatest art is to hide art” (Jonathan Swift, cifi cally of those whose mourning seems Faculty of Mind, 1707). The proverb was excessive: “When a woman, newly wid- fi rst recorded in English c. 1583, with dif- owed, had tried to throw herself into her ferent wording, but is obviously of earlier husband’s grave . . . someone . . . said origin. It also exists in the Latin form “Ars . . . ‘Ah, you wait. The bellowing cow’s est celare artem.” always the fi rst to forget its calf’” (Flora Variant of this proverb: art consists Thompson, Lark Rise to Candleford, 1945). in concealing art. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1895, but with the implication that it had long the best defense is a good offense You been in regional use. are more likely to win if you take the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 20 1/29/07 5:12:18 PM the best of friends must part

initiative and make an attack rather than (London Times, 1981). First recorded in preparing to defend yourself; used in English in 1861, the proverb may be of sport, politics, business, and the like: “The French, Italian, or Spanish origin. reigning corporate strategy these days is Proverbs expressing opposite mean- that the best defense is a good offense” ing: the good is the enemy of the best; (Washington Post, 1997). The proverb was if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth fi rst recorded in the late 18th century, and doing well. the sentiment it expresses is found in the writings of George Washington (1799): the best is yet to be No matter how “Make them believe, that offensive opera- good or bad the present may seem, some- tions, often times, is the surest . . . means thing better lies ahead in the future: Long- of defense.” term economic forecasts suggest that the best is Variant of this proverb: attack is the yet to be. The proverb originated in 1864, best form of defense. in Robert Browning’s poem Rabbi Ben Ezra: “Grow old along with me!/The best the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, is yet to be,/The last of life, for which and Dr. Merryman The best recipe for the fi rst was made:/Our times are in His good health consists of eating and drink- hand.” ing sensibly and having plenty of rest and Proverb expressing opposite mean- recreation: Many modern ills are caused by ing: the worst is yet to come. the junk food we eat and the hectic pace of our working lives. We should follow the advice of our the best-laid schemes of mice and men great-grandparents, who believed that the best gang aft a-gley There is always the doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Mer- possibility that things will go wrong, ryman. The proverb was fi rst recorded in no matter how carefully you make your 1558. “I should not staye my selfe vpon the plans: I thought I had everything organized opinion of any one phisicion, but rather for the party, but the best-laid schemes of vpon three. . . . The fi rst was called doctor mice and men gang aft a-gley—the cater- diet, the seconde doctor quiet, the thirde ers delivered the food to the wrong address! doctor mery man” (W. Bullein, Government The proverb comes from Robert Burns’s of Health). poem To a Mouse (1786). The Scottish Variant of this proverb: the three phrase gang aft a-gley means “often go doctors Diet, Quiet, and Temperance are awry.” In general use, the proverb is the best physicians. often shortened, and plans may be sub- Proverb expressing similar meaning: stituted for schemes. diet cures more than doctors. Variant of this proverb: the best-laid schemes of mice and men oft go astray. the best is the enemy of the good By constantly striving for the best we risk the best of friends must part Friends destroying, or failing to produce, some- cannot always be together, and not all thing good: “To maintain that all that a friendships last a lifetime: “‘Aren’t there school provides must be provided free going to be any more lessons?’ . . . ‘The makes the best the enemy of the good” best of friends must part’” (William

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 21 1/29/07 5:12:19 PM the best of men are but men at best

Golding, Darkness Visible, 1979). The prov- general use. Other words and phrases may erb was fi rst recorded in 1611, but a simi- be substituted for the best things, including lar sentiment was expressed by Chaucer diamonds and dynamite. in Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1385). It features Variant of this proverb: good things in the traditional song “There is a Tavern come in small packages. in the Town”: “Fare thee well, for I must Proverb expressing similar meaning: leave thee,/Do not let this parting grieve small is beautiful. thee,/And remember that the best of Proverb expressing opposite mean- friends must part.” ing: the larger the body, the bigger Variant of this proverb: even the best the heart. of friends must part. the best things in life are free The the best of men are but men at most rewarding or satisfying experiences best Even the greatest people have their in life are often those that cost nothing; failings and limitations: Although it is said also used of the wonders of nature or that the best of men are but men at best, the of abstract qualities such as health and nation has a right to expect greater integrity friendship: The best things in life are free, and from its head of state. The proverb was what could be better than a brisk walk across fi rst recorded in John Aubrey’s Brief Lives the hill on a sunny winter’s morning? The (1877), as a saying of General John Lam- proverb originated in 1927 as the title bert (1619–84). of a song, which contains the following Variant of this proverb: the best of lines: “The moon belongs to everyone,/ men are but men after all. The best things in life are free,/The stars belong to everyone,/They gleam there the best place for criticism is in front of for you and me.” your mirror Before you criticize others, Proverb expressing similar meaning: you should fi rst take a close look at your- money isn’t everything. self: If she starts harping on again about the faults of her sister, I shall be tempted to remind the best way to get even is to forget It her that the best place for criticism is in front can be more effective to suggest an insult of your own mirror. or injury has had no lasting impact than Proverb expressing similar meaning: it would be to retaliate: “She thought the pot calls the kettle black. about writing him a dismissive letter about disloyalty, but then remembered the best things come in small packages that the best way to get even is to forget.” Size has no bearing on quality, and a small Though a relatively recent introduction in container may hold something of great this form, similar sentiments have been value; often said by or to a short person: expressed for centuries. When teased about her height, she would Variant of this proverb: to forget a always reply, “The best things come in small wrong is the best revenge. packages.” The proverb was fi rst recorded Proverb expressing opposite mean- in 1877 in a letter by B. Farjeon, but ing: neglect will kill an injury with the implication that it was already in sooner than revenge.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 22 1/29/07 5:12:19 PM better be an old man’s darling than a young man’s slave

be the day weary or be the day long, at stalled ox where hate is’” (J. Drummond, last it ringeth to evensong No matter I Saw Him Die, 1979). The proverb is of how tiring or stressful a day you are having, biblical origin: “Better is a dinner of herbs you can console yourself with the fact that where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred it will eventually be over; also used more therewith” (Proverbs 15:17). generally to recommend perseverance or endurance in a trying situation: Whenever better a good cow than a cow of a good she felt things were getting me down, my mother kind A person’s character is of more would remind me that “be the day weary or be importance than his or her family back- the day long, at last it ringeth to evensong.” The ground: He was afraid his parents might be proverb was fi rst recorded in 1509. “For disappointed in his fi ancée, an ordinary girl thoughe the day, be neuer so longe, At last who had worked to support her unemployed the belles ryngeth to euensonge” (Stephen parents since her mid-teens, but his mother Hawes, Pastime of Pleasure). later voiced her approval—in private—with Proverbs expressing similar mean- the remark, “Better a good cow than a cow of a ing: it’s a long road that has no good kind.” The proverb was fi rst recorded turning; the longest day must have in 1922, but with the implication that it an end. was already in general use. Proverb expressing similar meaning: better a big fi sh in a little pond than a lit- kind hearts are more than coronets. tle fi sh in a big pond It is better to have a position of importance in a small organi- better a little fi re to warm us than a big zation than to be an unimportant member one to burn us Sometimes it is more of a large group: She turned down the offer of desirable to have only a small amount of a job with one of the largest multinationals in something: We must not be too dissatisfi ed the industry, on the basis that it is better to be a with the size of our inheritance—better a little big fi sh in a little pond than a little fi sh in a big fi re to warm us than a big one to burn us. The pond. The proverb is recorded as a regional proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1510. “Then expression in the United States. better is small fi re one easyly to warme Variant of this proverb: better a big Then is a great fi re to do one hurt or fi sh in a little puddle than a little fi sh in a harme” (Alexander Barclay, Eclogues). big puddle. Proverb expressing similar meaning: better be an old man’s darling than a better be the head of a dog than the young man’s slave It is better to marry tail of a lion. an older man who will cherish you than to choose a younger husband who may treat better a dinner of herbs where love is you badly: “Let defeated rivals snarling,/ than a stalled ox where hate is It is Talk of one foot in the grave,/Better be an better to be poor or dine badly in a loving old man’s darling,/Than become a young environment than to eat well or have a man’s slave” (James Robinson Planché, wealthy lifestyle in an atmosphere of dis- Love and Fortune, 1859). The proverb was cord or hatred: “Lunch was a silent affair. fi rst recorded in 1546, but with the impli- . . . I said, ‘Better a dinner of herbs than a cation that it was of much earlier origin.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 23 1/29/07 5:12:19 PM better be dead than out of fashion

At this time it had the rhyming words der- better be out of the world than out of lyng in place of darling and werlyng (mean- the fashion Some people are so intent ing “object of scorn”) in place of slave. on following fashion that it seems they Variant of this proverb: better be would rather die than do otherwise; also a poor man’s darling than a rich man’s used with the implication that something slave. that is not fashionable might as well not exist: “Women seem seldom hindered by better be dead than out of fashion See lack of money when it is a case of follow- better be out of the world than out my-leader. ‘Better be out of the world of the fashion. than out of the fashion’” (E. F. Maitland, From Window in Chelsea, 1903). The prov- better be envied than pitied It is pref- erb was fi rst recorded in 1639. erable to have possessions or attributes Variant of this proverb: better be that arouse envy in others than to be dead than out of fashion. pitied for having little or nothing: I was aware that my good fortune might provoke better be the head of a dog than the tail resentment among my friends, but “Better be of a lion It is preferable to lead a rela- envied than pitied,” I always say. The proverb tively minor group of people than to have was fi rst recorded in English in 1546, but an inferior position in a more important the sentiment it expresses is probably body: “The ancient . . . spirit of English- of ancient Greek origin. Compare Pin- men was once expressed by our proverb, dar (c. 522–443 b.c.), “envy is stronger ‘Better be the head of a dog than the tail of than pity,” and Herodotus (c. 480–c. 425 a lion’; i.e. the fi rst of the yeomanry rather b.c.), “it is better to be envied than to be than the last of the gentry” (Isaac D’Israeli, pitied.” Curiosities of Literature, 1791–1834). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1599. The better be fi rst in a village than second earliest versions of the proverb had fox, at Rome It is better to be in charge in mouse, or lizard in place of dog. a small community or company than it is Variant of this proverb: better be the to be in a secondary position in a larger head of an ass than the tail of a horse. concern: “I should be like Caesar . . . and Proverb expressing similar meaning: choose rather to be the fi rst man of the better a big fish in a little pond than village, than second at Rome” (Abraham a little fish in a big pond. Cowley, Essays, 1668). The proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1542 by Nich- better death than dishonor People olas Udall in Apothegms of Erasmus, but was should be prepared to give up their lives originally a Roman saying, supposedly to avoid dishonor; used specifi cally in quoted by Julius Caesar in relation to his warfare and also more generally, as when post as ruler of Gaul. the collapse of a business seems more Proverbs expressing opposite mean- desirable than a loss of integrity: “‘What ing: the highest branch is not the saf- was the old soldier’s code?’ Cortez asked est roost; uneasy lies the head that himself. ‘Death before dishonor’” (Tom wears the crown. Clancy, Clear and Present Danger, 1989).

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 24 1/29/07 5:12:19 PM better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know

The fi rst recorded reference to the prov- were locked—better safe than sorry. The proverb is in P. Wylie’s Murderer Invisible (1931), erb was fi rst recorded in 1837, in Samuel but it is probably of earlier origin. Lover’s novel Rory O’More, with sure in Variant of this proverb: death before place of safe. dishonor. Proverb expressing similar meaning: it’s better to be on the safe side. better late than never It is better that somebody arrives or something happens better something than nothing See later than expected or desired, than not something is better than nothing. at all: “I’m sick of these disgusting women I’ve spent my life with . . . and I’m rather the better the day, the better the anxious to settle down. A bit late in the deed An action is of greater value day, perhaps, but better late than never” because it is performed on a holy day; (George Orwell, A Clergyman’s Daughter, often used to justify working on Sunday, 1935). First recorded in English c. 1330, Good Friday, or Christmas Day: “The bet- the proverb is probably of ancient Roman ter the day, the better the deed . . . It was origin. The phrase “but better never late” only the Pharisees who objected to any is often added or said in response to the necessary work being done on the Sab- proverb. bath” (J. C. Hutcheson, Crown and Anchor, 1896). The proverb was fi rst recorded in better luck next time Hopefully things English in 1607. A similar proverb was will go better for you next time: “Better recorded in French three centuries ear- luck next time,” said the dealer as he scooped up lier: “A bon jour bone euvre [For a good day, the chips. The proverb was fi rst recorded a good deed].” in 1834 by Captain Frederick Marryat in Jacob Faithful. better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know It is often preferable better one house spoiled than two It to choose or stay with people or things is a good thing for two bad, foolish, or you know, despite their faults, than to otherwise undesirable people to become risk replacing them with somebody or husband and wife and thus avoid caus- something new but possibly less desir- ing trouble in two separate marriages: I able: She was surprised that I was using the was pleased to hear that our neighbor’s awful same builders again, after the problems I’d son is marrying that dreadful girl from the had with them last time, but better the devil fl orist’s—better one house spoiled than two! you know than the devil you don’t know. The The proverb was fi rst recorded, with dif- proverb was fi rst recorded in this form ferent wording, in 1586. in 1857, in Anthony Trollope’s novel Barchester Towers: “‘Better the d— you better safe than sorry It is wiser to know than the d— you don’t know,’ is take precautions—even if they seem an old saying . . . but the bishop had not unnecessary or excessive—than to risk yet realised the truth of it.” Compare disaster: I went around the building one last the ancient Latin proverb “nota res mala, time to check that all the doors and windows optima [an evil thing known is best].”

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 25 1/29/07 5:12:19 PM better three hours too soon than a minute too late

better three hours too soon than a beware of an oak, it draws the stroke; minute too late See it’s better to be avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; creep an hour too early than a minute too under the thorn, it can save you from late. harm It is dangerous to shelter from lightning under the oak, ash, or other better to wear out than to rust out It is trees: At the fi rst sound of thunder I made for better to be exhausted by hard work than the shelter of the hut, remembering my mother’s to remain idle; used by people accused of warning: “Beware of an oak, it draws the stroke; working too hard, especially old people avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash.” This is a who choose to remain active: Our gardener piece of ancient folklore that was fi rst is in his eighties but has no plans to retire just recorded in 1878. yet—“Better to wear out than to rust out,” he says. The proverb was fi rst recorded beware of Greeks bearing gifts It is in this form in 1820, but the sentiment wise to be suspicious of offers or friendly it expresses is of much earlier origin. In gestures made by enemies or opponents: Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 2 (1:2), Remembering the saying “Beware of Greeks Sir John Falstaff presents the opposite bearing gifts,” I decided to reject the invita- viewpoint: “I were better to be eaten to tion of my professional rival, even at the risk death with a rust than to be scoured to of offending him. The proverb comes from nothing with perpetual motion.” Virgil’s Aeneid (fi rst century b.c.), “timeo Danaos, et dona ferentes [I fear the Greeks, between two stools one falls to the even when bringing gifts],” a warning ground Failure to choose between alter- given to the Trojans when a large wooden native courses of action, or to align your- horse (fi lled with Greek soldiers) was self with one of two opposing groups, delivered to the gates of their city. An may lead to disastrous consequences: You early reference to the proverb in English must make up your mind which job to accept, occurs in Anthony Trollope’s novel Phineas or they will both go to other people—between Redux (1873): “He would remind the two stools one falls to the ground. The proverb right honourable gentleman that presents was fi rst recorded in 1390, with different from Greeks had ever been considered wording, a version c. 1530 being closer to dangerous.” the modern form: “Between two stools, Variant of this proverb: fear the the arse goes to ground.” A similar senti- Greeks bearing gifts. ment is expressed in the medieval Latin Proverb expressing opposite mean- proverb “labitur enitens sellis herere duabus ing: never look a gift horse in the [he falls trying to sit on two seats].” In mouth. modern times the proverb is more frequently used in the form of the fi gurative be what you would seem to be Your phrase to fall between two stools. appearance should refl ect your true Variant of this proverb: between two nature, and vice versa: “It’s a vegetable. stools we come to the ground. It doesn’t look like one, but it is. . . . Proverb expressing opposite mean- The moral of that is—‘Be what you ing: when in doubt, do nothing. would seem to be’” (Lewis Carroll, Alice’s

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 26 1/29/07 5:12:19 PM åååååbig fl eas have little fl eas upon their backs to bite ’em, and little fl eas have lesser . . . BIBLICAL PROVERBS Many proverbs in common use today began as quotations from the Bible. The following list includes a selection of some of the best-known of these.

As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly (Proverbs) The borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs) Faith moves mountains (1 Corinthians) A good name is better than precious ointment (Ecclesiastes) It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts) The labourer is worthy of his hire (Luke) Many are called but few are chosen (Matthew) No man can serve two masters (Matthew) Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s (Matthew) Seek and ye shall ﬁ nd (Matthew) A soft answer turneth away wrath (Proverbs) Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea) Spare the rod and spoil the child (Proverbs) Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant (Proverbs) There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes) The spirit is willing but the ﬂ esh is weak (Matthew) The wages of sin is death (Romans) The wind bloweth where it listeth (John) Wisdom is more precious than rubies (Proverbs) You cannot make bricks without straw (Exodus) You cannot serve God and Mammon (Matthew)

Adventures in Wonderland, 1865). An early big fi sh eat the little fi sh. The proverb was example is “Suche as thow semest in fi rst recorded in a text dating from before syghte, be in assay [trial] y-founde” (Wil- 1200. In Shakespeare’s play Pericles (2:1), liam Langland, Piers Plowman, c. 1377), the following exchange occurs between although the sentiment is found in classi- two fi shermen: “‘Master, I marvel how cal sources such as Aeschylus. the fi shes live in the sea.’ ‘Why, as men do Variant of this proverb: be what you a-land—the great ones eat up the little appear to be. ones.’”

big fi sh eat little fi sh Small organiza- big fl eas have little fl eas upon their tions or insignifi cant people tend to be backs to bite ’em, and little fl eas have swallowed up or destroyed by those that lesser fl eas, and so ad infi nitum In a are greater and more powerful: Only a hierarchy of size or importance, every handful of independent companies have sur- member is affected by or dependent on vived in this competitive industry, where the the one above or below, and the hierarchy

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 27 1/29/07 5:12:20 PM the bigger they are, the harder they fall

stretches to infi nity in both directions: a bird in the hand is worth two in the Even a company of this size risks fi nancial bush Something you have for certain disaster if one of its suppliers has prob- now is of more value than something lems—big fl eas have little fl eas, and so on. better you may get, especially if you The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1733, risk losing what you have in order to get with different wording, in the satirical it: “More money might be obtained by advice to a poet On Poetry, A Rhapsody by selling the packages, but there was risk Jonathan Swift. Its current form comes in this. Besides, it would take time, and from a 19th-century rhyme that contin- they decided that a bird in the hand was ues: “And the great fl eas themselves, in worth two in the bush” (Horatio Alger, turn, have greater fl eas to go on;/While Paul the Peddler, 1871). The proverb was these again have greater still, and greater fi rst recorded in English c. 1450, with still, and so on.” different wording, but the sentiment it expresses can be found in the fables of the bigger they are, the harder they Aesop in the sixth century b.c. The cur- fall The downfall of a great or impor- rent form dates from no later than 1581. tant person is more painful and cata- The U.S. actress Mae West parodied the strophic than that of a lesser person: “‘You proverb when she said, “A man in the are just a youth,’ he observed at last, ‘and he house is worth two in the street,” in the has been a great man of war from his boy- movie Belle of the Nineties (1934). hood. . . .’ ‘The bigger they are,’ I replied, Variant of this proverb: a bird in the ‘the harder they fall’” (Joseph Heller, God hand is worth a hundred fl ying. Knows, 1984). The proverb in its current form is attributed to the heavyweight boxer a bird never fl ew on one wing Some- Robert Fitzsimmons (1858–1917), but the thing extra or additional is required; often sentiment it expresses was fi rst recorded used to hint that another drink or some in English as early as 1493. Compare the more money would be welcome: Let’s have Roman poet Claudian (fourth century another drop of whiskey before we go—a bird a.d.), “Tolluntur in altum/Ut lapsu graviore never fl ew on one wing. The proverb was fi rst ruant [men are raised on high in order that recorded in 1721, with different wording, they may fall more heavily].” in a collection of Scottish proverbs. It is Variant of this proverb: the bigger found in the writings of 20th-century Irish they come, the harder they fall. writers, notably Sean O’Casey. Variant of this proverb: you can’t fl y big is beautiful There are advantages to with one wing. large size: The success of this huge conglomer- ate only goes to prove that big is beautiful. A birds in their little nests agree People U.S. proverb that became current from who live or work together should try to do the 1960s, it is commonly applied in so in harmony; often used to stop children discussions of economies of scale in com- from arguing: “‘I detest rude, unlady- mercial contexts. like girls!’ ‘I hate affected, niminy-piminy Proverb expressing opposite mean- chits!’ ‘Birds in their little nests agree,’ ing: small is beautiful. sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 28 1/29/07 5:12:20 PM blessed are the dead that the rain rains on

funny face that both sharp voices softened birds that can sing and won’t sing to a laugh, and the ‘pecking’ ended for must be made to sing. that time” (Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, 1868). The proverb originated in Isaac birth is much but breeding more A Watts’s Divine Songs for Children (1715): person’s upbringing counts for more in “Birds in their little Nests agree;/And ’tis the long run than the traits of character he a shameful Sight,/When Children of one or she was born with: If it is true that birth Family/Fall out, and chide, and fi ght.” is much but breeding more then even such an unpromising beginning as this should not have birds of a feather fl ock together People any lasting effect upon the child’s prospects. tend to associate with those of similar The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1639 by character, interests, or opinions; often John Clarke in Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina. used with derogatory implications: “Who Proverb expressing opposite mean- are the guys that mostly get asked to the ing: nature passes nurture. clubs? Preppies from St. Paul’s, Mark’s, Groton. It’s kind of a common bond. You the biter is sometimes bit Those who know, birds of a feather fl ocking together criticize or otherwise set about others and so forth” (Erich Segal, The Class, 1985). are not immune from criticism or other The proverb dates from the 16th century attack themselves: “The biter was bit: or earlier in this form, but the sentiment it the fox . . . was caught” (Charles Reade, expresses is found in the Apocrypha “The Hard Cash, 1863). Quoted by Lucian, birds will resort unto their like” (Ecclesi- it was fi rst recorded in English in 1693 asticus 27:9). It also occurs in a translation by Thomas D’Urfey in The Richmond of Plato’s dialogues by Benjamin Jowett, Duchess. published in 1871: “The old proverb says that ‘birds of a feather fl ock together’; a bleating sheep loses a bite Those who I suppose that equality of years inclines talk too much may miss an important them to the same pleasures, and similarity opportunity: “He said something about a begets friendship; yet you may have more bleating sheep losing a bite; but I should than enough even of this.” Some writers think this young man is not much of a have substituted other verbs for fl ock, as in talker” (Ted Hughes, Tom Brown at Oxford, “birds of a feather laugh together” (James 1861). The proverb was fi rst recorded in Joyce, Ulysses, 1922) and “birds of a feather 1599, with wording closer to that of the fi ght together [that is, on the same side]” variant form. (Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, 1863–69). Variant of this proverb: the sheep Variant of this proverb: birds of a that bleats loses a mouthful. feather fl y together. Proverbs expressing similar mean- blessed are the dead that the rain rains ing: like attracts like; a man is known on According to popular superstition, by the company he keeps. rainfall during a funeral is a blessing on the corpse: The old saying “Blessed are the bird that can sing and won’t sing the dead that the rain rains on” was of little should be made to sing See little consolation to the mourners caught out by the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 29 1/29/07 5:12:20 PM blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed

downpour as they crossed the graveyard. The than by destiny: She believed in the saying proverb was fi rst recorded in 1607. “Blind chance sweeps the world along,” and was confi dent that her luck would change one of blessed are they who expect nothing, these days. The proverb was fi rst recorded for they shall not be disappointed It is in 1948 in a U.S. proverb collection. better to have no expectations of happiness or good fortune if you want to avoid a blind man’s wife needs no paint At- suffering the pangs of disappointment: tempts to improve the appearance of “‘Oh, Marilla, looking forward to things somebody or something are superfl uous is half the pleasure of them,’ exclaimed when it is the true nature of the person Anne. ‘. . . Mrs. Lynde says, “Blessed are or thing that is of value, or when the they who expect nothing for they shall improvements will not be appreciated: not be disappointed.” But I think it would The cosmetics industry would founder if every be worse to expect nothing than to be woman took on board the adage that a blind disappointed’” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, man’s wife needs no paint. The proverb was Anne of Green Gables, 1908). The proverb fi rst recorded in 1659 in James Howell’s dates from the 1720s, when it was quoted collection of proverbs. by the writer Alexander Pope as “a ninth Beatitude” in some of his letters. blood is thicker than water Bonds of Variant of this proverb: expect noth- loyalty and affection between members of ing and you won’t be disappointed. the same family are much stronger than any other relationship: “Blood is thicker than blessed is the bride that the sun shines water, my dear; and I know no earthly ties on See happy is the bride that the sun that can bind people together if those of shines on. family connection will not do so” (Anthony Trollope, Can You Forgive Her?, 1864). The blessings brighten as they take their proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in fl ight People often fail to appreciate 1813, but the sentiment it expresses is of the good things that they have until they much earlier origin. Compare the 12th- lose them: “Blessings brighten as they take century German saying “sippebluot von was- their fl ight. Katy began to appreciate for sere niht verdirbet [kin-blood is not spoiled the fi rst time how much she had learned by water].” to rely on her aunt” (Susan Coolidge, Variant of this proverb: blood is What Katy Did, 1873). The proverb comes thicker than water, but sometimes it runs from the poem “Night Thoughts” (1742) mighty thin. by Edward Young. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the cow knows not the value of her the church The martyrdom of early tail till she has lost it; you never miss members of the Christian Church helped the water till the well runs dry. the religion to fl ourish and spread; also used more generally to point out that blind chance sweeps the world persecution and oppression often have the along Life is governed by chance rather opposite effect to that intended: Bearing in

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 30 1/29/07 5:12:20 PM the boot is on the other foot

mind that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of them of the saying “Blue are the hills that are the church, the government has adopted a less far away.” The proverb was fi rst recorded confrontational approach to the problem of eco- in this form in 1902, but with the impli- terrorism. The proverb was fi rst recorded in cation that it was already in common 1560, but with the implication that it was use. of earlier origin. The Christian theologian Variant of this proverb: far away the Tertullian (c. a.d. 160–c. 220) wrote, hills are green. “semen est sanguis Christianorum [the blood Proverb expressing similar mean- of Christians is seed].” ing: distance lends enchantment to the view. blood will have blood One act of violence provokes another, by way of blushing is a sign of grace A person’s revenge: Blood will have blood, and the par- blushes may be interpreted as a proof of a ents of the murdered child swore to hunt down good, sensitive character: “However, blush- and kill the man convicted of the crime if he ing is some sign of grace” (Jonathan Swift, was ever released from prison. The proverb A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious was fi rst recorded in this form in 1559, Conversation, 1738). The proverb was fi rst but the sentiment it expresses is of bibli- recorded in 1595 in A Quest of Enquirie. cal origin: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, Variant of this proverb: blushing is by man shall his blood be shed” (Genesis virtue’s color. 9:6). It occurs in Shakespeare’s play Mac- beth (3:4): “It will have blood; they say a book is like a garden carried in the blood will have blood.” pocket A book can bring as much pleasure and contain as much variety as a blood will tell Inherited characteris- garden, with the advantage that it can be tics—whether good or bad—cannot be carried with you wherever you go: “A book hidden forever: He launched himself into is like a garden carried in the pocket,” my uncle the attack with all the fi ghting instincts of used to say as he took me to the local bookstore his military forebears—as they say, blood will to choose my birthday present. The proverb is tell. The proverb was fi rst recorded in recorded as a regional expression in the this form in 1850 in World a Mask by the United States. American poet, playwright, and diplomat George Henry Boker. books and friends should be few and Proverb expressing similar meaning: good It is best to be selective both in what’s bred in the bone will come your choice of reading and of friends: out in the flesh. Those who ignore the maxim that books and friends should be few and good will fi nd they blue are the hills that are far away Dis- have neither the time nor the inclination to tant places or things seem more desir- give proper attention to either. The proverb able than they are in reality; also applied is thought to be of Spanish origin. to past or future events: When I hear my grandparents reminiscing about the carefree the boot is on the other foot See the days of their youth, I am tempted to remind shoe is on the other foot.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 31 1/29/07 5:12:20 PM borrowing brings sorrowing

borrowing brings sorrowing See he that leberry Finn, 1884). The proverb was fi rst goes a-borrowing, goes a-sorrowing. recorded in 1601 in the form “Youth will be youthful.” Other words, such as girls or both poverty and prosperity come from kids, may be used in place of boys. spending money—prosperity from spending it wisely Spending money recklessly brave men lived before Agamemnon will make you poor, but spending it on People whose brave or noble exploits are things that are bound to yield a profi t or not recorded in history or literature tend rise in value will make you rich: The two to be forgotten over the course of time: brothers inherited equal shares of their parents’ “Brave men were living before Agamem- wealth, but one died penniless while the other non/And since, exceeding valorous and amassed a considerable fortune. When asked sage” (Lord Byron, “Don Juan,” 1819). the secret of his success, he would reply, “Both The proverb originated in the writings poverty and prosperity come from spending of the Roman poet Horace (65–8 b.c.): money—prosperity from spending it wisely.” “Many brave men lived before Agamem- The proverb is recorded as a regional non’s time; but they are all, unmourned expression in the United States. and unknown, covered by the long night, because they lack their sacred poet.” boys seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses It is popularly believed bread always falls buttered side that girls who wear glasses are less attrac- down In any situation, the least desir- tive to the opposite sex: She began to able of two or more possible outcomes wonder whether the saying “Boys seldom make is the one that will occur: Bread always passes for girls who wear glasses” had been falls buttered side down, so it seemed inevi- invented by the male sex so that their own table that the train would be delayed on the physical shortcomings would not be observed one day I had to get to work on time. First too clearly by the nearsighted young women recorded in the mid-19th century, the they met. The proverb occurs in a verse proverb appears in a rhyme written by “News Item” by the journalist Dorothy James Payn (as a parody of a more seri- Parker (1893–1967), “Men seldom make ous poem) and published in 1884: “I passes/At girls who wear glasses.” It has never had a piece of toast/Particularly also been associated with the humorist long and wide,/But fell upon the sanded Ogden Nash (1902–1971). fl oor,/And always on the buttered side.” The diplomat Henry Kissinger is said boys will be boys Boys must be forgiven to have remarked, “If you drop a piece for their bad or boisterous behavior; also of buttered bread on the carpet, the used ironically when grown men behave chances of its falling with the buttered in an irresponsible or childish manner: side down are in direct relationship with “Aunt Sally was a good deal uneasy; but the cost of the carpet.” The proverb— Uncle Silas he said there warn’t no occa- or the phenomenon it describes—is sion to be—boys will be boys, he said, and popularly regarded as an illustration you’ll see this one turn up in the morning of Murphy’s Law, “If anything can go all sound and right” (Mark Twain, Huck- wrong, it will.”

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 32 1/29/07 5:12:20 PM the busiest men have the most leisure

Variant of this proverb: the bread Proverb expressing similar meaning: always falls on its buttered side. a golden key can open any door. Proverb expressing similar meaning: if anything can go wrong, it will. a bully is always a coward Bullies only pick on those who are weaker than them- bread is the staff of life Food is essen- selves and cannot fi ght back—they are tial for survival: We must at least ensure afraid of everybody else: A bully is always a that these people have enough money to buy coward, and the girls stopped teasing her when basic food items—bread is the staff of life. they discovered that she was the principal’s The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1638 in niece. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Penkethman, Artachthos. this form in Charles Lamb, Essays of Elia (1820–23). brevity is the soul of wit When you tell a joke or make a speech, you are most burn not your house to scare away likely to please or impress your listeners the mice Do not try to solve a minor if you keep it as short as possible; used to problem by taking action that will cause discourage long-windedness or encourage much greater harm: Such a drastic step could conciseness of expression: “Clinton is . . . destroy your whole business, and all because given to garrulousness while brevity, they of one dissatisfi ed customer—don’t burn your say, is the soul of wit” (Washington Post, house to scare away the mice. The proverb was 1996). The proverb was fi rst recorded in fi rst recorded, with different wording, in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (2:2), where it 1615 in T. Adams, England’s Sickness. is used by Polonius, a character known Variant of this proverb: burn not for his verbosity. In this early instance the your house to fright the mouse away. word wit means “wisdom,” but in modern usage it usually means “humor.” Dorothy a burnt child dreads the fi re Somebody Parker parodied the proverb when she who has had an unpleasant experience wrote, in a caption for Vogue (1916), thereafter shrinks from the cause of that “Brevity is the soul of lingerie.” experience: “In his savage taunting, he Proverb expressing similar meaning: fl ared the candle so close at me, that I length begets loathing. turned my face aside, to save it from the fl ame. ‘Ah!’ he cried, laughing, after a bribe will enter without knocking The doing it again, ‘the burnt child dreads the use of money enables access where it fi re!’” (Charles Dickens, Great Expecta- would otherwise be denied: He planned tions, 1860–61). First recorded c. 1250 to use the money to buy his way into the great with slightly different wording, the prov- man’s presence, knowing that he would be erb was used in its current form in John refused admittance if he came empty-handed Lyly’s Euphues and His England (1580). but also that a bribe will enter without knock- Proverbs expressing similar meaning. The proverb was fi rst recorded in ing: once bitten, twice shy. 1619 by B. Rich in Irish Hubbub: “Honesty stands at the gate and knockes, and brib- the busiest men have the most leisure ery enters in.” People who are industrious by nature

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 33 1/29/07 5:12:21 PM business before pleasure

always seem to have the most spare time, an active part in the day-to-day running either because they accomplish their work of your business, or employ a competent more quickly and effi ciently or because person to do this for you, if you want it they cram so much into their busy lives: to be a success: He had only himself to blame “The busiest men have always the most lei- for the failure of his company. Having used sure; and while discharging the multifari- his inheritance to set it up, he then turned ous duties of a parish priest and a guardian his attention to other things, forgetting the he found time for travelling” (London Times adage that business is like a car—it will not Literary Supplement, 1911). The proverb was run by itself except downhill. The proverb is fi rst recorded in 1884, but the sentiment it recorded as a regional expression in the expresses is of earlier origin. United States. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: if you want something done, ask business neglected is business lost In a busy person; idle people have the the world of commerce, you cannot afford least leisure. to neglect any opportunity to do business: I have had a number of inquiries from potential business before pleasure It is best to customers, which must be followed up as soon as get work or business matters out of the possible—business neglected is business lost. way before turning your attention to more pleasurable things: “Much as I adore the business of America is business your company, there is still business to Commercial activity is essential for Amer- attend to . . . and . . . business must come ica—or any other nation—to thrive and before pleasure” (James Jones, From Here develop: The business of America is business, to Eternity, 1951). The proverb was fi rst and even small companies such as these have an recorded in 1767, in the form “Pleasure important place in our society. The proverb should always give way to business,” in originated in a speech made in 1925 by Thomas Hutchinson’s Diary and Letters. President Calvin Coolidge: “After all, the Variant of this proverb: pleasure fi rst chief business of the American people is and business after. business.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: work before play. busy folks are always meddling It is in the nature of busy people to interfere in business is business There is no room the affairs of others: Her tireless efforts to for sentiment in business: “Business is improve the morality of her neighbors led to business, my dear young sir” (William dark mutterings to the effect that “busy folks Thackeray, The Virginians, 1857). The are always meddling.” The proverb was proverb was fi rst recorded in 1797 by fi rst recorded in 1721 by James Kelly in George Colman in The Heir at Law. A Complete Collection of Scotish Proverbs. Proverb expressing similar meaning: never mix business and pleasure. the buyer needs a thousand eyes, the seller wants but one A buyer must business is like a car, it will not run by exercise great caution, and examine the itself except downhill You must take goods thoroughly, to avoid being exploited

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 34 1/29/07 5:12:21 PM by learning to obey, you will know how to command

by an unscrupulous seller: Tourists looking merce is to buy a commodity for as for bargains in the local markets would do well little as possible and sell it for as much to remember the proverb “The buyer needs a as possible: “‘To buy in the cheapest thousand eyes, the seller wants but one.” The market and sell in the dearest’ was Mr. proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1640 in Badman’s common rule in business. George Herbert’s Outlandish Proverbs. . . . In Bunyan’s opinion it was knav- Variant of this proverb: the buyer ery in disguise” (J. A. Froude, Bunyan, has need of a hundred eyes, the seller of 1880). The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in but one. Thomas Lodge’s A Fig for Momus (1595): Proverb expressing similar meaning: “Buy cheape, sell deare.” let the buyer beware. by learning to obey, you will know how buy in the cheapest market and sell in to command See he that cannot obey the dearest The golden rule of com- cannot command.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 35 1/29/07 5:12:21 PM ååå c å

Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion the proverb says, Call one a thief, and he Those in positions of importance—and will steal.” their associates—must lead blameless lives and have spotless reputations: The call a spade a spade Identify things by president surrounded himself with aides and their real names; do not prevaricate about advisers of irreproachable character, know- awkward truths; say what you mean: He ing that Caesar’s wife must be above suspi- was never afraid to call a spade a spade. The cion. Julius Caesar is said to have made proverb was recorded in 1519 by William this remark when asked why he had Rastell in The Four Elements, though it was divorced his wife (who was suspected also quoted by Erasmus. of having been indirectly involved in a scandal). call no man happy till he dies However happy somebody seems to be, there is calamity is the touchstone of a brave always the risk that he or she will be struck mind It is at times of crisis that you fi nd by sorrow or misfortune: “‘Call no man out who the truly strong, courageous, or happy until he is dead.’ . . . He was sev- great people are: When the fi re broke out she enty-two, and yet there was still time for immediately took charge of the situation, glad of this dream . . . to change to a nightmare” a chance to prove her worth at last—calamity (C. S. Forester, Hornblower and the Crisis, is the touchstone of a brave mind. The proverb 1967). Of ancient origin, the proverb has was fi rst recorded, with different word- been attributed to the Athenian statesman ing, in 1602: “Calamity gives man a steddy Solon (c. 638–559 b.c.), who told the heart” (John Marston, Antonio’s Revenge). wealthy King Croesus, “Call no man happy Proverb expressing similar mean- before he dies, he is at best but fortunate.” ing: when the going gets tough, the Compare Sophocles (c. 496–405 b.c.), tough get going. “Deem no man happy until he passes the end of his life without suffering grief.” call a man a thief and he will steal Give Variant of this proverb: call no man a person a bad reputation and he or she happy till he is dead. may start to justify it. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1838 by Thomas Carlyle can’t live with ’em, can’t live without in Sartor Resartus: “In a very plain sense ’em Some alternatives are equally

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 36 1/29/07 5:12:21 PM a cat has nine lives

impossible (usually applied to a person’s a cat can look at a king Even the low- male or female partner): That’s the trouble liest people have the right to look at, or with women, can’t live with ’em, can’t live show an interest in, those of higher status without ’em. The origins of the proverb or prestige; often used by somebody are obscure, though it is thought to be of accused of staring insolently: “‘Don’t be 20th-century U.S. coinage. impertinent,’ said the King, ‘and don’t look at me like that!’ He got behind Alice cards are the devil’s tools Card as he spoke. ‘A cat may look at a king,’ said games—specifi cally those played for Alice. ‘I’ve read that in some book, but I money—lead to trouble or evil: Hearing don’t remember where’” (Lewis Carroll, that a poker game was in progress, she burst Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, 1865). The into the room and knocked over the table where proverb was fi rst recorded in John Hey- the players sat, exclaiming, “Cards are the dev- wood’s Dialogue of Proverbs in 1546. The il’s tools!” The proverb was fi rst recorded French equivalent is “Un chien regarde bien in 1676 in Poor Robin’s Almanac in the form un évêque [A dog can look at a bishop].” “Cards and dice . . . are the devil’s books Variant of this proverb: a cat may and the devil’s bones.” look at a king. Variant of this proverb: cards are the devil’s books. catching’s before hanging Offenders can only be punished when or if they are care is no cure Worrying about some- caught: We all know what we would like to thing does nothing to put it right. The do to the culprit, but fi rst we have to fi nd out proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1590 by who it is—catching’s before hanging. The William Shakespeare in Henry VI Part 1 proverb was fi rst recorded in 1818 in A. (3:3): “Care is no cure, but rather cor- N. Royall’s Letters from Alabama. rosive, for things that are not to be remedied.” catch not at the shadow and lose the Proverbs expressing similar mean- substance Do not allow yourself to be ing: care killed the cat; it’s not work distracted from your main purpose by that kills, but worry. irrelevancies: “Like the dog in the fable, to throw away the substance in catching care killed the cat Too much wor- at the shadow” (Thomas Love Peacock, rying can be injurious to your health: Nightmare Abbey, 1818). The proverb was Relax and enjoy your holiday—care killed fi rst recorded in 1578 by John Lyly in the cat! The proverb was fi rst recorded in Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit. Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing (5:1), “Though care killed a cat, thou hast a cat has nine lives Cats seem to be mettle enough in thee to kill care.” It is incredibly lucky or skillful at surviving also used with the word care in the sense or avoiding accidents: They say that a cat of “caution” or “loving attention.” has nine lives, but if the one next door makes Proverbs expressing similar mean- a habit of dozing off under my car it could ing: care is no cure; it’s not work fi nd itself using them up rather quickly. The that kills, but worry. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546 in the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 37 1/29/07 5:12:21 PM a cat in gloves catches no mice

form “A woman has nine lives like a cat.” the necessary precautions, if you want In 1894 two writers compared the lives of to avoid harm or injury: After listening to a cat with those of a lie: R. D. Blackmore the weather forecast, we decided to postpone wrote “If a cat has nine lives . . . a lie has our sailing trip—caution is the parent of ninety-nine,” and Mark Twain wrote “One safety. This proverb is fi rst recorded in of the most striking differences between Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Alma- a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine nack (1733). lives.” a chain is no stronger than its weakest a cat in gloves catches no mice It is link A weak part or member will affect sometimes necessary to be bold or ruth- the success or effectiveness of the whole: less, or to do unpleasant things, in order “To begin with, how can things so inse- to achieve one’s ends: “Handle your Tools cure as the successful experiences of this without Mittens; remember that the Cat in world afford a stable anchorage? A chain Gloves catches no Mice” (Benjamin Frank- is no stronger than its weakest link, and lin, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1758). The life is after all a chain” (William James, proverb was fi rst recorded in French in the The Varieties of Religious Experience, 1902). 14th century and in English in 1573. The proverb was used in 1856 in a letter by Charles Kingsley in the form “nothing a cat may look at a king See a cat can is stronger than its weakest part.” The fi rst look at a king. recorded occurrence of the current form dates from 1868. the cat would eat fi sh, but would not wet Proverb expressing similar mean- her feet You must be prepared to put up ing: the thread breaks where it is with personal inconvenience, discomfort, weakest. or risk in order to get what you want; often used when somebody is hesitant a change is as good as a rest Doing about doing something for this reason: something different for a time can be Many people deny themselves their dream just as refreshing as taking a break from vacations because of a fear of fl ying—the cat work; also used more generally of any would eat fi sh, but would not wet her feet. change in routine: A change is as good The proverb was fi rst recorded in English as a rest, and after a couple of hours spent c. 1225. It is alluded to in Shakespeare’s weeding the garden I returned to my desk play Macbeth (1:7), “Wouldst thou . . . live with renewed inspiration. The proverb was a coward in thine own esteem,/Letting ‘I fi rst recorded in 1890: “One of our dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’/Like the greatest statesmen has said that a change poor cat i’ the adage?” of work is the best rest. So it is” (Sir Proverb expressing similar meaning: Arthur Conan Doyle, Lippincott’s Monthly he that would have eggs must endure Magazine). the cackling of hens. Variant of this proverb: a change of work is a rest. caution is the parent of safety You Proverb expressing similar meaning: must proceed with care, and take all variety is the spice of life.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 38 1/29/07 5:12:22 PM cheerful company shortens the miles

change not a clout till May be out See ers a multitude of sins” (Wilkie Collins, ne’er cast a clout till may be out. The Moonstone, 1868). The proverb is of biblical origin: “And above all things have character is destiny A person’s charac- fervent charity among yourselves: for ter determines the way that his or her life charity shall cover the multitude of sins” will develop: “‘Character’—says Novalis, (1 Peter 4:8). Other words may be used in one of his questionable aphorisms— in place of charity: Louisa May Alcott ‘character is destiny.’ But not the whole wrote “beauty always covers a multitude of our destiny” (George Eliot, The Mill of sins in a man’s eyes.” on the Floss, 1860). In this quotation, and elsewhere, the proverb is attributed to the charity is not a bone you throw to a dog German writer Friedrich Leopold von but a bone you share with a dog There Hardenberg (1772–1801), whose pen- should be more to charity than simply giv- name was Novalis. Others, however, have ing money or other material goods—it is traced it back to the Greek philosopher better to establish a relationship with those Heraclitus (fi fth century b.c.). in need and to work with them for the benefi t of all concerned: She spends much of charity begins at home You should look her spare time working with the homeless, fi rmly after those nearest and dearest to you believing that charity is not a bone you throw to before you turn your attention to others a dog but a bone you share with a dog. further afi eld: “And hard it is upon the part of the law that it should be so confound- cheaters never prosper Those who edly down upon us unfortunate victims; cheat—whether at school, at sports and when it takes such amazing good interest games, or in business—may be initially for itself from all its clients. But charity successful but will ultimately suffer for begins at home, and justice begins next their wrongdoing: He set out to disprove the door” (Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit, saying “Cheaters never prosper,” and made a for- 1843–44). The proverb was fi rst recorded tune selling fake works of art, but lost everything in this form in Beaumont and Fletcher’s when his deception was discovered. The proverb play Wit Without Money (c. 1625), but the was fi rst recorded in 1805, in R. Parkin- sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin: son, Tour in America in the form “Cheating in the late 14th century John Wycliffe never thrives,” but with the implication wrote, “Charity should begin at himself.” that it was already in general use. Variant of this proverb: charity Variants of this proverb: cheats never begins at home but should not end there. prosper; cheaters never win and winners never cheat. charity covers a multitude of sins A Proverbs expressing similar meaning: kind and loving person is prepared to honesty is the best policy; honesty forgive a great deal of wrongdoing; also pays. used to imply that acts of charity may be used to cover up sinful behavior or ease a cheerful company shortens the guilty conscience: “A cloak (on a woman’s miles See good company on the road back) is an emblem of charity—it cov- is the shortest cut.

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cheese digests all things but itself Eat- children and fools speak the truth ing cheese at the end of a meal helps Children and foolish people have a ten- to digest what has gone before, but dency to say what is true, because they the cheese itself may prove to be indi- have not learned that it may be advanta- gestible: I couldn’t resist helping myself geous or diplomatic to do otherwise: to another slice of cheese, though I knew Children and fools tell the truth, and Mat- I would regret it later—cheese digests all thew learned the hard way that it is sometimes things but itself. Of Latin origin, the expedient to lie. The proverb was ﬁ rst proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in English in recorded, in Letters & Papers of Reign of the 16th century: “Cheese . . . digesteth Henry VIII (1537), but with the implica- all things except itselfe” (John Lyly, Sap- tion that it was of much earlier origin. pho & Phao). Variant of this proverb: children, fools, and drunkards tell the truth. chickens always come home to Proverb expressing similar meaning: roost See curses, like chickens, come out of the mouths of babes and suck- home to roost. lings come great truths.

the child is father of the man A child’s children are certain cares, but uncertain character is an indication of the type of comforts Children are bound to cause adult he or she will become—human their parents anxiety, and may or may not nature does not change from youth to also bring them joy: Those contemplating maturity: “The lady who is my opponent parenthood should bear in mind the saying is very persuasive, but what of her past? “Children are certain cares, but uncertain . . . They say the child is the father of comforts”—the pleasure I gain from having my the man” (Howard Fast, The Immigrant’s kids around me is obliterated by the horrors I Daughter, 1985). The proverb originated imagine when they don’t come home on time. in this form in William Wordsworth’s The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1639 in poem “My Heart Leaps Up” (1807), but John Clarke, Parœmiologia Anglo-Latina. it echoes a sentiment expressed by John Proverb expressing opposite mean- Milton in Paradise Regained (1671): “The ing: happy is he that is happy in his childhood shews the man.” children. Proverb expressing similar meaning: give me a child for the first seven years children should be seen and not and he is mine for life. heard In the company of adults, children should not speak until they are spo- a child on a giant’s shoulders sees fur- ken to: “When he asks questions I can’t ther of the two See a dwarf on a answer I’ll just tell him children should giant’s shoulders sees further of the be seen and not heard” (Lucy Maud two. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909). The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded c. 1400 in the children, fools, and drunkards tell the form “A maid [young woman] should be truth See children and fools speak seen but not heard.” It was applied to chil- the truth. dren from the early 19th century onward,

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 40 1/29/07 5:12:22 PM åååååthe child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe and good and gay CHINESE PROVERBS The Chinese have hundreds of proverbs on which to draw for advice in their everyday lives. Western tradition often attributes such sayings to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, though in reality most are of unknown authorship.

All things seem diffi cult at fi rst Almond nuts come to those who have no teeth Always leave a little room for a mistake Before you prepare to improve the world, look around your own house three times Do not climb a tree to catch a fi sh Do not remove a fl y from your friend’s forehead with a hatchet Drunkards talk to the gods Every book must be chewed to get out its juice The fi rst time you cheat me, be ashamed. The second time it is I who must be ashamed He who is not friendly towards a good guest will never have one He who rides a tiger can never get off If no one comes, the dog does not bark If you are not a fi sh, how can you know if the fi sh are happy? If you don’t climb the mountain, you can’t view the plain If you wish to succeed, consult three old people It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step Love your neighbors but don’t pull down the fence One bamboo does not make a forest One joy scatters a hundred griefs Only one who can swallow an insult is a man Pain is easier to endure than an itch A picture is worth ten thousand words Procrastination is the thief of time Rivalry between scholars improves science A thousand workers, a thousand plans A tiger cannot beat a crowd of monkeys A wise man will not rebuke a fool

but it is now considered to be a rather and well-behaved: I can’t believe that such a old-fashioned notion. miserable, sickly little boy could have been born on a Sunday—I thought that children born the child that is born on the Sabbath on the Sabbath day were supposed to be “bonny day is bonny and blithe and good and and blithe and good and gay.” The proverb is gay Children born on a Sunday are sup- the last line of a traditional rhyme begin- posed to be happy, healthy, good-looking, ning “Monday’s child is fair of face.” See

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 41 1/29/07 5:12:22 PM choose neither a woman nor linen by candlelight

entries at the days of the week for other out many hammers and the story of the proverbs from this rhyme. fi rst collision is, in essentials, the story of all” (Alexander MacLaren, The Acts of the choose neither a woman nor linen by Apostles, 1908). The proverb is attributed candlelight See never choose your to the theologian Theodore Beza, who women or linen by candlelight. made this remark in response to a mas- sacre of Huguenots in 1562. choose the lesser of two evils If you are forced to choose between two options, a church is God between four walls A both of which are undesirable, all you can church is more than just a building—its do is choose the one that is less undesir- inner space is fi lled with the divine pres- able than the other: Choose the lesser of two ence: If a church is God between four walls, then evils—if you tell her the truth she’ll be upset, this building, with its atmosphere of spirituality but if she fi nds out later that you lied to her and devotion, must once have been a place of you could lose a friend for life. The proverb worship. The proverb was fi rst recorded in occurs in the writings of Aristotle and 1948 in a U.S. proverb collection. Cicero, and was fi rst recorded in Eng- lish in Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde (c. circumstances alter cases The same 1385). The U.S. actress Mae West paro- general principle cannot be applied to died the proverb when she said, “Between every individual case, and what is right, two evils, I always pick the one I never good, or appropriate in one set of cir- tried before,” in the movie Klondike Annie cumstances may be wrong in another: (1936). “On a table of immense size lay the bud- Variant of this proverb: of two evils get, piles of the Chamber records, open choose the less. volumes of the ‘Moniteur,’ with passages carefully marked, to throw at the head of Christmas comes but once a year Ex- a Minister his forgotten words and force travagance and self-indulgence at him to recant them, under the jeering Christmas—or any other annual celebra- plaudits of a foolish crowd incapable of tion—can be justifi ed by the fact that it is perceiving how circumstances alter cases” a relatively infrequent occurrence: All over (Honoré de Balzac, The Rise and Fall of the country, people will be eating and drink- César Birotteau, 1837). The proverb was ing to excess, telling themselves that Christmas fi rst recorded in 1678. comes but once a year. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1557 in Thomas Tusser, A civility costs nothing You have nothing Hundreth good pointes of husbandrie. to lose by being polite: “‘You wretch’ (she says), ‘how did you come by this?’ I made the church is an anvil that has worn out her a low bow. I said, ‘Civility costs noth- many hammers The Christian Church ing, ma’am; and sometimes buys a great has proved strong enough in the past to deal’” (Wilkie Collins, Jezebel’s Daughter, resist criticism, attack, and persecution, 1880). The proverb was fi rst recorded and will continue to do so in the future: in 1706 in J. Stevens’ A New Spanish and “The Church is an anvil which has worn En glish Dictionary in the form “Civility is

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 42 1/29/07 5:12:22 PM clothes don’t make the man

worth much and costs little,” echoing the A clear conscience can bear any trouble, but sentiment expressed in a French proverb there are limits even for the most guiltless. The of the late 15th century. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1732 by Variants of this proverb: courtesy Thomas Fuller in Gnomologia. costs nothing; politeness costs nothing Proverb expressing similar meaning: and gains everything. do right and fear no man. Proverb expressing similar meaning: there’s nothing lost by civility. clergymen’s sons always turn out badly It might be expected that the children of a civil question deserves a civil ministers of religion should lead exem- answer If somebody asks you some- plary lives in adulthood, but the opposite thing politely, you should respond in the is often the case—perhaps as a reaction same manner: I was tempted to tell her to against their early upbringing: “An Eton mind her own business, but a civil question boy . . . when asked why the sons of Eli deserves a civil answer and I replied as politely turned out badly, replied ‘The sons of as I could. The proverb was fi rst recorded, clergymen always turn out badly’” (W. R. in its variant form, in 1853. Inge, Outspoken Essays, 1922). The proverb Variant of this proverb: give a civil was fi rst recorded in 1885. answer to a civil question. Variant of this proverb: a preacher’s son is often bad. cleanliness is next to godliness Per- sonal hygiene indicates a pious or virtu- the clock goes as it pleases the clerk It ous nature; also used more generally to is up to civil servants and other bureau- emphasize the importance of cleanness: crats how time is governed and spent: Having been brought up to believe that clean- They were kept waiting in reception for two liness is next to godliness, she was seriously hours, but the clock goes as it pleases the clerk, concerned for the spiritual well-being of her as they say. The proverb was fi rst recorded roommate, who bathed only once a week. in 1678 by John Ray in A Collection of The proverb was fi rst recorded in this English Proverbs. form in a sermon given by John Wesley in 1788, but the sentiment it expresses a closed mouth catches no fl ies See a is of ancient Egyptian or Hebrew origin. shut mouth catches no flies. In The Advancement of Learning (1605), Francis Bacon wrote, “Cleanness of body the closer to the bone, the sweeter the was ever esteemed to proceed from a due meat See the nearer the bone, the reverence to God.” sweeter the flesh. Variant of this proverb: cleanliness is akin to godliness. close sits my shirt, but closer my skin See near is my shirt, but nearer a clear conscience can bear any trouble is my skin. People who have done no wrong fi nd it easier to face the demands of the world clothes don’t make the man You should than those who have guilty consciences: not judge a person by the way he or she

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 43 1/29/07 5:12:22 PM clothes make the man

is dressed: He was such a smartly dressed, the cobbler should stick to his last See well-groomed young man that I trusted him let the cobbler stick to his last. instantly—unlike some of the scruffy individuals who knock at our door offering their the cobbler to his last and the gunner to services. However, I was wrong—he cheated us his linstock See let the cobbler stick out of all our savings, which just goes to prove to his last. that clothes don’t make the man. Proverb expressing similar mean- a cock is mighty in his own back- ing: an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a var- yard See every cock will crow upon let, though they be clad in silk or his own dunghill. scarlet. Proverbs expressing opposite mean- cold hands, warm heart According to ing: clothes make the man; fine feath- traditional belief, people whose hands feel ers make fine birds. cold to the touch are kind and affectionate by nature: He touched my cheek with his hand clothes make the man The style or and I was reassured to feel the coolness of his quality of people’s clothing is often an fi ngers, despite the heat of the night—“cold indicator of their character, and also has a hands, warm heart,” as my mother always says. tendency to affect both the way that others The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1903 in judge them and the way that they behave: V.S. Lean, Collectanea. “It is truly miserable to behold how our youth even now is subjected to a fashion come live with me and you’ll know me madness which helps to reverse the sense Nobody truly knows another person until of the old saying: ‘Clothes make the man’ they have spent some time living together: into something truly catastrophic” (Adolf “Come live with me and you’ll know me,” they Hitler, Mein Kampf, 1925). First recorded say, and how right they are! Sharing an apart- in English c. 1400, the proverb is of ment with my friend for six months showed me ancient origin and is echoed in other lan- what a selfi sh, moody person she really is, and guages. The sentiment it expresses occurs now I understand why her parents threw her frequently in literature, notably in Shake- out of their house. The proverb was fi rst speare’s play Hamlet (1:3): “the apparel oft recorded in 1925 in Sean O’Casey’s Juno proclaims the man.” and the Paycock, but is probably of much Proverbs expressing similar mean- earlier origin. ing: fine feathers make fine birds; the Proverb expressing similar meaning: tailor makes the man. you never know a man until you live Proverbs expressing opposite mean- with him. ing: an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scar- coming events cast their shadows let; clothes don’t make the man. before Future events, especially those of some signifi cance, can often be pre- the cobbler’s children go barefoot See dicted from the warning signs that pre- the shoemaker’s child always goes cede them: “Everything in the world is in barefoot. agitation. The signs of the times are omi-

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 44 1/29/07 5:12:23 PM confession is good for the soul

nous. Coming events cast their shadows more than the business lunches I now have at before. The Spirit of God is withdrawing the most expensive restaurant in town—the from the earth, and calamity follows company makes the feast. The proverb was calamity by sea and by land” (Ellen G. ﬁ rst recorded in 1653, in Izaak Walton’s White, The Desire of Ages, 1898). The The Compleat Angler. proverb originated in this form in Thomas Campbell’s poem “Lochiel’s Warning” comparisons are odious People and (1803), but the sentiment it expresses is things should be judged on the individual of ancient origin. qualities they possess, rather than by com- paring one with another: “Comparisons a common danger causes common are odious; but I think that by the side of action People are more willing to work German English generally has the advan- together to avert danger when they all tage in expressiveness” (W. R. Inge, More feel similarly threatened: We had little sup- Lay Thoughts, 1931). The proverb was ﬁ rst port for our campaign against the new legisla- recorded in English c. 1440, but a similar tion until it was discovered that every employee French proverb, translated as “Comparisons in the state would be adversely affected—a are hateful,” dates from a hundred years common danger causes common action. The earlier. The malapropism “Comparisons are proverb is recorded as a regional expres- odorous” comes from Shakespeare’s play sion in the United States. Much Ado about Nothing (3:5).

common fame is seldom to blame Ru- confess and be hanged There is little mors are rarely without substance, and incentive for confession when punish- if unpleasant things are being said about ment is the inevitable result; used as justi- somebody, then that person has probably fi cation for not owning up to wrongdoing: done something to deserve them: Common “It is so easy, and apparently so natural, fame is seldom to blame, and nobody gets a to deny what you cannot be easily con- reputation for lying if he or she has always told victed of, that a savage as well as a child the truth. The proverb was fi rst recorded lies to excuse himself, almost as instinc- in 1639 in J. Clarke, Parœmiologia Anglo- tively as he raises his hand to protect Latina. his head. The old saying, ‘confess and be Proverbs expressing similar mean- hanged,’ carries much argument in it” (Sir ing: there’s no smoke without fire; Walter Scott, Chronicles of the Canongate, what everybody says must be true. 1827). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1589 in “Misophonus,” De Caede Gallorum the company makes the feast You will Regis, but with the implication that it was enjoy a meal or celebration far more if already in general use. you are among cheerful friendly people, Proverb expressing opposite mean- and the quality of the food and drink—or ing: confession is good for the soul. of the surroundings—is of lesser importance: As impoverished students we couldn’t confession is good for the soul Own- afford to eat out anywhere better than the local ing up to wrongdoing will ease your burger bar, but I enjoyed those get-togethers far conscience and make you feel better:

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 45 1/29/07 5:12:23 PM conscience does make cowards of us all

They say that confession is good for the soul, consistency is the hobgoblin of little but I was reluctant to put my job on the line minds See a foolish consistency is by admitting to such an egregious mistake. the hobgoblin of little minds. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1641 in David Fergusson’s Scottish Proverbs. constant dropping wears away a Variant of this proverb: open confes- stone It is often possible to achieve a sion is good for the soul. major purpose—for example, persuad- Proverb expressing opposite meaning people or breaking down their resis- ing: confess and be hanged. tance—by a series of small but persistent actions or remarks: “. . . notwithstanding conscience does make cowards of us the proverb that constant dropping will all People troubled by their conscience wear away a stone, you may set your mind often reveal their guilt by acting in an at rest that these people never will—never uncharacteristically fearful manner: Her would, in a hundred years—impair your reluctance to testify in court made me suspi- ground with Miss Havisham, in any par- cious. Conscience does make cowards of us ticular, great or small” (Charles Dickens, all, and I began to wonder if the whole Great Expectations, 1860–61). The proverb story was just a fi gment of her imagination. was fi rst recorded in the 13th century, The proverb originated in this form in with different wording, but the sentiment Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (3:1), and is it expresses is of ancient origin. Compare sometimes still used in a way that is closer Tibullus (c. 48–19 b.c.), “longa dies molli to the original meaning, namely, that saxa peredit aqua [length of time eats away people often use scruples of conscience as stones with soft water].” an excuse for not taking bold action that Variant of this proverb: constant may have unpleasant results. dripping wears away a stone. Variant of this proverb: conscience Proverb expressing similar meaning: makes cowards of us all. little strokes fell great oaks.

conscience gets a lot of credit that a constant guest is never welcome Visi- belongs to cold feet Something com- tors who turn up too frequently will fi nd mended as an act of conscience may be they are no longer welcome: They appeared simply due to cowardice or loss of nerve: to have forgotten the old warning that a con- Everybody thought the governor had decided to stant guest is never welcome. The proverb keep the school open because it was the right was fi rst recorded in 1732 by Thomas thing to do, but it seems he was just afraid of Fuller in Gnomologia. the political backlash if he closed it—con- Proverbs expressing similar mean- science gets a lot of credit that belongs to cold ing: fish and guests stink after three feet. The proverb is recorded as a regional days; short visits make long friends. expression in the United States. a contented mind is a continual conscience makes cowards of us all See feast Those who are satisfi ed with their conscience does make cowards of us lot in life are far happier than those who all. are constantly striving for something bet-

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 46 1/29/07 5:12:23 PM the course of true love never did run smooth

ter: “‘. . . although I take fi fty pounds a kicked.” This sentiment was, however fi rst year here after taking above two hundred expressed c. 1580 or earlier. elsewhere, I prefer it to running the risk of having my old domestic experiences raked corruption will fi nd a dozen alibis for its up against me, as I should do if I tried to evil deeds Those who are guilty of cor- make a move.’ ‘Right you are. A contented ruption are so lacking in integrity that they mind is a continual feast’” (Thomas Hardy, will not hesitate to make excuses for or lie Jude the Obscure, 1895). The proverb was about what they have done: We knew that fi rst recorded in 1535 in the form “A quiet the offi cials had been accepting bribes, but we heart is a continual feast” (Miles Cover- could not impeach them without more concrete dale, Bible Proverbs [15:15]). evidence—corruption will fi nd a dozen alibis Variant of this proverb: a contented for its evil deeds. The proverb is recorded as a mind is a perpetual feast. regional expression in the United States. Proverb expressing similar meaning: content is more than a kingdom. councils of war never fi ght When a number of people get together to discuss content is more than a kingdom Con- something important, they rarely decide tentment is more valuable than material on a drastic course of action: As soon as I riches: To those who face a friendless and heard that a committee had been set up to dis- lonely death content must surely be worth cuss the issue, I knew I could rest assured that more than a kingdom. The proverb was fi rst no action would be taken—it’s well known recorded in 1591 in the works of Robert that councils of war never fi ght. The proverb Greene. was fi rst recorded in 1863, in H. W. Hal- Proverb expressing similar mean- leck, Telegram, but with the implication ing: a contented mind is a continual that it was already in general use. feast. courage is fear that has said its corporations have neither bodies to be prayers A brave person is not necessar- punished nor souls to be damned Large ily fearless, but has drawn strength from organizations are accountable to nobody— religion or some other source: I admired unlike individual people, who can be made her bravery in facing up to the bullies. “I’m to suffer physically or mentally for their not really brave,” she replied, “courage is simply unjust or immoral behavior: The company fear that has said its prayers.” The proverb is acted unethically, but stayed within the law, so recorded as a regional expression in the there was nothing that anybody could do about United States. it—corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned. The proverb the course of true love never did run is attributed to Lord Chancellor Thurlow, smooth Even the most loving relation- who is said to have made this or a similar ship has its ups and downs; usually said remark c. 1775—a variant of the original when lovers have a minor quarrel or face quotation is “Did you ever expect a cor- a temporary obstacle to their happiness: poration to have a conscience, when it has “Ralph’s letter was a long, involved . . . no soul to be damned, and no body to be document, beginning with another string

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 47 1/29/07 5:12:23 PM courtesy costs nothing

of apologies, repeating most of what he appreciate the value of their attributes or had said, and going over all their past. possessions until they have them no more; Quite a valuable essay on the theme of also used when the kindness of friends is the course of true love never did run spurned or taken for granted: You may live smooth, Etta thought sardonically” (Rich- to regret responding so ungraciously to their ard Aldington, Women Must Work, 1934). offers of help—the cow knows not the value The proverb comes from Shakespeare’s of her tail till she has lost it. The proverb play A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1:1). was fi rst recorded, in Randle Cotgrave, A Variant of this proverb: the path of Dictionary of the French and English Tongues true love never runs smooth. with different wording, in the early 17th century. courtesy costs nothing See civility Proverbs expressing similar meaning: costs nothing. blessings brighten as they take their flight; you never miss the water till courtesy is contagious If you are polite the well runs dry. to other people, then they will be polite to you: Courtesy is contagious, and if you start the cowl does not make the monk Do treating your staff with a bit more respect you not judge a person’s character by his may be pleasantly surprised by the results. The or her outward appearance or behavior: proverb is recorded as a regional expres- “Such impostures are sure of support from sion in the United States. the sort of people . . . who think that it is the cowl that makes the monk” (George cowards die many times before their Bernard Shaw, Music in London, 1932). Of death Cowards who repeatedly fear for medieval Latin origin, the proverb was their lives are constantly suffering an fi rst recorded in English in Thomas Usk’s experience similar to death itself; also Testament of Love (1387), in the form “For used fi guratively of the ignominy of cow- habit maketh no monk; ne weringe of ardly behavior: His courage failed him when gilte spurres maketh no knight.” he saw the size of the boat—cowards die many Variant of this proverb: the habit times before their death, but he found that does not make the monk. prospect infi nitely preferable to the possible Proverbs expressing similar mean- consequences of setting sail on the ocean in ing: don’t judge a book by its cover; such a frail craft. The proverb comes from judge not according to appearances. Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar (2:2), “Cowards die many times before their a creaking door hangs longest Those deaths;/The valiant never taste of death who have many minor ailments and infi r- but once.” mities often outlive those who don’t: Fac- Variant of this proverb: the coward ing the prospect of yet another operation—this dies a thousand deaths, the brave but time to replace an arthritic knee—she con- one. soled herself with the saying that a creaking door hangs longest. The proverb was fi rst the cow knows not the value of her tail recorded in 1776 in T. Cogan, John Buncle, till she has lost it People often fail to Junior.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 48 1/29/07 5:12:23 PM curiosity killed the cat

Variants of this proverb: a creaking must learn how to handle criticism, because it door never falls from its hinges; a creaking is virtually impossible to avoid it—criticism is gate hangs longest. something you can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing. The cream always comes to the top People proverb is recorded as a regional expres- of great worth or quality will ultimately sion in the United States. enjoy high achievement or public recognition: “Never mind the cream: it will crosses are ladders that lead to heaven always rise to the top. It’s the skim milk Suffering and misfortune often bring out that needs good teachers” (Bel Kaufman, the best in a person’s character: “If there Up the Down Staircase, 1964). The proverb be real worth in the character . . . it was fi rst recorded in 1841, in an essay by will give forth its fi nest fragrance when Ralph Waldo Emerson. pressed. ‘Crosses’ says the old proverb, Variant of this proverb: cream always ‘are ladders that lead to heaven’” (Samuel rises to the top. Smiles, Self-Help, 1859). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1616, in Thomas Draxe’s crime doesn’t pay Criminal activity Adages. may seem to be profi table, at least in the short term, but it ultimately leads to far cross the stream where it is shallowest greater loss—of liberty, or even of life; Always take the easiest possible approach used as a deterrent slogan: It’s hard to to doing something: Why do you have to believe that crime doesn’t pay when you read of make things so diffi cult for yourself? “Cross the luxurious lives some of these criminals lead the stream where it is shallowest,” as my in exile. The proverb was fi rst recorded in mother used to say. The proverb was fi rst the early 20th century. The proverb’s fi rst recorded in 1603, but with the implica- citation is 1927 in N. Martin’s Mosaic. The tion that it was already in regional use expression was a slogan of the FBI and the in England. cartoon detective Dick Tracy. a crow doesn’t pick out the eye of crime must be concealed by crime One another crow See hawks will not pick crime often leads to another, committed out hawks’ eyes. to avoid detection of the fi rst: Crime must be concealed by crime, and after embezzling the the cure may be worse than the disease funds he had to construct an elaborate network See the remedy may be worse than the of lies to explain where the money had gone. disease. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1948 in a U.S. proverb collection. curiosity killed the cat Inquisitive- ness—or a desire to fi nd out about some- criticism is something you can avoid thing—can lead you into trouble; usually by saying nothing, doing nothing, and said in response to an importunate ques- being nothing Whatever you say or do, tion: “The townspeople had learned the somebody is bound to criticize you for it: hard way that curiosity killed the cat— If you want to achieve anything in life, you you stayed indoors if there was trouble”

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(Timothy Mo, The Redundancy of Courage, the customer is always right In order 1991). The proverb seems to be of com- to maintain goodwill in business, you paratively recent origin, having been fi rst should always do what your customers recorded in 1909 in Henry, Schools and want and give them the benefi t of the Schools. doubt in any dispute: The company gained Proverb expressing similar meaning: its position as market leader by observing the ask me no questions and i’ll tell you principle that the customer is always right. no lies. The proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1917 as a translation of the French curses, like chickens, come home to proverb “Le patron n’a jamais tort [The cus- roost Wrongdoers ultimately have to tomer is never wrong].” It has been attrib- suffer the consequences of their bad deeds; uted to various businessmen, including also used when those who have wished César Ritz (1850–1918) and H. Gordon evil on others are struck by misfortune Selfridge (1864–1947). themselves: “Their injustice will return upon them. Curses, like chickens, come cut your coat according to your home to roost” (Samuel Smiles, Duty, cloth Match your actions to your 1880). The proverb was fi rst recorded, resources, and do not try to live beyond with different wording, in Chaucer’s Can- your means; also used as in the following terbury Tales (c. 1390). In the play The quotation: “We must cut our coat accord- Tragedy of Mr Arden of Feversham (1592), of ing to our cloth and adapt ourselves to unknown authorship, a different simile is changing circumstances” (W. R. Inge, Lay used: curses are compared to “arrowes Thoughts of a Dean, 1926). The proverb shot upright,” which come back down on was fi rst recorded in 1546. the shooter’s head. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: chickens everybody stretches his legs accord- always come home to roost. ing to the length of his coverlet; Proverb expressing similar meaning: stretch your arm no further than what goes around, comes around. your sleeve will reach.

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the danger past and God forgotten Peo- things are at the worst they begin to ple are prone to calling on God in times mend. of trouble, only to forget all about their newly found religious faith as soon as the the day is short and the work is long Life crisis is past: “The danger past, both are is short and there is little time in which to alike requited;/God is forgotten, and get work done: We must apply ourselves to the soldier slighted” (T. Jordan, Epigram, our labour, for the day is short and the work 1685). The proverb was fi rst recorded in is long. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1611 by Randle Cotgrave in A Dictionary 1400 in Beryn. of the French and English Tongues. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: the danger art is long and life is short. past God is forgotten; the river past and God forgotten. a dead dog tells no tales See dead men Proverb expressing similar meaning: tell no tales. man’s extremity is god’s opportunity. dead men don’t bite A dead person can the darkest cloud has a silver lining See no longer do others any harm; often used every cloud has a silver lining. to justify murder: “Then, with a pistol in either hand, I addressed him. ‘One the darkest hour is just before more step, Mr. Hands,’ said I, ‘and I’ll dawn Things are often at their worst blow your brains out! Dead men don’t just before they begin to improve: When bite, you know,’ I added with a chuckle” my fellow-campaigners began to lose heart, (Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, I reminded them of the proverb, “The darkest 1883). The proverb is of ancient origin: hour is just before dawn,” confi dent that victory according to Plutarch, the Egyptians were was now within our grasp. The proverb was advised to kill Pompey for this reason in fi rst recorded in 1650 in Thomas Fuller’s 48 b.c. It was fi rst recorded in English c. Pisgah Sight. 1547 in the form “A dead man does no Variant of this proverb: it’s always harm.” In 1587 Lord Gray is said to have darkest before dawn. advocated the execution of Mary Queen Proverbs expressing similar mean- of Scots with the words, “A dead woman ing: after a storm comes a calm; when bites not.”

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dead men tell no tales It may be expe- in 1721 in James Kelly’s A Complete Collec- dient to kill somebody who could betray tion of Scottish Proverbs. a secret or give information about the Proverbs expressing similar meaning: criminal activities of others: “. . . in medicine can prolong life, but death fi ve minutes’ time the yacht will be will seize the doctor, too; there’s a scuttled, and the cabin hatch will be remedy for everything except death. nailed down on you. Dead men tell no tales; and the sailing-master’s notion is death is the great leveler People of to leave proofs afl oat that the vessel has all ranks and classes are equal in death, foundered with all on board” (Wilkie and nobody is exempt from dying: The Collins, Armadale, 1866). The proverb list of those who perished in the hotel fi re— was first recorded in 1664 in J. Wilson everybody from visiting dignitaries and fi lm Andronicus Comnenius. stars to porters and cleaning staff—pro- Variant of this proverb: a dead dog vided a sobering illustration of the adage tells no tales. “Death is the great leveler.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1732, a deaf husband and a blind wife are but the sentiment it expresses is of always a happy couple A recipe for a ancient origin. Compare Claudian (a.d. successful marriage is one in which the 340–410), “omnia mors aequat [death lev- husband is deaf to his wife’s constant els all things].” Other words have been chatter or nagging and the wife is blind substituted for death, such as religion, golf, to her husband’s physical shortcomings or AIDS, or the Internet. misdeeds: Conjugal harmony requires toler- Variant of this proverb: death is a ance on both sides—there is some truth in the great leveler. old saying that “A deaf husband and a blind Proverb expressing similar meaning: wife are always a happy couple.” The proverb equality begins in the grave. was fi rst recorded with wording close to the current form in 1637: “Then marriage death keeps no calendar Death can may be said to be past in all quietnesse, strike at any time: Death keeps no cal- When the wife is blind, and the husband endar, which is why many people follow the deafe” (T. Heywood, Pleasant Dialogues). philosophy of living every day as if it were An earlier citation (1578) recommends their last. The proverb was fi rst recorded that the man be blind and the woman in 1640 in George Herbert’s Outlandish deaf. Proverbs.

death before dishonor See better death death pays all debts The dead no lon- than dishonor. ger have any obligations, fi nancial or otherwise, to the living: “‘It must be sorely death defi es the doctor All patients will answered,’ said the peace-offi cer. ‘Never eventually die, whatever the doctors do: you mind that—death pays all debts; We can keep the old lady alive for months, but it will pay that too’” (Sir Walter Scott, not indefi nitely: in the end death always defi es Chronicles of the Canongate, 1827). The the doctor. The proverb was fi rst recorded proverb occurs in Shakespeare’s play The

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Tempest (3:3) in the form “He that dies every desire or indulging your every pays all debts” (1597–98). whim—self-denial and unselfi shness can be benefi cial to the body and soul: A deeds, not words What a person does is recent survey seemed to suggest that those more important than—and may be quite who occasionally “deny self for self’s sake” live different from—what he or she says: My longer, happier lives. The proverb was fi rst boss has an infuriating habit of interrupting my recorded in 1735, in Benjamin Franklin’s lengthy excuses and explanations with the curt Poor Richard’s Almanack. remark, “Deeds, not words.” The proverb originated in the Latin form “Facta, non verba.” It desert and reward seldom keep company occurs in various forms in Shakespeare’s People are often not rewarded for their plays, such as these lines from Henry VIII good deeds or meritorious behavior; con- (3:2): “‘’Tis a kind of good deed to say versely, those who do receive rewards well:/And yet words are no deeds.” have often done nothing to deserve them: You will fi nd that in this organization desert deeds are fruits, words are but and reward seldom keep company, so do not leaves Mere words have no value unless expect your efforts to be recognized or appreci- they are followed by positive action: The ated by those in high places. The proverb was new governor would do well to remember fi rst recorded in this form in 1670 in John the proverb “Deeds are fruits, words are but Ray’s A Collection of English Proverbs. leaves”—his predecessor promised to tackle the problem of juvenile crime, but nothing was ever desires are nourished by delays A wish done. The proverb was fi rst recorded in or desire becomes stronger if it is not 1616 in Thomas Draxe’s Adages. satisfi ed immediately: I had hoped that he Proverb expressing similar meaning: would lose interest in going on the expedition actions speak louder than words. if I made him wait until the end of the school year, but desires are nourished by delays and he delays are dangerous Hesitation or is now more enthusiastic than ever. The prov- procrastination may lead to trouble or erb was fi rst recorded in 1601, in Love’s disaster: “‘My dear fellow, delays are dan- Metamorphosis by John Lyly. gerous. Let us have done with suspense, and risk it, the day after to-morrow’” desperate diseases must have desperate (Wilkie Collins, Queen of Hearts, 1859). remedies Drastic action is called for— The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1578 and justifi ed—when you fi nd yourself in a in the form “Delays breed dangers” (John particularly diffi cult situation: “and there Lyly, Euphues). the King . . . asked him how he could have Proverb expressing similar meaning: the heart to intend to destroy so many he who hesitates is lost. innocent people? ‘Because,’ said Guy Proverb expressing opposite mean- Fawkes, ‘desperate diseases need desper- ing: there’s luck in leisure. ate remedies’” (Charles Dickens, A Child’s History of England, 1851–53). Of ancient deny self for self’s sake You can do origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded yourself a favor by not satisfying your in English in 1539 in Richard Taverner’s

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Proverbs in the form “A strong disease the devil dances in an empty pocket requires a strong medicine.” Compare the The poor are easily tempted to do evil. Latin proverb “extremis malis extrema reme- The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1412 dia [extreme remedies for extreme ills].” by Thomas Hoccleve in The Regiment of The substitution of desperate for strong or Princes. The fuller version of the proverb extreme may have been infl uenced by a runs “the devil dances in an empty pocket quotation from Shakespeare’s play Ham- because it contains no cross” (a reference let (4:3): “Diseases desperate grown/By to the cross that adorned the coinage in desperate appliance are relieved,/Or not past centuries): “No devil so frightful as at all.” that which dances in the pocket where Proverb expressing similar meaning: there is no cross to keep him out” (Walter killing no murder. Scott, Woodstock, 1826). Proverb expressing a similar mean- the devil always leaves a stink behind ing: the devil finds work for idle him Evil always leaves its taint behind: hands to do. He exerted a baleful infl uence on everyone he knew and, like the devil, always left a stink the devil fi nds work for idle hands to do behind him. The proverb was fi rst recorded Idle people may fi nd themselves tempted in 1591 in Henry Smith’s Sermons. into wrongdoing: “There is a risk that youngsters will leave school and college the devil can cite scripture for his pur- to fi nd themselves unwanted, with the pose Passages from the Bible are some- devil fi nding work for idle hands to do” times quoted to support a bad idea, to (London Times, 1980). The proverb comes justify wrongdoing, or simply as a hypo- from a poem by Isaac Watts, published critical show of piety; used in response in his Divine Songs for Children (1715): “In to, or as a warning against, people who works of labour, or of skill,/I would be do this: Her argument was very persuasive, and busy too;/ For Satan fi nds some mischief she reminded me of a remark on the subject that still/For idle hands to do.” In Charles Jesus made to his disciples in the New Testa- Dickens’s novel David Copperfi eld (1850), ment, but I remained wary—the devil can cite the character Mr. Wickfi eld observes, “if scripture for his purpose. The proverb comes Doctor Watts knew mankind, he might from Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of have written, with as much truth, ‘Satan Venice (1:3). It alludes to Jesus’ tempta- fi nds some mischief still, for busy hands tion in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6), to do.’ The busy people achieve their full when the devil quotes Psalm 91:11–12: share of mischief in the world, you may “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself rely upon it.” down: for it is written, He shall give His Proverbs expressing similar meaning: angels charge concerning thee: and in the devil dances in an empty pocket; their hands they shall bear thee up, lest an idle brain is the devil’s workshop; at any time thou dash thy foot against a idleness is the root of all evil. stone.” Variant of this proverb: the devil can the devil gets up to the belfry by the quote scripture to his own advantage. vicar’s skirts Wicked people may oper-

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ate among good people in order to enact the devil looks after his own Bad or their schemes. The proverb was fi rst undeserving people often prosper and recorded in 1659 in J. Howell’s Paro- thrive; said in response to the success or emiographia: “By the skirts of the Vicar the good fortune of such a person: She lied Devil climes up to the Steeple.” and cheated her way through college, and Variant of this proverb: the devil now she has risen to the very pinnacle of her lurks behind the cross. profession—the devil looks after his own! The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1721, the devil is in the details The details with slightly different wording, in James of something are of paramount impor- Kelly’s collection of Scottish proverbs. tance, and you should always examine Variant of this proverb: the devil or pay attention to them in any proposi- takes care of his own. tion you are considering or any proj- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ect you undertake: Read the contract very the devil’s children have the devil’s carefully before you sign. Remember that the luck. devil is in the details, and there may be hidden drawbacks or unacceptable conditions that the devil lurks behind the cross See are not immediately apparent. The proverb the devil gets up to the belfry by the was fi rst recorded in English as recently vicar’s skirts. as the 1970s, and it may be of German, French, or Italian origin. It has been attrib- the devil makes his Christmas pies of uted to the Renaissance artist Michelan- lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers gelo (1475–1564) and the French writer Beware of unscrupulous lawyers and their Gustave Flaubert (1821–80), among assistants: In commercial disputes my father was others. always anxious to steer clear of litigation, on the Variant of this proverb: God is in basis of the saying “The devil makes his Christ- the details. mas pies of lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1591, in the devil is not as black as he is John Florio’s conversation manual Second painted People are rarely as bad Fruits, with the implication that a third as others say they are; often used in ingredient of the devil’s pie is women. defense of a specifi c person: “Again, it cannot be gainsaid that the greater the devil’s children have the devil’s number of those who hold high places luck Bad people often have good luck; in our poetical literature are absolute usually said with envy rather than malice nincompoops—fellows alike innocent on hearing of somebody’s good fortune: I of reason and of rhyme. But neither are might have guessed that Richard would win the we all brainless, nor is the devil himself jackpot—the devil’s children have the devil’s so black as he is painted” (Edgar Allan luck! The proverb was fi rst recorded in Poe, The Quacks of Helicon, 1850). The 1678 in John Ray’s A Collection of English proverb was fi rst recorded in 1534, but Proverbs. with the implication that it was already Proverb expressing similar meaning: in general use. the devil looks after his own.

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the devil takes care of his own See the different people must be approached or devil looks after his own. dealt with in different ways: “He dictates everything he writes. . . . I write out the devil was sick, the devil a saint would everything. Different strokes for different be; the devil was well, the devil a saint folks” (Alexandra Stoddard, Gift of a Letter, was he People often turn to religion 1990). The proverb is of U.S. origin, dat- or promise to reform when they are ing from the mid-20th century or earlier. ill or in trouble, only to revert to their former ways as soon as the crisis is over: the diffi cult is done at once, the impos- The prisoner’s remorse seemed genuine, but the sible takes a little longer Diffi cult authorities were reluctant to release him, on the tasks present no problem, and even those grounds that “the devil was sick, the devil a saint that seem impossible will ultimately be would be.” The word monk is used in place accomplished; used as a motto or policy of saint in a medieval Latin form of the statement, as in commerce: Our company proverb and in its earliest English citation has an excellent record of success in track- in 1629 in a sermon by Thomas Adams. ing down rare or out-of-print books, but we The closing phrase “the devil a saint was urge our customers to be patient—“The dif- he” means “he was not a saint at all.” fi cult is done at once, the impossible takes a little longer.” Used as a slogan of the armed diamond cuts diamond The only match forces, the proverb is attributed to Louis for a very sharp-witted or cunning person XVI’s fi nance minister Charles Alexandre is somebody of equally sharp wit or great de Calonne (1734–1802). It was fi rst cunning: She thought she had outwitted me, recorded in English in 1873. but diamond cuts diamond, and I still had a few tricks up my sleeve. The proverb was dig the well before you are thirsty Do fi rst recorded in 1604 in John Marston not wait until it is too late to prepare for The Malcontent. future necessities: He had worked out a possible escape route in case things went wrong, diet cures more than doctors A sensible on the principle that it is better to dig the well diet does more for the health than medi- before you are thirsty. The proverb was fi rst cal intervention: Her grandfather always recorded in 1948 in a U.S. proverb col- insisted that diet cures more than doctors and lection, but it is believed to be of ancient never entered a hospital in his life. The prov- origin. The Roman dramatist Plautus (c. erb was fi rst recorded in 1875 by A. B. 254–184 b.c.) is said to have remarked, Cheales in Proverbs. “It’s a wretched business to be digging a Proverb expressing similar mean- well just as thirst is overcoming you.” ing: the best doctors are dr. diet, dr. Variant of this proverb: dig a well quiet, and dr. merryman. before it rains.

different strokes for different diligence is the mother of good folks Different people have different luck Those who work hardest are most habits, methods, and tastes; also (and likely to enjoy good fortune: “Diligence perhaps originally) used to suggest that is the mother of good luck. . . . A man’s

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success in life will be proportionate to many painful memories. The proverb comes his efforts” (Samuel Smiles, Thrift, 1875). from Thomas Campbell’s poem “Pleasures The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1591 in of Hope” (1799): “’Tis distance lends W. Stepney’s Spanish Schoolmaster. enchantment to the view,/And robes the mountain in its azure hue.” dirty water will quench fi re You cannot Proverb expressing similar meaning: afford to be too fastidious at a time of great blue are the hills that are far away. necessity; often used with specifi c reference to the satisfaction of sexual desire divide and conquer The best way to with a partner of ugly appearance or loose conquer or control a group of people morals: “‘How could anyone go with her?’ is by encouraging them to fi ght among Dewi shrugged. ‘They do say dirty water themselves rather than allowing them to puts out fi re just as well’” (Alison G. Taylor, unite in opposition to the ruling authority: Simeon’s Bride, 1995). The proverb was fi rst “This Republican Administration treats us recorded in 1546 in the form “Foul water as if we were pieces of a puzzle that can’t fi t as soon as fair, will quench hot fi re.” together. They’ve tried to put us into com- partments and separate us from each other. discretion is the better part of valor It Their political theory is ‘divide and con- is often wiser to avoid taking an unneces- quer’” (transcript of speech by Ann Rich- sary risk than to be recklessly courageous: ards, New York Times, 1988). Of Latin origin, “You have shown the discretion which the proverb was fi rst recorded in English in is the better part of valour . . . had you 1605. It has been the maxim of many rulers attacked Sir Richard, you would now be and authorities throughout history. lying senseless on the greensward, quite Variant of this proverb: divide and unable to undertake the journey that lies rule. before you tomorrow” (L. P. Hartley, Proverbs expressing similar meaning: Eustace and Hilda, 1947). The proverb a house divided against itself cannot comes from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, stand; united we stand, divided we fall. Part 1 (5:4): “The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part, I have do as I say, not as I do Do what some- saved my life” (1597–98). The sentiment body tells or advises you to do rather it expresses, however, is of earlier origin. than what that person actually does him- Proverb expressing similar meaning: self or herself: This was a classic case of he who fights and runs away may live “Do as I say, not as I do”—she had appeared to fight another day. on television urging mothers to have their babies vaccinated, but subsequently admitted distance lends enchantment to the that she had refused the vaccine for her own view Distance in space or time makes child. The proverb was fi rst recorded in things seem better than they are—or an Anglo-Saxon text dating from before were—in reality: I remember college life as the 12th century. a happy, carefree existence, but distance lends Proverbs expressing opposite mean- enchantment to the view, and reading the dia- ing: example is better than precept; a ries I wrote during those years has brought back good example is the best sermon.

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do as you would be done by Treat should not—take action that will harm other people in the way that you would another member of the same group: like to be treated: Do as you would be done “Except where I felt it to be absolutely by—you can’t expect people to be honest essential . . . I have avoided any discus- with you if you persist in lying to them. The sion of criticism and critics: dog should proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in not eat dog” (J. B. Priestley, Literature and c. 1596. It was used in a letter written by Western Man, 1960). Of Latin origin, the Lord Chesterfi eld in 1747,—“‘Do as you proverb was fi rst recorded in English in would be done by,’ is the surest method 1543. It has given rise to the cliché dog eat that I know of pleasing”—and was further dog, referring to ruthless competition in popularized as the name of a good fairy, industry, politics, etc. Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby, in Charles Variant of this proverb: dog will not Kingsley’s The Water Babies (1863). eat dog. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverbs expressing similar mean- do unto others as you would they ing: hawks will not pick out hawks’ should do unto you. eyes; there’s honor among thieves.

the doctor is often more to be feared a dog is man’s best friend Dogs are than the disease Some courses of medi- more faithful than any human companion: cal treatment are worse than the disease “‘A dog is man’s best friend’ is an old they aim to cure: In years gone by there adage which the defendants have either was a deal of truth in the saying “the doctor forgotten or decided to ignore” (Tran- is often more to be feared than the disease.” script of judgment in a case involving The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1621 by laboratory animals, New York Times, 1993). Robert Burton in his Anatomy of Melancholy. The proverb was fi rst recorded in a letter written by the English poet Alexander the dog always returns to his vomit Peo- Pope in 1709. ple always return to the scene of their Variant of this proverb: man’s best crime or wrongdoing: The police kept a friend is his dog. 24-hour watch on the building where the body was found, hoping that as a dog returns to its the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on vomit, the murderer would eventually reappear. The warnings or protests of those in The proverb is of biblical origin: “As a dog lowly positions are often ignored by those returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth in power and are not allowed to stand in to his folly” (Proverbs 26:11); “The dog is the way of progress: Disregarding public turned to his own vomit again; and the sow opinion, they went ahead with their plan—the that was washed to her wallowing in the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on. Of Asian mire” (2 Peter 2:22). It also occurs in Chau- origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded cer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “the hound in English in 1891 in John Lockwood . . . retourneth to eten his spewying.” Kipling’s Beast and Man in India.

dog does not eat dog A member of a dogs that bark don’t always bite See a particular group of people will not—or barking dog never bites.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 58 1/29/07 5:12:26 PM don’t change the rules in the middle of the game

a dog that will fetch a bone will carry that lays the golden egg” (Alva Johnston, a bone Beware of people who bring The Great Goldwyn, 1937). you gossip about others, because they are equally likely to pass on gossip about you: don’t burn your bridges behind She came rushing over to tell me that Julia had you Think carefully before taking any left Peter, but I gave her no hint that my own step that is irrevocable, because you can- marriage was heading the same way. A dog that not be sure what the future holds: You will fetch a bone will carry a bone, and I didn’t might want to return to this town some day, want the whole town to know. The proverb was so try to leave it on good terms with everybody fi rst recorded in 1830 in R. Forby’s Vocabu- and don’t burn your bridges behind you. The lary of East Anglia, but with the implication proverb was fi rst recorded in 1923 in that it was already in use. A. Crowley, Confessions. It refers to the military practice of burning bridges as dog will not eat dog See dog does not an army advances, making retreat impos- eat dog. sible. The fi gurative phrase to burn one’s boats has the same meaning. don’t air your dirty linen in public See Variant of this proverb: don’t burn don’t wash your dirty linen in public. your bridges before you.

don’t bite off more than you can don’t carry all your eggs in one basket chew Do not take on a task that is See don’t put all your eggs in one larger or more diffi cult than you can basket. manage: Don’t bite off more than you can chew—this project is far too complex to be don’t cast your pearls before swine It is tackled by a single person. pointless to waste fi ne or beautiful things Proverbs expressing similar mean- on people who are incapable of appreciating: don’t go near the water until ing them: Ignoring advice not to cast pearls you learn how to swim; don’t start before swine, he signed up some of the greatest anything you can’t finish. classical musicians in the country to perform at the concert. The proverb is of biblical origin: don’t bite the hand that feeds you Do “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, not behave unkindly or ungratefully neither cast ye your pearls before swine, toward those on whom you depend for lest they trample them under their feet, and fi nancial or other support: “And having turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7:6). looked to government for bread, on the Variant of this proverb: don’t throw very fi rst scarcity they will turn and bite pearls to swine. the hand that fed them” (Edmund Burke, Thoughts and Details on Scarcity, 1797). don’t change horses in the middle of The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1711. the stream See don’t swap horses in The producer Sam Goldwyn apparently midstream. confused this proverb with another when he remarked, “That’s the way with these don’t change the rules in the middle directors, they’re always biting the hand of the game It is wrong or unfair

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 59 1/29/07 5:12:26 PM don’t count your chickens before they are hatched

to change the rules, terms, or condi- don’t cry before you’re hurt There is no tions relating to something once it is in point in upsetting yourself about some- progress, or after people have become thing bad that may or may not happen: involved in it: It is an unwritten law of busi- They probably have no intention of dismiss- ness that you don’t change the rules in the ing you, so don’t cry before you’re hurt. The middle of the game, which is precisely what our proverb was fi rst recorded in English in customers have done by reducing the tolerances 1548, in Reliq. Antiquae, in the form “I cry on their specifi cations. not before I am pricked,” but a similar proverb existed in French more than 200 don’t count your chickens before they are years earlier. hatched Do not act on the optimistic assumption that you will get or achieve don’t cry over spilled milk See it’s no something until you actually have it or are use crying over spilled milk. absolutely certain of success: “The experts, you know, the big dealers—we don’t want don’t cut off your nose to spite your any publicity just yet. . . . And we don’t face Do not take action to spite others want to count our purely putative chickens that will harm you more than them: “For before they’re hatched” (William Plomer, that money and your own infernal vanity Museum Pieces, 1950). The proverb was fi rst you are willing to deliberately turn out recorded c. 1570 in the form “Count not bad work. You’ll do quite enough bad thy chickens that unhatched be.” work without knowing it. And . . . I am Proverbs expressing similar mean- not going to let you cut off your nose to ing: first catch your hare; there’s spite your face for all the gold in England” many a slip between cup and lip. (Rudyard Kipling, The Light That Failed, 1890). The proverb was fi rst recorded in don’t cross the bridge till you come to it English c. 1560, in Deceit of Women, in the Do not anticipate trouble or worry about form “He that bites his nose off, shames future problems that may or may not his face,” but similar proverbs existed in arise: The case may not even come to court, medieval Latin and 14th-century French. so there’s no point in worrying whether or not you will have to give evidence—don’t cross don’t get into deep water until you learn the bridge till you come to it. The proverb how to swim See don’t go near the was fi rst recorded in 1850, in the Ameri- water until you learn how to swim. can poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Journal, and reappeared the following don’t get mad, get even Take positive year in his poem “The Golden Legend”: action to retaliate for a wrong that has “Don’t cross the bridge till you come been done to you, rather than wasting to it,/Is a proverb old, and of excellent your time and energy in angry recrimi- wit.” nations: “Don’t get mad, get even” was her Proverbs expressing similar mean- watchword, so when one of the other students ing: don’t meet troubles halfway; suf- in the art class laughed at her painting she ficient unto the day is the evil thereof; calmly picked up his sculpture and dashed it take things as they come. to the ground. The proverb is of compara-

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 60 1/29/07 5:12:26 PM don’t judge a book by its cover

tively recent origin; it was fi rst recorded don’t hide your light under a bushel If in 1975: “Some of the reasons have their you have special skills or talents, do not roots in that wonderful law of the Boston conceal them through modesty and pre- Irish political jungle: ‘Don’t get mad; get vent others from appreciating or benefi t- even’” (Ben Bradlee, Conversations with ing from them: “It ain’t that I am vain, Kennedy). but that you don’t like to put your own light under a bushel. What’s the worth don’t give up the ship Never stop of your reputation, if you can’t convey fi ghting and do not surrender: My wife the reason for it to the person you most encouraged me to stand up to the bullies at wish to value it?” (Charles Dickens, Doctor work, and when I talked of resigning she Marigold, 1865). The proverb is of biblical always said, “Don’t give up the ship.” The origin: “Neither do men light a candle, proverb has been attributed to James and put it under a bushel, but on a candle- Lawrence, commander of the U.S. frig- stick; and it giveth light unto all that are in ate “Chesapeake,” when he was fatally the house” (Matthew 5:15). wounded in 1813. It fi rst appeared in print the following year in The Diary of F. don’t hit a man when he’s down It Palmer, Privateersman. is unkind and unsportsmanlike to cause Proverb expressing similar meaning: further physical or mental harm to some- never say die. body who is already suffering: “. . . while it did Tom’s heart good to see the cordial don’t go near the water until you learn respect paid to his father, it tried his how to swim Do not put yourself in a patience . . . to hear . . . ‘That’s the son; diffi cult or dangerous situation until you it’s hard on him. Wild fellow, do him are capable of handling it: You should not good.’ ‘Granted; but you needn’t hit a have agreed to take part in this mission with man when he’s down,’ muttered Tom to the little experience that you have. Have you himself, feeling every moment a stron- never heard the proverb “Don’t go near the ger desire to do something that should water until you learn how to swim”? The prov- silence everybody” (Louisa May Alcott, erb was fi rst recorded in 1855 in the form An Old-Fashioned Girl, 1870). The proverb “Never venture out of your depth till you was fi rst recorded in 1551 in the writ- can swim.” ings of the English archbishop Thomas Variant of this proverb: don’t get Cranmer. into deep water until you learn how to swim. don’t judge a book by its cover Do Proverbs expressing similar mean- not form an opinion about something ing: don’t bite off more than you can or somebody based solely on outward chew; don’t start anything you can’t appearance: “Appreciate your allowing finish. me to participate, but you should be less trusting, Ellie—can’t always judge don’t halloo till you are out of the a book by its cover” (Dorothy Cannell, woods See don’t shout until you Thin Woman, 1984). The proverb was fi rst are out of the woods. recorded in 1929 in the form “You can’t

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 61 1/29/07 5:12:26 PM don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his boots

judge a book by its binding” in the peri- which he was making through the streets odical American Speech. seemed to indicate that he was not a Variant of this proverb: you can’t tell simple and honest man. To arrest him too a book by its cover. hastily would be ‘to kill the hen that laid Proverbs expressing similar meaning: the golden eggs.’ Where was the incon- the cowl does not make the monk; venience in waiting? Javert was very sure judge not according to appearances; that he would not escape” (Victor Hugo, there’s many a good cock come out Les Misérables, 1862). The proverb comes of a tattered bag. from one of the fables of Aesop (sixth century b.c.), in which a farmer has a don’t judge a man until you have walked goose that lays golden eggs. Instead of a mile in his boots Do not criticize or being content with receiving one golden pass judgment on somebody until you egg every day for the foreseeable future, have been in the same situation, under- he kills the goose in the hope of gaining gone the same experiences, or tried to do instant access to all the gold inside. Need- the same thing: I was sure that I would never less to say, he fi nds nothing. have made such a fundamental mistake if I had Variant of this proverb: don’t kill the been in his position, but I made no comment, goose that laid the golden egg. remembering the old adage “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his boots.” don’t let the fox guard the henhouse Do not put somebody in a position where don’t jump from the frying pan into the he or she will be tempted to wrongdoing: fi re Do not go from a bad situation to a There was widespread outrage when it was worse one: “If it is decided that the reli- discovered that a known pedophile had been gious fundamentalism of Iran is a danger given a job at the school. “You don’t let the fox to all the nations of the Middle East . . . guard the henhouse,” said one of the protesters. then Israelis will have to ask themselves: The proverb was fi rst recorded in Contre- Are we jumping from the frying pan into League in 1589. the fi re?” (New York Times, 1989). The prov- Variant of this proverb: don’t set a erb was fi rst recorded in English in 1528, wolf to watch the sheep. in the works of the English statesman Sir Thomas More, but it is of ancient origin. don’t make the same mistake twice You It is perhaps more frequently used in the should learn from your mistakes rather form of the fi gurative phrase out of the fry- than repeating them: You can’t expect to get ing pan into the fi re. everything right fi rst time, but try to put past Variant of this proverb: don’t jump experience to good use and don’t make the same out of the frying pan into the fi re. mistake twice. Proverb expressing similar meaning: don’t kill the goose that lays the golden experience is the best teacher. eggs Take care not to destroy something valuable, such as a source of steady don’t marry for money, but don’t marry income, through greed, impatience, or a without money See never marry for desire for instant gain: “All these turns money, but marry where money is.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 62 1/29/07 5:12:27 PM don’t rock the boat

don’t meet troubles halfway Do not in Giovanni Torriano’s A Common Place of worry about problems before they actu- Italian Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, and ally happen: “Do not meet troubles half- it is probably of Spanish or Italian origin. way. . . . When need arises we will see The earlier English proverb “Venture not what can be done” (Michael Sadleir, Fanny all in one bottom [ship],” of Latin ori- by Gaslight, 1940). The proverb was fi rst gin, expresses the same sentiment. Mark recorded in this form in 1896, but the Twain, in Pudd’nhead Wilson (1894), gives sentiment it expresses is of ancient origin. a piece of alternative advice: “Put all your Compare Seneca (c. 4 b.c.–a.d. 65), “quid eggs in the one basket, and—watch that iuvat dolori sui occurrere? [what help is it to basket.” run out to meet your troubles?].” Variant of this proverb: don’t carry Proverbs expressing similar mean- all your eggs in one basket. ing: don’t cross the bridge till you Proverb expressing similar meaning: come to it; never trouble trouble the mouse that has but one hole is till trouble troubles you; take things quickly taken. as they come. don’t put new wine in old bottles See don’t overload gratitude; if you do, she’ll you can’t put new wine in old bot- kick When people are grateful to you, tles. do not take excessive advantage of the situation, because any sense of obliga- don’t put the cart before the horse It tion has its limits: You seem to think that is important to do things in the right or just because you once did me a great favor, I natural order; also used when people should be forever in your debt—haven’t you confuse cause and effect: Don’t put the heard the proverb “Don’t overload gratitude; cart before the horse—it’s pointless to start if you do, she’ll kick”? The proverb was fi rst advertising for staff until you have raised the recorded in 1741, in Benjamin Franklin’s money to set up the business. The proverb Poor Richard’s Almanack. was fi rst recorded in this form c. 1520, but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier don’t play with edged tools See it’s ill origin. jesting with edged tools. Proverb expressing similar meaning: first things first. don’t play with fi re See if you play with fire, you get burned. don’t rock the boat It is often wise to avoid taking action or making suggestions don’t put all your eggs in one bas- that will cause upset or trouble: There are ket Spread your risks or investments some who will always speak out when they so that if one enterprise fails you will not think things should be changed, and there are lose everything: When my aunt died, she left others who remain silent, preferring not to us some money, which we invested in a wide rock the boat. The proverb dates from the range of companies, not wanting to put all our 1920s and was popularized by the song eggs into one basket. The proverb was fi rst “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” in recorded in English in the 17th century the musical Guys and Dolls (1950).

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 63 1/29/07 5:12:27 PM don’t rush the cattle

Proverb expressing similar meaning: till you are out of the wood. This is a night let sleeping dogs lie. for praying rather than boasting” (Charles Kingsley, Hereward the Wake, 1866). The don’t rush the cattle See hurry no proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1770. It man’s cattle. has given rise to the ﬁ gurative phrase out of the woods, meaning “out of danger or don’t set a wolf to watch the sheep See trouble.” don’t let the fox guard the hen- Variant of this proverb: don’t halloo house. till you are out of the woods.

don’t shoot the messenger When you don’t shut the barn door after the horse receive bad news, do not vent your anger is stolen It is too late to take action to or distress on the person who brings it: prevent an undesirable event after it has Enraged by a report from one of his fi nancial already occurred: “‘The union has to act advisers, the president called for the man’s dis- now if it is to affect events,’ said Harley missal. He was warned against such a drastic Shaiken, a former auto worker . . . ‘If they step by somebody who reminded him, “The man wait until the national contract expires only wrote the report—don’t shoot the mes- in September 1993, it will be like clos- senger.” The sentiment expressed by this ing the barn door after the horse has proverb is of ancient origin: Sophocles gotten out’” (New York Times, 1994). The wrote c. 442 b.c., “Nobody likes the man proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1350 in who brings bad news.” Its current form, Douce MS. however, is relatively recent. Variant of this proverb: it’s too late to shut the stable door after the horse don’t shoot the pianist, he’s doing his has bolted. best Don’t criticize somebody who is Proverb expressing similar meaning: not to blame, or who is doing the best it’s easy to be wise after the event. he or she can in diffi cult circumstances: I heard that the new temporary lecturer could don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s barely control the rowdy students—but on worth of tar Do not make petty econo- the basis of “Don’t shoot the pianist, he’s mies that will adversely affect the fi nal doing his best” I decided that the best policy result of something, especially if you was to remain silent. The proverb was fi rst have already spent a lot of money on it recorded in 1883, in Oscar Wilde’s Per- or put a lot of effort into it: “Mrs. Owen sonal Impressions of America, “Over the piano . . . had recommended a doctor, and was printed a notice: Please do not shoot Mildred saw him once a week. He was the pianist. He is doing his best” referring to charge fi fteen guineas. ‘Of course I to a saloon in Leadville, Colorado. could have got it done cheaper, but Mrs. Owen strongly recommended him, and don’t shout until you are out of the I thought it wasn’t worth while to spoil woods Avoid any show of triumph or the ship for a coat of tar’” (W. Somerset relief until you are sure that a period of Maugham, Of Human Bondage, 1915). The diffi culty or danger is over: “Don’t holla proverb was fi rst recorded in 1623 in the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 64 1/29/07 5:12:27 PM don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs

form “A man will not lose a hog, for a Variant of this proverb: don’t change halfpennyworth of tar.” (Tar was used to horses in the middle of the stream. treat sores and wounds on farm animals.) The word hog was subsequently replaced don’t take down a fence unless you are by sheep, and through a misunderstand- sure why it was put up Most things ing of rural pronunciation it ultimately were constructed or established for a became ship. purpose, and it is unwise to destroy or Variant of this proverb: don’t spoil dismantle them unless you are certain the ship for a ha’porth of tar. that they are not longer required: The law seemed outdated, but the legislators were reluc- don’t start anything you can’t fi nish tant to repeal it, on the basis that you shouldn’t Do not begin something unless you are take down a fence unless you are sure why it sure that you have suffi cient strength, was put up. courage, etc. to see it through to the end: Variant of this proverb: don’t tear Ignoring the advice “Don’t start anything you down a wall unless you are sure why it can’t fi nish,” he embarked on a costly lawsuit was put up. against his former employers. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1477 in Dictes and don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk the Sayenges of Philosophirs. walk Don’t boast of something if you Proverbs expressing similar mean- are unwilling or unable to back it up by ing: don’t bite off more than you can your actions: It’s all very well to say you chew; don’t go near the water until can climb that tree, but don’t talk the talk if you learn how to swim. you can’t walk the walk. The proverb fi rst became familiar in the USA toward the don’t swallow the cow and worry with end of the 20th century. A more concise the tail See it’s idle to swallow the variant is “walk the talk.” cow and choke on the tail. don’t teach your grandmother to suck don’t swap horses in midstream Once eggs Do not presume to give advice you have embarked on a course of action or instruction to those who are older or an undertaking, it is better not to and more experienced than you: “Why, change your tactics or methods along the if you knew how many tens of thousands way: “‘If ours is the true religion why do of women, especially in New York, say you not become a Catholic?’ . . . ‘Reverend just what you do, you’d lose all the fun father, we have a proverb in England never of thinking you’re a lone genius. . . . to swap horses while crossing a stream’” There’s always about a million young (Robert Graves, Goodbye to All That, 1929). women just out of college who want The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1864, to teach their grandmothers how to in the works of Abraham Lincoln: “I am suck eggs” (Sinclair Lewis, Main Street, reminded . . . of a story of an old Dutch 1920). The proverb was fi rst recorded farmer, who remarked to a companion in 1707. once that ‘it was best not to swap horses Proverb expressing similar meaning: when crossing streams.’” they that live longest see most.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 65 1/29/07 5:12:27 PM don’t tear down a wall unless you are sure why it was put up

don’t tear down a wall unless you are don’t wash your dirty linen in public Do sure why it was put up See don’t take not discuss private disputes or family down a fence unless you are sure scandals in public: The chat-show format in why it was put up. which ordinary people air their personal griev- ances against friends and family in front of a don’t throw away your dirty water until nationwide audience was obviously dreamed you get clean It is advisable to keep up by somebody unacquainted with the saying what you have, however unacceptable it “Don’t wash your dirty linen in public.” The has become, until you are sure that you proverb was fi rst recorded in 1809 in can replace it with something better: T. G. Fessenden’s Pills. “I’m keeping him on for the present. . . . Variant of this proverb: don’t air It’s no good throwing away dirty water your dirty linen in public. until one’s got clean” (Victor Bridges, Greensea Island, 1922). The proverb was don’t wish too hard; you might just get fi rst recorded, with different wording, c. what you wished for Beware of wish- 1475. Its current form occurs in a proving for something too much, because erb collection of 1710. you might not like it when you get it: Don’t wish too hard; you might just get what don’t throw good money after bad If you wished for. Many who strive for fame and you have already spent money on a venture fortune—and achieve it—long to return to that seems likely to fail, do not waste any their former lives of humble obscurity. The further money on it. The repairs to the boat sentiment expressed by this proverb is of cost me a fortune, and it’s still not seaworthy, ancient origin. Its variant form is associ- so I’ve decided not to throw good money after ated with Oscar Wilde, and is the moral of bad—I’m going to save up for a new boat his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891). instead. The proverb was fi rst recorded in J. Variant of this proverb: be careful Stevens’s A New Spanish and English Diction- what you wish for: you might get it. ary, 1706. a door must be either shut or open You don’t throw out the baby with the bath- must choose between two alternatives, water Do not take the drastic step of one of which excludes the other: You abolishing or discarding something in its must decide whether you are going to accept entirety when only part of it is unaccept- or refuse their offer—there is no middle way. able: Let’s not throw the baby out with the A door must be either shut or open. The prov- bathwater—the law as it stands is basically erb was fi rst recorded in 1762, in Oliver sound, and just needs a few amendments to Goldsmith’s The Citizen of the World. close up the loopholes. First recorded in Proverb expressing similar meaning: English in 1853 in Thomas Carlyle, Nigger you can’t have it both ways. Question, the proverb is of German origin, dating from the 16th century or earlier. do right and fear no man Take courage from a clear conscience: Her motto was “Do don’t throw pearls to swine See don’t right and fear no man,” so she had no qualms cast your pearls before swine. about exposing the corrupt practices of the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 66 1/29/07 5:12:27 PM dreams retain the inﬁ rmities of our character

organization, and facing the inevitable repercus- Variant of this proverb: do unto sions. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in c. others as you would they should do unto 1450. In modern use it sometimes has a you. punning extension, “don’t write and fear Proverb expressing similar meaning: no woman.” do as you would be done by. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: a clear conscience can bear any trou- do well and have well See never do ble; evil doers are evil dreaders. things by halves.

a dose of adversity is often as needful dream of a funeral and you hear of a as a dose of medicine Hardship and marriage According to popular super- misfortune may be unpleasant, but they stition, if you dream about a funeral you can sometimes have a benefi cial effect on will shortly receive news that somebody the character, especially when people fail of your acquaintance is to be married: to appreciate the good things they have: Last night I dreamed I was at the funeral of Life has always been easy for him, and this spell some famous person I’d never heard of, so I’m of ill luck has hit him hard. But it may be all expecting a wedding invitation in the mail for the best—they say that a dose of adversity today—dream of a funeral and you hear of a is often as needful as a dose of medicine. The marriage. The proverb was fi rst recorded proverb is recorded as a regional expres- in J. Clarke’s Parœmiologia Anglo-Latina, sion in the United States. 1639 in the opposite form, “After a dream of weddings comes a corpse.” do unto others as you would have them Proverb expressing similar meaning: do unto you Treat other people as dreams go by contraries. you would wish them to treat you: “He turned the other cheek on every occa- dreams go by contraries What happens sion and always did unto others exactly in your dreams is usually the opposite of as he would have had others do unto what is going to happen in reality: Don’t him” (Joseph Heller, Catch-22, 1961). The upset yourself—everybody has nightmares proverb is of biblical origin: “Therefore sometimes, and they never come true. Haven’t all things whatsoever ye would that men you heard the saying “Dreams go by contraries”? should do to you, do ye even so to them” The proverb was fi rst recorded in c. 1400 (Matthew 7:12), “And as ye would that in Tale of Beryn. men should do to you, do ye also to them Proverb expressing similar mean- likewise” (Luke 6:31), and is known as the ing: dream of a funeral and you hear of a Golden Rule. Charles Dickens produced a marriage. cynical parody of the proverb, “Do other men, for they would do you,” in Martin dreams retain the infi rmities of our Chuzzlewit (1843), and George Bernard character Our weaknesses are often Shaw wrote in Man and Superman (1903), revealed—usually in symbolic disguise— “Do not do unto others as you would that in our dreams: If it’s true that dreams retain they should do unto you. Their tastes may the infi rmities of our character, then I hate not be the same.” to think what some of my dreams say about

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 67 1/29/07 5:12:28 PM a dripping June sets all in tune

me! The proverb was fi rst recorded in “His gratitude caught at those words, as Emerson’s Demonology, 1877. the drowning man is said to catch at the proverbial straw.” (Wilkie Collins, My a dripping June sets all in tune A rainy Lady’s Money, 1877). The proverb was fi rst June means there will be a good harvest recorded in 1534 in Sir Thomas More’s of crops and fl owers later in the summer: Dialogue of Comfort in the form “Lyke a The thought that a dripping June sets all in man that in peril of drowning catcheth tune was of little comfort as we sheltered from whatsoever cometh next to hand . . . be it the downpour under a tarpaulin. The proverb never so simple a sticke.” was fi rst recorded in 1742 in the Agreeable Variant of this proverb: a drowning Companion. man will clutch at a straw. Variant of this proverb: a dry May and a dripping June bringeth all things drunkenness reveals what soberness into tune. conceals People who have had too much to drink tend to reveal things they drive gently over the stones Take a cau- would otherwise keep to themselves: “It tious and delicate approach to any problems is an old proverbe, whatsoever is in the or diffi culties you encounter in life: Newly- heart of the sober man, is in the mouth weds should not expect their happy, carefree state of the drunkarde” (John Lyly, Euphues: The to last forever, but if they learn to drive gently Anatomy of Wit, 1578). The proverb was over the stones, they can look forward to a long fi rst recorded in English c. 1387 by Geof- and successful marriage. The proverb was fi rst frey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales but recorded in 1711, in Jonathan Swift’s Jour- was also quoted much earlier by Horace. nal to Stella: “A gallop: sit fast, sirrah, and Proverbs expressing similar mean- don’t ride hard upon the stones.” ing: alcohol will preserve anything but a secret; there’s truth in wine. drive nature out of the door and it will return by the window See you can a dry cough is the trumpeter of death drive out nature with a pitchfork A dry cough often heralds death in the but she keeps on coming back. chronically ill: I don’t want to alarm you, but some will tell you that a dry cough is the drought never bred dearth in England trumpeter of death. The proverb was fi rst Because of its notoriously damp climate, recorded in 1670 by John Ray in A Collec- England has never suffered famine as a tion of English Proverbs. result of lack of rainfall: Complain as much as you like about the weather, but drought a dry May and a dripping June bringeth never bred dearth in England. The proverb all things in tune See a dripping june was fi rst recorded in 1533 by John Hey- sets all in tune. wood in Play of Weather. a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees a drowning man will catch at a straw further of the two Those who build on Desperate people will seize any oppor- the breakthroughs of their predecessors tunity to save themselves, however small: surpass their achievements: Modern scien-

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 68 1/29/07 5:12:28 PM åååååa dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees further of the two DUTCH PROVERBS The Dutch have long been famous for their achievements in commerce and trade, and so their stock of proverbs includes, among other subjects, a rich choice of proverbs relevant to commercial transactions and the transport of goods.

The best goods are the cheapest Better lose the anchor than the whole ship Better poor on land than rich at sea A crown is no cure for the headache Everyone is a thief in his own craft Froth is not beer Good-looking apples are sometimes sour Great boast, little roast A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains He that has a choice has trouble A man overboard, one mouth less to feed A man without money is like a ship without sails Poverty is the reward of idleness The rich have many friends Set your expense according to your trade A usurer, a miller, a banker, and a publican are the four evangelists of Lucifer What costs nothing is worth nothing Who watches not catches not The world likes to be cheated Your friend lends and your enemy asks for payment

tists are not necessarily more brilliant than recorded in 1621 by Robert Burton in his those who have gone before, but by standing Anatomy of Melancholy. on giants’ shoulders they see further than their Variant of this proverb: a child on a predecessors could. The proverb was ﬁ rst giant’s shoulders sees further of the two.

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eagles don’t catch fl ies People of high do not need to borrow food or money rank are considered—or consider them- from others; also used in other walks of selves—too important to deal with trivial life: The old agricultural saying “The early things or lowly folk: “‘Eagles don’t catch man never borrows from the late man” could be fl ies.’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Inspectors of applied to pensions—the sooner you start sav- Police don’t trail urchins’ (H. C. Bailey, ing for your retirement, the more you will have Nobody’s Vineyard, 1942). First recorded in to live on. The proverb was fi rst recorded English in 1563, the proverb is of Latin in 1659. origin: “Aquila non captat muscas [The eagle does not catch fl ies].” early ripe, early rotten See soon ripe, soon rotten. the early bird catches the worm Those who are late to act, arrive, or get up early to bed and early to rise, makes tend to miss opportunities already seized a man healthy, wealthy, and wise A by those who came earlier: To be sure of lifestyle that involves neither staying up getting the best-quality produce, you need late nor sleeping late is good for body to be among the fi rst to arrive at the mar- and mind and leads to fi nancial success: ket—remember that the early bird catches “‘Early to bed and early to rise.’ Makes a the worm. The proverb was fi rst recorded man healthy, wealthy, and wise, McGuffi n in William Camden, Remaines Concerning replied to himself. But in Ben Volper’s Britaine, 1636. It features in a joke about case it was perhaps two out of three at a father who tries to get his son out of bed best” (Robert Upton, Fade Out, 1984). The in the morning by reminding him, “The proverb was fi rst recorded, with different early bird catches the worm.” “Being early wording, in 1496: “As the olde englysshe didn’t do the worm much good, did it?” prouerbe sayth in this wyse. Who soo woll replies the boy. ryse erly shall be holy helthy and zely” Proverb expressing similar meaning: (Treatise of Fishing with Angle). The current first come, first served. form dates from 1639. The U.S. humorist James Thurber parodied the proverb in the early man never borrows from the “The Shrike and the Chipmunks” (1939): late man Farmers who sow their crops “Early to rise and early to bed makes a in good time have a plentiful harvest and male healthy and wealthy and dead.”

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 70 1/29/07 5:12:28 PM eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die

Proverb expressing similar meaning: easy come, easy go Things that are eas- one hour’s sleep before midnight is ily acquired, especially money, are just as worth two after. easily lost or spent: “I doubt the ability of any of them to keep money more than easier said than done It is usually far fi ve years at the rate they’re spending. easier to advise, suggest, or talk about Easy come, easy go” (Margaret Mitchell, doing something than actually to do it: Gone with the Wind, 1936). The proverb “‘Why don’t some one kill him?’ was Joe’s was fi rst recorded in this form in 1832, sharp question. ‘Easier said than done, lad’” but the sentiment it expresses is of much (Zane Grey, Spirit of the Border, 1905). The earlier origin, occurring in Chaucer’s proverb was fi rst recorded in 1483 in the Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “And lightly as form “It is easier to say than to do.” it comth, so wol we spende.” Variant of this proverb: sooner said Variant of this proverb: light come, than done. light go. Proverb expressing similar meaning: east, west, home’s best No matter how quickly come, quickly go. far you travel, you will never fi nd a place that is better than your own home; usu- easy does it A cautious or gentle ally said by a returning traveler: “‘You’re approach, such as to a diffi cult task or an soon returned, my dear,’ said Agathya awkward person, is often best: Easy does Mikhailovna. ‘I grew homesick, Agathya it. It’s best to be very careful when dealing with Mikhailovna. East or West, home is best,’ your Uncle Jack—he’s old and ill and doesn’t he answered, and went into his study” take kindly to being disturbed. The proverb (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina, 1873–77). was fi rst recorded in 1863 in T. Taylor’s Of German origin, the proverb was fi rst Ticket-of-Leave Man. recorded in English in 1859. Variant of this proverb: gently does it. Variant of this proverb: travel east Proverb expressing similar meaning: and travel west, a man’s own home is still softly, softly, catchee monkey. the best. Proverbs expressing similar mean- eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we ing: home is home, be it ever so homely; die Live life to the full every day, because there’s no place like home. death could strike at any time: The latest government health campaign warns that those East is East and West is West and never who live their lives too literally according to the the twain shall meet People who are proverb “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow very different in background or outlook we die” may actually be hastening their own are likely never to agree: Please try to keep off deaths by overindulgence. The proverb is of politics at the dinner party tonight—you know biblical origin—it occurs in four passages that you will never bring Matt around to your in the Old and New Testaments, none of way of thinking. East is East and West is West which exactly mirrors its current form: “a and never the twain shall meet! The proverb man hath no better thing under the sun, comes from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry” Ballad of East and West” (1889). (Ecclesiastes 8:15); “let us eat and drink;

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 71 1/29/07 5:12:28 PM eat to live, do not live to eat

for to morrow we shall die” (Isaiah 22:13); things, especially wrongs done to them; “eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19); used by or of such a person: You may live to “let us eat and drink; for to morrow we regret insulting my brother—an elephant never die” (1 Corinthians 15:32). forgets. It has been suggested that this is a Proverbs expressing similar mean- variant of an ancient Greek proverb, “The ing: gather ye rosebuds while ye may; camel never forgets an injury,” but other live every day as though it were your authorities interpret it more favorably as last; seize the day. a tribute to the elephant’s apparent intelligence and ability to remember acts of eat to live, do not live to eat The main kindness. The proverb was fi rst recorded in purpose of eating is to stay fi t and healthy— English in W. Martyn, Blue Ridge (1937). it should not be regarded solely as a source of pleasure, which inevitably leads to exces- an empty bag cannot stand See an sive consumption of the wrong types of empty sack cannot stand upright. food: As children we hated taking tea with our grandmother, whose motto was “Eat to live, do an empty barrel makes the most not live to eat” and whose table was accordingly noise See empty vessels make the most bare of cookies, pastries, and all the other things sound. that would have made these visits bearable. The proverb is attributed to the ancient Greek an empty sack cannot stand upright philosopher Socrates (469–399 b.c.). An People who are poor or hungry cannot article in the New York Times (1982) made survive, work effectively, or remain honest: the telling observation, “Until recently the You’d better have a good breakfast before you set world was divided into those who eat to off—an empty sack cannot stand upright. The live and those who live to eat.” proverb was fi rst recorded in 1642 in a collection of Italian proverbs, with the note eavesdroppers hear no good of them- “Applied to such as either pinch themselves, selves See listeners never hear any or are pincht by hard fortune.” good of themselves. Variant of this proverb: an empty bag cannot stand. education doesn’t come by bumping your head against the schoolhouse Educa- empty vessels make the most tion can only be acquired by studying, and sound Foolish people are the most talk- by listening and talking to teachers: Chil- ative; often used as a put-down to some- dren must learn to read with understanding, body who chatters incessantly: Don’t be and to ask questions in class when they do not deceived by his glib patter—remember that understand. Education doesn’t come by bumping empty vessels make the most sound. The prov- your head against the schoolhouse. The proverb was fi rst recorded before 1430. It erb is recorded as a regional expression in occurs in Shakespeare’s Henry V (4:4), “I the United States. did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a heart: but the saying is an elephant never forgets Some people true—The empty vessel makes the great- have an extraordinary ability to remember est sound.” In Ulysses (1922), James Joyce

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toys with the literal meaning of the prov- the enemy of my enemy is my erb: “Chamber music. Could make a kind friend Those who dislike or oppose the of pun on that. . . . Tinkling. Empty vessels same person or thing are bound to be make most noise. Because the acoustics, friends or allies: “While the government the resonance changes according as the of Iran had no great sympathy for Com- weight of the water is equal to the law of munism, they apparently believed that the falling water.” Sandinistas qualifi ed for that old Middle Variant of this proverb: an empty Eastern proverb: the enemy of my enemy barrel makes the most noise. is my friend” (Oliver L. North, Under Fire, 1991). The proverb is of ancient Arab the end crowns the work The outcome origin. or conclusion of an enterprise is the basis on which it is judged: “‘But proof, sir, the English are a nation of shopkeepers proof must be built up stone by stone,’ It is in the national character of the English said the Mayor. ‘As I say, the end crowns to be preoccupied with commercial, mid- the work’” (Charles Dickens, The Mystery dle-class concerns: “Americans . . . are a of Edwin Drood, 1870). Of Latin origin, nation of salesmen just as the English are a the proverb was fi rst recorded in English nation of small shopkeepers” (Ruth Ren- in the 16th century. It occurs in Shake- dell, Put on by Cunning, 1981). The proverb speare’s play Troilus and Cressida (4:5) “The began as a quotation from Adam Smith’s end crowns all,/And that old common The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, arbitrator, Time,/Will one day end it.” but is usually associated with Napoleon. Variant of this proverb: the end crowns all. an Englishman’s home is his castle See a man’s home is his castle. the end justifi es the means Any course of action, however immoral or unscrupu- enough is as good as a feast A mod- lous, is justifi able if it achieves a worthy erate amount is suffi cient; often said by objective: “It was a fundamental principle somebody who does not want any more: of the order that the end justifi es the “‘Fighting? . . . what have you seen but a means. By this code, lying, theft, perjury, skirmish or two?—Ah! if you saw war on assassination, were not only pardonable the grand scale—sixty or a hundred thou- but commendable, when they served the sand men in the fi eld on each side!’ ‘I am interests of the church” (Ellen G. White, not at all curious, Colonel.—“Enough,” The Great Controversy between Christ and says our homely proverb, “is as good as a Satan, 1888). The proverb has been traced feast’” (Sir Walter Scott, Waverly, 1814). back to the works of the Roman poet The proverb was fi rst recorded in this Ovid (43 b.c.–a.d. 18): “exitus acta probat form c. 1470 in Sir Thomas Malory’s Le [the outcome justifi es the deeds].” It was Morte d’Arthur. In The Picture of Dorian Gray fi rst recorded in English in 1583. (1891), Oscar Wilde presented the oppo- Proverb expressing opposite mean- site view: “Moderation is a fatal thing. ing: never do evil that good may come Enough is as bad as a meal. More than of it. enough is as good as a feast.”

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Proverbs expressing similar meaning: true that even a blind pig occasionally picks enough is enough; moderation in all up an acorn. things; there’s measure in all things. even a worm will turn Even the most enough is enough Enough of something humble or submissive person will ulti- is suffi cient: I could have stayed all night but mately respond in anger to excessive enough is enough. The proverb was fi rst harassment or exploitation: “If he intended recorded in 1546 by John Heywood in to be sullen with her to the end, and to A Dialogue containing . . . the Proverbs in show his contempt for her, she would the English Tongue, but it is ultimately of turn against him. ‘The worm will turn,’ Roman origin and is common to several she said to herself. And yet she did not European languages. Today it is usually think herself a worm” (Anthony Trollope, employed when calling for an end to The Eustace Diamonds, 1873). The proverb something irritating or something threat- was fi rst recorded in 1546 in the form ening to get out of control. “Tread a worm on the tail, and it must Proverb expressing similar meaning: turn again.” It occurs in Shakespeare’s play enough is as good as a feast. Henry VI, Part 3 (2:2), “The smallest worm will turn being trodden on.” envy never dies Envy does not fade Variant of this proverb: the worm with passing time: “Hatred hath an end, will turn. envy never ceaseth” (Robert Burton, Anatomy of Melancholy, 1624). The proverb even Homer sometimes nods See was fi rst recorded in 1523–25 by John homer sometimes nods. Berners in Froissart but is of older, possibly Roman, origin. even the best of friends must part See the best of friends must part. equality begins in the grave Only in death are all people truly equal: Don’t talk everybody has his fi fteen minutes of to me about equality—discrimination and fame Most people will fi nd themselves injustice are rife in modern society, and equal- briefl y in the public eye at least once in ity begins in the grave. their lives: Everybody has his fi fteen minutes Proverb expressing similar meaning: of fame, and my turn came when I found myself death is the great leveler. hailed as a hero for diving into the lake to rescue Proverb expressing opposite mean- the drowning child. The proverb is associated ing: all men are created equal. with the U.S. artist Andy Warhol, who prophetically remarked in the 1960s, “In even a blind pig occasionally picks up the future everyone will be famous for an acorn An incompetent person or an fi fteen minutes.” unsystematic approach is bound to suc- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ceed every now and then by chance: I was every dog has his day. the worst basketball player in the school, so I was almost as surprised as everybody else when everybody loves a lord Members of the my shot went through the hoop. I guess it’s aristocracy, and other wealthy or infl uen-

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tial people, are never short of admirers lifestyle when my husband lost his job, but we or fl atterers among the general public: coped—everybody stretches his legs according “All the human race loves a lord—that is, to the length of his coverlet. The proverb was loves to look upon or be noticed by the fi rst recorded in this form in 1550 in W. possessor of Power or Conspicuousness” Harrys’s Market or Fair of Usurers. (Mark Twain, The $30,000 Bequest, 1906). Proverbs expressing similar mean- The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1869 by ing: cut your coat according to your F. J. Furnivall in Queen Elizabeth’s Academy. cloth; stretch your arm no further than your sleeve will reach. everybody’s business is nobody’s business Matters that are of general con- everybody talks about the weather, but cern, but are the responsibility of nobody nobody does anything about it People in particular, tend to get neglected because are always ready to complain about a everybody thinks that somebody else problem but never willing to solve it: should deal with them: It was a classic case of Successive administrations have expressed their “Everybody’s business is nobody’s business”—the concern about the rise in juvenile crime, but document had been passed from one department no positive steps have been taken to curtail to another, but no action had been taken. The it—everybody talks about the weather, but proverb was fi rst recorded in 1611, but nobody does anything about it. The proverb the sentiment it expresses occurs in the is attributed to Mark Twain or his friend writings of Aristotle: “A matter common Charles Dudley Warner. to most men receives least attention.” everybody to whom much is given, of everybody speaks well of the bridge that him will much be required More is carries him over See praise the bridge expected of those who have received that carries you over. more—that is, those who have had good fortune, are naturally gifted, or have been everybody’s queer but you and me, and shown special favor: “‘Throughout my even you are a little queer There are professional career, I have been privileged times when it seems that you are the only to assist people with their vocational aspi- normal or sane person in the world: I’m rations. I have done so for two reasons. amazed that such a crazy proposal should have First, I stand on the shoulders of many such widespread public support—it just goes to individuals who have helped me. Second, prove the old saying, “Everybody’s queer but you I believe “to whom much is given much is and me, and even you are a little queer.” The required” so I have tried to lend a helping proverb has been attributed to the social hand’” (Vernon Jordan’s statement quoted reformer Robert Owen (1771–1858). in Bill Clinton’s response to the Starr Report, 1998). The proverb is of bibli- everybody stretches his legs according cal origin: “For unto whomsoever much to the length of his coverlet People is given, of him shall be much required: must adapt themselves to their circum- and to whom men have committed much, stances and live within their means: We of him they will ask the more” (Luke had to make some drastic changes to our 12:48).

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every bullet has its billet In a life- own home territory: Every cock will crow threatening situation, destiny decides who upon his own dunghill, but by the time they had will die and who will survive: “‘Why crossed to the other side of town, where a rival run risks, Captain? You should dismount,’ gang held sway, they were looking distinctly ill he said. ‘Oh, every bullet has its billet,’ at ease. The proverb is of ancient origin, answered Vaska Denisov, turning in his sad- and has been traced back to the writings dle” (Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, 1863–69). of Seneca (c. 4 b.c.–a.d. 65): “gallum in suo The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1575 in sterquilinio plurimum posse [the cock is most George Gascoigne’s Fruits of War: “every powerful on his own dunghill].” bullet hath a lighting place.” Its current Variants of this proverb: a cock is form has been attributed to King William mighty in his own backyard; every dog is III (1650–1702). The military superstition a lion at home. that every bullet has somebody’s name on it is a modern variant of this proverb. every cook praises his own broth Peo- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ple tend to sing the praises of their own if you’re born to be hanged, then work. The proverb was fi rst recorded in you’ll never be drowned. 1663 in Gerbier’s Counsel: “Every cook commends his own sauce.” every cloud has a silver lining Even the most unpleasant experience or every country has its own customs See depressing situation may have a consoling so many countries, so many customs. aspect or hopeful prospect; used to raise somebody’s spirits, or said by those who every dog has his day Everybody has a discover a hidden advantage in their mis- spell of good fortune, success, or fame at fortune: I was devastated when the accident least once in his or her life: Don’t begrudge put an end to my sporting career, but in the idle him his moment of triumph—every dog has days that followed I discovered I had a talent his day. The proverb was fi rst recorded for writing. Every cloud has a silver lining, so in 1545. It occurs in Shakespeare’s play they say. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Hamlet (5:1): “The cat will mew, and dog 1863. Noël Coward was less optimistic will have his day.” when he wrote the song “There are Bad Proverb expressing similar meaning: Times Just Around the Corner” (1953), everybody has his fifteen minutes of which says “it’s no good whining/About fame. a silver lining” in the approaching dark clouds. every dog is a lion at home See every Variant of this proverb: the darkest cock will crow upon his own dung- cloud has a silver lining. hill. Proverb expressing similar meaning: april showers bring may flowers. every dog is allowed one bite Some- body may be forgiven for a single misde- every cock will crow upon his own dung- meanor, provided that it does not happen hill People are always at their bravest or again: First offenders are usually let off with a most self-assured when they are on their warning, on the basis that every dog is allowed

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one bite. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in every herring must hang by its own 1902, but the law on which it based dates gill Everybody must take responsibility from at least the 17th century, according for his or her own actions: If you get into to which the owner of a domestic animal trouble, don’t expect me to come and bail you was not responsible for injury caused by out—every herring must hang by its own gill. the animal unless the owner knew of the The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1609 by animal’s ferocious tendencies. Simon Harward, with tail in place of gill.

every door may be shut but death’s every horse thinks its own pack heaviest door Death comes to us all, and is the Everybody thinks that he or she has harder only thing in life over which we have work, greater misfortune, or more prob- no control: She knew that she had only a lems than others: I tend to ignore her when she few days left to live, and seemed to be facing starts moaning about her troubles. Every horse the prospect with uncharacteristic acquies- thinks its own pack heaviest, and I don’t believe she is any worse off than the rest of us. The cence. “Every door may be shut but death’s proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in door,” she explained. The proverb was fi rst 1732, but the sentiment it expresses is of recorded in 1666, in an Italian proverb earlier origin: in 1573 George Gascoigne collection. wrote, “Every body thinketh their own greif greatest.” every elm has its man Elm trees are notorious for causing death or serious every Jack has his Jill Everybody will injury: “Owing to the frequency with which ultimately fi nd a suitable person to share this tree sheds its branches, or is uprooted his or her life with: “Every Jack has his in a storm, it has earned for itself a sinister Jill;/If one won’t, the other will” (H. W. reputation. ‘Every elm has its man’ is an old Thompson, Body, Boots and Britches, 1940). country saying” (London Times, 1928). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1611 in Randle Cotgrave’s A Dictionary of the every employee tends to rise to his level French and English Tongues. of incompetence People in a hierarchi- Variant of this proverb: there’s a Jack cal organization are promoted until they for every Jill. reach a position that is just beyond their capabilities; this cynical observation implies every land has its own law Each nation, that nobody is fi t to do the work he or she region, class, or profession has its own rules is employed to do: The monthly meeting of and customs, which must be respected by departmental managers did nothing to destroy outsiders: The traveler must learn to be toler- my belief in the theory that every employee tends ant of the ways of others, remembering that every to rise to his level of incompetence. This prov- land has its own law. Of Scottish origin, the erb is known as “The Peter Principle,” hav- proverb dates from before 1628. ing been coined by Dr. Laurence J. Peter in Proverb expressing similar meaning: a book of that name (1969). so many countries, so many customs.

every family has a skeleton in the closet every little helps All contributions, See there’s a skeleton in every closet. however small, are of use: “‘The Petition

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for the Branch Bill is in the coffee-room. (c. 1390): “Ech man for hymself, ther is Would you put your name to it? Every noon oother.” little helps’” (Charles Dickens, The Uncom- Proverb expressing similar meaning: mercial Traveller, 1861). The proverb was every man for himself and the devil fi rst recorded in this form in 1787, but the take the hindmost. sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. In 1623 William Camden wrote, “Euery every man for himself and the devil take thing helpes, quoth the Wren when she the hindmost In highly competitive or pist i’ the sea,” echoing a French saying of dangerous situations, you must guard or the 16th century that featured an ant mak- pursue your own interests with ruthless ing a similar contribution to the waters of disregard for those who are falling behind the ocean. or struggling to cope: “The result was a Variant of this proverb: every little bear-garden, a den of prize-fi ghters, liars, bit helps. cut-throats and thieves in which every man Proverbs expressing similar mean- was for himself openly and avowedly and ing: little drops of water, little the devil take the hindmost” (Theodore grains of sand, make a mighty ocean Dreiser, The Genius, 1915). The proverb and a pleasant land; many a little was fi rst recorded in this form in 1858, makes a mickle. but it is of earlier origin. Either of its two parts may be used independently: “The every man after his fashion Every indi- devil take the hindmost” occurs in Francis vidual must follow his or her own inclina- Beaumont and John Fletcher’s play Philas- tion: When it came to what to do with their ter (1620) and expresses a sentiment found free time it was a case of every man after his in the writings of the Roman poet Horace fashion. The proverb was fi rst recorded (65–8 b.c.), “occupet extremum scabies [may in 1546 by John Heywood in A Dialogue the itch take the one who is last].” containing . . . the Proverbs in the English Proverbs expressing similar mean- Tongue. ing: every man for himself and god Variant of this proverb: every one for us all; self-preservation is the after his fashion. first law of nature.

every man for himself and God for us every man has his price It is possible to all At times of crisis or great danger, bribe anybody, as long as you offer him or each must take responsibility for his or her enough money: “‘You can do nothing her own personal survival and hope for with Mowle. He never took a penny in divine protection for everybody: “‘Every his life.’ ‘Oh, every man has his price’” man for himself, and God for us all!’ was (G. P. R. James, The Smuggler, 1845). The the cool answer of the refractory sea- proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1734, but man” (Captain Marryat, The King’s Own, with the implication that it was already in 1830). The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded general use. in 1546. In the shorter form “Every man for himself ” it is of earlier origin, every man is his own worst enemy Peo- occurring in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales ple often suffer most as a result of their

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own behavior, attitudes, or nature: They every man to his taste Different things say that every man is his own worst enemy, appeal to different people, and taste is a and if you weren’t so tactless and insensitive highly subjective quality: I wouldn’t want you might fi nd it easier to keep your friends! a picture like that hanging in my house, but The proverb was fi rst recorded in Thomas every man to his taste. The proverb was Browne’s Religio Medici (1643). fi rst recorded, with different wording, in 1580. It is sometimes quoted in its French every man is the architect of his own form, “Chacun à son goût,” or with the face- fortune Everybody is responsible for tious extension “. . . as the old woman said his or her own success or failure in life: when she kissed the cow.” Every man is the architect of his own fortune, Proverbs expressing similar mean- and nobody else can be blamed for the fool- ing: one man’s meat is another man’s ish decisions that brought you to this crisis. poison; tastes differ; to each his The proverb is attributed to the Roman own. politician Appius Claudius Caecus, who held the post of censor from 312 b.c. to every man to his trade People should 308 b.c. remain within their own line of work or Proverbs expressing similar mean- range of knowledge: “. . . one man showed ing: life is what you make it; paddle me a young oak which he had trans- your own canoe. planted from behind the town, thinking it an apple-tree. But every man to his trade. every man must skin his own skunk Though he had little woodcraft, he was People should be self-reliant and not not the less weatherwise, and gave us one depend on others to do things—espe- piece of information; viz. he had observed cially unpleasant tasks—for them: She that when a thunder-cloud came up with raised her children to be independent and a fl ood-tide it did not rain” (Henry David responsible members of society, one of her favor- Thoreau, Cape Cod, 1865). The proverb ite sayings being “Every man must skin his own occurs in Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part skunk.” Of U.S. origin, the proverb was 1 (2:2) in the form: “Every man to his fi rst recorded in Dictionary of American- business.” The sentiment it expresses is of isms, 1813. biblical origin: “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called” (1 every man thinks his own geese Corinthians 7:20). swans Everybody tends to rate his or Proverb expressing similar meaning: her own children, possessions, or achieve- let the cobbler stick to his last. ments more highly than others would do: We are up against that age-old problem: the every one after his fashion See every parents of our students will not accept that man after his fashion. their offspring are anything but perfect. As the saying goes, “Every man thinks his own geese every picture tells a story Meaning swans.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in is often conveyed by people’s actions, 1526 in the play Magnyfycence by John movements, gestures, or facial expres- Skelton. sions without the need for words: Nobody

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actually passed comment on the food, but when at their prime: Everything is good every picture tells a story, and the row of in its season, but few vegetables are at their empty plates told me all I needed to know. best all year round. The proverb was fi rst First recorded in 1847, the proverb was recorded in 1591 by W. Stepney in The popularized in the early 20th century in Spanish Schoolmaster. an advertisement for a backache remedy featuring a picture of a person bent everything old is new again Old ideas, double in pain. fashions, or methods often return to popularity after a long absence, and are every rose has a thorn See there’s no sometimes perceived or presented as rose without a thorn. innovations: “Like so many products on the market today, fruit butters prove the every soldier has the baton of a fi eld- adage, ‘What’s old is new again’” (New marshal in his knapsack A common York Times, 1991). The proverb was fi rst soldier, or any other worker, may aspire recorded in this form in 1824, but the to senior rank: He entered the business as a sentiment it expresses is of much earlier lowly sales assistant, but every soldier has the origin. baton of a fi eld-marshal in his knapsack and Proverb expressing similar meaning: fi ve years later he owned the company. First there’s nothing new under the sun. recorded in English in 1840, the proverb is commonly ascribed to Napoleon, in every tub must stand on its own bottom whose army many senior offi cers rose People should be self-suffi cient and not from the ranks. dependent on others, fi nancially or otherwise: “She would have had me support everything comes to those who wait See the old man in idleness, but I am not one all things come to him who waits. of that kind. Every tub should stand on its own bottom” (Horatio Alger, Driven everything has an end Nothing lasts for- from Home, 1889). The proverb was fi rst ever; often used of something unpleasant: recorded in 1564 in W. Bullein’s Dia- “They devoured the food, and I did like- logue Against Fever. The word stand may be wise. . . . everything has an end, everything replaced by sit or rest. passes away, even the hunger of people who have not eaten for fi fteen hours” (Jules every why hath its wherefore Everything Ver ne, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, 1869). has an underlying reason: “For they say The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1385 in every why hath a wherefore” (William Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde. Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors). The Variant of this proverb: all things proverb was fi rst recorded in 1566 by come to an end. George Gascoigne in Supposes. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: time ends all things. there’s reason in all things.

everything is good in its season Food- evil be to him who thinks it Those stuffs and other items are best enjoyed who wish ill upon others deserve ill

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luck themselves. The proverb was fi rst children would follow suit. The proverb was recorded c. 1387 by Geoffrey Chaucer in fi rst recorded, with different wording, c. The Canterbury Tales: “Now the evyl which 1400. men wysshe to other cometh to hym Proverb expressing similar meaning: which wyssheth it.” a good example is the best sermon. Proverb expressing opposite mean- evil communications corrupt good man- ing: do as i say, not as i do. ners Good people can be led astray by listening to bad ideas, associating with the exception proves the rule The exis- bad people, or following a bad example: tence of an exception to a rule shows that His parents did their best to steer him away the rule itself exists and is applicable in from potentially harmful infl uences during his other cases; often used loosely to explain formative years, on the basis that evil commu- away any such inconsistency: “You will nications corrupt good manners. The proverb fi nd no such unimaginative people any- is of biblical origin: “Be not deceived: evil where as you fi nd in Italy, Spain, Greece, communications corrupt good manners” and the other Southern countries. . . . (1 Corinthians 15:33). Now and then, in the course of centuries, a great genius springs up among them; evil doers are evil dreaders Criminals and he is the exception which proves and other wrongdoers have a tendency the rule” (Wilkie Collins, The Haunted to fear and suspect all those around them; Hotel, 1878). First recorded in this form sometimes used to imply that a distrust- in 1664, the proverb is of Latin origin: ful person has something on his or her “exceptio probat regulam in casibus non excep- conscience: “Put me not to quote the old tis [the exception confi rms the rule in saw, that evil doers are evil dreaders.—It is cases not excepted].” In his Devil’s Dic- your suspicion, not your knowledge, which tionary (1911), the U.S. writer Ambrose speaks” (Sir Walter Scott, The Fair Maid Bierce observed: “‘The exception proves of Perth, 1828). The proverb dates from the rule’ is an expression constantly upon before 1568 in the form “Ill doings, breed the lips of the ignorant, who parrot it ill thinkings” (R. Ascham, Schoolmaster). from one another with never a thought of Variant of this proverb: Ill doers are its absurdity.” ill dreaders. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: there’s an exception to every rule. do right and fear no man. expect nothing and you won’t be dis- example is better than precept It is appointed See blessed are they who better to teach somebody what to do by expect nothing, for they shall not be doing it yourself rather than by giving disappointed. advice or instructions; usually applied to correct behavior, but equally applicable experience is a comb that fate gives a in other contexts: Example is better than man when his hair is all gone Experi- precept, and if more parents could be persuaded ence often comes too late to be of any use: to adopt a healthy lifestyle, then perhaps their It was only after working in the industry for

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many years that I realized what a foolish invest- wise people learn from others’ mistakes ment I had made at the outset. As they say, expe- rather than their own: How many more rience is a comb which fate gives a man when his patients must be killed by inadequately trained hair is all gone. The proverb is recorded as a medical staff before the government will accept regional expression in the United States. the fact that experience is the teacher of fools? The proverb dates from before 1568 in experience is the best teacher The best the form “Experience is the common way to learn is by doing things yourself, schoolhouse of fools.” and by having the good sense not to Proverb expressing similar meaning: repeat any mistakes you make along the learn from the mistakes of others. way: Experience is the best teacher, and I soon Proverb expressing opposite mean- learned to approach the larger animals in my ing: experience is the best teacher. care with a mixture of caution and respect. First recorded in this form in 1803, the experience keeps a dear school Learn- proverb is of Latin origin: “experientia docet ing by your mistakes is often a costly [experience teaches].” exercise: Experience keeps a dear school, and Proverbs expressing similar meaning: the armed forces are now counting the cost of don’t make the same mistake twice; an this ill-fated mission. The proverb was ﬁ rst ounce of practice is worth a pound of recorded in 1743, in Benjamin Franklin’s precept; years know more than books. Poor Richard’s Almanack. Proverb expressing opposite mean- Variant of this proverb: experience ing: experience is the teacher of fools. keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other. experience is the mother of wisdom You cannot attain great wisdom or knowl- extremes meet People and things that edge other than by practical experience seem to be diametrically opposed are and learning from your mistakes: “If it often found to have a point of contact: be true, that experience is the mother of “. . . the contrast could not be much wisdom, history must be an improving greater between . . . a meek sheep and the teacher” (American Museum, 1788). First rough-coated keen-eyed dog, its guardian. recorded in the 16th century, the proverb He had spoken of Mr. Rochester as an old is of ancient Greek origin. friend. A curious friendship theirs must Variants of this proverb: experience have been: a pointed illustration, indeed, is the father of wisdom; experience is the of the old adage that ‘extremes meet’” mother of knowledge. (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847). The Proverbs expressing similar mean- proverb comes from the French mathema- ing: live and learn; the older the tician and writer Pascal’s Pensées (1669): wiser. “les extrèmes se touchent [extremes meet].” Proverb expressing similar meaning: experience is the teacher of fools It opposites attract. is foolish to learn—or to expect other people to learn—solely by making mis- an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a takes; also used with the implication that tooth Retaliation or punishment should

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take the same form as the original offense vision is the key to getting the best or crime: In a country where the justice system performance from your employees or is based on the principle of “An eye for an eye, domestic staff: If you want to increase and a tooth for a tooth,” the death penalty is productivity, get out of your cozy little offi ce the only appropriate punishment for the crime and spend more time in the factory—the eye of murder. The proverb is of biblical origin: of the master does more work than both his “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hands. The proverb was fi rst recorded hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24). in 1744, in Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. the eye is bigger than the belly Greed persuades a person to take more than the eyes are the mirrors of the soul A he or she can manage: He had to concede, person’s eyes will often reveal his or her as he pushed his plate away, that his eye was inmost thoughts, feelings, or character: bigger than his belly. The proverb was Aware that the eyes are the mirrors of the soul, fi rst recorded in 1580 by John Lyly in and anxious to keep her true feelings from him, Euphues and his England. The proverb is she turned her face away before she spoke. First usually quoted in relation to food but recorded in English in 1545 in T. Phaer’s may also be applied in other contexts, Regiment of Life, the proverb is of Latin such as money. origin. Variants of this proverb: the eyes are the eye of a master does more work the windows of the soul; the face is the than both his hands Constant super- index of the mind.

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the face is the index of the mind See the business of his life to overcome dif- the eyes are the mirrors of the soul. fi culties? Had he not already overcome one diffi culty almost as great; and why fact is stranger than fi ction Things should he be afraid of this other? Faint that happen in real life are often far more heart never won fair lady!” (Anthony Trol- unlikely than those dreamed up by writ- lope, Phineas Finn, 1869).The proverb was ers: If the events of that day had been put fi rst recorded, with different wording, in forward as the plot of a TV drama, the idea 1545, but it is probably of ancient origin. would have been rejected as utterly implausible. The current form dates from 1614 or ear- But fact is stranger than fi ction. The prov- lier, and occurs in Gilbert and Sullivan’s erb was fi rst recorded in 1853 in T. C. comic opera Iolanthe (1882). Haliburton’s Sam Slick’s Wise Saws. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: none but the brave deserve the fair. truth is stranger than fiction. fair and softly goes far in a day If you facts are stubborn things The truth proceed with care, or at a gentle pace, cannot be disputed, disproved, or ignored: you will achieve far more than if you “‘Well, you get your money easy. . . . All rush; also used to recommend a tact- you have to do is to sit there and hear les- ful approach when dealing with people: sons.’ I used to argue the matter at fi rst, Don’t try to do too much too soon—remember but I’m wiser now. Facts are stubborn the proverb, “Fair and softly goes far in a day.” things, but as some one has wisely said, The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1350 in not half so stubborn as fallacies.” (Lucy Douce MS 52. Maud Montgomery, Anne of the Island, Proverb expressing similar meaning: 1915). The proverb was fi rst recorded in slow and steady wins the race. 1732 in E. Budgell’s Liberty & Progress. a fair exchange is no robbery Exchang- faint heart never won fair lady It is ing things of equivalent worth is a fair necessary to be bold and courageous to transaction; also used to justify taking win the heart of a woman—or to achieve something from somebody who has taken any other cherished objective: “Of course something from you: He gave me his leather there would be diffi culty. But was it not jacket, which had a tear in the sleeve, and I

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gave him my CD player with its broken head- such as when somebody develops a dan- phones—a fair exchange is no robbery! The gerously blasé approach to a task that has proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546 in become routine: “. . . he sat himself down John Heywood’s Dialogue of Proverbs. to ruminate upon his prospects, which, like the prospect outside his window, fair feathers make fair fowl See fine were suffi ciently confi ned and dingy. As feathers make fine birds. they by no means improved on better acquaintance, and as familiarity breeds fair play’s a jewel Sportsmanlike behav- contempt, he resolved to banish them ior is of the utmost importance in any from his thoughts by dint of hard walk- competitive situation: Let’s start again, and ing” (Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby, this time there’s to be no cheating. Fair play’s 1838–39). The proverb is of ancient a jewel. The proverb was fi rst recorded in origin, and has been traced back to the 1809, in Washington Irving’s A History of writings of Publilius Syrus (fi rst cen- New York, but with the implication that it tury b.c.). The sentiment it expresses was already in general use. can be found in one of the fables of Aesop (sixth century b.c.), in which fair words butter no cabbage See fine a fox gradually loses its fear of a lion. words butter no parsnips. The facetious variant “Familiarity breeds contempt—and children” is attributed faith will move mountains Nothing is to Mark Twain. impossible to those who have suffi cient Proverb expressing similar meaning: faith; applied not only to religious faith, no man is a hero to his valet. but to any strong belief in a cause or objective: She fi rmly believes that she can make him the family that prays together stays change his ways, and faith will move mountains, together Families that share the same so she may yet succeed. The proverb is of religious faith remain united: “Mother biblical origin: “If ye have faith as a grain of Teresa opined . . . ‘The family that prays mustard seed, ye shall say unto this moun- together stays together; and if you stay tain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it together, you will love one another with shall remove; and nothing shall be impos- the same love with which God loves each sible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). one of us’” (Washington Post, 1996). The Variant of this proverb: faith can proverb was coined in the 1940s as a slo- move mountains. gan of the Roman Catholic Family Rosary Crusade. In modern usage other words are the falling out of lovers is the renewing sometimes substituted for prays—notably of love See the quarrel of lovers is plays, encouraging families to engage in the renewal of love. leisure activities together.

familiarity breeds contempt We tend fancy passes beauty It is more impor- to lose respect for people or things as we tant that a potential partner is likeable become better acquainted with them; also than good-looking: The duke’s friends were used in a wide range of other contexts, initially surprised at his choice of wife, who

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was far from the fi rst fl ush of youth, but faults are thick where love is thin Peo- fancy passes beauty. The proverb was fi rst ple are quick to fi nd faults in those they recorded in 1678 by John Ray in A Collec- do not like: She had little good to say tion of English Proverbs. about her husband, but faults are thick where love is thin. This Welsh proverb was fi rst far away the hills are green See blue recorded in 1616 by T. Draxe in Biblio- are the hills that are far away. theca Scholastica.

far-fetched and dear-bought is good fear lends wings Fear inspires extra for ladies Women like expensive things speed in those attempting to escape what- from exotic places: Browsing through a cat- ever threatens them: “Therto fear gave alog of Christmas gifts that arrived in the mail her wings” (Edmund Spenser, The Faerie this morning, it occurred to me that the old Queene, 1590). This French proverb was proverb “Far-fetched and dear-bought is good fi rst recorded in English in 1580 by Philip for ladies” still has some relevance in modern Sidney in Arcadia. times. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1350 in Douce MS 52. fear the Greeks bearing gifts See beware of greeks bearing gifts. the farthest way about is the nearest way home See the longest way around is feed a cold and starve a fever You should the shortest way home. eat well when you have a cold but fast when you have a fever: “‘Forget about feeding a fat kitchen makes a lean will Those a cold and starving a fever,’ Dr. Edelman who eat well all their lives will have little said, adding there is no medical reason money left when they die: Their lavish din- for diet changes” (Washington Times, 1997). ner parties were a legend in the neighborhood, The proverb is sometimes interpreted as a but a fat kitchen makes a lean will, and nobody warning that eating well during a cold will was surprised when the deplorable state of their bring on a fever, or if you feed a cold now fi nancial affairs came to light. The proverb you will have to starve a fever later. Other was fi rst recorded in 1948 in a U.S. prov- confl icting explanations interpret starve as erb collection. “prevent” or even “die of.” The proverb Variant of this proverb: a fat kitchen was fi rst recorded in 1832, but fasting has makes a lean purse. been recommended as a remedy for fever since the 16th century or earlier. a fault confessed is half redressed The Variant of this proverb: stuff a cold act of confessing that you have done some- and starve a fever. thing wrong goes some way toward making amends for your offense or error: “A the female of the species is deadlier fault confessed is half redressed, so I hope than the male Women often prove to be he will forgive us” (Peter O’Donnell, The more dangerous than men, when roused to Xanadu Talisman, 1981). The proverb was anger; the proverb also is used literally in fi rst recorded, with different wording, natural history contexts: The female of the in 1558. species is deadlier than the male, and they don’t

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come much deadlier than the mother who thinks out one fi re,” and a 14th-century French her child has been wrongly accused. The prov- proverb translates as “One fi re must put erb comes from Rudyard Kipling’s poem out another.” The Female of the Species (1911): “When the Proverb expressing similar meaning: Himalayan peasant meets the he-bear in his like cures like. pride,/He shouts to scare the monster, who will often turn aside./But the she-bear thus fi nd a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll accosted rends the peasant tooth and nail/ have good luck See see a pin and pick For the female of the species is more deadly it up, all the day you’ll have good than the male.” A jocular modern variant luck. of the proverb reported among computer users runs: “The email of the species is fi nders keepers, losers weepers If you more deadly than the mail.” lose something and it is found by another, you have no right to reclaim it and must few words are best It is best to com- bear your loss as best you can: The boy municate meaning in as few words as found his sister’s missing watch and carried it possible: “Wherefore, few words are off triumphantly to his room. “Finders keepers, best, wench” (Walter Scott, The Fair Maid losers weepers,” he jeered. The proverb was of Perth, 1828). The proverb was fi rst fi rst recorded in 1825 in J. T. Brockett’s recorded c. 1600 in Roxburghe Ballads. Glossary of North Country Words. Proverb expressing similar meaning: fi elds have eyes and woods have ears finding is keeping. There are very few places where you can do or say something without the risk of fi nding is keeping The person who being seen or overheard: Although they fi nds something is entitled to keep it: In were careful never to meet in public places, their this country the principle of “fi nding is keep- affair did not remain a secret for long—fi elds ing” is not enshrined in law, and whoever found have eyes and woods have ears. First recorded and kept the missing money is no better than c. 1225, the proverb occurs in Chaucer’s a thief. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). 1863 in John Hanning Speke’s Journal of Proverb expressing similar meaning: the Discovery of the Source of the Nile. walls have ears. Proverb expressing similar meaning: finders keepers, losers weepers. fi ght fi re with fi re The best way to deal with an opponent or an attack is to fi ght fi ne feathers make fi ne birds By dress- back with similar weapons or tactics: Fight ing in elegant or good-quality clothing, fi re with fi re—if they resort to underhand people create a favorable impression on methods to win over your customers, then you others, often appearing to be of better must not be afraid to do likewise. The proverb breeding or higher class than they are: was fi rst recorded in this form in 1869, “Mrs. Joe . . . essayed to pick her to pieces, but the sentiment it expresses is of much intimating that she was much indebted to earlier origin. Shakespeare’s play Coriola- her dress—that fi ne feathers made fi ne nus (4:7) contains the line “One fi re drives birds” (Robert Smith Surtees, Ask Mamma,

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1858). Of French origin, the proverb was trol, but highly dangerous when it takes fi rst recorded in English in the late 16th control: Many forest fi res are caused by some century. It is also used in the opposite form, careless person who has dropped a match “Fine feathers don’t make fi ne birds.” after lighting a cigarette, or failed to extin- Variant of this proverb: fair feathers guish a campfi re, having forgotten—or never make fair fowl. heard—the saying “Fire is a good servant but a Proverb expressing similar meaning: bad master.” The proverb was fi rst recorded clothes make the man. in 1615 in T. Adams’s England’s Sickness. Proverb expressing opposite mean- Other words are sometimes substituted ing: clothes don’t make the man. for fi r e , such as money or alcohol. Variant of this proverb: fi re and fi ne words butter no parsnips Promises water are good servants but bad masters. or compliments are pleasant to hear but serve no practical purpose unless they are fi rst catch your hare Do not act in backed up by action: “‘Ye speak reason- anticipation of something that is yet to ably, my lord,’ said Dalgetty, ‘and, ceteris be achieved: “A modern cookery-book, paribus, I might be induced to see the mat- in giving a recipe for cooking a hare, says, ter in the same light. But, my lord, there ‘fi rst catch your hare, and then kill it’; a is a southern proverb,—fi ne words butter maxim of indisputable wisdom. The Chris- no parsnips’” (Sir Walter Scott, A Legend tian chiefs on this occasion had not so much of Montrose, 1819). The proverb was fi rst sagacity, for they began a violent dispute recorded in 1639. among themselves for the possession of a Variant of this proverb: fair words city which was still unconquered” (Charles butter no cabbage. MacKay, Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, 1841). fi ngers were made before forks People The proverb is popularly and erroneously ate with their hands before cutlery was believed to be the opening line of a recipe invented; used as an excuse for picking up in an 18th- or 19th-century cookbook. It is food with your fi ngers at table: After several actually of much earlier origin, and was fi rst attempts to spear an onion she gave up and recorded c. 1300 in Latin, with deer in place removed one from the pot by hand. “Fingers were of hare: “vulgariter dicitur, quod primo opporte made before forks,” she said apologetically. The cervum capere [it is commonly said that one proverb was fi rst recorded in 1567 in the must fi rst catch the deer].” form “God made hands before knives.” The Variant of this proverb: fi rst catch current form occurs in Jonathan Swift’s your rabbit and then make your stew. Polite Conversation (1738): “Fingers were Proverb expressing similar meaning: made before Forks, and Hands before don’t count your chickens before Knives.” they are hatched. Variant of this proverb: fi ngers were made before knives and forks. fi rst come, fi rst served Those who arrive or apply earliest are most likely to fi re is a good servant but a bad master get what they want from a limited sup- Fire is very useful when it is under con- ply of things, such as tickets, discounted

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goods, or refreshments: “I have little for hundred years, such as nine months (for a doubt of procuring a remission for you, pregnant woman) or four years (for a col- provided we can keep you out of the claws lege student). of justice till she has selected and gorged upon her victims; for in this, as in other fi rst impressions are the most lasting cases, it will be according to the vulgar An initial opinion formed of somebody proverb, ‘First come, fi rst served’” (Sir or something at the fi rst encounter lin- Walter Scott, Waverly, 1814). The proverb gers in the mind and is diffi cult to efface: was fi rst recorded in this form in 1548, When approaching a potential new customer, but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier whether in person, by phone or mail, or through origin. The 13th-century French proverb advertising, always remember that fi rst impres- “qui ainçois vient au molin ainçois doit moldre sions are the most lasting. The proverb was [he who comes fi rst to the mill may grind fi rst recorded in William Congreve’s play fi rst]” recurs 100 years later in Chaucer’s The Way of the World (1700) in the form Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). “There is a great deal in the fi rst impres- Variant of this proverb: fi rst there, sion.” fi rst served. Proverb expressing similar meaning: the fi rst seven years are the hardest The the early bird catches the worm. fi rst stage in any enterprise is the hardest: “Never mind,” the older man said as he the fi rst duty of a soldier is obedience helped his young apprentice up from the fl oor, No army can be an effi cient fi ghting force “the fi rst seven years are the hardest.” The unless its members are prepared to obey origins of this proverb are obscure, but it orders without question: I was aware that probably made its fi rst appearance during this action would cause the death of hundreds World War I, when soldiers signed up of innocent civilians, but I had to follow the for seven years’ service. It is commonly instructions of my commanding offi cer—the applied to marriage or new jobs. fi rst duty of a soldier is obedience. The prov- Proverb expressing similar meaning: erb was fi rst recorded in 1872, but earlier the first step is the hardest. evidence suggests that it had long been in general use. the fi rst step is the hardest Making a start is often the most diffi cult part of an the fi rst hundred years are the hardest undertaking: If only I could pluck up cour- Life will always be diffi cult; said jocu- age to speak to her, I know that the rest would larly or ironically to those who complain be easy—the fi rst step is always the hardest. about their problems, sometimes with The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1596 the implication that things will improve in the form “The fi rst stretch [of a jour- eventually: We had a rocky time during the ney] is the worst.” It is popularly associ- early months of our marriage, and the only ated with the story that Saint Denis, words of consolation I got from my mother were, patron saint of France, walked several “Don’t worry—the fi rst hundred years are the miles with his head in his hands after hardest!” The proverb was fi rst recorded in being executed, and that on learning of 1928. Other periods may be substituted this, a French noblewoman remarked,

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 89 1/29/07 5:12:31 PM ﬁ rst there, ﬁ rst served

“Ce n’est que le premier pas qui coûte [It’s the fi sh always stinks from the head only the fi rst step that counts].” downward See a fish stinks from the Variant of this proverb: it’s the fi rst head. step that is diffi cult. Proverbs expressing similar mean- fi sh and guests stink after three ing: the first seven years are the days Guests who stay for longer than hardest; a journey of a thousand three days risk becoming a burden or an miles begins with one step. irritation to their hosts: “How long should she stay? She remembered the universal fi rst there, fi rst served See first come, truth that fi sh and guests smell after three first served. days” (J. S. Borthwick, Down East Murders, 1985). The proverb was fi rst recorded fi rst things fi rst It is important to do in 1580, but the sentiment it expresses things in the proper order, and not to omit occurs in Miles Gloriosus by the Roman a basic fi rst step: First things fi rst, before we dramatist Plautus (c. 254–184 b.c.). come to look at the product’s new features, how Variant of this proverb: fish and much does it cost? The proverb comes from visitors smell in three days. the title of a book published in 1894. Proverbs expressing a similar mean- Variant of this proverb: put fi rst ing: a constant guest is never wel- things fi rst. come; short visits make long friends. Proverb expressing similar meaning: don’t put the cart before the horse. fi sh begin to stink at the head See a fish stinks from the head. fi rst think, and then speak See think before you speak. fi sh or cut bait The time has come to choose between two courses of action— fi rst thrive and then wive It is sensible to either get on with what you have to do, or get established in a career before getting go away and let somebody else do it: It’s married. The proverb was fi rst recorded fi sh or cut bait—if you’re not prepared to give in 1608–09 by William Shakespeare in this job the 100% commitment it requires, then Pericles (5,2): “So he thriv’d that he is clear your desk and make way for somebody promis’d to be wiv’d to fair Marina.” who will. Of U.S. origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded in 1876, in the record of a fi rst try and then trust Before relying debate in the House of Representatives. upon something (or someone), it is best The phrase cut bait means “stop fi shing.” to test it fi rst: The safest principle when it Proverb expressing similar meaning: comes to old bridges is fi rst try and then trust. piss or get off the pot. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1639 by J. Clarke in Paroemiographia Anglo-Latina. a fi sh stinks from the head A corrupting Variant of this proverb: try before infl uence often spreads from a leader to the you trust. rest of the organization or group: The moral Proverb expressing similar meaning: decline in this country can be traced back to the trust not one night’s ice. questionable behavior of those in high offi ce—a

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 90 1/29/07 5:12:31 PM a fool at forty is a fool indeed

fi sh stinks from the head. First recorded in ally derives some benefi t from the act English in 1581, the proverb is of ancient of giving: “As artists fi nd joy in giving origin. It refers to the fact that fi sh tend to beauty to others, so anyone who masters rot from the head toward the tail. the art of praising will fi nd that it blesses Variants of this proverb: the fi sh the giver as much as the receiver. There is always stinks from the head downward; truth in the saying, ‘Flowers leave part of fi sh begin to stink at the head. their fragrance in the hand that bestows them’” (Reader’s Digest, 1991). The prov- fi sh where the fi sh are If you want to erb is recorded as a regional expression in obtain or achieve something, you must the United States. concentrate your efforts and attention on the places, people, or activities that food without hospitality is medicine It are most likely to bring success: “Metro- is hard to enjoy refreshments that are North and its agency . . . are putting a offered with ill grace, or without friendly new twist on the marketing adage to companionship: Although she arrived much ‘fi sh where the fi sh are.’ The commuter later than expected and I was longing to go railroad is sponsoring outdoor advertise- to bed, I stayed up to chat while she ate the ments, situated where it believes poten- sandwiches I had prepared for her. I know tial customers—frustrated drivers who from experience that food without hospitality might prefer taking the train—are sure to is medicine. The proverb is recorded as a see it” (New York Times, 1992). The proverb regional expression in the United States. is thought to be of recent origin. Proverb expressing similar meaning: a fool and his money are soon parted go hunting where the ducks are. Foolish people are easily swindled or persuaded to waste their money: Thousands fl attery, like perfume, should be smelled of people bought the expensive potion, which but not swallowed There is no harm claimed to reverse the aging process, proving in taking pleasure from fl attery, but do that a fool and his money are soon parted. The not make the mistake of believing it: He proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in acknowledged the compliment with a gracious 1587 in J. Bridges’s Defence of Government smile, but I could see that he was not going to let in Church of England. it affect his decision. Somebody had obviously told him that fl attery, like perfume, should be a fool at forty is a fool indeed People smelled but not swallowed. The proverb was who have not gained the wisdom of expe- fi rst recorded in 1858 in H. W. Shaw’s Josh rience by the time they reach middle age Billings’ Philosophy. are likely to remain fools for the rest of their lives: You might expect a man of his fl ing dirt enough, and some will age to have a bit more common sense, but I’ve stick See throw dirt enough, and given up hope of changing him now—a fool at some will stick. forty is a fool indeed! The current form of the proverb comes from Edward Young’s fl owers leave fragrance in the hand that The Universal Passion (1725): “Be wise with bestows them A person who gives usu- speed;/A fool at forty is a fool indeed,”

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 91 1/29/07 5:12:31 PM a fool can ask more questions in an hour than a wise man can answer in seven years

but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier fool me once, shame on you; fool me origin. twice, shame on me Somebody who is Variant of this proverb: A fool over taken in by a hoax or swindle on one occa- forty is a fool indeed. sion may justifi ably blame the perpetrator, Proverb expressing similar meaning: but those who fall victim a second time there’s no fool like an old fool. have only themselves to blame: I believed her story last time, to my cost, but I won’t be a fool can ask more questions in an hour caught out if she tries the same trick again. As than a wise man can answer in seven they say, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me years See fools ask questions that twice, shame on me.” The proverb was fi rst wise men cannot answer. recorded as recently as 1980, but with the implication that it was a well-established a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin saying. It was probably originally used by of little minds A lack of fl exibility in children. making judgments is regarded as a sign of petty narrow-mindedness: “‘You can a fool over forty is a fool indeed See a say consistency is the hobgoblin of small fool at forty is a fool indeed. minds and accuse me of having a small mind; I’ll take it,’ he told reporters . . ., fools and children should never see half- referring to his opposition to capital pun- done work You should not judge the ishment and his support for tax cuts. ‘But quality of a piece of work until it is com- I have been consistent. Maybe consistently plete, because it often appears unpromis- wrong in your book. But consistent’” (New ing in its unfi nished form; sometimes said York Times, 1994). The proverb comes from in response to criticism, or as a reason for Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reli- not letting such work be seen: “No stage of ance” (1841): “A foolish consistency is the the manufacture was incredible by itself, hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little but the result was incredible . . . authen- statesmen and philosophers and divines.” ticating the adage that fools and children Variant of this proverb: consistency should never see anything till it is done” is the hobgoblin of little minds. (Arnold Bennett, Anna of the Five Towns, 1902). The proverb was fi rst recorded in a fool may give a wise man counsel 1721 in James Kelly’s Scottish Proverbs. People are often able to give good advice to those who are considered to be intel- fools ask questions that wise men can- lectually superior; sometimes said apolo- not answer It is often better not to ask getically by the giver of such advice, or too many questions, or to avoid showing used as a warning against disregarding your ignorance; sometimes said to those it: If a fool may give a wise man counsel, who disregard this advice: I longed to ask I would suggest you make further inquiries him to translate what had just been said, but before signing the contract. The proverb was remembering the proverb “Fools ask questions fi rst recorded in this form in 1641, but that wise men cannot answer,” I decided to hold the sentiment it expresses is found in the my tongue. The proverb was fi rst recorded romance Ywain and Gawain (c. 1350). in 1666, in an Italian proverb collection.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 92 1/29/07 5:12:32 PM forewarned is forearmed

Variant of this proverb: a fool can safe than Paul’s Church-yard: Nay, ﬂ y to ask more questions in an hour than a wise Altars; there they’ll talk you dead; For man can answer in seven years. Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread.”

a fool’s bolt is soon shot Foolish people footprints on the sands of time are not act hastily and thus waste their efforts: made by sitting down People who idle “‘Your bolt is soon shot, according to their lives away will not make a lasting the old proverb,’ said she” (Tobias Smol- impression on history or be remembered lett, Roderick Random, 1748). The proverb for their great achievements; used as a was fi rst recorded c. 1320 in Proverbs of spur to action and industry: Her motto was Alfred. The allusion is to a crossbow bolt, “Footprints on the sands of time are not made by which is likely to miss its target if fi red sitting down,” and her energy and commitment too quickly. to the cause was an example to us all. The Proverb expressing similar meaning: phrase footprints on the sands of time comes hasty climbers have sudden falls. from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem A Psalm of Life (1839): “Lives of great fools build houses and wise men live in men all remind us/We can make our lives them The cost of building property is sublime,/And, departing, leave behind such that those who build houses cannot us/Footprints on the sands of time.” afford to live in them, and have to sell them to recoup their losses; also applied forbidden fruit is sweet Things that you to other things that are expensive to pro- must not have or do are always the most duce: They borrowed a huge sum of money to desirable: “There are many portals forbid- build their dream home, and were forced to sell den to me, as there are many forbidden it for a price that barely covered the interest to all men; and forbidden fruit, they say, on the loan, a classic illustration of the adage is sweet; but my lips have watered after no “Fools build houses and wise men live in them.” other fruit but that which grows so high, The proverb was fi rst recorded, in its within the sweep of that great police- variant form, in 1670. man’s truncheon” (Anthony Trollope, Can Variant of this proverb: fools build You Forgive Her?, 1864). The proverb was houses and wise men buy them. fi rst recorded, with different wording, in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). The fools rush in where angels fear to phrase forbidden fruit alludes to the fruit of tread Foolish people often act reck- the tree of the knowledge of good and evil lessly or impetuously in situations that in the Garden of Eden, which Adam and others would approach with caution or Eve were forbidden to eat. avoid altogether: Fools rush in where angels Variants of this proverb: forbidden fear to tread—he must be either very brave fruit is the sweetest; stolen fruit is sweet. or very foolish to enter into negotiations with Proverb expressing similar meaning: terrorists like these. The proverb comes stolen water is sweet. from Alexander Pope’s Essay on Criticism (1711): “No place so Sacred from such forewarned is forearmed Advance Fops is barr’d, Nor is Paul’s Church more warning of something gives you the

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 93 1/29/07 5:12:32 PM to forget a wrong is the best revenge

opportunity to prepare for it: “‘You fortune favors the brave Those who think,’ continued Max, smiling at God- act boldly or courageously are most likely det’s speech, ‘that I intend to marry Flore to succeed: They say that fortune favors the when Père Rouget dies, and so this sister brave, and I hope they are right, because it’s too and her son, of whom I hear to-night for late to turn back now! Of ancient origin, the the fi rst time, will endanger my future?’ proverb occurs in Virgil’s Aeneid (fi rst cen- ‘That’s just it,’ cried François. . . . ‘Well, tury b.c.): “audentes fortuna iuvat [fortune don’t be uneasy, friends,’ answered Max. aids the bold].” ‘Forewarned is forearmed!’” (Honoré de Variant of this proverb: fortune Balzac, Two Brothers, 1843). The proverb favors the bold. was fi rst recorded in English, with different wording c. 1425. Compare the Latin for want of a nail the shoe was lost, saying “praemonitus, praemunitus [fore- for want of a shoe the horse was lost, warned, forearmed].” and for want of a horse the rider was lost Do not neglect minor details that to forget a wrong is the best revenge See seem insignifi cant in themselves: We must the best way to get even is to forget. check and double-check everything—even the smallest error or omission may have disastrous forgive and forget Do not bear consequences. Remember the proverb “For want grudges—forgive those who have wronged of a nail the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe you and forget the wrong: “He spoke sud- the horse was lost, and for want of a horse the denly, as if concluding a discussion. ‘The rider was lost.” First recorded in this form in best thing for us is to forget all this.’ She George Herbert’s Outlandish Proverbs (1640) started a little and shut the fan with a click. the proverb may be of French origin. ‘Yes, forgive—and forget,’ he repeated, as if Variant of this proverb: for want of a to himself ” (Joseph Conrad, Tales of Unrest, nail the kingdom was lost. 1898). The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1377 in William Langland’s Piers Plowman. It four eyes see more than two Two peo- occurs in Shakespeare’s play King Lear (4:7) ple keeping watch, supervising, or search- in the form “forget and forgive.” ing have a better chance of noticing or Variant of this proverb: good to for- fi nding something: I’ve read the essay over, give, best to forget. but I’d be grateful if you would have a look at Proverb expressing similar meaning: it too, in case I’ve missed any errors—four eyes let bygones be bygones. see more than two. The proverb was fi rst recorded, in its variant form, in 1591. fortune favors fools Foolish people Variant of this proverb: two eyes see often have good luck, or succeed by more than one. chance: “. . . fortune favours fools and his Proverb expressing similar meaning: very stupidity served him well at the end” two heads are better than one. (Eden Phillpotts, Red Redmaynes, 1922). Of Latin origin, the proverb was fi rst the fox preys furthest from his hole recorded in English in 1546 in the form Criminals and other persons engaged in “God sends fortune to fools.” illicit activity operate away from their

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 94 1/29/07 5:12:32 PM åååååa friend to all is a friend to none FRENCH PROVERBS The French are renowned for their love of life and in particular that of food and wine. The French stock of proverbs includes many that deal with the good things that life has to offer.

A day is lost if one has not laughed The best herbs are in the smallest bags The best soup is made of old meat Eat with pleasure, drink with measure The friends of our friends are our friends A good meal ought to begin with hunger He who has much, wants more It is only the ﬁ rst bottle that is expensive Life is an onion that you peel crying A living dog is better than a dead lion No saint was ever popular in his own parish Nothing dries so fast as tears Patience is bitter but its fruits are sweet Ridicule kills Tasty is the chicken that is fed by someone else There are more old drunkards than old doctors We are all a long time dead Where love sets the table food tastes at its best Where the hostess is beautiful the wine is delicious Young saints, old devils

home territory, where they may be rec- a friend in need is a friend indeed True ognized: In robbing the local newsagent he friends are those who stand by you in ignored the old saw that the fox preys furthest times of hardship: “You came to my side from his hole. The proverb was fi rst recorded when I was in trouble. . . . A friend in in 1629 in the Sermons of T. Adams. need is a friend indeed” (Charles Reade, Griffi th Gaunt, 1866). First recorded in Friday’s child is loving and giving Chil- this form in 1678, the proverb is of dren born on a Friday are supposed to ancient origin: compare Euripides (fi fth have an affectionate, generous nature: My century b.c.), “in adversity good friends mother tells me that my cantankerous, miserly are most clearly seen” and Ennius (c. uncle was born on Good Friday, which disproves 239–169 b.c.), “a sure friend is known in the saying “Friday’s child is loving and giving.” unsure times.” The proverb is the fi fth line of a traditional rhyme beginning “Monday’s child is fair of a friend to all is a friend to none A per- face.” See entries at the days of the week son who tries to be friends with everyone for other proverbs from this rhyme. will end up being friends with no one.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 95 1/29/07 5:12:32 PM from nothing, nothing is made

The proverb was fi rst recorded in English that commands great respect or admira- in 1623 in Wodroephe’s Spares Houres, tion can very quickly become the object but is of much older origin and is usually of scorn or derision: “They also raised attributed to Aristotle. such foolish questions as, whether God Proverb expressing similar meaning: might not have become an ass or a cucum- you can’t be all things to all men. ber as well as a man, and what effect the sacrament would have upon a dog or a from nothing, nothing is made See mouse. From reverence to profanity, as nothing comes of nothing. from the sublime to the ridiculous, there is only one step” (Philip Schaff, History from shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves is only of the Christian Church, 1883–1893). The three generations A family may pass proverb was fi rst recorded in 1795 in Tom from poverty to wealth in one genera- Paine’s The Age of Reason: “The sublime tion, through effort and enterprise, but and the ridiculous are often so nearly return from wealth to poverty in the next related that it is diffi cult to class them generation, through extravagance or bad separately. One step above the sublime management: The youngest child of poor makes the ridiculous; and one step above parents, he taught himself to read and write the ridiculous makes the sublime again.” and built up a thriving manufacturing business, In its current more concise form, the which has just gone bankrupt in the hands of proverb is usually attributed to Napoleon his son—yet another illustration of the proverb Bonaparte, referring to his retreat from “From shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves is only three Moscow in 1812. It has given rise to the generations.” The proverb was fi rst recorded, cliché from the sublime to the ridiculous, used in its variant form, in 1871, and is said to with reference to any sudden transition or have originated in Lancashire, an industrial sharp contrast between the grand and the county of England. Its current form has contemptible. also been attributed to the U.S. industrial- Variant of this proverb: from the ist Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919). sublime to the ridiculous is but a step. Variant of this proverb: from clogs to clogs is only three generations. from the sweetest wine, the tartest vinegar Great love may turn to the intense from the day you were born till you ride hatred; also used of other changes of feel- in a hearse, there’s nothing so bad but it ing or nature from one extreme to the might have been worse See nothing other: She loved him blindly and passionately so bad but it might have been worse. for a time, but from the sweetest wine comes the tartest vinegar, and now she swears she would from the mouths of babes come words dance on his grave. The proverb was fi rst of wisdom See out of the mouths recorded in 1578. of babes and sucklings come great Variant of this proverb: the sweetest truths. wine makes the sharpest vinegar.

from the sublime to the ridiculous is full cup, steady hand Those who enjoy only one step Somebody or something great power, wealth, or happiness must

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 96 1/29/07 5:12:32 PM the future ain’t what it used to be

behave with caution to avoid losing what than they were in the past; also used more they have: “Poor things! They were so generally when making adverse compari- happy—so open-hearted. I did long to cau- sons with the past: I remember leaving col- tion them. ‘Full cup, steady hand’” (Char- lege full of expectations and ambition, but my lotte M. Yonge, The Monthly Packet, 1889). daughter has a far more downbeat—and per- The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded c. 1025. haps more realistic—view of her prospects. As Variant of this proverb: a full cup they say, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” needs a steady hand. The proverb is of uncertain origin, having been attributed to the baseball player Yogi the future ain’t what it used to be In Berra (1925– ) and the writer Arthur modern times people are less optimistic C. Clarke (1917– ), among others.

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 97 1/29/07 5:12:32 PM ååå g å

gambling is getting nothing for some- garbage in, garbage out A person or thing Gambling is not a wise use of machine provided with inferior source money, as you are very likely to receive material, faulty instructions, or erroneous no return whatsoever for your fi nancial information can produce only poor-qual- outlay: The saying “Gambling is getting ity work or rubbish: The poor quality of nothing for something” may be disproved the teaching at the school is refl ected in the by a few lucky winners, but its truth is examination results, which are way below the acknowledged by the majority of the popula- national average. As they say in computing, tion—who carry on squandering their money “Garbage in, garbage out.” First recorded in on lottery tickets regardless. The proverb is 1964, the proverb originally referred to recorded as a regional expression in the computer input and output, and is still United States. used in that context, often in the form of the acronym GIGO. the game is not worth the candle It Proverb expressing similar meaning: is not worth persisting in an enterprise you can’t make a silk purse out of a that is unlikely to yield enough profi t or sow’s ear. benefi t to compensate for the effort or expense involved, or that carries a risk gasoline and whiskey don’t mix See of actual harm or loss: “‘Your brain may, whiskey and gasoline don’t mix. as you say, be roused and excited, but it is a pathological and morbid process gather ye rosebuds while ye may Live which involves increased tissue-change life to the full while you are still young and may at least leave a permanent enough to enjoy it: My friends thought I weakness. . . . Surely the game is hardly was crazy to give up my job and sell my home worth the candle. Why should you, for to join the round-the-world voyage, but my a mere passing pleasure, risk the loss of motto is “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” those great powers with which you have The current form of the proverb comes been endowed?’” (Sir Arthur Conan from Robert Herrick’s poem “To the Doyle, The Sign of Four, 1890). The prov- Virgins, to Make Much of Time” (1648), erb was fi rst recorded in the writings of but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier the French essayist Michel de Montaigne origin. In 1578 the French poet Pierre (1533–92). de Ronsard wrote, “Gather the roses of

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 98 1/29/07 5:12:33 PM give a dog a bad name and hang him

life today,” and Edmund Spenser’s The to the U.S. inventor Thomas Alva Edison Faerie Queene (1590) contains the lines, (1847–1931). “Gather therefore the Rose, whilst yet is Variant of this proverb: genius is ten prime,/For soon comes age, that will her percent inspiration and ninety percent pride defl ower.” perspiration. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: eat, drink, and be merry, for tomor- genius without education is like silver in row we die; seize the day. the mine Superior intellectual power is a wasted resource unless it is nurtured by genius is an infi nite capacity for taking education: The school was set up to feed the pains What appears to be a product minds of exceptionally gifted students, on the of superior intellectual power is often principle that genius without education is like simply the result of great assiduity and silver in the mine. meticulous attention to detail: “Finally, he examined with his glass the word a gentleman’s word is his bond See a upon the wall, going over every letter of man’s word is as good as his bond. it with the most minute exactness. This done, he appeared to be satisfi ed, for gently does it See easy does it. he replaced his tape and his glass in his pocket. ‘They say that genius is an infi nite give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it capacity for taking pains,’ he remarked to death People who suddenly acquire with a smile. ‘It’s a very bad defi nition, wealth or power are likely to misuse it: but it does apply to detective work’” (Sir Give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet, death—within six months he had squandered 1887). The proverb was fi rst recorded, all his winnings, and had to go cap in hand with different wording, in 1858, but the to his former employer to ask for his old job sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. back. The proverb was fi rst recorded, with The comte de Buffon (1707–88) is said to different wording, in 1576. It occurs in have remarked, “Le génie n’est qu’une plus Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part 3 (1:4): grande aptitude à la patience [Genius is only “Unless the adage must be verifi ed,/ a greater aptitude for patience].” That beggars mounted run their horse to death.” genius is one percent inspiration and Proverb expressing similar meaning: ninety-nine percent perspiration Great set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll achievements or innovations require some ride to the devil. intellectual input but are largely due to hard work: She received numerous awards for give a civil answer to a civil question her work, and was hailed as one of the great- See a civil question deserves a civil est minds of her generation, but in newspaper answer. interviews she always remained modest, quoting the proverb “Genius is one percent inspira- give a dog a bad name and hang him tion and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Once somebody’s reputation has been The proverb is traditionally attributed damaged—for example, by rumor or

001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 99 1/29/07 5:12:33 PM giveååååå a loaf and beg a slice GERMAN PROVERBS German proverbs include many wise warnings against the perils of daily existence. These range from self-deception and physical temptation to the hazards of love.

Beauty is the eye’s food but the soul’s sorrow Begged bread has a hard crust Better a good hanging than a bad marriage Birds of prey do not sing Boredom is the father of all sins Don’t throw away your old shoes until you have a new pair Even the devil’s grandmother was a nice girl when she was young Fire in the heart sends smoke to the head He who does not punish evil invites it He who has no enemies has no friends either He who has not tasted bitter things, knows not what sweet is Howling makes the wolf bigger than he really is High climbers and deep swimmers never grow old A lie becomes true when one believes it More people drown in glasses than in rivers Never give advice unless asked Never tickle the nose of a sleeping bear No bed is big enough to hold three The silent dog is the ﬁ rst to bite Time is anger’s medicine Two is an army against one What little Hans did not learn, big Hans does not know When an old man marries, death laughs Where there is no jealousy there is no love

slander—it will never recover: “The Lib- Proverbs expressing similar mean- eral impulse is almost always to give a ing: he that would hang his dog gives dog a bad name and hang him: that is, out first that he is mad; throw dirt to denounce the menaced proprietors enough, and some will stick. as enemies of mankind, and ruin them in a transport of virtuous indignation” give a loaf and beg a slice People who (George Bernard Shaw, The Intelligent are too generous risk having to beg them- Woman’s Guide to Socialism, 1928). The selves: Her generosity was such that it was a proverb was ﬁ rst recorded, with different case of give a loaf and beg a slice herself. The wording, in 1706. proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1678 by Variant of this proverb: he that has an John Ray in A Collection of English Proverbs. ill name is half hanged. Sometimes found with slice replaced by

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the archaic word shive, meaning the same man enough rope and he’ll hang himself— thing. sooner or later we’ll catch her red-handed. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1639 in give a man a fi sh and you feed him for Thomas Fuller’s Holy War. a day; show him how to fi sh and you feed him for a lifetime Many of the give and take is fair play Exchanging problems of the needy are better solved like for like—whether it be a blow, an by education than by charitable handouts: insult, a favor, or a pardon—is a fair and Our organization believes in the principle that legitimate way to proceed: “Give and take if you give a man a fi sh, you feed him for a day, is fair play. All I say is, let it be a fair stand- whereas if you show him how to fi sh, you feed up fi ght” (Captain Marryat, Newton Forster, him for a lifetime. In projects all over the Third 1832). The proverb was fi rst recorded in World, our volunteers are actively involved in 1778, in Fanny Burney’s novel Evelina, teaching local people the skills they need to in the form “Give and Take is fair in all farm their land more effi ciently. The proverb nations.” It is also used with give and take is of ancient Chinese origin. in the sense of “mutual concession or compromise.” give a man an inch and he’ll take a mile People are inclined to take exces- give a thing, and take a thing, to wear sive advantage of the tolerance or gener- the devil’s gold ring It is wrong to osity of others; often used to warn against take back a gift: He subsequently regretted making even the smallest concession: He his generosity, and asked his sister to return the came to us once for an evening meal and now CD. “Give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the he expects us to put up his wife and children devil’s gold ring,” came her reply. Mainly used for three weeks! Talk about giving him an inch by children, the proverb was fi rst recorded and he’ll take a mile! The proverb was fi rst in 1571, but the sentiment it expresses is of recorded in 1546 in the form “When I ancient origin. Compare Plato (c. 428–348 gave you an inch you took an ell.” An ell b.c.), “as with children, there is no taking is an obsolete measure of length, vary- away of what has been rightly given.” ing according to locality: in England it is approximately 45 inches, in Scotland, 37 give credit where credit is due Do not inches. neglect to give people the praise they Variants of this proverb: give a man deserve, or to acknowledge the good an inch and he’ll take an ell; an inch is as things they do; often used when such good as a mile. credit is given grudgingly: “Yes, yes! let us be tenderly conscientious in giving credit give a man enough rope and he’ll hang where credit is due; let us never for- himself People who are given complete get that the citizen Maurice contributed freedom of action will ultimately bring something to the cure of the interesting about their own downfall, for example by invalid, as well as the victuals and drink inadvertently revealing their guilt: Rather from the Piebald Horse” (Wilkie Collins, than accuse her without any fi rm evidence, I After Dark, 1856). The proverb was fi rst suggest we let things take their course. Give a recorded in 1777, in the form “May honor

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be given to whom honor may be due.” It Variant of this proverb: the opti- may be of biblical origin: “Render there- mist’s cup is half full; the pessimist’s cup fore to all their dues . . . honour to whom is half empty. honour” (Romans 13:7). The word credit replaced honor in the 19th century. gluttony kills more than the sword Overeating, or overindulgence in the give me a child for the fi rst seven years wrong kind of food, may lead to an early and he is mine for life A child’s future death: Whenever he was offered a second help- is determined by what it learns in its fi rst ing, my grandfather would shake his head and seven years: The emperor watched the child say, “Gluttony kills more than the sword.” I was leave and murmured to his secretary “give me often tempted to ask him how many people a child for the fi rst seven years and he is mine actually died by the sword in this day and age. for life.” The proverb was recorded in The proverb dates from before 1384 in 1902–04 by V. S. Lean in Collecteana but is John Wycliffe’s Works. much older, being particularly associated with Saint Ignatius Loyola, the founder of go abroad and you’ll hear news of the Jesuits in the 16th century. home People often remain ignorant Variant of this proverb: give me a of matters concerning their family and child for the fi rst seven years, and you may friends, or events in their own neighbor- do what you like with him afterwards. hood, until they go traveling, when they Proverb expressing similar meaning: hear about them at second hand: “What is the child is the father of the man. the meaning of this silly story that people are circulating about Thomasin and Mr. give the devil his due People deserve Wildeve? . . . It is said that one should recognition for their skills and contribu- go abroad to hear news of home, and I tions even if they are otherwise unworthy appear to have done it” (Thomas Hardy, or unlikable: I can’t stand the man, on a Return of the Native, 1878). The proverb purely personal level, but—give the devil his was fi rst recorded, with different word- due—he has done a fantastic job in getting the ing, in 1678. company back on its feet. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1589 in John Lyly’s Pappe God fi ts the back to the burden See with an Hatchet. god makes the back to the burden.

the glass is either half empty or half God helps those who help them- full Many situations can be viewed neg- selves Those who are self-reliant and atively or positively—a negative thinker make an effort are more likely to get with half a glass of beer would say that what they want than those who sit back the glass was half empty, whereas a posi- and wait for divine assistance: “I wish tive thinker would say it was half full: you all success, Paul, and I thank you Some employees equate redundancy with being for wishing me to share in your good thrown on the scrap heap, others see it as a fortune. God helps those who help them- golden opportunity for a change of career—the selves, and he will help you if you only glass is either half empty or half full. deserve it” (Horatio Alger, Paul Prescott’s

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Charge, 1865). The proverb is of ancient certainly seems to have had more than her fair origin. It is sometimes used facetiously share of grief in recent years—more than most as a justifi cation for stealing, or in the of us could stand—but God makes the back to extended form “God helps those who the burden, as they say. The proverb was fi rst help themselves, but God help those who recorded in 1822. are caught helping themselves.” Variant of this proverb: God fi ts the Variants of this proverb: God helps back to the burden. them that help themselves; heaven helps Proverb expressing similar meaning: those who help themselves. god tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. God is always on the side of the big battalions See providence is always God moves in mysterious ways Strange on the side of the big battalions. or unpleasant things that happen are meant to be, and often turn out for the best: God is in the details See the devil is in God moves in a mysterious way, and Jenkins’s the details. knee injury, which everybody thought would spell disaster for the team, had the opposite God made the country and man made effect—his replacement scored a record number the town The urban environment, con- of goals, giving the team its best season ever. structed by human hands, is inferior to The proverb comes from William Cow- the natural countryside, which is the per’s hymn “Light Shining Out of Dark- work of divine creation: “The miserable ness” (1779): “God moves in a mysterious routinists who keep repeating invidiously way/His wonders to perform;/He plants Cowper’s ‘God made the country and his footsteps in the sea/And rides upon man made the town,’ as if the town were the storm.” a place to kill out the race in, do not know Variant of this proverb: the Lord what they are talking about” (Oliver Wen- moves in mysterious ways. dell Holmes, Elsie Venner, 1861). In its current form, the proverb comes from God never sends mouths but he sends William Cowper’s poem The Task (1785). meat God can be relied upon to pro- The sentiment it expresses, however, is of vide for everybody: “God never sends ancient origin: in the fi rst century b.c. the mouths . . . but he sends meat, and any Roman scholar Varro wrote, “divina natura man who has sense enough to be honest, dedit agros, ars humana aedifi cavit urbes will never want wit to know how to live” [divine nature gave us the fi elds, human (John Pendleton Kennedy, Swallow Barn, art built the cities].” 1832). The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in 1546. God makes the back to the burden No- Variant of this proverb: God never body has to endure more than his or her sends a mouth but he feeds it. body or spirit can bear; used to imply that the strongest are destined to suffer the God protect me from my friends—I can greatest adversity, or that at times of great protect myself from my enemies See adversity we are given extra strength: She save us from our friends.

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God sends meat, but the devil sends longs to have them by his side again; cooks Good food can be ruined by a often said in consolation, for example to bad cook: The brochure for the hotel boasted bereaved parents: God takes soonest those he that only the best local produce was used in loves best, and little Bethany, who brought such its kitchens, but our fi rst meal there was a big happiness to so many people in the fi ve short disappointment. “God sends meat, but the devil years of her life, lost her battle with leukemia sends cooks,” remarked my wife. The proverb yesterday. was fi rst recorded in 1542 (A. Borde, Proverbs expressing similar mean- Dietary of Health), but with the implication ing: whom the gods love die young; that it was already in general use. the good die young.

God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the God tempers the wind to the shorn world All is well at this moment in time; lamb Weak or vulnerable people have used as a general expression of happiness divine protection from the worst mis- or contentment: “Let us then resolutely fortunes; also used when such people are turn our backs on the once-born and treated with compassion by their fellow their sky-blue optimistic gospel; let us not human beings: “There is an unduly opti- simply cry out, in spite of all appearances, mistic proverb which declares that God ‘Hurrah for the Universe!—God’s in his tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. My Heaven, all’s right with the world’” (Wil- subsequent history was hardly to justify liam James, Varieties of Religious Experience, such naive faith in the Deity” (Vera Brit- 1902). In its current form, the proverb tain, Testament ofYouth, 1933). The proverb comes from Robert Browning’s poem was fi rst recorded in 1594 in the French “Pippa Passes” (1841). It replaces an ear- form “Dieu mesure le froid à la brebis tondue lier proverb, “God is where he was,” fi rst [God measures the cold to the shorn recorded in 1530 and used to console or sheep].” encourage those in trouble or despair. Proverb expressing similar meaning: god makes the back to the burden. the gods send nuts to those who have no teeth Opportunities or good fortune go farther and fare worse If you reject often come too late in life for people to something acceptable in the hope of fi nd- enjoy them or take full advantage of them; ing something better, you may end up also applied more generally to people of having to settle for something worse: any age who are unable to use or benefi t “She’s just as rich as most of the girls who from good things that come their way: The came out of India. I might go farther and gods send nuts to those who have no teeth—if fare worse” (William Makepeace Thac- only I had won a holiday like this while I was keray, Vanity Fair, 1848). The proverb was still young and fi t enough to make the most of fi rst recorded in 1546. it! The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1929 in the periodical American Speech. go hunting where the ducks are If you want to fi nd or accomplish something, God takes soonest those he loves best you must go to the right places, make God’s favorites die young, because he contact with the right people, and do the

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right things: “The cold facts of 1988 do and damaged his health. The proverb was suggest that if in 1992 the Democrats—in fi rst recorded in 1546 in John Heywood’s Barry Goldwater’s phrase—are to ‘go Dialogue of Proverbs. hunting where the ducks are,’ the most ducks are likely to be found outside of good Americans, when they die, go to Dixie” (New York Times, 1991). Paris Paris is regarded as a kind of Proverb expressing similar meaning: paradise by certain Americans, especially fish where the fish are. the literati, many of whom have taken up residence there over the years: If it the golden age was never the present is true that good Americans, when they die, age The past and the future always seem go to Paris, then they must not expect to have infi nitely preferable to the present time: the city to themselves—the French capital has People have fond memories of the past and become a mecca for tourists from all nations. great hopes for the future, forgetting that today The proverb was coined by the poet and is yesterday’s future and tomorrow’s past—the artist Thomas Gold Appleton (1812–84) golden age was never the present age. The and recorded in Oliver Wendell Holmes’s proverb was fi rst recorded in 1732 in The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858). Thomas Fuller’s Gnomologia: Adagies and It occurs in Oscar Wilde’s play A Woman Proverbs. of No Importance (1894), followed by the observation that “when bad Americans die a golden key can open any door With . . . they go to America.” money you can gain access to anything you want; used specifi cally of bribery, or a good beginning is half the battle If more generally of the power and infl u- you make a good start to a project or ence of wealth: “Their better-educated enterprise, you are halfway to making a neighbours . . . did not call on the newly success of it: We were very pleased to have rich family. That was before the days when made such excellent progress on the fi rst day—a a golden key could open any door” (Flora good beginning is half the battle. The proverb Thompson, Lark Rise to Candleford, 1945). was fi rst recorded in Oliver Goldsmith’s The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1580, play She Stoops to Conquer (1773) in the in John Lyly’s Euphues and his England: form “The fi rst blow is half the battle.” “Who is so ignorant that knoweth not, The sentiment it expresses, however, is of gold be a key for every locke.” much earlier origin. In modern times it is Proverbs expressing similar meaning: most frequently encountered in the form a bribe will enter without knock- of the cliché half the battle. ing; money is power; money talks. Proverb expressing similar meaning: well begun is half done. gold may be bought too dear Wealth is not worth having if there is too great a good beginning makes a good ending a risk or sacrifi ce involved in acquiring Something that is well planned and well it: Gold may be bought too dear, and in his executed from the start is likely to end ruthless pursuit of fi nancial gain he has lost in success: A good beginning makes a good most of his friends, destroyed his marriage, ending, and if you don’t measure out the

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ingredients accurately your loaf may be a a good example is the best sermon It disaster. The proverb was fi rst recorded is better to show people how to behave c. 1300. by setting a good example instead of just telling them: The priest was famous locally good company on the road is the short- for his active role in the community and clearly est cut A journey seems much shorter believed that a good example was the best when you have pleasant people to talk to sermon. The proverb was fi rst recorded in along the way: My friends went with me to 1732 by Thomas Fuller in Gnomologia. the station, and what is usually a long and Proverb expressing similar meaning: tedious walk seemed to be over in no time at example is better than precept. all. As they say, “Good company on the road Proverb expressing opposite mean- is the shortest cut.” The proverb was fi rst ing: do as i say, not as i do. recorded in 1653, in Izaak Walton’s The Compleat Angler. a good face is a letter of recommen- Variant of this proverb: cheerful dation An honest demeanor may be company shortens the miles. interpreted as a sign of a person’s integ- Proverb expressing opposite meaning: rity: “His honest countenance was a good he travels fastest who travels alone. letter of recommendation” (Tobias Smol- lett, Humphrey Clinker, 1771). The proverb the good die young It often seems that was fi rst recorded in English in 1620 by T. good people are more likely to meet a pre- Shelton in his translation of Don Quixote, mature death than bad people; also used but is much older and appeared in the to console those who have lost a young writings of Publius Syrus. friend or relative: “The good do die young. That’s why people like you and me are left good fences make good neighbors A to grow old” (James Leasor, Love and the good relationship between neighbors Land Beyond, 1979). The proverb was fi rst depends on each respecting the other’s recorded in 1697 in Daniel Defoe’s Char- privacy and not entering his or her prop- acter of the Late Dr. S. Annesley: “The best of erty uninvited; also used more broadly men cannot suspend their fate;/The good of international relations and the need die early, and the bad die late.” to maintain trade barriers and border Proverb expressing similar meaning: controls: The saying “Good fences make good whom the gods love die young. neighbors” is equally relevant in the workplace, and you should make every effort not to a good dog deserves a good bone A encroach on a colleague’s personal space. First loyal servant or employee deserves his recorded in 1640, in the form “A good reward: “A good dog deserves, sir, a good fence helps to keep peace between neigh- bone” (Ben Jonson, A Tale of a Tub, 1633). bors,” the proverb is often associated with The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1611 Robert Frost, who used it in his poem by Randle Cotgrave in A Dictionary of the “Mending Wall” (1914). French and English Tongues. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: a hedge between keeps friendship the laborer is worthy of his hire. green.

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good health is more to be desired than a good Jack makes a good Jill People wealth See health is wealth. who live or work together should set a good example to each other—a good a good horse cannot be of a bad color husband will have a good wife, a good Superfi cial appearances do not affect master will have a good servant, and so the essential worth of something: “It is on: You cannot expect your secretary to be observed by some, that there is no good punctual if you are regularly late for work—a horse of a bad colour” (Isaac Walton, The good Jack makes a good Jill. The proverb was Compleat Angler, 1653). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1623 in William Painter’s fi rst recorded in 1628 by J. Carmichaell in Palace of Pleasure. Proverbs in Scots. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverbs expressing similar mean- a good husband makes a good wife. ing: appearances are deceiving; judge not according to appearances. a good leader is also a good follower Those best suited to leadership are those a good husband makes a good wife A who have shown a willingness to follow husband who treats his family with respect, the commands of others: Before you cast and carries out his duties as he should, your vote, remember that a good leader is also will fi nd that his wife does likewise: He a good follower, and consider the way that complains if his shirts aren’t ironed, or if the the candidates have behaved in their previous dinner’s late, but when I ask him to do some- roles. The proverb is recorded as a regional thing around the house he always manages to put expression in the United States. it off. I told him, “A good husband makes a good wife.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in Proverb expressing similar meaning: 1492 in Salomon & Marcolphus. he that cannot obey cannot com- Variant of this proverb: a bad hus- mand. band makes a bad wife. Proverb expressing similar meaning: good men are scarce It is often diffi cult a good jack makes a good jill. to fi nd a talented or suitably qualifi ed person when you need one; also used the good is the enemy of the best If literally as a comment on the dearth of you are content with producing what is decent people—or eligible bachelors in merely good you will never achieve excel- the modern world: He’s an excellent worker, lence: In this company we believe that the and we’re anxious not to lose him—good men good is the enemy of the best—our products are are scarce. The proverb was fi rst recorded not just of an acceptable standard, they are of in 1609 in D. Tuvill’s Essays Moral and the highest possible quality. The proverb was Theological. fi rst recorded in 1912, but with the impli- Variant of this proverb: a good man cation that it was already in general use. is hard to fi nd. Proverb expressing similar meaning: if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth a good name is better than precious doing well. ointment Your good name should be Proverb expressing opposite meaning: your most cherished possession: “Let the best is the enemy of the good. me tell you something straight from the

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shoulder: good name in man or woman my young lady a dozen year and I won’t is the immediate jewel of their soul. A stop in it one hour under notice from a good name is better than precious oint- person owning to the name of Pipchin ment” (Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984). trust me, Mrs P.’ ‘A good riddance of bad The proverb is of biblical origin: “A good rubbish!’ said that wrathful old lady. ‘Get name is better than precious ointment; along with you, or I’ll have you carried and the day of death than the day of one’s out!’” (Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son, birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). The words pre- 1847–48). The proverb was fi rst recorded cious ointment are sometimes replaced by in 1771 in Essex Gazette. precious stones, fi ne jewels, rubies, great riches, or gold. the good seaman is known in bad weather Proverb expressing similar meaning: Those who are truly able or skillful prove a good reputation is more valuable their worth at times of crisis or when than money. major problems are encountered; also used literally with specifi c application to a good name is sooner lost than won It sailing: She seems competent enough, but she takes a lot of time and effort to earn a has not yet been put to the test—a good sea- good name for yourself, but you can lose it man is known in bad weather. The proverb in an instant with a single foolish act: Think was fi rst recorded in 1767 in Papers of carefully before you get involved in anything Benjamin Franklin. that is not strictly legal—remember that a good name is sooner lost than won. The proverb good seed makes a good crop The was fi rst recorded in 1727 in John Gay’s quality of a product depends on the qual- “Fox at Point of Death,” in Fables. ity of the raw materials or ingredients: “Seed-time’s pretty sure to come around a good reputation is more valuable than . . . And good seed makes a good crop” money A good reputation is worth more (Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Long Winter, than anything else: It is reassuring to learn 1940). The proverb was fi rst recorded in that are still a few incorruptible individuals 1569 in the form “Of good seed proceeds in public offi ce, who are aware that a good good corn,” with reference to parents and reputation is more valuable than money. The their offspring. proverb is of ancient origin, and has been traced back to the writings of Publilius a good tale is not the worse for being Syrus (fi rst century b.c.). told twice There is no harm in telling a Proverb expressing similar meaning: good joke or anecdote—or a story with a a good name is better than precious moral—a second time; often used by way ointment. of apology or justifi cation for such repetition: You may have heard this story before, but good riddance to bad rubbish We are a good tale is not the worse for being told twice. better off without worthless people or The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1577 in things; usually said on the departure of the form “A good tale may be twice told.” such a person or the loss of such a thing: In the 18th century it was used when grace “‘I have been in this house waiting on was accidentally said twice before a meal.

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the good that men do lives after drained from her face as she read the letter, them People are remembered after with its vile accusations, and she collapsed their deaths for the good things that they before she reached the end—a goose quill is did during their lives: He was a tyrannical indeed more dangerous than a lion’s claw. ruler, and had many innocent people put to Proverb expressing similar meaning: death, but he was also a great patron of the arts, the pen is mightier than the sword. and the good that men do lives after them—he has gone down in history as one of the founders gossip is the lifeblood of society Social of modern civilization. The proverb was fi rst intercourse thrives on gossip—if people recorded in this form in 1942, but the sen- stopped talking about each other they might timent it expresses is found in the writings stop talking to each other: Gossip is the life- of Euripides (fi fth century b.c.): “When blood of society—how dull our parties would be good men die their goodness does not if we were driven to discussing politics or sport all perish,/But lives though they are gone.” the time. The proverb was fi rst recorded in The opposite sentiment is expressed in 1941 in David Kent’s Jason Burr’s First Case. Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar (3:2), “The evil that men do lives after them, /The gossip is vice enjoyed vicariously Peo- good is oft interred with their bones.” ple feel they can innocently participate in the illicit pleasures of other people’s good things come in small packages immoral behavior by talking about it See the best things come in small with their friends or reading about it in packages. the newspaper: They say that gossip is vice enjoyed vicariously, and women who would good to forgive, best to forget See for- never dream of being unfaithful to their hus- give and forget. bands always seem eager to hear about those who are. The proverb was fi rst recorded in good wine needs no bush A good prod- 1904 in E. Hubbard, The Philistine. uct does not need advertising: In the competitive marketplace of the modern world, few governments have long arms See kings companies are prepared to trust the wisdom of have long arms. the age-old proverb, “Good wine needs no bush.” Of ancient origin, the proverb occurs in grace will last, beauty will blast A good the epilogue of Shakespeare’s play As You character will outlive superfi cial physical Like It: “If it be true that good wine needs attractiveness: She may be the more beautiful no bush, ’tis true that a good play needs of the two sisters, but remember how the old no epilogue.” The word bush refers to a adage goes, “grace will last, beauty will blast.” bunch of ivy that was formerly hung out- The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1450 in side a wine merchant’s premises. Proverbis of Wysdom. Variant of this proverb: grace will a goose quill is more dangerous than a last, favor will blast. lion’s claw Written words of criticism or defamation can do more harm or cause grasp no more than the hand will more pain than a physical attack: The color hold Do not be greedy or overambitious:

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People who ignore the proverb “Grasp no more to express themselves concisely: “If there than the hand will hold” often end up losing is any truth in the old Greek maxim that a everything they have in an attempt to gain large book is a great evil, English diction- just a little more. The proverb was fi rst aries have been steadily growing worse recorded in 1732 in Thomas Fuller’s Gno- ever since their inception more than three mologia: Adagies and Proverbs. centuries ago” (Oxford English Dictionary, Preface, 1933). The proverb originated the grass is always greener on the other in the writings of the poet Callimachus side of the fence A different place, situ- (third century b.c.). ation, job, or lifestyle always seems more attractive or appealing than your own: She a great city, a great solitude People is one of those people for whom the grass is always often feel more lonely in a large city, among greener on the other side of the fence, and who are thousands of strangers, than they would never satisfi ed with what they have if they think do if they were actually alone: It was on the their friends have something better. In its cur- crowded streets of Los Angeles that I learned the rent form the proverb is of relatively recent meaning of the proverb “A great city, a great soli- origin, but the sentiment it expresses dates tude,” and I longed to be back in my cozy apart- back to ancient times. Compare Ovid (43 ment, with just the television for company. The b.c.–a.d. 18): “fertilior seges est alienis semper proverb is of ancient Greek origin. in agris [the harvest is always more fruitful in another man’s fi elds].” great cry but little wool See much cry Variant of this proverb: the grass is and little wool. always greener in somebody else’s backyard. the greater the truth, the greater the libel Some people will take greater the gray mare is the better horse A offense at a true accusation of wrong- woman is often more competent or pow- doing than at a false one: The vehemence erful than a man; used specifi cally of with which he denied any involvement in the wives who have the upper hand over their scandal aroused my suspicions—the greater husbands: “She did not wish it to seem, the truth, the greater the libel. The proverb to quote an old fashioned expression, is associated with the English judge Lord that the grey mare was the better horse. Mansfi eld (1705–93). . . . She strove to avoid prejudicing her husband’s position” (Violet Powell, Flora great men have great faults Remarkable Annie Steel, 1981). The proverb was fi rst people tend to have serious character fl aws: recorded in 1529. “Great men’s faults are never small” (John Clarke, Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina, 1639). great boats may venture more, but little The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1616 by boats should keep near shore See lit- T. Draxe in his Bibliotheca Scholastica. tle boats should stay close to shore. great minds think alike People often say a great book is a great evil A long book or do the same thing, or make the same is a bad book—good writers know how decision, coincidentally; said when such a

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coincidence occurs, with no more than a nifi cant beginning: “A curfew, I admit, jocular reference to the size of the intel- is not the end of civilization, nor even lect: “I was planning to buy them an espresso a steep imposition. But mighty oaks, as machine.” “So was I. Great minds think alike!” they say, from little acorns grow” (Wash- The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1618. In ington Times, 1995). The proverb was fi rst early occurrences it had the form “Great recorded c. 1385, in Chaucer’s Troilus minds [or wits] jump,” the word jump being and Criseyde. The word great is sometimes used in the now archaic sense of “agree.” replaced by big, mighty, tall, or some other Variant of this proverb: great minds synonym. run in the same channels. great trees keep down little ones The great oaks from little acorns grow predominance of a particular person, Things of great size or importance may company, nation, etc., results in lesser developååååå from a relatively small or insig- rivals being kept in the shade: In the GREEK PROVERBS Many Greek proverbs are of ancient origin, but most remain as relevant today as when fi rst coined. In particular, the Greeks have many proverbs offering guidance in the conduct of personal relationships, both with friends and enemies.

Don’t forget to distrust Greeks only agree with each other about going to the toilet The heart that loves is always young He who eats and drinks with the rich leaves the table hungry He who thinks the worst usually is right He who wants to be happy must stay at home Listen to that which is well said, even if it from the mouth of an enemy My donkey is dead; let no more grass grow An old enemy never becomes a friend Observe your enemies, for they ﬁ rst ﬁ nd your faults One minute of patience can mean ten years of peace One word spoken in anger may spoil an entire life The people make the town Remorse is worse than a beating Success has many friends Time is the soul of the world Under every stone sleeps a scorpion Where there is a sea there are pirates Whoever feeds the wolf in the winter will be eaten by him in the spring Women are as changeable as the sea

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competitive world of politics it is a sad but my teenage son has invited three of his friends unavoidable fact that great trees keep down for the weekend! The proverb was fi rst little ones. The proverb was fi rst recorded recorded in 1611 in Randle Cotgrave’s A in 1642 by Thomas Fuller in The Holy State Dictionary of the French and English Tongues. and the Profane State. Variant of this proverb: A growing youth has a wolf in his belly. a green winter makes a fat churchyard More deaths occur during mild winters a guilty conscience needs no accuser than they do in cold winters: Scientists People who know they have done wrong agree that “a green winter makes a fat church- reveal their guilt by the things they say yard,” as milder winters encourage the develop- or the way they interpret what other ment of a variety of epidemics. The proverb people say: “Then I knew he was speaking was fi rst recorded in 1635 by J. Swan in of Hinckman’s murder and must be the Speculum Mundi. murderer—‘a guilty conscience needs no Variant of this proverb: a green Yule accuser.’” (Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, makes a fat churchyard. 1952). The proverb was fi rst recorded in its current form in 1744, but a similar senti- a growing youth has a wolf in his ment was expressed in a proverb recorded stomach Adolescent boys are perpetu- by Dionysius Cato (fourth century a.d.): ally hungry: I’d better fi ll up the freezer—a “the man with something on his conscience growing youth has a wolf in his stomach, and thinks he is always the subject of talk.”

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the habit does not make the monk See “The half is greater than the whole.” It was the cowl does not make the monk. ﬁ rst recorded in English in 1550. Variant of this proverb: half is more the hair of the dog is good for the than the whole. bite See take a hair of the dog that Proverb expressing similar meaning: bit you. less is more.

half a loaf is better than no bread We half the truth is often a whole lie Not must be grateful for what we get, even telling the whole truth, or saying something if it is less than we desire—it is better to that is only partly true, is tantamount to have a small amount than nothing at all: I lying: What she said was not entirely untrue, but was disappointed not to fi nd all the information she omitted to mention a number of signifi cant I required, but half a loaf is better than no bread, details, and half the truth is often a whole lie. and at least I have enough to start writing my The proverb was fi rst recorded in Benjamin article. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack (1758) in 1546. the form “Half the truth is often a great lie.” Variants of this proverb: half a loaf is It occurs in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem better than none; half an egg is better than The Grandmother (1847): That a lie which is an empty shell. half a truth is ever the blackest of lies,/That Proverb expressing similar meaning: a lie which is all a lie may be met and fought something is better than nothing. with outright,/ But a lie which is part a truth is a harder matter to fi ght.” the half is better than the whole A Variant of this proverb: a half-truth is restrained approach to something is often often a great lie. the most effective; used to warn against excess: “It is true of conversation as of many half the world knows not how the other other things, that the half is better than the half lives See one half of the world whole. People who are fond of talking doesn’t know how the other half ought to beware of being lengthy” (A. C. lives. Benson, From a College Window, 1906). The proverb comes from the Greek poet Hes- handsome is as handsome does People iod’s Works and Days (eighth century b.c.) should be valued for their good deeds,

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not their good looks; also occasionally is he that is happy in his children.” The used of things, or as a warning not to be proverb was fi rst recorded in 1732 in misled by an attractive appearance: “‘Such Thomas Fuller’s Gnomologia. a handsome young man.’ ‘Handsome is as Proverb expressing opposite mean- handsome does. Much too fond of poking ing: children are certain cares, but fun at people’” (Agatha Christie, A Murder uncertain comforts. Is Announced, 1950). The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in 1659, but the happy is the bride that the sun shines sentiment it expresses is of much earlier on According to popular superstition, a origin. woman who has a sunny wedding day will Proverb expressing similar meaning: have a happy marriage: “Monday came, a the tree is known by its fruit. cloudless lovely day . . . the clerk ascend- ing the church steps, quoted the old the hand that rocks the cradle rules the proverb to the pew-opener, meeting him world Mothers have a powerful infl u- under the porch: ‘Happy is the bride on ence—if indirectly—on world affairs, whom the sun shines!’” (Wilkie Collins, because it is they who mold the char- No Name, 1862). The proverb was fi rst acters of future leaders: “The habits of recorded in Robert Herrick’s Hesperides the home in one generation become the (1648) in the form “Blest is the Bride, on morals of society in the next. As the whom the Sun doth shine.” old adage says: ‘The hand that rocks the Variants of this proverb: blessed is the cradle rules the world’” (Washington Times, bride that the sun shines on; happy is- 1996). The proverb comes from William the bride that the sun shines on, blessed is Ross Wallace’s poem “What Rules the the corpse that the rain falls on; happy World” (1865). is the bride that the sun shines on, sorry is-the bride that the rain rains on. hanging and wiving go by destiny Some people are fated to marry each other, just happy is the country that has no history as some are fated to be hanged: Hanging It is a happy or fortunate country that and wiving go by destiny, and if I am meant to has no unpleasant events worth record- have him, then he will be mine! The proverb ing in its past: “Quoting the familiar was fi rst recorded in 1546, and occurs in dictum: ‘Happy is the country which has Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice no history,’ I remarked that I belonged (2:9): “The ancient saying is no heresy:/ . . . to a generation which was still on Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.” the early side of middle age but had Proverb expressing similar meaning: already seen almost more history than marriages are made in heaven. any generation could bear” (Vera Brittain, Testament of Experience, 1957). The proverb happy is he that is happy in his children has been attributed to the French philoso- Parents derive much pleasure from their pher Montesquieu (1689–1755) in the children, if they happen to be happy and form “Happy the people whose annals are well-behaved: The bishop patted the infant blank in history-books!” A similar senti- on the head and murmured wistfully “happy ment occurs in Benjamin Franklin’s Poor

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Richard’s Almanack (1740): “Happy that hard work never hurt anybody See nation, fortunate that age, whose history work never hurt anybody. is not diverting.” haste is from the devil Never be happy’s the wooing that’s not long a- tempted to act in haste—you are bound doing It is best to have only a short to regret it: “Listening patiently to the period of courtship before marriage: Hap- views . . . he knew that for an Intelligence py’s the wooing that’s not long a-doing, says the offi cer ‘haste is from the devil’” (Lon- proverb, but many couples who marry in haste don Times, 1929). The proverb was fi rst soon discover that it is not a recipe for wedded recorded in 1633, and may have origi- bliss. The proverb was fi rst recorded in nated in Eastern Europe or Asia. 1576 in Parade of Devil’s Devices. Proverb expressing opposite mean- haste makes waste By acting too hast- ing: marry in haste, repent at leisure. ily or doing things too hurriedly you risk causing damage or making mistakes that hard cases make bad law Cases that are subsequently have to be put right, result- complex or diffi cult to decide often cause ing in a loss of time, money, and materi- the true meaning of the law to be distorted als: Haste makes waste—I broke at least four or obscured and sometimes lead to what of the glasses in my rush to get them washed is perceived as a miscarriage of justice: and dried before the guests started arriving. The saying “Hard cases make bad law” should The proverb was fi rst recorded in this never be used to vindicate incompetent members form in 1546 by John Heywood in his of the legal profession. The proverb was fi rst Dialogue of Proverbs. recorded in 1854 by G. Hayes in W. S. Variant of this proverb: haste makes Holdsworth’s History of English Law (1926). waste, and waste makes want, and want makes strife between a good man and the harder the storm, the sooner it’s his wife. over See the sharper the storm, the Proverb expressing similar meaning: sooner it’s over. the hasty bitch bringeth forth blind whelps. hard words break no bones Adverse criticism or verbal abuse may be unpleas- the hasty bitch bringeth forth blind ant, but it does no physical harm: She whelps Things done in haste tend to called me every name under the sun, and told produce poor results: The foreman had me never to go near any member of her family forgotten the age-old warning that “the hasty again, but hard words break no bones. The bitch bringeth forth blind whelps.” The prov- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1697 in G. erb appeared in R. Robinson’s 1556 trans- Meriton’s Yorkshire Ale. lation of Thomas More’s Utopia but is of Proverb expressing similar meaning: much older origin, being quoted by Livy, sticks and stones may break my bones, Aristotle, and Galen. The word whelps but words will never hurt me. may sometimes be replaced by puppies. Proverb expressing opposite meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: the tongue is not steel, but it cuts. haste makes waste.

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hasty climbers have sudden falls Un- took his home comforts for granted until his duly rapid progress in a person’s career, family’s fortunes changed, and he found himself or in some other sphere of activity, often begging on the streets. The proverb was fi rst leads to an abrupt and ignominious down- recorded in 1553 in the form “Health fall or failure: The speed with which he rose after sickness is sweeter evermore.” through the ranks caused his parents some concern, for hasty climbers have sudden falls. health is wealth Good health is a valu- The proverb dates from before 1439 in J. able asset, worth more than any amount Lydgate’s Fall of Princes. of money: Remember that health is wealth, Proverb expressing similar meaning: and there’s no point in working yourself into an a fool’s bolt is soon shot. early grave just so that you can afford a better house or a bigger car. The proverb was fi rst hawks will not pick out hawks’ eyes recorded in the 16th century. People who belong to the same group will Variant of this proverb: good health not—or should not—harm one another: is more to be desired than wealth. “I have heard that hawks should not pick out hawks’ eyes. What do you propose to hear all, see all, say nowt It is sometimes gain?” (John Buchan, Salute to Adventurers, prudent to listen and watch carefully, but 1915). The proverb was fi rst recorded in say nothing: She remembered her grandmoth- 1573 in the form “One crow never pulls er’s advice to hear all, see all, say nowt. The out another’s eyes.” proverb was fi rst recorded in 1400 in Variant of this proverb: a crow Proverbs of Wisdom. A fuller version of the doesn’t pick out the eye of another crow. proverb runs “hear all, see all, say nowt, Proverbs expressing similar mean- tak’ all, keep all, gie nowt, and if tha ever ing: dog does not eat dog; there’s does owt for nowt do it for thysen.” honor among thieves. Proverb expressing similar meaning: keep your mouth shut and your eyes heads I win, tails you lose In some open. situations it is impossible for one person not to be a winner—or impossible for heated arguments do not warm the fi re- another person not to be a loser—what- side See the only thing a heated ever the outcome: It’s heads I win, tails you argument ever produced is coolness. lose—if they keep me on they’ll have to start paying me the going rate, and if they don’t, I’ll heaven helps those who help them- sue them for wrongful dismissal. The proverb selves See god helps those who help was fi rst recorded in 1846 by John Wilson themselves. Croker in The Croker Papers. heaven protects children, sailors, and health is not valued till sickness drunken men Certain types of people comes People often fail to appreci- seem to enjoy divine protection; said ate the good situation that they are in when a child, sailor, or other person has until circumstances change for the worse: a miraculous escape from injury or death: Health is not valued till sickness comes—he “Heaven, they say, protects children, sail-

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ors, and drunken men; and whatever he gives twice who gives quickly A answers to Heaven in the academical sys- prompt response to a request for some- tem protects freshmen” (Thomas Hughes, thing, such as money or help, is of greater Tom Brown at Oxford, 1861). The quotation value than a more generous offering is the fi rst recorded use of the proverb. given late: “‘He gives twice who gives quickly.’ . . . We have everything to gain a heavy purse makes a light heart Those by generous action at once” (London Times, who have plenty of money are happy and 1980). Of ancient origin, the proverb is carefree: If only I could sell another of my sometimes quoted in its Latin form, “Bis paintings, all our troubles would be over—a dat qui cito dat.” Other words, such as heavy purse makes a light heart. The proverb promptly or happily, may be substituted was fi rst recorded in 1521 in A. Barclay’s for quickly. Eclogues. Proverb expressing similar meaning: he laughs best who laughs last See he a light purse makes a heavy heart. who laughs last, laughs longest. Proverbs expressing opposite meaning: money can’t buy happiness; much he lives long who lives well Provided coin, much care. that you live a good life, its actual length is of no signifi cance, whereas a bad life is he comes too early who brings bad worthless and wasted; also interpreted news People are never in a hurry to literally, with the implication that living hear bad news: I knew they would be less well will extend your life span: “He liveth pleased to see me when they heard what I had long who liveth well!/All other life is short to say to them—he comes too early who brings and vain” (Horatio Bonar, Hymns of Faith bad news. and Hope, 1861). The proverb was fi rst Variant of this proverb: bad news recorded in 1553 in the form “They lived always comes too soon. long enough, that have lived well enough.” Variant of this proverb: he lives lon- a hedge between keeps friendship gest who lives best. green It is advisable not to become too intimate with friends or neighbors, hell hath no fury like a woman and to respect each other’s privacy, if you scorned A woman who is rejected by want to maintain a good relationship with the man she loves has an immense capac- them: We meet up for coffee once a month, ity for ferocious or malicious revenge: and phone each other now and then, but most Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned—he of the time we just get on with living our own arrived home from his so-called business trip lives—a hedge between keeps friendship green. to fi nd that his jealous wife had burned all his The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1707 in books, poured his vintage wine over the garden, John Mapletoft’s Select Proverbs. smashed his computer, and emptied their joint Variant of this proverb: a hedge account to buy herself a new wardrobe and a between keeps fellowship green. one-way ticket to her sister’s in England. In Proverb expressing similar meaning: its current form, the proverb comes from good fences make good neighbors. William Congreve’s play The Mourning

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Bride (1697): “Heav’n has no rage, like this form in 1734, in Benjamin Franklin’s love to hatred turn’d;/Nor Hell a fury, Poor Richard’s Almanack, but the sentiment like a woman scorn’d.” The sentiment it it expresses is of ancient origin. Compare expresses, however, is of ancient origin: Seneca (c. 4 b.c.–a.d. 65), “nemo regere compare Euripides (fi fth century b.c.), “a potest nisi qui et regi [nobody can rule woman . . . when she has been wronged unless he can also be ruled].” in a matter of sex, there is no other Variant of this proverb: by learning to heart more bloodthirsty.” The proverb obey, you will know how to command. is also applied to other situations where Proverb expressing similar meaning: somebody—not necessarily a woman—is a good leader is also a good fol- treated with disrespect or contempt, as lower. in “Hell hath no fury like a rock star scorned.” he that complies against his will is of Variant of this proverb: hell knows his own opinion still By forcing some- no wrath like a woman scorned. body to do something, or to admit that something is true, you have not actually hell is full of good meanings, but heaven succeeded in changing that person’s mind: is full of good works See the road to They tried to brainwash me into believing that hell is paved with good intentions. terrorism was the only possible course of action, and I knew that my life depended on at least help you to salt, help you to sorrow pretending to agree with them, but he that com- According to popular superstition, it is plies against his will is of his own opinion still. unlucky to add salt to another person’s The proverb comes from Samuel Butler’s food at table: “No one would at table poem Hudibras (1680): “He that complies spoon salt on to another person’s plate, against his will,/Is of his own opinion for ‘Help you to salt, help you to sor- still;/Which he may adhere to, yet dis- row’” (Flora Thompson, Lark Rise to Can- own,/For reasons to himself best known.” dleford, 1945). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1666, in an Italian proverb he that drinks beer, thinks beer Drink- collection. ing alcohol affects the way you think and the way you behave; often used with spe- he must have a long spoon who sups cifi c reference to the effects of drinking with the devil See he who sups with beer as opposed to other alcoholic liquor: the devil should have a long spoon. He that drinks beer, thinks beer, and by the end of the fi fth pint our conversation had begun he that cannot obey cannot command to deteriorate accordingly. The proverb was Those who are unwilling or unable to fi rst recorded in 1820 in W. Irving’s Sketch obey orders are not fi t to hold a position Book of Geoffrey Crayon. of leadership or authority: His insubordi- nate behavior made him an unlikely candidate he that goes a-borrowing, goes a- for promotion—his superiors were fi rmly of the sorrowing Borrowing inevitably leads belief that he who cannot obey cannot com- to trouble, as when you fi nd yourself mand. The proverb was fi rst recorded in unable to repay a loan; also used to

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imply that those who try to borrow risks: It was a tempting opportunity, and one from others will be disappointed: “Who that I would have seized with both hands in goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing. Yes, my bachelor days, but he that has a wife and the balanced-budget amendment is sort children has given hostages to fortune—if the of a dumb idea, because it can so eas- venture failed, all our lives would be ruined. In ily be evaded by cunning congressional its current form, the proverb comes from accounting” (American Spectator, 1995). Francis Bacon’s essay “Of Marriage and The proverb was fi rst recorded in this Single Life” (1612): “He that hath wife and form in 1545, but the sentiment it children hath given hostages to fortune; expresses is of earlier origin. for they are impediments to great enter- Variant of this proverb: borrowing prises, either of virtue or mischief.” A brings sorrowing. similar sentiment, however, occurs in the writings of the Roman poet Lucan (a.d. he that has a choice has trouble Mak- 39–65): “Coniunx est mihi, sunt nati: dedimus ing a choice is fraught with diffi cul- tot pignora fatis [I have a wife, I have sons: ties—not only do you risk making the all of them hostages given to fate].” wrong decision, but you may also offend Proverb expressing similar meaning: somebody by what you reject: The saying he travels fastest that travels alone. “He that has a choice has trouble” is never more true than when you are faced with two equally he that is born to be hanged shall undesirable alternatives. never be drowned See if you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll never be he that has a full purse never wanted drowned. a friend Wealthy people never lack friends—or those who claim to be their he that is down need fear no fall Those friends until their money runs out: I in lowly positions, or who have already soon discovered that he who has a full purse fallen from lofty positions, have no need never wanted a friend, and there were plenty to worry about failure: I had already lost of people who were only too anxious to help everything I valued—my job, my marriage, me, once they knew that they would be amply my self-respect—so I was prepared to take the rewarded for their efforts. risk. He that is down need fear no fall. The Proverbs expressing similar mean- proverb was fi rst recorded in Richard ing: a rich man’s joke is always funny; Taverner’s Proverbs (1539). wealth makes many friends. he that is too secure is not safe Beware he that has an ill name is half hanged of complacency—you must remain alert See give a dog a bad name and hang and watchful if you want to avoid danger: him. The old proverb “He that is too secure is not safe” has been quoted by critics of the modern trend he that has a wife and children has given toward increasingly sophisticated home-security hostages to fortune Family responsi- systems and car-safety devices. The proverb was bilities can hold a man back in life, for fi rst recorded in this form in 1732, but the example by discouraging him from taking sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin.

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Variant of this proverb: the way to be pitch shall be defi led. The proverb comes safe is never to feel secure. from the Apocrypha: “He that toucheth pitch shall be defi led therewith” (Eccle- he that lives in hope dances to an ill siasticus 13:1). tune It is unwise to let your future Proverb expressing similar meaning: happiness or well-being depend on if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get expectations that may not be realized: up with fleas. She talked excitedly of the bright prospects Proverb expressing opposite mean- that lay ahead of her if she passed the audi- ing: the sun loses nothing by shining tion, but he that lives in hope dances to an ill into a puddle. tune, and I was afraid that she was heading for a major disappointment. The proverb he that waits for dead men’s shoes may was fi rst recorded in 1591, in John go a long time barefoot See it’s ill Florio’s Second Fruits, in the form “He waiting for dead men’s shoes. that dooth liue in hope, dooth dance in narrowe scope.” he that will not when he may, when he Variant of this proverb: he that lives will he may have nay Take advantage in hope dances without music. of an opportunity when it presents itself, even if you do not want or need it at the he that lives on hope will die fasting Do time, because it may no longer be available not pin all your hopes on something you when you do: “‘It was a rather pretty little may not attain, because you could end up box, just the kind of thing you like. . . .’ with nothing: It’s no good just hoping that ‘I know,’ I said. ‘If you will not when you business will improve—he that lives on hope may, when you will you shall have nay’” will die fasting, and you must take action now, (Barbara Pym, A Glass of Blessings, 1958). by going out and fi nding some new customers. The proverb dates from before 1000: W. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1616 in W. Skeat quotes Anglo-Saxon Homily in his the form “Hope will make a man neither Early English Proverbs. eat nor drink.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: he that lives opportunity knocks but once. on hope has a slender diet. he that will thrive must fi rst ask his he that repairs not a part, builds all See wife A married man’s fi nancial situation, who repairs not his gutters repairs his his success or failure in business, and the whole house. like often depend on the behavior and dis- position of his wife: “He that would thrive, he that touches pitch shall be defi led If must ask his wife. It was lucky for me that you get involved with wicked people I had one as much dispos’d to industry and or illegal activities, you cannot avoid frugality as myself ” (Benjamin Franklin, becoming corrupted yourself: I would Autobiography, 1790). The proverb dates advise you to steer clear of these people and from before 1500: Songs and Carols (c. their dubious affairs, if you want to maintain 1470) has: “Fore he that cast hym for to your spotless reputation—he that touches thryve, he must ask off his wiffe leve.”

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he that would eat the fruit must climb you like or enjoy: I hate my job at the burger the tree Nothing is achieved without bar—the hours are long, the customers are effort: It takes many years of study and rude, and the pay is lousy—but I need to go on training to become a brain surgeon—there working there if I want to save enough money is no easy way. He that would eat the fruit to go on vacation. As my mother always says, he must climb the tree. The proverb was fi rst that would have eggs must endure the cackling recorded in 1721 in James Kelly’s Scottish of hens. The proverb was fi rst recorded Proverbs. in 1659. Variant of this proverb: he that would Proverbs expressing similar mean- eat the kernel must crack the nut. ing: the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet; you have to take he that would go to sea for pleasure the rough with the smooth. would go to hell for a pastime A sailor’s life can be so unpleasant and dangerous, it he that would learn to pray, let him go seems that those who choose spend their to sea Sailors face many dangers and leisure hours at sea must be either mas- life-threatening experiences at sea: We ochistic or insane: “‘What made you come ran into what was later described as one of the to sea anyway?’ ‘Search me. . . . To amuse worst storms in living memory, and the proverb myself, I suppose.’ ‘Well, a man who’d go “He that would learn to pray, let him go to to sea for fun’d go to hell for a pastime’” sea” never seemed more appropriate than in (Malcolm Lowry, Ultramarine, 1933). The the fi fteen terrifying hours that followed. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1899 in A. proverb was fi rst recorded in this form J. Boyd’s Shellback. in 1640 in George Herbert’s Outlandish Proverbs, but the sentiment it expresses is he that would hang his dog gives out fi rst of earlier origin. that he is mad Those who are planning some action that might attract criticism he that would the daughter win, must fi rst seek to justify it in advance: The prime with the mother fi rst begin If you want minister’s attack on his underling suggests that to win the affections of a young woman, he plans a reshuffl e in the near future, for we or persuade her to marry you, it is all know that he that would hang his dog gives important to make a favorable impression out fi rst that he is mad. The proverb was on her mother: Her mother likes you, and fi rst recorded in 1530 in J. Palsgrave’s that’s half the battle—mothers have a way of L’Éclaircissement de la langue française. infl uencing their daughters’ choices, directly or Proverb expressing similar meaning: indirectly. As the saying goes, “He that would give a dog a bad name and hang him. the daughter win, must with the mother fi rst begin.” The proverb was fi rst recorded, he that would have eggs must endure the with different wording, in 1578 in Courtly cackling of hens You must be prepared Controversy. to put up with something unpleasant or annoying in order to get what you want; he travels fastest who travels also used of an undesirable aspect or alone Those who go through life without drawback that accompanies something the encumbrance of family responsibilities

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make the best progress; also used more stern motto should be written in the literally of companions on a journey: “The social contract too: ‘He who does work, reason I can ‘do what I do’ is because does deserve a decent break’” (Barbara I’ve never married. He travels fastest who Ehrenreich, Time, 1991). The proverb is travels alone, and that goes double for she” of biblical origin: “Neither did we eat (Florence King, Refl ections in a Jaundiced Eye, any man’s bread for nought; but wrought 1989). The proverb comes from Rudyard with labour and travail night and day. . . . Kipling’s poem The Winners (1888): “Down For even when we were with you, this to Gehenna or up to the Throne,/He trav- we commanded you, that if any would els the fastest who travels alone.” not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thes- Proverb expressing similar meaning: salonians 3:8–10). It is sometimes quoted he that has a wife and children has in its more succinct Latin form, “Qui non given hostages to fortune. laborat non manducet.” Proverb expressing opposite mean- Variant of this proverb: if you won’t ing: good company on the road is the work, you shan’t eat. shortest cut. he who excuses himself accuses him- he who begins many things, fi nishes but self By making an apology for some- few Do not try to work on too many thing, or trying to justify it, or even different projects at the same time, or denying it, you are actually making a you will end up achieving nothing: His confession of guilt: “The tests would be life’s work consists of three great novels, and underground, every precaution taken, more than a hundred plot summaries for books impossible to contaminate anything. One that were never written—he who begins many had heard these pleas before. . . . Who things, fi nishes but few. The proverb’s fi rst excuses himself accuses himself ” (Geof- use is recorded in Giovanni Torriano’s A frey Wagner, Elegy for Corsica, 1968). The Common Place of Italian Proverbs and Prover- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1611. It is bial Phrases (1666). sometimes quoted in its French form, “Qui s’excuse, s’accuse.” he who chases two hares catches nei- Variant of this proverb: who excuses ther See if you run after two hares, himself accuses himself. you will catch neither. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: accusing the times is but excusing he who dances must pay the fi ddler See ourselves; never ask pardon before they that dance must pay the fiddler. you are accused.

he who does not work, neither should he who fi ghts and runs away may live to he eat Idle people do not deserve to fi ght another day It is wiser to with- receive charitable handouts—everybody draw from a situation that you cannot should earn his or her own living: “Con- win than to go on fi ghting and lose—by servatives like to cite that ancient Puritan a strategic retreat you can return to the teaching: ‘He who does not work, neither battle or argument with renewed energy should he eat.’ But the fl ip side of that at a later date: I conceded defeat at that point,

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on the basis that he who fi ghts and runs away those who are not present to defend may live to fi ght another day, but I have every themselves or their rights or arguments: intention of mounting a fresh challenge as soon “I will quote fi rst that fi ne old French as I have gathered enough evidence to be sure saying—which covers any claim Charlie of success. The proverb was fi rst recorded may or may not have on that cake—‘he in 1542, but the sentiment it expresses who is absent is always in the wrong’” is of ancient origin: the Greek poet and (Anthony Price, Soldier No More, 1981). dramatist Menander (c. 342–292 b.c.) The French saying referred to in this wrote, “A man who fl ees will fi ght again.” quotation is “Les absents ont toujours tort.” It has given rise to the fi gurative phrase to The proverb was fi rst recorded in Eng- live to fi ght another day. lish in 1640 in the form “The absent Variant of this proverb: he who fi ghts party is still faulty.” and runs away may live to fi ght another Variants of this proverb: the absent day, but he that is in battle slain will never are always in the wrong; the absent are rise to fi ght again. never without fault nor the present with- Proverbs expressing similar meaning: out excuse. discretion is the better part of valor; a live dog is better than a dead lion. he who is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else Worthless he who has a mind to beat a dog will or incapable people are constantly making easily fi nd a stick See it’s easy to find excuses to cover up for their shortcom- a stick to beat a dog. ings: They always have a plausible explanation for their failure to deliver, but I put it down to he who has a tiger by the tail dare not sheer incompetence—he who is good at making let go See he who rides a tiger is excuses is seldom good at anything else. afraid to dismount. he who laughs last, laughs longest Mi- he who hesitates is lost Do not be too nor successes or failures along the way slow to make a decision or take advantage are of no signifi cance—the person who of an opportunity: You don’t have forever to is ultimately triumphant is the only real make up your mind—he who hesitates is lost, winner; often used when somebody turns and if you don’t put in an offer for the house the tables with a fi nal act of retaliation: soon, somebody else will buy it. The proverb Their celebrations are somewhat premature—I was fi rst recorded in 1713 in the form still have one more trick up my sleeve, and he “The woman that deliberates is lost” in who laughs last, laughs longest. The proverb Joseph Addison’s Cato. was fi rst recorded c. 1607 in the form Proverb expressing similar meaning: “Hee laugheth best that laugheth to the delays are dangerous. end” (The Christmas Prince). Facetious vari- Proverb expressing opposite mean- ants include “He who laughs last didn’t ing: look before you leap. get the point anyway” and “He who laughs last is probably an Englishman.” The prov- he who is absent is always in the erb has given rise to the fi gurative phrase wrong It is easy to accuse or attack to have the last laugh.

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Variants of this proverb: he who situation, or have embarked on a danger- laughs last, laughs best; he laughs best ous course of action, it is often safer to who laughs last. continue than to try to stop or withdraw: Proverb expressing similar meaning: I knew that what I was doing was illegal, but he let them laugh that win. who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount, and the possible consequences of pulling out of the deal he who lives by the sword dies by the at this late stage didn’t bear thinking about. sword Those who engage in aggression Of Chinese origin, the proverb was fi rst or violence will meet their death in a simi- recorded in English in 1875 in W. Scar- lar way. The proverb is of biblical origin: borough’s Collection of Chinese Proverbs. “Put up again thy sword into his place: for Variants of this proverb: he who rides all they that take the sword shall perish with the tiger can never dismount; He who has the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Other words a tiger by the tail dare not let go. may be substituted for sword, as in the following quotations: “When you live by the he who sups with the devil should have gun you die by the gun” (Washington Post, a long spoon Those who have dealings 1997) and “Live by the torch, die by the with wicked, dangerous, or dishonest torch” (Stephen King, The Stand, 1978). people should remain on their guard and Variants of this proverb: he who lives try not to become too intimately involved: by the sword shall perish by the sword; “Hindenburg and the army thought they live by the sword, die by the sword. could use [Hitler]. . . . Who sups with the devil needs a long spoon” (Evelyn he who never made a mistake never Anthony, The Grave of Truth, 1979). The made anything See if you don’t make proverb was fi rst recorded, with different mistakes you don’t make anything. wording, in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). It occurs in Shakespeare’s play The he who pays the piper calls the tune The Comedy of Errors (4:3), “He must have a person who pays for a service or fi nances long spoon that must eat with the devil.” a project has the right to say how it should Variant of this proverb: he must have be done: The kitchen layout that our custom- a long spoon who sups with the devil. ers had specifi ed did not—in our professional opinion—make best use of the space, but he he who wills the end, wills the means that pays the piper calls the tune, so we gave Those who are determined to achieve them what they wanted. First recorded something are equally determined to fi nd in 1779 in Diary of Grace Galloway, the a way of achieving it: Finding his daughter proverb has given rise to the fi gurative in the vast and unfamiliar city seemed an phrase to call the tune, meaning “to be in impossible task, but somehow he succeeded—he control.” who wills the end, wills the means. The Proverb expressing similar meaning: proverb was fi rst recorded in 1692, but whose bread i eat, his song i sing. with the implication that it was already in general use. he who rides a tiger is afraid to dis- Proverb expressing similar meaning: mount When you are in a dangerous where there’s a will there’s a way.

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he who would climb the ladder must climbs the more he shows his tail. The prov- begin at the bottom You must start erb was fi rst recorded, in rather more from a lowly position and rise through the graphic form, as an explanatory note in ranks if you want to attain a position of John Wycliffe’s translation of the Bible high status or authority: “I was the lowest (c. 1395): “the fi lthe of the hynd partis of the four in rank—but what then?—he of an ape aperith more, whanne he stieth that climbs a ladder must begin at the [climbs] on high.” In modern usage the fi rst round” (Sir Walter Scott, Kenilworth, word ass is sometimes substituted for 1821). The proverb was fi rst recorded in tail. 1710 in S. Palmer’s Moral Essays on some of the most Curious and Signifi cant English, the higher the tree, the sweeter the Scotch and Foreign Proverbs. plum The best fruit is found at the top of the tree: The salaries are biggest at the top he who would wish to thrive, must let of the ladder; as the saying goes, the higher spiders run alive See if you want to the tree, the sweeter the plum. The proverb live and thrive, let the spider run was fi rst recorded in 1659 in J. Howell’s alive. Paroemiographia.

he who would write and can’t write can the highest branch is not the safest surely review People who become crit- roost Those in the highest positions of ics are those who lack the talent to be power or authority are, in some respects, novelists, dramatists, or other kinds of the most vulnerable, because there will artists in their own right; used in response always be plenty of others eager to take to a bad review: Asked to comment on the their place or cause their downfall: I am damning criticism of her book in the press, she happy in my work, and have no ambitions for simply shrugged her shoulders and said, “He further advancement—the highest branch is who would write and can’t write can surely not the safest roost. The proverb was fi rst review.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in recorded, with different wording, in 1563 1848, in James Russell Lowell’s A Fable in Mirror for Magistrates. for Critics. Similar sentiments have been Proverbs expressing similar mean- expressed by others: in 1870, Benjamin ing: the post of honor is the post of Disraeli wrote, “You know who the critics danger; uneasy lies the head that are? The men who have failed in literature wears a crown. and art.” Proverb expressing opposite meaning: better be first in a village than the higher the monkey climbs the more second at rome. he shows his tail People’s faults and shortcomings become increasingly obvi- history doesn’t repeat itself—historians ous as they advance to positions of high do See history repeats itself. offi ce: He was patently unsuited to such a responsible post, but was promoted nonetheless, history is a fable agreed upon History and the current debacle in his department is represents the traditionally accepted inter- proof of the saying that the higher the monkey pretation of what actually happened in the

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past: It is said that history is a fable agreed encouraging students of all abilities to fulfi ll upon, but there seems to be a distinct lack of their potential. The proverb comes from agreement among modern historians on some of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Civiliza- the more controversial issues and events of the tion,” in Society and Solitude (1870). 20th century. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1948 in a U.S. proverb collection. hoist your sail when the wind is fair Take advantage of favorable condi- history repeats itself Similar events tions or circumstances while they last: tend to recur in different periods of his- The market is very volatile, and things could tory—for example, when rulers or gov- change at any moment, so hoist your sail when ernments fail to learn from the mistakes the wind is fair and buy now! The proverb of those who have gone before; also used was fi rst recorded in 1583 in Melbancke’s when some more trivial or personal inci- Philotimus. dent recurs: “That age has passed away for Variant of this proverb: hoist up the ever. History repeats itself, it is true, but sail while the gale does last. history will not bear mimicry” (Augustus Proverbs expressing similar mean- Jessopp, The Coming of the Friars, 1885). ing: make hay while the sun shines; The proverb was fi rst recorded in this strike while the iron is hot. form in George Eliot’s Scenes of Clerical Life (1858), but the sentiment it expresses the hole calls the thief Criminals and is of ancient origin, occurring in the other wrong-doers will go where oppor- writings of the Greek historian Thucy- tunity presents itself: The police knew very dides (fi fth century b.c.). In 1852, in well that the hole calls the thief and that was The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, the place to lay their trap. The proverb was Karl Marx wrote, “Hegel says somewhere fi rst recorded in 1640 by George Herbert that all great events and personalities in in Outlandish Proverbs. world history reappear in one fashion or Proverb expressing similar meaning: another. He forgot to add: the fi rst time as opportunity makes a thief. tragedy, the second as farce.” Variant of this proverb: history home is home, be it ever so homely doesn’t repeat itself—historians do. However simple or lowly a person’s abode Proverb expressing similar meaning: may be, it is still his or her home and there- the more things change, the more fore the best place to be: On international they stay the same. business trips I’ve stayed in some of the best hotels in the world, but I’m always glad to get back to hitch your wagon to a star You must be my own little apartment—home is home, be it ambitious, and aim to achieve the high- ever so homely. The proverb was fi rst recorded est possible goal; also used as advice to in 1546 in the form “Home is homely, cultivate the acquaintance of powerful, though it be poor in sight.” A similar senti- successful, or infl uential people who can ment is expressed in the song “Home, help to advance your interests: “Hitch your Sweet Home” (1823) by J. H. Payne: “Be it wagon to a star” is one of the unoffi cial mot- ever so humble, there’s no place like toes of the college, which has a reputation for home.”

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Variant of this proverb: home is Proverbs expressing similar mean- home though it’s never so homely. ing: nobody is infallible; to err is Proverbs expressing similar mean- human, to forgive divine. ing: east, west, home’s best; there’s no place like home. an honest look covereth many faults An innocent demeanor may hide much guilt: home is where the heart is Home is No one suspected that such a guileless child the place where you are happiest, or could have done such a thing, but an honest where the people you love are: “They look covereth many faults. The proverb was entertained several times a year, they fi rst recorded in 1642 in G. Torriano’s went out to departmental parties from Select Italian Proverbs. time to time, but these things did not Variant of this proverb: an honest interest Sulka much. Home was where good look covereth many faults. her heart was” (Colette Dowling, The Cin- derella Complex, 1981). The proverb was an honest man’s word is as good as his fi rst recorded in 1870, but the sentiment bond See a man’s word is as good as it expresses is of ancient origin. Other his bond. words may be substituted for heart, and a facetious variant of the proverb is “Home honest men marry quickly, wise men not is where the mortgage is.” at all Honest men marry without hesitation, seeing no threat in a wife, but wise home is where you hang your hat Home men know better. The proverb was fi rst is the place where you are currently living, recorded by James Howell in his 1645–55 to which you return at the end of the work- publication Epistolae Ho-Elianae: or Familiar ing day: People keep asking me if I’m going home Letters: “Honest men use to marry, but for Thanksgiving—meaning back to my parent’s wise men not.” house in the country. As far as I’m concerned, home is where you hang your hat, and for me honesty is more praised than prac- that’s New York City. The proverb was fi rst ticed Many people say that honesty is recorded in 1930 in Fletcher’s Green Rope. important, but few are always scrupu- lously honest themselves: The latest revela- Homer sometimes nods Even the great- tions from the White House suggest that the est minds have lapses of attention, leading saying “Honesty is more praised than practiced” to mistakes; often used as an excuse is nowhere more applicable than in the world for error: “Scientifi c reason, like Homer, of politics. sometimes nods” (T. H. Huxley, Nine- teenth Century, 1887). The proverb origi- honesty is the best policy Being honest nated in the writings of the Roman poet or telling the truth is always the wisest Horace (65–8 b.c.): “Indignor quandoque course of action, although it is often not bonus dormitat Homerus [I am indignant the easiest or most attractive option: “I when the worthy Homer nods].” am afraid we must make the world honest Variant of this proverb: even Homer before we can honestly say to our children sometimes nods. that honesty is the best policy” (Radio

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address by George Bernard Shaw, 1932). you need to offer them something attrac- The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1605. tive as an incentive: The company believes In his Apophthegms (1854), the English that the hook without bait catches no fi sh, and politician, philosopher, and theologian the fi rst thousand customers to sign up for a Richard Whately wrote, “Honesty is the loan will enjoy signifi cantly reduced interest best policy; but he who is governed by rates for the fi rst twelve months. The proverb that maxim is not an honest man.” is recorded as a regional expression in the Variant of this proverb: honesty is United States. the best policy, though it may not pay the largest dividends. hope and have If a person wants some- Proverbs expressing similar meaning: thing badly enough he or she is likely to cheaters never prosper; honesty pays. achieve it: “Hope and have, in time a man may gaine any woman” (A. Fraunce in En- honesty pays You will ultimately reap glish Parnassus, 1913). The proverb was fi rst the benefi ts of being honest, although these recorded 1540 in J. Palsgrave’s Acolastus. are not always immediately obvious: It took Variant of this proverb: hope well a lot of courage to own up to my mistake, but and have well. honesty pays—if only by relieving the burden Proverb expressing opposite mean- of guilt that I have been carrying around for the ing: hope for the best and prepare for past few days. The proverb was fi rst recorded the worst. in 1876 in W. G. Nash New England Life. Proverbs expressing similar mean- hope deferred makes the heart sick De- ing: cheaters never prosper; honesty lay in getting what you desire, or in learn- is the best policy. ing whether or not your hopes are to be realized, is a cause of great anxiety and honey catches more fl ies than vinegar distress: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, See you can catch more flies with and after waiting in vain for promotion for more honey than with vinegar. than ten years he fi nally left the army, a bitter and disillusioned man. The proverb is of honors change manners People who biblical origin: “Hope deferred maketh the improve their status in society all too heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it often become arrogant: “How I have is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). offended the Lord of Lindesay I know not, unless honours have changed man- hope for the best and prepare for the ners” (Walter Scott, The Abbot, 1820). worst Remain optimistic, but make The proverb was fi rst recorded in English sure that you are mentally or physically c. 1430 by John Lydgate in Chaucer but is prepared to cope with failure or disas- Roman in origin. ter: “The youngest of us cannot always Scottish variant of this proverb: lord- escape—hoping, trusting, relying on the ships change manners. best, we should be prepared for the worst” (Edward Howard, Rattlin the Reefer, the hook without bait catches no fi sh If 1836). The proverb was fi rst recorded, you want to tempt or persuade people, with different wording, in 1565.

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Proverb expressing similar meaning: horse can’t pull while kicking. The proverb put your trust in god, and keep your is recorded as a regional expression in the powder dry. United States. Proverb expressing opposite meaning: hope and have. horses for courses Different people have different strengths and talents, and hope is a good breakfast but a bad each person should be assigned to the supper There is no harm in being opti- task or job that is best suited to that par- mistic at the beginning of something, but ticular individual: “Horses for courses is beware of being left with nothing but a sound adage in motoring as well as the unrealized expectations at the end: Hope turf, and few British motorists would look is a good breakfast but a bad supper, and when to Czechoslovakia for their car” (Daily darkness forced them to abandon their efforts to Telegraph, 1972). The proverb was fi rst fi nd the missing child, the morale of the search recorded in 1891 (A. E. T. Watson, Turf ) party was at its lowest ebb. The proverb was in a horse-racing context, with the implica- fi rst recorded in 1625 in Francis Bacon’s tion that it was already in frequent use in Apophthegms. that context.

hope keeps the heart from breaking See hot love is soon cold Passions that arise if it were not for hope, the heart suddenly are liable to subside equally would break. quickly: “I hope that such hot love cannot be so soone colde” (John Lyly, Euphues: The hope springs eternal in the human Anatomy of Wit, 1578). The proverb was breast It is human nature to remain opti- fi rst recorded in 1537 in R. Whitford’s mistic—even after a setback, or despite Werke for Householders. evidence to the contrary: “Night after night his disappointment is acute, but hope an hour in the morning is worth two in springs eternal in the scholastic breast” the evening People are at their most (Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend, effi cient early in the day, when they are 1865). The proverb comes from Alexan- refreshed by sleep: When it comes to preparing der Pope’s Essay on Man (1732): “Hope for exams, students would do well to remember the springs eternal in the human breast:/Man saying “An hour in the morning is worth two in never Is, but always To be blest.” It is often the evening.” The proverb was fi rst recorded shortened to “Hope springs eternal.” in 1827 in William Hone’s Every-Day Book. Variant of this proverb: an hour hope well and have well See hope and before breakfast is worth two the rest of have. the day. Proverb expressing similar meaning: a horse can’t pull while kicking People lose and hour in the morning, chase engaged in acts of insubordination or it all day. protest cannot work effi ciently or produc- tively: There is no room in this organization a house divided against itself cannot for anybody who refuses to toe the line—a stand The members of a group must

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remain united if the group is to suc- hunger drives the wolf out of the ceed or survive; sometimes used to warn wood People in dire need are forced against dissension: “‘A house divided to do things that would be unwise or against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this undesirable in other circumstances: “‘He government cannot endure, permanently says he doesn’t want anything to eat,’ half slave and half free” (Speech by Abra- answered Nanon; ‘that’s not good for ham Lincoln, 1858). The proverb is of him.’ ‘So much saved,’ retorted her mas- biblical origin: “Every kingdom divided ter. ‘That’s so,’ she said. ‘Bah! he won’t cry against itself is brought to desolation; and long. Hunger drives the wolves out of the every city or house divided against itself woods’” (Honoré de Balzac, Eugenie Gran- shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25); “If a det, 1833). The proverb was fi rst recorded house be divided against itself, that house in English in the late 15th century, but cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). there is evidence of a French version in Proverbs expressing similar mean- the early 14th century. ing: divide and conquer; united we stand, divided we fall. hunger is the best sauce Hunger makes all food taste good, regardless of its qual- the house shows the owner A person’s ity or the way it is served: We were starving character is revealed by the state of his or after our long walk, and nobody complained her house: The house was disturbingly tidy, about my cooking that night—hunger is the but, as they say, the house shows the owner. best sauce! The proverb was fi rst recorded The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1611 in 1530, but the sentiment it expresses by Randle Cotgrave in A Dictionary of the is of ancient origin. Compare Cicero French and English Tongues. (106–43 b.c.): “cibi condimentum esse famem [hunger is the spice of food].” a house without books is like a room Variant of this proverb: hunger is the without windows Books brighten and best pickle. enlighten our daily lives in the same way that windows brighten and illuminate hungry bellies have no ears See a hun- a room: If it is true that a house without gry stomach has no ears. books is like a room without windows, then my uncle’s house must be the darkest place a hungry man is an angry man Hunger on earth—the only reading matter to be makes people angry, often dangerously found there was on the cans and boxes in so: The strikers and their families were starv- the pantry! ing, and a hungry man is an angry man, so we took care not to provoke them. The prov- humble hearts have humble desires Peo- erb was fi rst recorded c. 1641 in David ple with timid characters tend to have Fergusson’s Scottish Proverbs. modest ambitions: Humble hearts have humble desires, but surely no one could be content a hungry stomach has no ears There is with such meagre rewards. The proverb was no point in talking to or reasoning with fi rst recorded in 1640 by George Herbert hungry people, or those who are greed- in Outlandish Proverbs. ily devouring their food: You’re wasting

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your breath—these people are starving, and a the husband is always the last to hungry stomach has no ears. The proverb was know When a wife is unfaithful to her fi rst recorded c. 1770 in W. Hubbard’s husband, he is always the last person General History of New England. to fi nd out about it; also used in other Variant of this proverb: hungry bel- similar situations: He was devastated to lies have no ears. learn that his wife was having an affair, and even more upset when he discovered that hurry no man’s cattle Do not try to most of their friends had known about it for make others hurry or rush because you months—as they say, the husband is always are impatient: “I knew that in due time the last to know. The proverb was fi rst he would tell me the result of these recorded in 1604. The word wife may be mental exercises; in the meantime I substituted for husband, as in Margaret stood by the old adage—hurry no man’s Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind (1936): “‘I cattle” (J. S. Fletcher, Murder of the Ninth thought surely the whole town knew by Baronet, 1932). The proverb was fi rst now. Perhaps they all do, except you. You recorded in 1822 in Sir Walter Scott’s know the old adage: ‘The wife is always The Pirate. the last one to fi nd out.’” Variant of this proverb: don’t rush Variant of this proverb: the husband the cattle. is always the last to fi nd out.

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an idle brain is the devil’s work- Proverbs expressing similar mean- shop Those who do not have worth- ing: the devil finds work for idle while or constructive things to think hands to do; an idle brain is the about may turn their minds to mischief devil’s workshop. or crime: “Steady employment . . . keeps one out of mischief, for truly an idle idle people have the least leisure Peo- brain is the devil’s workshop” (Samuel ple who are naturally disinclined to work Smiles, Self-Help, 1859). The proverb always claim to be far too busy to do what dates from before 1602 in W. Perkins’s is requested of them; also interpreted Treatise of Callings. more literally, with the implication that Proverbs expressing similar mean- those who are slow and lazy in their work ing: the devil finds work for idle have little or no spare time for leisure: hands to do; idleness is the root of He sits in his offi ce all day—doing very little, all evil. as far as we can tell—but when the shop gets busy he says he has no time to help. As they say, idleness is the root of all evil A lack idle people have the least leisure. The proverb of useful things to do is the cause of much was fi rst recorded in 1678 in the form crime and wrongdoing: “‘The boy will be “Idle folks have the most labor.” idle there,’ said Miss Murdstone . . . ‘and Variant of this proverb: idle people idleness is the root of all evil’” (Charles lack no excuses. Dickens, David Copperfi eld, 1850). The Proverb expressing similar mean- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1422, in the ing: the busiest men have the most form “Idleness is the root of vices,” but the leisure. sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin, and has been attributed to Saint Bernard an idle youth, a needy age People who (1090–1153). Its current form fi rst occurs do not work hard when they are young in George Farquhar’s play The Beaux’ Strata- will have nothing set aside for when they gem (1707), and it was probably infl uenced are old. The proverb was fi rst recorded in by the biblical quotation “the love of money 1611 in Randle Cotgrave’s A Dictionary of is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). the French and English Tongues. Variant of this proverb: idleness is Variant of this proverb: be not idle the mother of all the vices. and you shall not be longing.

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if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing except for the crew, we’d keep her [the well See if a thing’s worth doing, submarine] . . .’ ‘Yes, if we could hide her. it’s worth doing well. And if a pig had wings, it could fl y’” (Tom Clancy, The Hunt for Red October, 1984). if and an spoils many a good charter The proverb was fi rst recorded, with dif- Excellent plans may be doomed to fail- ferent wording, in 1862, by A. Hislop in ure because of the conditions that come The Proverbs of Scotland. with them: “Then he came with his If’s Variants of this proverb: pigs may fl y, and And’s” (Samuel Richardson, Clarissa, but they are very unlikely birds; if frogs 1748). The proverb was recorded, c. 1535, had wings, they wouldn’t bump their tails by Sir Thomas More: “what quod the pro- on rocks. tectour thou servest me I wene with iffes Proverbs expressing similar mean- and with andes.” ing: if ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d be no work for tinkers; if if anything can go wrong, it will If wishes were horses, beggars would there is the remotest possibility of failure ride; if the sky falls, we shall catch or disaster, you can be sure that it will larks. happen; often used of a minor detail, overlooked in planning, that has a major if at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try detrimental effect: If anything can go wrong, again Do not be discouraged by failure, it will—as the bride walked down the hall, and never give up—if you keep trying ready to set off for the church, the dog bounded you will ultimately enjoy success: Their in from the garden, leaped up to greet her, and motto is “If at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try planted its muddy paws on the bodice of her again”—this is their third attempt to break snow-white wedding dress. First recorded in the record for nonstop circumnavigation of the this form in 1956, the proverb is popu- globe. The proverb comes from a rhyme larly known as Murphy’s Law, allegedly fi rst recorded in Thomas H. Palmer’s named for the aircraft engineer Captain Teacher’s Manual (1840): “’Tis a lesson you Edward E. Murphy and coined by one of should heed,/Try, try again./If at fi rst his colleagues in 1949. It has a number of you don’t succeed,/Try, try again.” facetious corollaries—for example, “Of Proverb expressing similar meaning: the things that can’t go wrong, some will” the third time is the charm. and “If two or more things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong fi rst is the one if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing that will cause the most damage.” well Always make your best effort, and Proverb expressing similar mean- do not be content with what is merely ing: bread always falls buttered side adequate: “If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth down. doing well” is certainly Bob’s motto—and you’ve never seen such a thorough and meticu- if a pig had wings, it might fl y Some lous young man. The proverb comes from things are not just improbable, but down- a letter written by Lord Chesterfi eld in right impossible; said to somebody who 1746: “In truth, whatever is worth doing puts forward such a suggestion: “‘So, at all is worth doing well.”

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Variants of this proverb: anything compare Ovid (43 b.c.–a.d. 18), “Expedit worth doing is worth doing well; if a job’s esse deos, et, ut expedit, esse putemus [It is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. convenient that there be gods, and, as it is Proverbs expressing similar mean- convenient, let us believe that there are].” ing: the good is the enemy of the best; In modern usage of the proverb, the name never do things by halves. of some other indispensable person or Proverb expressing opposite mean- thing is often substituted for God. ing: the best is the enemy of the Variant of this proverb: if there were good. no God, it would be necessary to invent him. if every man would sweep his own doorstep, the city would soon be clean If if ifs and ans were pots and pans, people made an effort to improve their there’d be no work for tinkers We own behavior, instead of criticizing other must be realistic, and not talk about people’s, the world would be a better things—however desirable—that are place: “It appears to be hard to draw unlikely to happen; said to somebody a clear distinction between deciding a who makes a statement prefaced by “if ”: question of right and wrong for one’s self “If the weather clears up before lunchtime, and and deciding it for others. . . . ‘If every if Jack has managed to fi x my car by then, we man would sweep his own doorstep the could drive to the coast this afternoon.” “If ifs city would soon be clean’” (London Times, and ans were pots and pans, there’d be no work 1930). The proverb was fi rst recorded in for tinkers.” The word ans (or ands) is an this form in 1666, in an Italian proverb archaic word meaning “ifs.” collection, but the sentiment it expresses Proverbs expressing similar mean- is of earlier origin. ing: if a pig had wings, it might fly; if Proverb expressing similar meaning: wishes were horses, beggars would sweep your own doorstep clean. ride; if the sky falls, we shall catch larks. if frogs had wings, they wouldn’t bump their tails on rocks See if a pig had if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it Do not wings, it might fly. try to improve on something that is already working well: “If your version of if God did not exist, it would be neces- Windows 98 works fi ne and does what sary to invent him People have an innate you want then there is no real reason need to believe in a divine creator who to upgrade. . . . The . . . adage applies: controls their destinies: Any attempt to abol- If it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it” (Guardian, ish religion is doomed to failure—if God did 2001). The proverb was fi rst recorded not exist, it would be necessary to invent him. In in 1977, popularized by Bert Lance, its current form, the proverb comes from director of the Offi ce of Management the writings of the French philosopher and Budget in President Jimmy Carter’s Voltaire (1694–1778): “Si Dieu n’existait administration. pas, il faudrait l’inventer.” The sentiment it Proverb expressing similar meaning: expresses, however, is of ancient origin: leave well enough alone.

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if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, the result is disaster: The instructors were and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck It unfamiliar with some of the equipment they is usually safe to identify somebody as were training us to use, so accidents seemed a particular type of person when his or inevitable—if the blind lead the blind, both her appearance, behavior, and words all shall fall into the ditch. The proverb is of point to the same conclusion: If it looks biblical origin: “Let them alone: they like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like be blind leaders of the blind. And if a duck, it’s a duck—everything about my son’s the blind lead the blind, both shall fall new girlfriend suggested that she was not the into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14). It has innocent, chaste young lady she claimed to be. given rise to the cliché the blind leading Of U.S. origin, the proverb dates from the blind. the 1950s and was originally applied to suspected communists. if the cap ﬁ ts, wear it See if the shoe Proverb expressing opposite mean- fits, wear it. ing: appearances are deceiving. if the mountain will not come to Moham- if it takes two to make a bargain, it takes med, Mohammed must go to the moun- two to break it See it takes two to tain If you cannot get what you want, make a bargain. you must adjust yourself to the circumstances or adopt a different approach: if it were not for hope, the heart would They ignored our petition, and refused to send break You must cling to hope when you a representative to our protest meeting, so we have nothing else, because the alterna- marched en masse to their headquarters to put tive is despair: “No harm in hoping, Jack! our case against the proposed development— My uncle says, Were it not for hope, the if the mountain will not come to Moham- heart would break” (Samuel Richardson, med, Mohammed must go to the mountain. Clarissa, 1748). The proverb dates from The proverb comes from a story about before 1250. the prophet Mohammed, the founder of Variant of this proverb: hope keeps Islam, related in Francis Bacon’s essay “Of the heart from breaking. Boldnesse” (1597).

if one sheep leaps over the ditch, all the if there were no clouds, we shouldn’t rest will follow Where one person sets an enjoy the sun We cannot fully appreci- example by doing something risky or dan- ate the good things in life unless they are gerous others are likely to follow: “One interspersed with bad times: Life could sheep will leap the ditch when another be better at the moment, but I mustn’t grum- goes ﬁ rst” (Walter Scott, Old Mortality, ble—if there were no clouds, we shouldn’t 1816). enjoy the sun.

if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall if there were no God, it would be neces- into the ditch When ignorant or inex- sary to invent him See if god did not perienced people are guided by those no exist, it would be necessary to invent more knowledgeable than themselves, him.

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if there were no receivers, there would if two ride on a horse, one must ride be no thieves Those who assist wrong- behind When two people undertake a doers indirectly by enabling them to profi t joint activity or enterprise, one of them from their crimes are equally guilty: Read- invariably takes the lead and the other has ers are hungry for stories about other people’s to be content with a more subordinate private lives, however unscrupulously they may role; also used of a fi ght or argument, be obtained, so the editors of these publications where only one can win and the other should not take all the blame—if there were must lose or surrender: “Collaboration no receivers, there would be no thieves. The on a book is an awkward business. If proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546, but two people ride one horse, one of them the sentiment it expresses is of earlier must ride behind” (Anna Clarke, The origin, occurring in Chaucer’s Canterbury Mystery Lady, 1986). The proverb was fi rst Tales (c. 1390). recorded in Shakespeare’s play Much Ado Variant of this proverb: the receiver about Nothing (3:5), “An two men ride of is as bad as the thief. a horse, one must ride behind.” Variant of this proverb: when two if the shoe fi ts, wear it If it seems ride one horse, one must sit behind. that a critical remark applies to you, then you must accept it; often said when if wind blows on you through a hole, say somebody’s response to a general remark your prayers and mind your soul It is suggests that it is appropriate to that par- not good for your health to be in a drafty ticular person: “‘You mean me? Are you place: My aunt liked to sit in the corner of callin me a son of a bitch?’ ‘If the shoe the room, far from any half-open doors or fi ts, friend, you wear it’” (James Jones, windows. “If wind blows on you through a From Here to Eternity, 1951). The proverb hole, say your prayers and mind your soul,” was fi rst recorded in this form in 1773. she used to say. The proverb was fi rst A facetious variant is “If the shoe fi ts, it recorded in 1736 in Papers of Benjamin isn’t on sale.” Franklin. Variant of this proverb: if the cap fi ts, wear it. if wishes were horses, beggars would ride There is no point in indulging in if the sky falls, we shall catch larks Do wishful thinking: “I agree that she’d be an not make plans based on things that can- ideal wife . . . but if wishes were horses, not possibly happen: ”If I could convince then beggars would ride” (Mary Scott, The the committee that the project has educational White Elephant, 1959). The proverb dates value, they might give us the funding we need.” from before 1628 in the form “If wishes “And if the sky falls, we shall catch larks.” The were horses, poor men would ride.” proverb was fi rst recorded in c. 1445. Proverbs expressing similar mean- Proverbs expressing similar meaning: if a pig had wings, it might fly; ing: if a pig had wings, it might fly; if if ifs and ans were pots and pans, ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d there’d be no work for tinkers; if be no work for tinkers; if wishes were the sky falls, we shall catch larks; horses, beggars would ride. wishes won’t wash dishes.

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if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em If you for evicting them, and they will laugh in your cannot defeat your rivals or opponents, face if you threaten to do so. The proverb was it may be expedient to form an alliance fi rst recorded in 1615 by J. Chamberlain. with them; alternatively, if you can’t stop Variant of this proverb: never show people doing something you object to, your teeth unless you can bite. you might as well start doing it yourself: Our competitors initially condemned our busi- if you can’t lick ’em, join ’em See if you ness methods as unscrupulous, but when we can’t beat ’em, join ’em. began to dominate the market they were forced to follow suit, on the basis of the saying “If if you can’t run with the big dogs, you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” The proverb stay under the porch If you lack the was fi rst recorded, in its variant form, in strength, courage, skill, or experience to 1941, but with the implication that it had compete with the major players—in poli- long been in use as a political adage. tics, business, or any other fi eld—then it Variant of this proverb: if you can’t is better not to try at all: “Signaling that lick ’em, join ’em. he was primed for battle, Mr. Bush closed with these words: ‘So you tell Governor if you can’t be good, be careful If you Clinton and that Congress, “If you can’t are tempted to do something immoral or run with the big dogs, stay under the illegal, take care not to land yourself in porch”’” (New York Times, 1992). trouble by being caught or found out— specifi cally, if you are going to engage in if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the casual sex, use a contraceptive. It is said kitchen If you cannot cope with the pace jocularly as part of a good-bye: “Always or stress, as in a competitive industry or in bear in mind what the country mother a position of high offi ce, then you should said to her daughter who was coming leave or resign: “If you can’t stand the heat, up to town to be apprenticed to the get out of the kitchen. That’s what tough- Bond Street millinery, ‘For heaven’s sake talking politicians say, making it sound as be good; but if you can’t be good, be though only a wimp would head for the careful’” (Arthur M. Binstead, Pitcher in exit” (Washington Post, 1990). The proverb Paradise, 1903). The quotation is the fi rst was popularized by President Harry S. Tru- recorded use of the proverb. The senti- man (1884–1972), who attributed it to his ment it expresses, however, is of ancient friend General Harry Vaughan. origin: compare the 11th-century Latin Variant of this proverb: if you don’t proverb “Si non caste, tamen caute [If not like the heat, get out of the kitchen. chastely, nevertheless cautiously].” if you desire peace, prepare for war See if you can’t bite, never show your if you want peace, prepare for war. teeth Do not make empty threats; also used to warn against making a show of if you don’t like it, you can lump it aggression when you unable to defend Whether or not you like what is offered or yourself: If you can’t bite, never show your approve of what is proposed, you will have teeth—they know you have no legal grounds to put up with it: I’m inviting Jack and Sarah

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for Thanksgiving, and if you don’t like it you est or disreputable people, you are likely can lump it. The proverb was fi rst recorded to acquire their undesirable qualities: “If in 1828. The phrase lump it, which means you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with “put up with it,” is sometimes replaced by fl eas, and that’s the fruits of travelling with a more vulgar alternative. a fool” (Charles Lever, Jack Hinton, 1842). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1573 in if you don’t like the heat, get out of the the form “He that goes to bed with dogs kitchen See if you can’t stand the arises with fl eas.” heat, get out of the kitchen. Proverb expressing similar meaning: he that touches pitch shall be if you don’t make mistakes, you don’t defiled. make anything Do not be afraid of Proverb expressing opposite mean- making mistakes—the only way to avoid ing: the sun loses nothing by shining them is to do nothing at all: Errors like these into a puddle. can easily be put right, so don’t worry—if you don’t make mistakes, you don’t make anything. if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys The proverb was fi rst recorded in a speech Competent and highly qualifi ed people by Edward John Phelps (1822–1900) at will not work for derisory fees or wages: the Mansion House, London, England, in She complained about the caliber of applicants January 1889: “The man who makes no for the post, but when she told me what they mistakes does not usually make anything.” would be earning, I was not surprised. “If you Variant of this proverb: he who never pay peanuts, you get monkeys,” I said. The made a mistake never made anything. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1966 by L. Coulthard in Director. if you don’t speculate, you can’t accumulate You will not succeed or get rich if you play with fi re, you get burned If unless you are prepared to take risks and you engage in dangerous activities, mix spend money: I was uneasy at fi rst about put- with dangerous people, and the like, ting money into the venture, but if you don’t you are likely to suffer harm: I warned speculate you can’t accumulate, and it could her that it was a risky enterprise, but she prove to be a very profi table investment if all wouldn’t listen, so I’ve no sympathy for goes well. The proverb was fi rst recorded, her—if you play with fi re, you get burned. in its variant form, in 1941 in D. Dodge’s The proverb was fi rst recorded in this Death and Taxes. form in 1884, but the fi gurative phrase Variant of this proverb: you never to play with fi re is of earlier origin. It accumulate if you don’t speculate. occurs in Henry Vaughan’s poem “The Garland” (1655): “I played with fi re, did if you don’t toot your own horn, nobody counsell spurn. . . . But never thought else will See toot your own horn that fi re would burn.” lest the same be never tooted. Variant of this proverb: don’t play with fi re. if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up Proverb expressing similar meaning: with fl eas If you associate with dishon- it’s ill jesting with edged tools.

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if you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll Xanadu Talisman, 1981). The proverb is never be drowned Everybody is des- probably of ancient origin; in his Adagia tined to die in a particular way at a (1500) the Dutch humanist Desiderius particular moment and is therefore not Erasmus quotes the Latin proverb “Duos in mortal danger at any other time; said insequens lepores, neutrum capit [He who by those who risk death and of those who chases two hares catches neither].” miraculously escape it: His friends urged Variant of this proverb: he who him not to set sail until the weather improved, chases two hares catches neither. but he simply shrugged his shoulders and replied, “If you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll if you sing before breakfast, you’ll cry never be drowned.” The proverb was fi rst before supper See sing before break- recorded in this form in 1593, but the fast, cry before night. sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. Compare the 14th-century French pro- if you’ve got it, fl aunt it Those who verb “Noyer ne peut, cil qui doit pendre [He have wealth, beauty, or talent should not be cannot drown who must hang].” ashamed to show it off; used as an excuse Variant of this proverb: he that is born for ostentation: “Old money’s motto was, to be hanged shall never be drowned. If you have it, hide it. New money’s motto Proverb expressing similar meaning: was, If you have it, fl aunt it” (Sidney Sheldon, every bullet has its billet. The Master of the Game, 1982).

if you’re not part of the solution, you’re if you want a thing done well, do it part of the problem Those who can- yourself The only way to be sure that not or will not help to solve a problem something is done properly is to do or improve a situation are a positive hin- it yourself—you cannot rely on other drance: “We must ﬁ ght ‘hunger,’ but never people to do exactly what you want: I Communism, even when Communism told you to slice the meat, not hack it into itself is the direct cause of hunger. Well, as chunks. Give me the knife—if you want a our radicals used to say, if you’re not part thing well done, do it yourself! The proverb of the solution, you’re part of the prob- was ﬁ rst recorded, with different word- lem” (National Review, 1985). The proverb ing, in 1541. Its current form may date is attributed to the U.S. activist Eldridge from 1858, when it was used in a poem Cleaver (1935–98), who used the words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “That’s “you’re either part of the solution or you’re what I always say; if you want a thing to be part of the problem” in a speech in 1968, well done,/You must do it yourself.” but it may be of earlier origin. Variant of this proverb: if you want something done right, do it yourself. if you run after two hares, you will catch Proverb expressing similar meaning: neither If you try to do two things at if you would be well served, serve once you will fail at both: “Let’s take yourself. things a step at a time. You know what they say. If you run after two hares you if you want peace, prepare for war A will catch neither” (Peter O’Donnell, The nation that is seen to be ready and able to

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defend itself—for example, with strong Variant of this proverb: he who armed forces and powerful weapons—is would wish to thrive, must let spiders less likely to be attacked: “As always, the run alive. success of diplomacy rests on the latent availability of force. If you seek peace, if you won’t work, you shan’t eat See he prepare for war” (Washington Times, 1990). who does not work, neither should The proverb occurs in the work of the he eat. Roman military writer Flavius Vegetius (fourth century a.d.): “qui desiderat pacem, if you would be happy for a week take a praeparet bellum [he who desires peace wife, if you would be happy for a month must prepare for war],” but it is probably kill a pig, but if you would be happy all of earlier origin. your life plant a garden The pleasures Variant of this proverb: if you desire of marriage, good food and so on are peace, prepare for war. ephemeral, but a garden is a lasting Proverb expressing similar mean- source of joy: I had a bachelor uncle who ing: one sword keeps another in its used to say, “If you would be happy for a scabbard. week take a wife, if you would be happy for a month kill a pig, but if you would be happy if you want something done, ask a busy all your life plant a garden.” My recent divorce person Busy people are reliable and efﬁ - has proved the ﬁ rst part of the saying to be cient workers who get things done quickly accurate, and I am now seriously considering and are adept at reorganizing their time to the horticultural option. The proverb exists slot in extra work: It’s the usual story: if you in numerous forms, dating from before want something done, ask a busy person. At least 1661. Most versions include the opening you know they will deliver the goods. clause, but other suggestions for lifetime Proverb expressing similar meaning: happiness are “be an honest man” and the busiest men have the most leisure. “turn priest.”

if you want something done right, do it if you would be well served, serve your- yourself See if you want a thing done self The work of hired staff may fall well, do it yourself. below the standard you require, so the only way to be sure of satisfaction is to if you want to live and thrive, let the do the work yourself: “‘If you would be spider run alive According to popular well served, serve yourself.’ Some gentle- superstition, it is unlucky to kill a spider: men took pleasure in being their own I’m terrifi ed of these eight-legged beasts, but gardeners” (J. E. Austen-Leigh, A Memoir every time I reach for a newspaper to squash of Jane Austen, 1871). The proverb was fi rst one, or turn on the faucet to drown one, I recall recorded in 1706. a rhyme learned in childhood, “If you want to Proverb expressing similar meaning: live and thrive, let the spider run alive.” The if you want a thing done well, do it proverb was fi rst recorded in 1867, but yourself. with the implication that it was already in Proverb expressing opposite meaning: regional use in England. why keep a dog and bark yourself?

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ignorance is a voluntary misfortune Ev- of-court settlement than to pursue a case erybody has the opportunity to acquire in court: The old man was disappointed with knowledge, so you have only yourself to the compensation his rival agreed but reminded blame if you remain ignorant: My grand- himself that “an ill agreement is better than father was a self-taught scholar, whose motto a good judgment.” The proverb was fi rst was “Ignorance is a voluntary misfortune.” The recorded in 1640 in George Herbert’s proverb is recorded as a regional expres- Outlandish Proverbs. sion in the United States. an ill beginning makes an ill ending ignorance is bliss It is often better not Something that is badly planned or that to have knowledge that would alarm or starts badly is unlikely to end well: We distress you: Ignorance is bliss, and we drove had problems with transportation and supplies off without a care in the world, unaware of the in the early stages of the expedition, which disaster that lay ahead. The proverb comes did not bode well for us—an ill beginning from Thomas Gray’s poem “Ode on a makes an ill ending. The proverb was fi rst Distant Prospect of Eton College” (1742): recorded in 1562 in A. Broke’s Romeus “Yet ah! why should they know their and Juliet. fate? . . . Thought would destroy their paradise./No more; where ignorance is an ill bird lays an ill egg Good things bliss,/’Tis folly to be wise.” It has given rarely result from bad origins: I had hoped rise to the clichés blissful ignorance and for a better offer, but the man’s a gangster and blissfully ignorant. as they say, “an ill bird lays an ill egg.” The Variant of this proverb: where igno- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1581 in G. rance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise. Pettie’s Guazzo’s Civil Conversation. Proverb expressing similar meaning: what you don’t know can’t hurt ill doers are ill dreaders See evil doers you. are evil dreaders.

ignorance of the law is no excuse You ill-gotten goods never thrive Some- cannot argue that you are not guilty of thing acquired by dishonest, illegitimate, a crime because you were unaware that or underhand means—speciﬁ cally, stolen you were doing anything illegal: I had no money or property—will not bring good idea that drinking alcohol in public places was fortune to the person who acquires it: banned, but ignorance of the law is no excuse “That ill-gotten gain never prospers . . . is in this or any other country. The proverb is the trite consolation administered to the of Latin origin: “Ignorantia iuris neminem easy dupe, when he has been tricked out excusat [Ignorance of the law excuses of his money or estate” (Charles Lamb, nobody].” Elia’s Last Essays, 1826). The proverb was Variant of this proverb: ignorance of ﬁ rst recorded in the 16th century, but the the law is no excuse for breaking it. sentiment it expresses is of ancient origin. Compare Cicero (106–43 b.c.): “male an ill agreement is better than a good parta, male dilabuntur [things ill gotten slip judgment It is better to reach an out- away in evil ways].”

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Variant of this proverb: ill-gotten and our efforts to stamp out these corrupt prac- goods seldom prosper. tices were of no avail. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded c. 1470 in Anglia, “Wyl[d] weed an ill master makes an ill servant See ys sone y-growe” (Wild weed is soon like master, like man. grown), but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. Compare the 14th-cen- ill news comes apace See bad news tury French proverb “Male herbe croist [Bad travels fast. grass thrives].” ill weeds grow apace Worthless people or evil things have a tendency to ﬂ ourish an ill wind blows no good See it’s an ill whereååååå better ones fail: Ill weeds grow apace, wind that blows nobody any good. INDIAN PROVERBS Indian proverbs range from telling observations on such everyday realities as hunger and poverty to thought-provoking wise utterances on spiritual and philosophical themes. They include some of the most poetic proverbs to be found anywhere in the world.

Every dog is a tiger in his own street The heart at rest sees a feast in everything He who answers is inferior to the one who asks the question Hunger drives good taste away If you live on the river, befriend the crocodile It’s easy to throw something into the river but hard to get it out again A man laughs at others and weeps for himself Never stand in front of a judge or behind a donkey Never use a dwarf to measure the depth of water No sin is hidden to the soul One and one sometimes make eleven One man’s beard is burning, and another warms his hands by it Only the nightingale understands the rose Pearls are of no value in a desert Poverty destroys all virtues Poverty makes thieves, like love makes poets Theologians, dogs, and singers always disagree The voice of the poor has no echo Turkeys, parrots, and hares don’t know what gratitude is We admire what we do not understand What does the blind man know of the beauty of the tulip? When the bed breaks, there is the ground to lie on The world ﬂ atters the elephant and tramples on the ant You do not stumble over a mountain, but you do over a stone

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imitation is the sincerest form of fl at- afford to have too many scruples; a cynical tery Somebody who copies something observation: They say that in politics a man is paying an indirect compliment, by must learn to rise above principle, and by his showing that he or she considers the second year of offi ce the president had left the original worthy of imitation: On the basis principles on which he was elected far behind. that imitation is the sincerest form of fl attery, the supermarket should pay extra money to interest will not lie People will do the original brand-name owners for the simi- more than they would otherwise do if lar goods they are selling. The proverb was they pursue something in which they fi rst recorded in 1820 without the word have an interest. The proverb was fi rst form, which was not added until the 20th recorded in 1688 in John Bunyan’s Work century. of Jesus Christ: “Our English proverb is, Variant of this proverb: imitation is Interest will not lie; interest will make a the highest form of fl attery. man do what which otherwise he would not do.” in a calm sea every man is a pilot When times are easy, everyone wants to be in the country of the blind, the one-eyed in charge: “When winds are steady and man is king People of only limited abil- skies are clear, every hand the ship must ity can succeed when surrounded by those steer” (D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson). who are even less able than themselves: I The implication is that when things get had few of the skills required for survival in the diffi cult these same volunteers will not wild, but my fellow castaways had even fewer, be so eager. and in the country of the blind the one-eyed man is king. The proverb is probably of ancient an inch is as good as a mile See give a origin; in his Adagia (1500) the Dutch man an inch and he’ll take a mile. humanist Desiderius Erasmus quotes the Latin proverb “In regione caecorum rex est in for a penny, in for a pound Once luscus [In the kingdom of the blind the one- you have committed yourself to some- eyed man is king].” H. G. Wells wrote a thing, you might as well do it whole- short story, The Country of the Blind (1911), heartedly and see it through to the end: I in which a man tries and fails to prove the began to doubt the wisdom of my chosen course literal truth of the proverb in a land popu- of action, but in for a penny, in for a pound. lated by sightless people. Besides, it was probably more dangerous to turn Variant of this proverb: in the land of back than to go on. The proverb was fi rst the blind, the one-eyed are kings. recorded in 1695 in Edward Ravenscroft’s Canterbury Guests. in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly Proverb expressing similar meaning: turns to thoughts of love Spring is tra- one might as well be hanged for a ditionally considered to be the time when sheep as for a lamb. the desire for romance or sex is strongest: We often see a distinct increase in our sales of in politics a man must learn to rise above contraceptives at this time of year—perhaps principle A successful politician cannot there is some truth in the saying that in the

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spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to in wine there is truth See there’s thoughts of love! The proverb comes from truth in wine. Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Locksley Hall” (1842). Facetious modern variants iron not used soon rusts See the used have other words in place of love, such as key is always bright. baseball. into every life a little rain must fall Ev- ååå erybody must have his or her share of mis- IRISH PROVERBS fortune; often said in consolation, with the The Irish are famed for their hospitality implication that such misfortune it is only and a good number of their proverbs accordingly refl ect a love of generosity, temporary: “Into every life a little rain must good drink, and entertaining company. fall;/And, for sure, it poured down on you.” (Ralph McTell, Weather the Storm, 1976). The Age is honourable and youth is noble proverb was fi rst recorded in 1935. Both your friend and your enemy Variant of this proverb: into each life think you will never die some rain must fall. The day will come when the cow will have use for her tail in unity there is strength See union A drink precedes a story is strength. Falling is easier than rising in vain the net is spread in the sight of God’s help is nearer than the door the bird Nobody will fall into a trap if Good as drink is, it ends in thirst He who comes with a story to you he or she is in a position to watch it being brings two away from you laid—to catch people out you must be If you hit my dog you hit myself both discreet and well-prepared: “‘If they It is sweet to drink but bitter to come, we shall be ready,’ said Bessas. ‘In pay for vain the net is spread in the sight of the The light heart lives long bird’” (L. Sprague De Camp, The Dragon of There is no fi reside like your own the Ishtar Gate, 1961). The proverb is of bib- fi reside lical origin: “Surely in vain the net is spread There is no need like the lack of in the sight of any bird” (Proverbs 1:17). a friend This is better than the thing we in war there is no substitute for vic- never had tory A war is only truly won by total Time is a great story teller defeat of the enemy, not by diplomatic Two shorten the road negotiations or compromise: The debate When the drop is inside, the was evenly divided between those who believed sense is outside that in war there is no substitute for vic- When you are right no one remembers; when you are tory, and those who favored a less belligerent wrong no one forgets approach. The proverb was fi rst recorded Wine divulges truth in General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Letters Women do not drink liquor, but to Mamie (1944), but it is popularly asso- it disappears when they are ciated with General Douglas MacArthur, present who used it in a speech in 1951.

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 144 1/29/07 5:12:41 PM åååååit never rains but it pours ITALIAN PROVERBS The Italian national character is widely linked with passionate enjoyment of life, and it is thus perhaps not surprising that many of their proverbs focus on the subjects of food and love.

Absence is the enemy of love A cask of wine works more miracles than a church full of saints Adam must have an Eve to blame for his faults All are not saints who go to church Bed is the poor man’s opera Better one true friend than a hundred relatives By asking the impossible you will get the best The end of the pig is the beginning of the sausage Every excuse is good, if it works Failures are but mileposts on the road to success He that is afraid of the devil does not grow rich If it rained macaroni, what a ﬁ ne time for gluttons! If you would succeed, you must not be too good It may be quieter to sleep alone, but not warmer A kiss without a moustache is like beef without mustard A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine Virginity is noted only by its absence What worth has beauty if it is not seen? Whoever stays awake longest must blow out the candle Who has no courage must have legs You must marry a widow while she is still mourning

it’ll all be the same in a hundred it’ll all come out in the wash All will years Trivial problems or mistakes of ultimately be satisfactorily resolved: I’m the present moment have no lasting sig- up to my ears in debt, my job is hanging by nifi cance or effect, so there is no point in a thread, and my wife has just left me, so worrying about them; also used to imply please don’t tell me “It’ll all come out in the that there will always be similar problems wash”—how can it? The proverb was fi rst as there are now: “‘It doesn’t matter,’ she recorded, with different wording, in 1612 answered quietly, out of the darkness. ‘I in Cervantes’s Don Quixote. am strong enough to suffer, and live. . . . Variant of this proverb: it’ll all come It doesn’t matter; it will all be the same right in the wash. a hundred years hence’” (Wilkie Collins, No Name, 1862). The proverb was fi rst it never rains but it pours One setback, recorded in 1611 in the form “All will be misfortune, or other undesirable occur- one at the latter day.” rence is inevitably followed by many Variant of this proverb: it’ll all be the more; also occasionally used of pleasant same a hundred years hence. things, such as a run of good luck: Talk

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about it never rains but it pours. The children it’s a long road that has no turning An have all been ill this week and then the washing undesirable situation, or a run of bad luck, machine and the drier have both broken down. cannot last forever—things are bound to The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1726 in improve eventually: They say that it’s a long the form “It cannot rain but it pours,” the road that has no turning, but the end of our title of a book by the Scottish physician problems was not yet in sight. The proverb John Arbuthnot. was fi rst recorded in the 17th century Proverb expressing similar meaning: in the form “It’s a long run that never misfortunes never come singly. turns.” Variant of this proverb: it’s a long I today, you tomorrow See today you, lane that has no turning. tomorrow me. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: be the day weary or be the day it’s a foolish sheep that makes the long, at last it ringeth to evensong; wolf his confessor Do not confi de in the longest day must have an end. somebody unless you are certain that he or she can be trusted: I can’t believe it’s always darkest before dawn See the that you told Maggie, of all people, about darkest hour is just before dawn. the missing money—you should have guessed she’d go straight to the boss and try to get it’s always fair weather when good you fi red. It’s a foolish sheep that makes the friends get together The company of wolf his confessor. The proverb was fi rst good friends is a constant source of plea- recorded in 1642 in a collection of Ital- sure and happiness: I meet up with a group of ian proverbs. my old college friends every two or three months, and we have a great time. If any of us has prob- it’s a good horse that never stumbles lems, they’re soon forgotten—it’s always fair See a stumble may prevent a fall. weather when good friends get together.

it’s all grist for the mill See all is grist it’s always the unexpected that hap- that comes to the mill. pens See the unexpected always happens. it’s all in a day’s work Unpleasant things have to be accepted as part of the it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest You daily routine; also used to play down a should not say or do anything that will bring major achievement or a heroic act by discredit or harm to your own family or implying that it is just part of your job: country: “Nothing . . . can excuse the bad “The mules merely shook themselves and taste of Samuel Butler’s virulent attack upon then stared stonily ahead, as if it were all his defenceless family. . . . It’s an ill bird that in the day’s work” (Francis Edward Youn- fouls its own nest” (London Times, 1926). The ghusband, The Heart of a Continent, 1896). proverb dates from before 1250. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1738 in Jonathan Swift’s A Complete Collection of it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any Polite and Ingenious Conversation. good There is usually somebody who

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benefi ts from an unfavorable set of circum- it’s as cheap sitting as standing You stances: The collapse of the company was a major might as well sit down and be comfort- disaster for employees and stockholders alike, able, if you have the opportunity, rather but it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good, than standing up: “He returned to Tommie and some of its competitors were quick to take Redhill’s car. ‘Jump in, Inspector,’ Tommie advantage of its demise. The proverb was fi rst suggested, opening the door at his side. recorded in 1546. It occurs in Shakespeare’s ‘It’s as cheap sitting as standing’” (J. J. Con- play Henry VI, Part 3 (2:5) in the form “Ill nington, The Sweepstake Murders, 1932). The blows the wind that profi ts nobody.” proverb was fi rst recorded in 1666. Variant of this proverb: an ill wind blows no good. it’s a sin to steal a pin Theft is a crime, Proverb expressing similar meaning: regardless of the size or value of what is one man’s loss is another man’s gain. stolen: It’s a sin to steal a pin, and salesclerks who help themselves to candy bars without it’s a poor dog that’s not worth whistling paying for them are just as guilty as one who for Everybody has some value, or some takes a handful of cash from the till. The redeeming feature: It’s a poor dog that’s proverb was fi rst recorded in 1875, but not worth whistling for, and I was prepared to with the implication that it was already in give him the opportunity to prove himself. The general use, especially as an admonition proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546. to children. Variant of this proverb: it’s a poor dog that deserves not a crust. it’s a small world It is amazing how often you meet somebody you know— it’s a poor heart that never rejoices or somebody who knows one of your Nobody can be miserable or gloomy friends or relatives, comes from your all the time: “‘Well,’ continued he, ‘it’s home town, or went to your school—in a poor heart that never rejoiceth.’ He a distant or unexpected place; said when then poured out half a tumbler of rum” such a coincidence occurs: I was chatting (Captain Marryat, Peter Simple, 1834). The with the guy in the next seat on the airplane, quotation is the fi rst recorded use of the and it turned out he’d gone to college with my proverb. best friend—it’s a small world. The proverb Variant of this proverb: it’s a sad was fi rst recorded, with different word- heart that never rejoices. ing, in the late 19th century: “Mr. Ardale and I have met in London. . . . They say it’s a sad house where the hen crows the world’s very small, don’t they” (A. W. louder than the cock No home can Pinero, The Second Mrs. Tanqueray, 1893). be happy where the woman has more infl uence than the man: “They are sory it’s as well to know which way the wind houses, where the hennes crowe, and blows See straws show which way the cock holdes his peace” (John Florio, the wind blows. First Fruites, 1578). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1573 in J. Sandford’s The it’s a wise child that knows its own Garden Pleasure. father People cannot always be certain—

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but sometimes instinctively know—who Within six months he had squandered his entire their natural father is: I was devastated to inheritance in the casinos of Europe, and was learn that my mother’s husband—the man forced to acknowledge the truth of the saying who had raised me—had played no part in my “It’s better to be born lucky than rich.” The conception. As they say, it’s a wise child that proverb was fi rst recorded in 1639 in the knows its own father. The proverb was fi rst form “Better to have good fortune than be recorded in 1584 in the form “Wise sons a rich man’s child.” they be in very deed, that know their parents who did them breed.” It occurs it’s better to be happy than wise Hap- in Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Ven- piness is more important than wisdom, ice (2:2) with the wording reversed: “It is knowledge, or learning: Don’t put pressure a wise father that knows his own child.” on your children to continue their education if they are not academically inclined—it’s bet- it’s best to be off with the old love ter to be happy than wise. The proverb was before you are on with the new Do not fi rst recorded in 1546 in John Heywood, embark on a new relationship until your Dialogue of Proverbs. old one is over: Remembering the proverb “It’s best to be off with the old love before you it’s better to be on the safe side It is are on with the new,” I decided to make a clean advisable to err on the side of caution break with Laura that evening. The proverb and avoid unnecessary risk: The wound was fi rst recorded in 1801, but with the is unlikely to be infected, but I’ll prescribe a implication that it was of earlier origin. course of antibiotics, just in case—it’s better to be on the safe side. The proverb was fi rst it’s best to be on the safe side See it’s recorded, with different wording, in 1668 better to be on the safe side. in John Dryden and William Cavendish Newcastle’s, Sir Martin Mar-all. it’s better to be an hour too early than Variant of this proverb: it’s best to be a minute too late If you arrive far too on the safe side. early, as for an appointment or a fl ight you Proverb expressing similar meaning: can easily fi ll the intervening time, but if better safe than sorry. you arrive just a moment too late, you may miss it altogether: “Surely we don’t have it’s better to be right than in the to go yet—it’s only twenty miles to the coast, majority Do not follow or side with the and the boat doesn’t leave till midday.” “It’s majority, just for the sake of conformity, better to be an hour too early than a minute if you believe them to be wrong: I was the too late.” only member of the committee to vote in favor Variant of this proverb: better three of the proposal, but I am convinced that it is a hours too soon than a minute too late. good thing, and it’s better to be right than in the majority. The proverb was fi rst recorded in it’s better to be born lucky than 1691 in John Norris’s Practical Discourses. rich Rich people may lose their money and have nothing, but lucky people will it’s better to die on your feet than live always be able to get what they want: on your knees It is better to be killed

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in active resistance, or while ﬁ ghting for ever small, that helps to improve an unde- a cause, than to surrender and condemn sirable state of affairs is inﬁ nitely better yourself to a life of servitude: “‘Why don’t than simply bemoaning or complaining you use some sense and try to be more like about it: The charity does what little it can to me? . . .’ ‘Because it’s better to die on one’s help the victims of persecution and oppression feet than to live on one’s knees,’ Nately around the world, on the basis that it’s bet- retorted with triumphant and lofty con- ter to light a candle than curse the darkness. viction” (Joseph Heller, Catch-22, 1961). Probably of Chinese origin, the proverb In its current form the proverb is generally is the motto of the Christophers, a U.S. associated with the Spanish communist religious organization founded in 1945. politician Dolores Ibarruri, who used it In a tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt, after in a speech in 1936, at the beginning of her death in 1962, the American politician the Spanish Civil War, urging the people Adlai Stevenson said, “She would rather to resist the fascist forces. The sentiment light a candle than curse the darkness, and expressed by the proverb, however, is of her glow has warmed the world.” much earlier origin. Variant of this proverb: it’s better Proverb expressing opposite meaning: to light one little candle than curse the a live dog is better than a dead lion. darkness.

it’s better to give than to receive The it’s better to lose the battle and win act of giving is more worthy, noble, the war It is sometimes prudent or and spiritually satisfying than the act of expedient to concede a minor point in an receiving: “’Tis better to Give than to argument or dispute in order to gain the Receive, but yet ’tis Madness to give so overall victory: The protesters were content much Charity to Others, as to become the to admit defeat in this particular campaign, Subject of it our Selves” (Samuel Palmer, knowing that their action had forced the Moral Essays on Some of the Most Curious government to rethink the whole road-build- and Signiﬁ cant English, Scotch, and Foreign ing program statewide. “It’s better to lose the Proverbs, 1710). The proverb is of biblical battle and win the war,” said a spokesperson origin: “It is more blessed to give than to for the protest group. It is unclear when this receive” (Acts 20:35). proverb was ﬁ rst used, but the sentiment Variant of this proverb: it’s more was expressed by Charles de Gaulle on blessed to give than to receive. June 18, 1940, when he announced a few days after the fall of Paris to the Ger- it’s better to laugh than to cry It is bet- mans, “La France a perdu une bataille! Mais ter to see the funny side of an unfortunate la France n’a pas perdu la guerre” (France situation than to distress yourself about it: has lost a battle, but France has not lost I hurt my shoulder when I fell off the stage, but the war). it’s better to laugh than to cry, and the audience thought it was all part of the show. it’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive The expectation of success, or it’s better to light one candle than curse the process of working toward this end, the darkness Any positive action, how- is often more enjoyable or satisfying than

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the actual result: “As much as it was bet- at Paardeberg was as unnecessary as it was ter to travel hopefully than to arrive, as expensive” (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The much as I believed that and had lived by Great Boer War, 1900). The proverb was it, once you’ve arrived, you’ve arrived, fi rst recorded in 1616, but the sentiment and there’s not much to be done about it” it expresses is of earlier origin. (Mark Vonnegut, The Eden Express, 1975). Proverb expressing similar meaning: The proverb comes from Robert Louis don’t shut the barn door after the Stevenson’s Virginibus Puerisque (1881): “To horse is stolen. travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour.” it’s easy to fi nd a stick to beat a dog It is easy to fi nd some reason or excuse to it’s dogged as does it Anything can be justify a critical attack or a harsh punish- done with determination and persever- ment: “Excuses were abundant. . . . It ance: “There ain’t nowt a man can’t bear is easy to fi nd a stick to beat a sick dog” if he’ll only be dogged. . . . It’s dogged as (Samuel Smiles, Thrift, 1875). The proverb does it. It’s not thinking about it” (Anthony was fi rst recorded in 1564. The English Trollope, The Last Chronicle of Barset, 1867). popular historian Philip Guedalla wrote The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1864 in punningly in Masters and Men (1923), “Any M. B. Chesnut’s Diary. stigma, as the old saying is, will serve to beat a dogma.” it’s easier to tear down than to build Variants of this proverb: any stick up It is easier to destroy something, will serve to beat a dog with; he who such as a building or an idea, than it is has a mind to beat a dog will easily fi nd to construct or restore it: The overthrow a stick. of the monarchy was accomplished with ease, and relatively little bloodshed, but the creation it’s good fi shing in troubled waters It of the new republic proved to be rather more is sometimes possible to take advantage diffi cult. As the revolutionaries discovered, it’s of other people’s diffi culties in times always far easier to tear down than to build up. of confl ict: “Thinking it (as the proverb The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1577 saith) best fi shing in troubled waters” (Sir in the form “It is easy to raze, but hard John Harington, Orlando Furioso, 1591). to build.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1568 in Proverb expressing similar mean- Richard Grafton’s Chronicles. ing: a jackass can kick a barn door down, but it takes a carpenter to it’s good to make a bridge of gold to a build one. fl ying enemy Retreating enemies will kill or destroy anybody or anything that it’s easy to be wise after the event With stands in their way, so it is advisable to hindsight it is easy to see why something give them free passage: Countless lives went wrong or what should have been could have been spared if the general had done, but this is of no practical purpose: paid heed to the military saying “It’s good to “It is easy to be wise after the event, but it make a bridge of gold to a fl ying enemy.” The does certainly appear that . . . the action proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in

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1576, but the sentiment it expresses is of it’s ill speaking between a full man and ancient origin. a fasting Hungry people are not on the best of terms with those who have eaten it’s hard to live in Rome and strive their fi ll: “It’s ill speaking between a full against the Pope See it’s ill sitting at man and a fasting, but two fasting men rome and striving with the pope. are worse at a crack” (John Buchan, The Free Fishers, 1934). The proverb dates from it’s idle to swallow the cow and choke before 1641. on the tail Once you have completed the major part of an enterprise or under- it’s ill striving against the stream See taking, it is foolish not to see it through strive not against the stream. to the end: “We had gone too far to turn back, and as our proverb says, ‘It is idle to it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes It swallow the cow and choke on the tail’” is not good to be impatiently awaiting (John Buchan, Salute to Adventurers, 1915). somebody’s death or retirement to get The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1659 in what you want, such as an inheritance or James Howell’s Proverbs. promotion: She’s fi rst in line for Jack Mitch- Variant of this proverb: don’t swal- ell’s job at the head of the New York offi ce, but low the cow and worry with the tail. he’s still eight years from retirement, and it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes. The proverb it’s ill jesting with edged tools Do not was fi rst recorded in 1530. trifl e with dangerous things or people: Variant of this proverb: he that waits Taking drugs like these for “recreational” pur- for dead men’s shoes may go a long time poses is a risky business—it’s ill jesting with barefoot. edged tools. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1588 in Robert Greene’s Pandosto. it’s merry in hall when beards wag all A Variant of this proverb: don’t play social gathering with many people talking with edged tools. together is a happy, convivial affair: It’s Proverb expressing similar meaning: merry in hall when beards wag all, and the if you play with fire, you get burned. noise in the room had reached such a pitch that I had to bang loudly on the table to gain it’s ill sitting at Rome and striving with everybody’s attention. The proverb was fi rst the Pope It is foolish or pointless to recorded c. 1300. quarrel or fi ght with somebody who has supreme power in the place where you it’s more blessed to give than to are: “‘It is ill sitting at Rome and striving receive See it’s better to give than with the Pope.’ Nebuchadnezzar’s palace to receive. was not precisely the place to dispute with Nebuchadnezzar” (Alexander MacLaren, it’s never too late to learn Nobody is Ezekiel, 1908). The proverb dates from too old to acquire knowledge or expe- before 1628. rience: “‘It is never too late to learn,’ Variant of this proverb: it’s hard to cried he. ‘I will make a fi sherman of you live in Rome and strive against the Pope. in no time, if you will only attend to my

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directions’” (Wilkie Collins, After Dark, grandmother used to say, “It’s not spring until 1856). The proverb was fi rst recorded you can plant your foot upon twelve daisies,” in 1678 in the form “It is never too and there’s not a daisy to be seen on any of late to learn what it is always necessary my neighbors’ lawns. The proverb was fi rst to know.” Its variant form is of earlier recorded in 1863, but with the implica- origin. tion that it was already in general use. Variant of this proverb: never too Different versions have different numbers old to learn. of daisies, such as nine or six, but the type Proverb expressing opposite mean- of fl ower remains the same. ing: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. it’s not the end of the world Things are not as disastrous as they seem; said in it’s never too late to mend People or reassurance, such as after a minor mishap: things can be reformed or improved at It looks as though we’re going to miss our any time: The Church’s message to habitual fl ight, but it’s not the end of the world. criminals is “It’s never too late to mend.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1590 as the it’s not the size of the dog in the fi ght, title of a pamphlet by the English drama- it’s the size of the fi ght in the dog In tist Robert Greene. any combat or dispute, strength and determination to win are more important than it’s not over till it’s over Do not antici- physical size or number: It’s not the size of pate the end of something; specifi cally, do the dog in the fi ght, it’s the size of the fi ght in not give up hope until you have actually the dog—the protesters were in the minority, lost or failed: “Beré won’t say whether but they conducted such a powerful and persis- the company is better off than if it had tent campaign that they eventually won their never done the LBO [leveraged buyout]. case. The proverb is recorded as a regional Nor will he declare that the company’s expression in the United States. problems are behind it: ‘It isn’t over until it’s over’” (Fortune, 1991). The proverb it’s not what you know but who you is attributed to the baseball player Yogi know Infl uential contacts can be more Berra (1925– ), referring to a baseball useful than qualifi cations or experience; game. often said cynically by those who fail to Proverb expressing similar meaning: get a job, assignment, or promotion for the opera ain’t over till the fat lady this reason: The other candidate had never sings. worked in marketing before, but her uncle is president of one of the company’s biggest cus- it’s not spring until you can plant your tomers, so of course she got the job—it’s not foot upon twelve daisies According to what you know, but who you know. country lore, spring has not arrived until there are so many daisies in fl ower that it’s not what you say but how you say you can tread on twelve at once: Today is it Phraseology and style are often more offi cially the fi rst day of spring, but I won’t be important than the actual content of putting my winter clothes away just yet—my speech or writing: “As one . . . researcher

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explains: ‘It’s not just what they say, it’s it’s no good crying over spilt milk” (Jona- how they say it. When people talk about than Gash, The Gondola Scam, 1984). The “change,” what words do they use?’” (New proverb was fi rst recorded in 1659 in the York Times Magazine, 1992). form “No weeping for shed milk.” Variant of this proverb: don’t cry it’s not whether you win or lose, but how over spilled milk. you play the game In any contest, play- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ing well and fairly is more important than what’s done cannot be undone. winning: “Exactly what is sportsmanship these days? Is it the age-old admonish- it’s six of one and half a dozen of the ment that ‘It’s not whether you win or other There is no difference between lose but how you play the game?’ Or two options or parties: Tom blamed Sarah is it Vince Lombardi’s rubric that win- for starting the fi ght, but as far as I could ning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing?” tell it was six of one and half a dozen of the (New York Times, 1991). The proverb comes other. The proverb was fi rst recorded in from “Alumnus Football” (1941), by the 1836, in Captain Marryat’s novel The U.S. sportswriter Grantland Rice: “For Pirate: “I never know the children. It’s when the One Great Scorer comes to just six of one and half-a-dozen of the mark against your name,/He writes— other.” not that you won or lost—but how you played the game.” it’s the fi rst step that is diffi cult See Proverb expressing opposite mean- the first step is the hardest. ing: winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing. it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s back When somebody is close to his it’s not work that kills, but worry Anxi- or her limit of patience or endurance, it ety is more injurious to your health than takes only one little extra thing to make overwork: It’s not work that kills, but worry, the whole load too much to bear: “As so those who have lost their jobs and can’t the last straw breaks the laden camel’s afford to feed their families are theoretically back, this piece of underground infor- more at risk than those who are working a 60- mation crushed the sinking spirits of hour week to hang on to the jobs they have. Mr. Dombey” (Charles Dickens, Dombey The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1879. and Son, 1848). The proverb was fi rst Variant of this proverb: worry kills recorded in 1655 in the form “The last more men than work. feather may be said to break a horse’s Proverbs expressing similar mean- back.” In modern times it is most fre- ing: care is no cure; care killed the quently encountered in the form of the cat. cliché the last straw. Variant of this proverb: the last straw it’s no use crying over spilled milk Do will break the camel’s back. not distress yourself about mistakes or mis- Proverb expressing similar mean- fortunes that cannot be put right: “I wish ing: the last drop makes the cup run now I’d thought about the implications, but over.

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it’s the pace that kills Do not try to it takes a thief to catch a thief See set do too much too quickly: If you want to a thief to catch a thief. enjoy a long and happy life, you must learn to slow down and relax more. Remember, it’s it takes a village to raise a child The the pace that kills! The proverb was fi rst whole community plays a part in the recorded in 1855, with the implication upbringing of the children that live there: that it was already well known in the It takes a village to raise a child, and par- sporting world. ents cannot take all the blame—or all the credit—for the way their kids turn out. Of it’s too late to shut the stable door after African origin, the proverb was popular- the horse has bolted See don’t shut ized by Hillary Clinton, wife of President the barn door after the horse is Bill Clinton, in the mid-1990s. stolen. it takes money to make money Any it takes a heap of living to make a house moneymaking scheme requires some cap- a home A house or apartment does ital investment: I’d like to set up in business not feel like home until you lived there on my own, but it takes money to make money, happily and comfortably for some time: and I don’t have any. It takes a heap of living to make a house a Proverb expressing similar meaning: home—an interior designer can make it look money begets money. good, but only you and your family can make it feel good. The proverb comes from the it takes one to know one Only those poem “Home” (1916) by Edgar Guest. with similar fl aws are capable of spotting Variant of this proverb: it takes a them in others: “I told him he was a liar and heap of living to make a home. a cheat. He said it took one to know one” (Abigail Van Buren, The Best of Dear Abby, it takes all kinds of people to make 1981). The proverb was fi rst recorded a world Other people have different around the end of the 19th century. ways, tastes, and so on—we must practice Proverb expressing similar meaning: tolerance and respect their individuality: set a thief to catch a thief. “‘Hines was not exactly a weak sister, but he was sort of nondescript. I can’t imag- it takes three generations to make a ine his appealing to your wife.’ ‘It takes gentleman You cannot consider your- all sorts of people to make a world. You self a member of the gentry if your can never tell who is going to appeal to parents or grandparents were members whom’” (Erle Stanley Gardner, The Case of of the common people: “You will fi nd it the Borrowed Brunette, 1946). The proverb no easy matter to make a gentleman of was fi rst recorded in 1620, in a translation him. The old proverb says, that ‘it takes of Cervantes’s Don Quixote. three generations to make a gentleman’” Variant of this proverb: it takes all (James Fenimore Cooper, The Pioneers, sorts to make a world. 1823). The quotation is the fi rst recorded Proverb expressing similar meaning: use of the proverb, but the sentiment it live and let live. expresses is of much earlier origin.

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it takes two to make a bargain A deal was ﬁ rst recorded in 1706 in J. Stevens’s A or treaty cannot stand unless both par- New Spanish and English Dictionary. ties are—and remain—in agreement: “I Variant of this proverb: it takes two thought we’d agreed that I’d pay for the to make a quarrel, but one can end it. gasoline and you’d pay for the food.” “No—you suggested it, but I didn’t say yes. It takes two it takes two to tango In a situation to make a bargain.” The proverb was ﬁ rst involving cooperation or joint action, recorded in 1597 in the form “The second both participants must work together and word makes the bargain.” share the responsibility for what happens: Variant of this proverb: if it takes two “Despite all the problems I had had with to make a bargain, it takes two to break it. Imlach, and believe it or not I realize it takes two to tango, I wouldn’t have it takes two to make a quarrel Neither missed playing in the best league in the party to an argument or dispute can be world” (B. Conacher, Hockey in Canada, held individually responsible for causing 1972). The proverb was popularized as it: Don’t let her provoke you—remember, it the title of a song written by Al Hoffman takes two to make a quarrel. The proverb and Dick Manning in 1952.

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a jackass can kick a barn door down, but higher rank or status does not make one it takes a carpenter to build one Some- person better than another: “She was far thing that has taken time, skill, and effort from thinking Jack as good as his master to put together can be quickly ruined or and explained failure in plebeian upstarts destroyed by a foolish person: “. . . ‘any by saying with suave contempt: ‘Well, jackass can kick a barn door down, but it what can you expect? Wasn’t bred to takes a carpenter to build one.’ Maybe the power’” (Winifred Holtby, South Riding, only sure answer to this sort of irrespon- 1936). The proverb was fi rst recorded in sibility . . . is for those who run the media 1706, in a Spanish/English dictionary, in to insure that there are more carpenters the form “Peter is as good as his master.” among today’s political commentators” Proverbs expressing similar mean- (New York Times, 1994). The proverb was ing: all men are created equal; when coined by Sam Rayburn (1882–1961), adam delved and eve span, who was Speaker of the House of Representatives, then the gentleman? in 1953. Proverb expressing similar mean- jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but ing: it’s easier to tear down than to never jam today Good times always build up. seem to belong to the past or to the future, but never to the present: She a jack of all trades is master of promised us she would pay us more when none Somebody who has a very wide things improved, but with her it’s always “jam range of abilities or skills usually does not tomorrow.” The proverb appears to have excel at any of them: We encourage our stu- made its fi rst appearance in Through the dents to specialize at an early age, on the basis Looking-Glass (1871) by Lewis Carroll: that a jack of all trades is master of none. The “‘The rule is, jam to-morrow and jam proverb was fi rst recorded in 1732 in the yesterday—but never jam to-day.’ ‘It must form “A jack of all trades is of no trade.” It come sometimes to “jam to-day,”’ Alice is perhaps most frequently encountered in objected. ‘No, it can’t,’ said the Queen.” the form of the cliché a jack of all trades. jesters do oft prove prophets A predic- Jack’s as good as his master All people tion made in jest often comes true: I was only are fundamentally equal, and having a joking when I said that Tom and Jenny, who never

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 156 1/29/07 5:12:43 PM åååååJove but laughs at lovers’ perjury JAPANESE PROVERBS Many Japanese proverbs convey mystical notions about personal character and happiness, although others are ﬁ rmly rooted in a more pragmatic world, in which hunger and mothers- in-law are two misfortunes to be approached with proverbial caution.

Advertising is the mother of trade A bath refreshes the body, tea refreshes the mind Better to wash an old kimono than borrow a new one Character can be built on daily routine The character of a man lies not in his body but in his soul Flattery is the best persuader of people Growing rice gives you more than poetry will The lotus fl ower blooms in the mud The most beautiful fl owers fl ourish in the shade Never rely on the glory of the morning or the smiles of your mother-in-law One joy can drive away a hundred sorrows One moment of intense happiness prolongs life by a thousand years A pig used to dirt turns its nose up at rice The prettiest of shoes makes a sorry hat Time spent laughing is time spent with the gods Too much politeness is impertinent To the starving man the beauty of Fujiyama has no meaning Truthful words are seldom pleasant Unhappiness can be a bridge to happiness Unspoken words are the fl owers of silence You have to bow a few times before you can stand upright You should climb Mount Fujiyama once in your life. Climb it twice and you’re a fool

stopped arguing, were bound to end up marrying set out from home on their round-the-world each other, but jesters do oft prove prophets, and trip they recalled the proverb “A journey of I’ve just received an invitation to their wedding. a thousand miles begins with one step.” The The proverb comes from Shakespeare’s play proverb is attributed to the Chinese phi- King Lear (5:3) in the words of Regan: “Jest- losopher Lao-tzu (c. 604–c. 531 b.c.), ers do oft prove prophets.” founder of Taoism. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: the longest many a true word is spoken in jest. journey begins with a single step. Proverb expressing similar meaning: a journey of a thousand miles begins the first step is the hardest. with one step Do not be put off by the magnitude of the task ahead of you—the Jove but laughs at lovers’ perjury The important thing is to make a start: As they breaking of oaths and promises made

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by lovers is so commonplace that it be measured to you again” (Matthew is not regarded as a serious matter: 7:1–2). “Perjury in the Divorce Court has been Variant of this proverb: judge and openly permitted to the upper classes you shall be judged. for many years, following the maxim Proverb expressing similar mean- . . . that ‘Jove but laughs at lovers’ per- ing: people who live in glass houses jury’” (London Evening Standard, 1922). shouldn’t throw stones. Of ancient origin, the proverb occurs in the writings of the Roman poet Tibullus judge not according to appearances (c. 48–19 b.c.): “periuria ridet amantum Do not make a judgment about some- Iuppiter [Jupiter laughs at lovers’ perju- thing or somebody on the basis of out- ries].” It is also found in Shakespeare’s ward appearance alone: “She wore . . . play Romeo and Juliet (2:2) “At lovers’ every appearance of innocence, but in her perjuries,/They say, Jove laughs” and in person she illustrated the truth of the old John Dryden’s poem Palamon and Arcite adage that one should not judge by appear- (1700): “Fool, not to know that love ances” (M. Williams, Leaves of a Life, 1890). endures no tie,/And Jove but laughs at The proverb is of biblical origin: “Judge lovers’ perjury.” not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). the joy of the heart makes the face Variant of this proverb: never judge fair See a merry heart makes a cheer- by appearances. ful countenance. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: appearances are deceiving; the judge and you shall be judged See cowl does not make the monk; don’t judge not, that ye be not judged. judge a book by its cover; a good horse cannot be of a bad color. judge not, that ye be not judged If you make a habit of judging and criticiz- justice is blind Justice must be dis- ing others, they will subject you to the pensed with objectivity and without same treatment in return: She’s not the best regard to irrelevant details or circum- player in the team, but we all have our faults. stances: “Justice is supposed to be blind; “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” is my motto. the color of a person’s skin should not The proverb is of biblical origin: “Judge determine their guilt or innocence” (Oli- not, that ye be not judged. For with what ver L. North, Under Fire, 1991). The prov- judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: erb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1663 in John and with what measure ye mete, it shall Dryden’s The Wild Gallant.

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keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd recorded in 1738, in Benjamin Franklin’s a use for it An object that seems useless Poor Richard’s Almanack. now may be just what you need at some future time, so do not discard it: I have keep your mouth shut and your eyes a drawer full of odds and ends that I cannot open A recipe for success in many walks bring myself to throw away, on the basis that if of life is to speak only when necessary and you keep a thing seven years you’ll fi nd a use to remain alert, observant, and watch- for it. The proverb was fi rst recorded, with ful at all times: On your fi rst day at work, different wording, in 1566 in William remember the proverb “Keep your mouth shut Painter’s Palace of Pleasure. and your eyes open”—don’t say anything that Variant of this proverb: keep a thing could land you in trouble, and pay attention seven years and it’s bound to come in to everything that’s going on around you. The handy. proverb was fi rst recorded, in its variant form, in 1581. keep no more cats than will catch Variant of this proverb: keep your mice Do not support any members of mouth shut and your ears open. your family or household who cannot earn Proverb expressing similar meaning: their keep: The new president’s policy is to keep hear all, see all, say nowt. no more cats than will catch mice, so some of the less productive members of staff are likely to lose keep your shop and your shop will keep their jobs. The proverb was fi rst recorded in you If you run a business effi ciently, the 1673 in J. Dare’s Counsellor Manners. profi ts will provide you with a comfortable income: Whenever anybody accused him keep your eyes wide open before mar- of paying more attention to his business than to riage, half shut afterward You should his family, my uncle would argue that he had choose your husband or wife with care, his family’s interests at heart, on the basis of but be prepared to overlook his or her the saying “Keep your shop and your shop will faults after the wedding day: They say that keep you.” The proverb was fi rst recorded you should keep your eyes wide open before in 1605. The U.S. actress Mae West paro- marriage and half shut afterward, but there died the proverb when she said “Keep a are limits to what even the most tolerant wife diary and some day it’ll keep you” in the will put up with. The proverb was fi rst movie Every Day’s a Holiday (1937).

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killing no murder Sometimes circum- institution considered to be exempt from stances make extreme actions forgiv- punishment or criticism. able: Her grandfather appeared to be of the Proverb expressing opposite mean- opinion that when it came to politicians and ing: nobody is above the law. journalists it was a case of “killing no murder.” The proverb fi rst appeared as the title of kings have long arms Few people, the Royalist pamphlet Killing Noë Murder places, or things are beyond the reach of (1657), which called for the assassination those in authority, and it is not easy for of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. an offender to escape capture or punish- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ment: Even if you manage to get across the desperate diseases must have desperate border, your safety is not guaranteed—kings remedies. have long arms, you know. The proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1539, but kind hearts are more than coronets the sentiment it expresses dates back Kindness and compassion are of greater to ancient times. Compare Ovid (43 value than noble birth: She discovered b.c.–a.d. 18): “an nescis longas regibus esse a number of aristocratic ancestors in her manus? [know you not that kings have far- genealogical research, but her husband was reaching hands?]” not impressed. “Kind hearts are more than Variant of this proverb: governments coronets,” he said. The proverb comes from have long arms. Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Lady Clara Vere de Vere” (1833): “Howe’er kissing goes by favor People often it be, it seems to me,/’Tis only noble bestow honors and privileges on those to be good,/Kind hearts are more than they like, rather than on those who are coronets,/And simple faith than Nor- most worthy of them: She was probably the man blood.” least suitable candidate for the post, but kissing Proverb expressing similar mean- goes by favor, and nobody was surprised to hear ing: better a good cow than a cow of that she had been appointed. The proverb good kind. was fi rst recorded in 1616 in Thomas Draxe’s Adages. the king can do no wrong People in authority are not bound by the rules and knock on wood See touch wood. regulations that apply to others; specifi - cally, a monarch is above the law: If one of knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much us had made such a careless and potentially used until they are seasoned Knowl- dangerous mistake, we would have faced dis- edge is not useful until it is tempered by missal, but he’s the boss, and the king can do experience: Newly qualifi ed police offi cers no wrong. The proverb dates from before can be a danger to themselves and to the 1654 and is a translation of the Latin general public unless they remember the say- legal maxim “Rex no potest peccare.” The ing “Knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much word king may be replaced by queen, with used until they are seasoned.” The proverb specifi c reference to a female monarch, comes from Oliver Wendell Holmes’s The or by the name of some other person or Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858).

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knowledge and wisdom are far from Eliot, Daniel Deronda, 1876). The proverb is being one Knowledgeable people may often attributed to the English philosopher lack the wisdom to make sound judg- Francis Bacon, who wrote “Knowledge ments: One might expect such scholarly and itself is power” in his Religious Meditations learned members of society to behave with a (1597). The sentiment it expresses, how- little more common sense, but knowledge and ever, is of biblical origin: “A man of knowl- wisdom are far from being one. The proverb edge increaseth strength” (Proverbs 24:5). was fi rst recorded c. 1783. know thyself Be aware of your own knowledge is power Those who have strengths and weaknesses: “Know then knowledge can control or infl uence those thyself, presume not God to scan;/The who do not; sometimes used of a specifi c proper study of Mankind is Man” (Alex- piece of information that gives one person ander Pope, Essay on Man, 1732). The an advantage over others: “Of a truth, proverb dates from the sixth century b.c., Knowledge is power, but it is a power when it was inscribed in Greek on the reined by scruple, having a conscience of temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was fi rst what must be and what may be” (George recorded in English in 1387.

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the laborer is worthy of his hire Those “Of these three but one can stand me in who work for others are entitled to be paid steede, the last, but not the least.” for their efforts: “Your service will not be altogether gratuitous, my old friend—the the last drop makes the cup run labourer is worthy of his hire” (Sir Walter over One fi nal additional thing may Scott, St. Ronan’s Well, 1824). The proverb push a person beyond his or her limit is of biblical origin: “And in the same of tolerance or endurance: The last drop house remain, eating and drinking such makes the cup run over, and when they asked things as they give: for the labourer is me to cut down the tree because it was casting worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). a shadow on their children’s play area, my Proverb expressing similar meaning: patience fi nally snapped. The proverb was a good dog deserves a good bone. fi rst recorded in this form in 1855, but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier ori- the larger the body, the bigger the gin. In his Church History of Britain (1655), heart Large people are reputed to be Thomas Fuller wrote, “When the Cup is kinder and more generous than others: brim full before, the last (though least) He was a smiling, rosy-cheeked mountain of a superadded drop is charged alone to be man, dearly loved by all who knew him, and a the cause of all the running over.” walking illustration of the proverb “The larger Proverb expressing similar meaning: the body, the bigger the heart.” The proverb it’s the last straw that breaks the is recorded as a regional expression in camel’s back. the United States. Proverb expressing opposite mean- the last straw will break the camel’s ing: the best things come in small back See it’s the last straw that packages. breaks the camel’s back.

last but not least A person or thing late children, early orphans Children that is not any the less important because born to older parents run a greater risk of listed last: “Though last, not least in being orphaned before they reach adult- love” (William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar). hood: She disapproved of our decision to The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1580 have another baby, quoting the proverb “Late in John Lyly’s Euphuist and his England: children, early orphans,” but I pointed out that

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human life expectancy had increased consider- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ably since the saying was coined. laugh and grow fat.

laugh and grow fat Cheerfulness and lawmakers should not be lawbreakers merrymaking are good for your health: Legislators should abide by the laws they Those seeking a recipe for a long, happy, make: Lawmakers should not be lawbreakers— healthy life need look no further than the old congressmen and congresswomen are expected saying “Laugh and grow fat.” The proverb to set an example to their fellow citizens. The was fi rst recorded in 1596 in Sir John fi rst recorded use is c. 1386 in Geoffrey Harington’s Metamorphosis of Ajax. Chaucer’s Man of Law’s Tale. Proverb expressing similar meaning: laughter is the best medicine. laws go as kings like Laws are made by those in power: The opposition can complain laugh and the world laughs with you, as much as they like, but laws go as kings like. weep and you weep alone Cheerful The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1885 in people never lack company, but miserable J. Ormsby’s Quixote. people are shunned by others: A happy face often hides a sorrowful heart—most people learn learn from the mistakes of others Ob- at an early age the wisdom of the proverb “Laugh serve the mistakes that other people and the world laughs with you, weep and you make and try not to repeat them your- weep alone.” The current form of the proverb self: The best way to succeed in this com- comes from Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s poem petitive world is not to do something before Solitude (1883): “Laugh, and the world anybody else, but to learn from the mistakes laughs with you;/Weep, and you weep of others and do it better than everybody else. alone./For the sad old earth must borrow The sentiment expressed by the proverb its mirth,/But has trouble enough of its is of ancient origin: the Roman dramatist own.” The sentiment it expresses, however, Plautus (c. 254–184 b.c.) wrote, “Feliciter is found in the writings of the Roman poet is sapit qui periculo alieno sapit [He is happy Horace (65–8 b.c.): “ut ridentibus arrident, in his wisdom, who is wise at the expense ita fl entibus adsunt humani voltus [men’s faces of another].” laugh on those who laugh, and correspond- Variant of this proverb: Wise men ingly weep on those who weep].” learn by other men’s mistakes, fools by their own. laugh before breakfast, cry before sunset Proverb expressing similar meaning: See sing before breakfast, cry before experience is the teacher of fools. night. learning is better than house or laughter is the best medicine Laughing land Education and knowledge are of is an excellent remedy for disorders of greater value than property ownership: the body or mind: She belongs to a group of Learning is better than house or land, and my performers who visit local hospitals to entertain parents saw to it that I had suffi cient schooling the patients with humorous sketches, on the to make up for my lack of inherited wealth. basis that laughter is the best medicine. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1773,

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in David Garrick’s prologue to Oliver Variant of this proverb: let well Goldsmith’s play She Stoops to Conquer. alone. Proverb expressing similar mean- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ing: when house and land are gone if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. and spent, then learning is most excellent. lend your money and lose your friend You risk losing your friends least said, soonest mended The less you by lending them money, either because say, the less likely you are to cause trou- they fail to repay the loan or because ble; often used to discourage somebody they resent being asked to repay it: It’s from complaining, apologizing, arguing, not that I don’t want to help you out of or making excuses: “If you defend, you’ll your fi nancial crisis, and it’s not that I don’t have to go up to London. In the box, have the money, but I value your friendship least said is soonest mended. You’ll sim- too highly. Have you never heard the saying ply say you found you were mistaken, “Lend your money and lose your friend”? The and thought it more honourable to break proverb was fi rst recorded, with differ- off at once than to go on” (John Gals- ent wording, in 1474. Similar advice is worthy, A Feud, 1930). The proverb was to be found in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet fi rst recorded, with different wording, c. (1:3), “Neither a borrower not a lender 1460. It was parodied by the U.S. writer be;/For loan oft loses both itself and Ambrose Bierce in his Devil’s Dictionary friend.” (1911): “Least said is soonest disavowed.” Variant of this proverb: Lend money Variant of this proverb: the least said and you get an enemy. is the easiest mended. length begets loathing Nobody likes a leave no stone unturned Leave no pos- long-winded speaker or writer: Remember sibility unchecked: The police left no stone that length begets loathing, and keep your unturned looking for evidence. The proverb opening remarks short and to the point. The appears in the writings of Euripedes and proverb was fi rst recorded in 1742 in C. Pliny and was first recorded in English Jarvis’s Don Quixote. c. 1550 in Dice-Play. Proverb expressing similar meaning: brevity is the soul of wit. leave off while the play is good See quit while you are ahead. the leopard can’t change its spots A person cannot change his or her char- leave well enough alone Do not try to acter or nature: “Although he swears change or improve something that is sat- he has changed, leopards don’t usually isfactory as it stands: “‘I’m going to him,’ change their spots, especially those who Nicole got to her knees. ‘No, you’re not,’ don’t cooperate in counseling” (Washing- said Tommy, pulling her down fi rmly. ‘Let ton Times, 1997). The proverb is of biblical well enough alone’” (F. Scott Fitzgerald, origin: “Can the Ethiopian change his Tender Is the Night, 1934). The proverb is skin, or the leopard his spots?” (Jeremiah of ancient origin. 13:23).

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Variant of this proverb: The leopard that is without sin among you, let him does not change his spots. fi rst cast a stone at her [a woman taken in Proverb expressing similar meaning: adultery]” (John 8:7). once a thief, always a thief; you can Proverb expressing similar meaning: drive out nature with a pitchfork nobody is perfect. but she keeps on coming back. let not the sun go down on your less is more A work of art, piece of wrath See never let the sun go down writing, or other creative endeavor can be on your anger. made more elegant or effective by reducing ornamentation and avoiding excess: let sleeping dogs lie Do not cause trou- Her motto was “Less is more,” and the simple ble by disturbing a stable—but potentially lines of the furniture she designed began a problematic—situation: “Take my advice, new trend for minimalism. The proverb is and speer [ask] as little about him as he does associated with the U.S. architect Ludwig about you. Best to let sleeping dogs lie” (Sir Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) but was Walter Scott, Redgauntlet, 1824). The prov- not coined by him: it was fi rst recorded erb was fi rst recorded c. 1385 in Chaucer’s in English in Robert Browning’s poem Troilus and Criseyde, in the form “It is nought “Andrea del Sarto” (1855). good a slepyng hound to wake.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverbs expressing similar mean- the half is better than the whole. ing: don’t rock the boat; never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. let bygones be bygones Put the past behind you, make a fresh start, and do let the buyer beware It is the buyer’s not bear grudges against those who have responsibility to check the quality or wronged you: “Into every real friendship nature of goods or services before pur- a little rain must fall. . . . Let’s go and get chasing them; a legal principle in some the men and drink a friendship cup and types of transaction, and also used as a let bygones be bygones” (John Cheever, general warning to anybody making or The Wapshot Chronicle, 1957). The prov- considering a purchase: The streets of the erb dates from before 1577 in the form old town are lined with colorful market stalls, “Bygones to be bygones.” but tourists who are tempted by the goods on Proverbs expressing similar mean- display would do well to remember the saying ing: forgive and forget. “Let the buyer beware.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1523 in J. Fitzherbert’s let him who is without sin cast the fi rst Husbandry. It is often used in the Latin stone Only those who are truly virtu- form “Caveat emptor.” ous have the right to criticize or condemn Proverb expressing similar meaning: others; used to imply that nobody has this the buyer needs a thousand eyes, the right: I accept that what she did was wrong, seller wants but one. but most of us have done similar things in our time—let him who is without sin cast the fi rst let the chips fall where they may Pay stone. The proverb is of biblical origin: “He no attention to the possible consequences

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of your actions, and carry on regard- origin: “And another of his disciples said less: “This is one area where Mr. Jacoby unto him, Lord, suffer me fi rst to go and admits to a certain reckless disregard for bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, practical consequences, saying that he Follow me; and let the dead bury their has, perhaps foolishly, ‘let the chips fall dead” (Matthew 8:21–22). where they may’” (New York Times, 1987). The proverb comes from a speech made let them laugh that win Do not rejoice by U.S. senator Roscoe Conkling in 1880: until you are certain of victory or success: “He [Ulysses S. Grant] will hew to the line Let them laugh that win—the battle is still far of right, let the chips fl y where they may.” from over. The proverb was fi rst recorded Chips are small, thin pieces of wood: the in 1546 in John Heywood’s Dialogue of woodcutter carries on with his task, dis- Proverbs. regarding any chips that are thrown up in Variant of this proverb: the winners his process of hewing. laugh, the losers weep. Proverb expressing similar meaning: let the cobbler stick to his last People he who laughs last, laughs longest. should not offer advice, make criticisms, or otherwise interfere in matters outside let well alone See leave well enough their own area of knowledge or expertise: alone. I’m sick and tired of accountants from the city telling me how to farm my own land—let the let your head save your heels You can cobbler stick to his last. Of ancient origin, avoid wasted journeys on foot by careful the proverb comes from a story about planning or forethought, such as by com- the Greek painter Apelles (fourth century bining errands: If you had put the drinks on a b.c.), who permitted a certain cobbler tray, you could have saved yourself at least two to point out a mistake in the way he had trips to the kitchen. Will you never learn to let painted a shoe but would not tolerate his your head save your heels? The proverb was criticism of other parts of the painting. fi rst recorded in 1828 in W. Carr’s Dialect The proverb was fi rst recorded in English of Craven. in 1539, in the form “Let not the shoe- Variant of this proverb: use your maker go beyond his shoe.” head and save your feet. Variants of this proverb: The cobbler should stick to his last; the cobbler to his a liar is not believed when he tells the last and the gunner to his linstock. truth There is no way of knowing when Proverb expressing similar meaning: somebody with a reputation for lying is every man to his trade. telling the truth: She was an attention- seeker, known for wasting police time with let the dead bury the dead Do not con- tall stories about muggings and burglaries. cern yourself with things that are past and So she had only herself to blame when her gone: “Let, then, the dead bury the dead. genuine complaint about the stalker was not The task for us is to rejuvenate ourselves taken seriously—a liar is not believed when and our subject” (J. S. Huxley, What Dare he tells the truth. The proverb occurs in I Think?, 1931). The proverb is of biblical the writings of Aristotle and Cicero.

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The sentiment it expresses can be found a lie can go around the world and back in one of the fables of Aesop (sixth cen- again while the truth is lacing up its tury b.c.), about a shepherd boy who boots False rumors travel with alarm- repeatedly cries “Wolf!” when his sheep ing speed: A lie can go around the world are not in danger, and whose cries are and back again while the truth is lacing up therefore ignored when the wolf fi nally its boots, and if the media get hold of the appears. idea that you are guilty, you will have a hard Variant of this proverb: nobody job subsequently proving your innocence. The believes a liar when he speaks the truth. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1859, but with the implication that it had long been a liar is worse than a thief People who in general use. The sentiment it expresses lie are even less trustworthy than people is of ancient origin. who thieve: “But sure the proverbe is as Variant of this proverb: a lie is half- true as briefe,/A lyer’s ever worse then way around the world before the truth has a thiefe” (John Taylor, All the Workes of John got its boots on. Taylor, the Water Poet, 1630). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1623 in W. Painter’s life begins at forty Your middle years Chaucer New Painted. can be the best time of your life, and Proverb expressing similar meaning: many people make a fresh start or take a show me a liar and i will show you renewed interest in life at this time: “All a thief. our age benchmarks, which used to seem solid as rocks, have turned into shifting a liar should have a good memory Li- sands. “Life Begins at 40? More like 60” ars must remember the untruths they (New York Times, 1991). The proverb dates have told, to avoid contradicting them- from 1932, when it was used as the title selves at some later date: “They say a of a book by the U.S. writer Walter B. liar has to have a good memory. In that Pitkin. In the text of the book Pitkin pre- case, Mr. Reagan’s testimony is proof dicted its future proverbial status: “Life of his honesty” (Washington Times, 1990). begins at forty. . . . Today it is half a truth. The proverb occurs in the writings of Tomorrow it will be an axiom.” Quintilian (c. a.d. 35–c. 100). It was fi rst recorded in English, in its current life is hard by the yard, but by the inch form, c. 1690. life’s a cinch Life is less overwhelming if you take it one step at a time: A diffi cult liberty is not licence [license] Freedom time lay ahead, but I drew strength from the does not mean that a person can what- saying: “Life is hard by the yard, but by the inch ever he or she wants: As far as his wife is life’s a cinch.” The proverb is recorded as a concerned, he is allowed to go out and enjoy regional expression the United States. himself, but he knows very well that liberty Proverb expressing similar meaning: is not licence. The proverb is a quotation one step at a time. from Sonnet vii, written by John Milton in 1645: “Licence they mean when they life is just a bowl of cherries Life is cry liberty.” pleasant and carefree; said when things

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are going well, or ironically when things life is short and sweet Life seems all are going badly: She looked back nostalgi- the more pleasurable for being brief in cally on the days when she was young and duration: Life is short and sweet, but not single, and life was just a bowl of cherries. The for some of the aged residents of hospitals in proverb dates from 1931, when it was countries where euthanasia remains illegal. used as the title of a song by Lew Brown The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1802 and Ray Henderson. In 1978 the Ameri- in Port Folio. can humorist Erma Bombeck wrote a Variant of this proverb: life is sweet. book entitled If Life Is Just a Bowl of Cher- Proverb expressing opposite mean- ries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? ing: life’s a bitch, and then you die. Proverbs expressing opposite meaning: life is no bed of roses; life isn’t life is short and time is swift Time all beer and skittles. passes too quickly for us to waste any moment of our short lives: He tried to cram life is no bed of roses Do not expect as much as possible into his waking hours, on life to be easy and pleasant; often used the basis of the proverb “Life is short and time of life in a particular situation or with a is swift.” particular person: Everybody knows that life Proverb expressing similar meaning: is no bed of roses in the armed forces, but new seize the day. recruits are often horrifi ed to learn just how hard they are expected to work. The proverb life is sweet See life is short and was fi rst recorded in 1780. sweet. Proverb expressing similar meaning: life isn’t all beer and skittles. life is too short We must make the most Proverb expressing opposite mean- of our short lives, and not waste time on ing: life is just a bowl of cherries. trivial things: I have no patience with people who fall out with their friends or relatives over life isn’t all beer and skittles You can- some petty issue and don’t speak to them for not always be enjoying yourself: “Life months or years on end—life is too short! isn’t all beer and skittles, but beer and Variant of this proverb: life is too skittles, or something better of the short to be little. same sort, must form a good part of every Englishman’s education” (Thomas life is what you make it You have only Hughes, Tom Brown’s Schooldays, 1857). yourself to blame if your life does not turn The proverb was fi rst recorded in the out as you would have liked it to: I believe 19th century, when drinking beer and that life is what you make it, and there is no point playing skittles (a bowling game) were in sitting around complaining about your lack of popular leisure activities among British good fortune. The proverb was fi rst recorded working men. in 1897 in the writings of the American phi- Proverb expressing similar meaning: losopher and psychologist William James. life is no bed of roses. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing opposite mean- every man is the architect of his own ing: life is just a bowl of cherries. fortune.

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life’s a bitch, and then you die Life is “A light purse makes a heavy heart.” The full of unpleasantness and injustice: “It’s not proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1555 by fair, Dad—I have to do all the hard jobs around J. Heywood. the house, and Kate gets all the easy ones.” “I Proverb expressing similar meaning: know, son—life’s a bitch, and then you die.” a heavy purse makes a light heart. Proverb expressing opposite mean- Proverb expressing opposite meaning: life is short and sweet. ing: money can’t buy happiness.

light come, light go See easy come, light winnings make heavy purses See easy go. light gains make heavy purses.

light gains make heavy purses It is like attracts like Similar people tend to possible to become rich by making small be drawn to one another: Like attracts like, profi ts: They took a tiny percentage of each so it seemed inevitable that they would become item sold, but light gains make heavy purses if friends. The proverb was fi rst recorded in there are enough of them. The proverb was English c. 1375, but with the implication fi rst recorded in 1546 in J. Heywood’s that it was already in general use. The senti- A Dialogue containing . . . the Proverbs in the ment it expresses is of ancient origin, and is English Tongue. found in Homer’s Odyssey (c. eighth century Variant of this proverb: light win- b.c.): “the god always brings like to like.” nings make heavy purses. Variant of this proverb: like will to Proverb expressing similar meaning: like. take care of the pennies and the dol- Proverb expressing similar meaning: lars will take care of themselves. birds of a feather flock together. Proverb expressing opposite mean- lightning never strikes twice in the same ing: opposites attract. place The same unpleasant or unexpected phenomenon will not recur in the same like breeds like People are infl uenced place or circumstances, or happen to the by others and tend to behave in the same same person again; a superstition that often way; also used to imply that one thing leads to a false sense of security: “They did will lead to something similar: “Like men, not hit me at all. . . . Lightning never strikes like manners:/Like breeds like, they say” twice in the same place, nor cannon balls (Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Poems, 1842). either, I presume” (P. H. Myers, The Prisoner The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1557 of the Border, 1857). The quotation is the (Roger Edgeworth, Sermons) in the form fi rst recorded use of the proverb. “Like makes like.” It is sometimes inter- Variant of this proverb: lightning preted with literal reference to parents never strikes the same place twice. and their offspring. Variant of this proverb: like begets a light purse makes a heavy heart Those like. who have little money are anxious and troubled: The careworn faces of the unem- like cures like The best remedy for a ployed are a graphic illustration of the saying disease or affl iction is something that is

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capable of causing the same condition; Variant of this proverb: an ill master the motto of homeopathic medicine: “On makes an ill servant. the homeopathic principle of ‘like cures like,’ a cigar was the best preventative like mother, like daughter Daughters against . . . smoke” (Cuthbert Bede, Ver- tend to resemble their mothers in char- dant Green, 1853). The proverb is associ- acter and behavior; often used to draw ated with the German physician Samuel attention to such a similarity: “It’s a case Hahnemann (1755–1843), the founder of like mother, like daughter—they’re of homeopathy. It also exists in the Latin not the kind of women who forgive and form “Similia similibus curantur.” forget, I’ll tell you that” (Michael Korda, Proverbs expressing similar mean- Queenie, 1985). The proverb is of bibli- ing: fight fire with fire; take a hair cal origin: “Behold, every one that useth of the dog that bit you. proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her like father, like son Sons tend to resem- daughter” (Ezekiel 16:44). ble their fathers in character and behavior; Variant of this proverb: as is the often used to draw attention to such a mother, so is the daughter. similarity: We weren’t surprised to learn Proverbs expressing similar mean- that he had developed an alcohol problem— ing: the apple never falls far from the like father, like son. The proverb was fi rst tree; like father, like son. recorded c. 1340 in the form “Ill sons Proverb expressing opposite mean- follow ill fathers.” ing: beauty is no inheritance. Variant of this proverb: as is the father, so is the son. like people, like priest The quality of Proverbs expressing similar mean- a spiritual leader can be judged by the ing: the apple never falls far from behavior of his or her followers: “He had the tree; like mother, like daugh- so deep a reverence for the clergy, that it ter. never entered into his mind that perhaps, Proverb expressing opposite mean- after all, it was ‘like people, like priest’” ing: beauty is no inheritance. (Richard Heath, The English Peasant, 1893). The proverb is of biblical origin: “And like master, like man Servants and other there shall be, like people, like priest: workers tend to follow the good or bad and I will punish them for their ways, and example set by their employers: I don’t reward them their doings” (Hosea 4:9). trust him—the person he works for is a rogue Variant of this proverb: like priest, and a swindler, and like master, like man. The like people. proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1530 in the form “Such master such man.” like will to like See like attracts like. The sentiment it expresses is of ancient origin, and is found in Petronius’s Satyri- the lion is not so fi erce as he is painted con (fi rst century a.d.): “qualis dominus, Some people have reputations that far talis et servus [as is the master, so is the exceed their real characters: Many of servant].” the staff were nervous about meeting the new

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headteacher, but it turned out that the lion recorded in 1647 in the form “Hearkeners was not so fi erce as he had been painted. The never hear good of themselves.” proverb was fi rst recorded in 1599 in R. Variant of this proverb: eavesdrop- Percyvall’s A Spanish Grammar, now aug- pers hear no good of themselves. mented . . . by J. Minsheu. a little absence does much good A listeners never hear any good of them- short period of absence can have a sur- selves People who eavesdrop on the prisingly benefi cial effect: It might be conversations of others risk hearing unfa- better, both for you and for your workforce, vorable comments about themselves; used if you didn’t visit the factory every single as a warning or reprimand: Come away from day. Remember the saying “A little absence that door—you know what they are talking does much good.” The proverb is recorded about in there, and listeners never hear any as a regional expression in the United goodååååå of themselves. The proverb was fi rst States. LITERARY PROVERBS A signifi cant number of proverbs in regular use today have their origins in the writings of a particular author. The following selection identifi es just a few familiar proverbs as the contributions of specifi c writers.

The best is yet to be (Browning) The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang oft aglay (Burns) Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed (Pope) Brevity is the soul of wit (Shakespeare) Cowards die many times before their deaths (Shakespeare) To err is human; to forgive, divine (Pope) Fools rush in where angels fear to tread (Pope) Frailty, thy name is woman! (Shakespeare) Gather ye rosebuds while ye may (Herrick) God’s in his heaven —all’s right with the world (Browning) Hope springs eternal (Pope) A little learning is a dangerous thing (Pope) Neither a borrower nor a lender be (Shakespeare) Ours not to reason why (Tennyson) A rose by any other name would smell as sweet (Shakespeare) Self-praise is no recommendation (Dickens) Sweet are the uses of adversity (Shakespeare) There is a divinity that shapes our ends (Shakespeare) A thing of beauty is a joy for ever (Keats) Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise (Gray)

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little and often fi lls the purse A small of value: All contributions, however small, but regular income will provide you with all will be gratefully received and put to good the money you need; also applied to small use—little drops of water, little grains of sand, amounts saved regularly: Little and often fi lls make a mighty ocean and a pleasant land. the purse, and by putting away just ten dollars a The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1845 week I managed to accumulate a substantial nest in Julia A. Carney’s Little Things. egg. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1582 Variant of this proverb: many drops in S. Gosson’s Plays Confuted. of water make an ocean. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: many a little makes a mickle. every little helps.

little birds that can sing and won’t sing little fi sh are sweet The smallest things must be made to sing Those who refuse are sometimes the most desirable or to tell what they know must be forced acceptable; used specifi cally of some- to do so; also interpreted more literally: thing received, bought, or otherwise “When the disdainful oligarchs declined to acquired: “‘They’ll sell at a loss,’ he join in the songs . . . the great Republican went on, with a sigh, ‘but sure, little leader, with his rough humour, said the fi sh is sweet! and the rent has to be words which are written in gold upon his made up’” (K. F. Purdon, The Folk of monument, ‘Little birds that can sing and Furry Farm, 1914). The proverb was fi rst won’t sing, must be made to sing’” (G. K. recorded in 1830 in R. Forby’s Vocabu- Chesterton, Napoleon of Notting Hill, 1904). lary of East Anglia. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1678 in Proverb expressing similar meaning: John Ray’s A Collection of English Proverbs. small is beautiful. Variant of this proverb: the bird that can sing and won’t sing should be made a little knowledge is a dangerous to sing. thing It is often better to have no knowledge of something than to have little boats should stay close to incomplete or inadequate knowledge, shore Do not take large risks if you which can lead to false confi dence, wrong have limited resources: We are only a small judgments, and disastrous mistakes: Peo- company, and little boats should stay close to ple who try to treat major injuries after a shore—we dare not risk investing in such an few lessons in fi rst aid can do more harm uncertain enterprise. The proverb was fi rst than good—a little knowledge is a danger- recorded in 1751, in Benjamin Franklin’s ous thing. Of ancient origin, the proverb Poor Richard’s Almanack. takes its current form from Alexander Variant of this proverb: great boats Pope’s Essay on Criticism (1711): “A little may venture more, but little boats should learning is a dang’rous thing;/ Drink keep near shore. deep, or taste not the Pierian spring” and is sometimes regarded as a misquotation. little drops of water, little grains of In his essay “Science and Culture,” writ- sand, make a mighty ocean and a pleas- ten in 1877, Thomas Huxley asked: “If a ant land Nothing is too small to be little knowledge is dangerous, where is

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the man who has so much as to be out (2:4): “Good madam, be not angry with of danger?” the child. Pitchers have ears.” Variant of this proverb: a little learning is a dangerous thing. a little pot is soon hot Small people are reputed to be more easily angered little leaks sink the ship Small and than others: A little pot is soon hot, and the apparently insignifi cant expenses can staff soon learned to stay on the right side of mount up to major sums and cause seri- the diminutive Mr. Green. First recorded in ous fi nancial problems: “Surely you can 1546, the proverb occurs in Shakespeare’s afford to give me a few dollars.” “Maybe I play The Taming of the Shrew (4:1): “Now can, but little leaks sink the ship, and if I gave were not I a little pot and soon hot, my handouts to everybody who asked for them, very lips might freeze to my teeth.” I’d soon be ruined.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1616 in the form “It is a little little strokes fell great oaks Great leak that drowns a ship.” things can be achieved in small stages, or Variant of this proverb: small leaks with persistent effort: “Stick to it steadily sink big ships. and you will see great Effects; for . . . little Strokes fell great Oaks” (Benjamin a little learning is a dangerous thing See Franklin, Poor Richard Improved, 1757). a little knowledge is a dangerous The proverb is probably of ancient origin; thing. in his Adagia (1500) the Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus quotes the Latin a little of what you fancy does you proverb “Multis ictibus deiicitur quercus good It is benefi cial to indulge yourself [The oak is felled by many blows].” It also from time to time: She popped another choc- occurs in Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part olate in her mouth, telling herself that a little 3 (2:1): “And many strokes, though with of what you fancy does you good. The prov- a little axe,/Hews down and fells the erb comes from a music hall song of the hardest-timber’d oak.” same title that became well known in the Proverb expressing similar mean- 1890s, especially as sung by Marie Lloyd. ing: constant dropping wears away a The original implication was sexual, but it stone. may now refer to any number of more or less illicit pleasures. little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape It is often the case that petty little pitchers have big ears Children criminals are brought to justice, while miss little of what is said in their hearing; those involved in more serious crimes often used as a warning: I thought the kids succeed in evading capture and punish- were engrossed in their computer game, but ment: The man who masterminded the rob- little pitchers have big ears, and the story was bery is living a life of luxury in exile, while all over the school by the end of the next day. his accomplices rot in jail. As always, the The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546 in little thieves are hanged but the great ones the form “Small pitchers have wide ears.” escape. The proverb was fi rst recorded It occurs in Shakespeare’s play Richard III in English in 1639, but the French had

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a similar saying in the late 14th century: and tolerance, a willingness, in common “Les petits larrons sont penduez, non pas les parlance, ‘to live and let live,’ an erosion grands [Little thieves are hanged, not of dogmatism, and a decline in religious big ones].” and racial prejudices, they also meant an often bewildering absence of certitude, little things please little minds Foolish a sense of confusion and even abandon- people are easily pleased; said contemptu- ment” (Page Smith, The Rise of Industrial ously to or of somebody who is amused America, 1984). The proverb was fi rst by something childish or trivial: She was recorded in 1622, and is said to be of engrossed in folding the discarded candy wrap- Dutch origin. pers into different shapes—little things please Proverb expressing similar meaning: little minds! The proverb has been traced it takes all kinds of people to make back to the works of the Roman poet a world. Ovid (43 b.c.–a.d. 18): “parva leves capiunt animos [small things enthral light minds].” live by the sword, die by the sword See It was fi rst recorded in English in 1576 in he who lives by the sword dies by the the form “A little thing pleases a fool.” A sword. person to whom the proverb is contemp- tuously addressed may retort, “While a live dog is better than a dead lion It smaller minds look on” or “While bigger is better to be alive than dead; used to fools look on.” justify an apparent act of cowardice in a Variant of this proverb: small things life-threatening situation: “When the lion affect light minds. is shot, the dog gets the spoil. So he had come in for Katherine, Alan’s lioness. A live and learn People learn by experi- live dog is better than a dead lion” (D. ence; often said by or to somebody who H. Lawrence, The Woman Who Rode Away, has made an error of judgment: I thought 1928). The proverb is of biblical origin: they could be trusted, but it seems I was “To him that is joined to all the living wrong—live and learn. The proverb was there is hope: for a living dog is better fi rst recorded in 1575 (in George Gas- than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4). coigne, The Glasse of Governement) as “We Variant of this proverb: a living dog live to learne.” is better than a dead lion. Variant of this proverb: live and Proverb expressing similar meaning: learn; die and forget. he who fights and runs away may live Proverbs expressing similar mean- to fight another day. ing: experience is the mother of wis- Proverb expressing opposite mean- dom; the older the wiser. ing: it’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees. live and let live We must be tolerant of other people, and not condemn or try to live every day as though it were your change their way of life just because it is last Live life to the full, and make different from our own: “If ‘pragmatism’ the most of every waking moment: “He and ‘pluralism’ meant a new openness enjoyed variety. He loved adventure. ‘Live

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each day as if it’s your last’—that became the longest way around is the shortest his philosophy” (C. David Heymann, A way home It is best to do things care- Woman Named Jackie, 1989). fully and thoroughly rather than trying Variant of this proverb: live each day to cut corners: There is a quicker method of as though it were the last. doing the calculation, but people often make Proverb expressing similar meaning: mistakes when they use it—in this case the eat, drink, and be merry, for tomor- longest way around is the shortest way home. row we die. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1635 in the form “The next way home’s the a living dog is better than a dead farthest way about.” The sentiment it lion See a live dog is better than a expresses, however, is of earlier origin. dead lion. Variant of this proverb: the farthest way about is the nearest way home. location, location, location It is the physical location that gives something its long foretold, long last; short notice, real value: In the end they decided not to move soon past A change in the weather that the company into the center of town, forgetting is predicted well in advance lasts longer the golden rule “location, location, location.” An than one that arrives with little warning: introduction of the late 20th century, it has If the saying “Long foretold, long last; short become partiularly associated with the sell- notice, soon past,” an old piece of weather lore, ing of property. can be applied to the economy, then this unexpected downturn should be of relatively brief the longest day must have an end No duration. The proverb was fi rst recorded bad experience lasts forever: He hid in the in 1866 (A. Steinmetz, Manual of Weather- shelter while the bombardment continued, tell- casts), but with the implication that it had ing himself over and over again that the longest long been in use among amateur weather day must have an end. The proverb was fi rst forecasters. recorded in 1580 in John Lyly’s Euphues and His England. look after the pennies and the dollars Variant of this proverb: the longest will look after themselves See take night will have an end. care of the pennies and the dollars Proverbs expressing a similar will take care of themselves. meaning: be the day weary or be the day long, at last it ringeth to even- look before you leap Think before you song; it’s a long road that has no act, especially before you do something turning. that could have serious or disastrous consequences: “When you feel tempted to the longest journey begins with a single marry . . . look twice before you leap” step See a journey of a thousand (Charlotte Brontë, Shirley, 1849). The miles begins with one step. proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1350 in the form “First look and afterward leap,” but the longest night will have an end See the sentiment it expresses can be found in the longest day must have an end. the fables of Aesop (sixth century b.c.).

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Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: a slip of the action without thought is like shoot- lip will sink a ship. ing without aim. Proverb expressing opposite mean- the Lord gives and the Lord takes away ing: he who hesitates is lost. God has the right to take away something that he has previously given to us: often lookers-on see most of the game An said in consolation to, or resignedly by, objective observer with an overall view of somebody who has suffered a devastating a situation is often more knowledgeable, loss: We would all like to hold onto the beauty or better placed to make a judgment, than and stamina of our youth, but we must remem- somebody who is actively involved, and ber that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. whose attention is therefore focused on The proverb is of biblical origin: “Naked individual details: Lookers-on see most of the came I out of my mother’s womb, and game, and the solution was obvious to all except naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, those who were trying to ﬁ nd it. The proverb and the Lord hath taken away” (Job 1:21). was ﬁ rst recorded in Francis Bacon’s essay Variant of this proverb: the Lord “Of Followers” (1597): “To take aduise of who gave can take away. friends is euer honorable: For lookers on many times see more then gamesters.” the Lord moves in mysterious ways See The sentiment it expresses, however, is of god moves in mysterious ways. earlier origin. Variant of this proverb: lookers-on lordships change manners See honors see more than players. change manners.

look on the bright side, or polish up the the Lord who gave can take away See dark one See always look on the the lord gives and the lord takes away. bright side. lose an hour in the morning, chase it all look out for number one See take care day Time lost in the morning is impos- of number one. sible to make up later in the day: His secretary was always punctual, knowing that is she loose lips sink ships Careless talk can lost an hour in the morning she would chase it cause trouble, if it results in the wrong all day. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in people gaining access to sensitive infor- 1859 in Samuel Smiles’s Self-Help. mation: “Mr. Hopkins, who said he was Variant of this proverb: lost time is ‘appalled’ when Mr. Aspin left the hearing never found again. Tuesday and talked at length with report- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ers waiting outside, was particularly harsh an hour in the morning is worth in his criticism today. ‘It makes us bring two in the evening; time lost cannot back the old saying, perhaps—loose lips be recalled. sink ships,’ Mr. Hopkins said” (New York Times, 1987). The proverb originated as a love and a cough cannot be hid It is security slogan of World War II. impossible to conceal the fact that you

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are in love with somebody: It is said that was ﬁ rst recorded in English in Chaucer’s love and a cough cannot be hid, but they Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). managed to keep their relationship secret for several months. Of Latin origin, the proverb love is blind; friendship closes its eyes was ﬁ rst recorded in English in 1573 in Lovers do not notice each other’s faults, J. Sandforde’s Garden of Pleasure (1573): whereas friends notice but disregard them: “Foure things cannot be kept close, Loue, Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes—I know the cough, fyre, and sorrowe.” Jack’s a rogue, but I still value him as a friend, Variant of this proverb: love and whereas Molly is too infatuated with him to smoke cannot be hidden. believe that he’s anything but a saint.

love begets love The best way to win love is free People tend to fall in love somebody’s affection is to treat him or regardless of the suitability of the match her in a loving manner: “Love begets or other obstacles. The proverb was fi rst love, and . . . if a man loves God, then recorded c. 1386 in Geoffrey Chaucer’s that glowing beam will glow whether it The Knight’s Tale: “Thynk wel that love is is turned to earth or turned to heaven” fre! And I wol love hire mawgree al thy (Alexander MacLaren, The Epistle to the myght.” Ephesians, 1909). Of Latin origin, the Proverb expressing similar meaning: proverb was fi rst recorded in English in love will find a way. Robert Herrick’s Hesperides (1648): “Love love begets, then never be/Unsoft to him love laughs at locksmiths Nothing and who’s smooth to thee.” nobody can keep lovers apart: There’s no point in trying to stop her seeing her boy- love conquers all Love can overcome friend by making her a prisoner in her own any obstacle or opposition: Their relation- home—love laughs at locksmiths. The prov- ship survived and fl ourished, despite parental erb dates from 1803, when it was used as disapproval and long periods of separation, the title of a play by George Colman. The proving that love does indeed conquer all. sentiment it expresses, however, occurs The proverb comes from the writings of in Shakespeare’s poem “Venus and Adonis” Virgil (70–19 b.c.): “Omnia vincit Amor (1592–93): “Were beauty under twenty [Love conquers all things].” The alterna- locks kept fast,/Yet love breaks through tive Latin form “Amor vincit omnia” occurs and picks them all at last.” in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: love will find a way. love will find a way. love makes the world go round Love love is blind People do not notice the gives motivation and meaning to all faults of those they love: “Love is blind. human activity: “‘Oh, ’tis love, ’tis love It’s also deaf and sometimes stupid” (Wash- that makes the world go round!’ ‘Some- ington Times, 1998). Of ancient origin, the body said,’ Alice whispered, ‘that it’s done proverb occurs in the writings of the Greek by everybody minding their own busi- poet Theocritus (c. 308–c. 240 b.c.). It ness’” (Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in

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Wonderland, 1865). The proverb occurs in those who condemn capitalism on the basis of a French popular song of unknown date the proverb “The love of money is the root of all and authorship, and a similar observation evil.” The proverb is of biblical origin: “For regarding heaven was made by the Italian the love of money is the root of all evil: poets Jacopone da Todi (c. 1230–1306) which while some coveted after, they have and Dante Alighieri (1265–1321). In his erred from the faith” (1 Timothy 6:10). novel Whisky Galore (1947), Compton Proverb expressing similar meaning: Mackenzie wrote, “Love makes the world money is the root of all evil. go round? Not at all. Whisky makes it go round twice as fast.” love will fi nd a way There are no effective obstacles to or defenses against love: love me, love my dog If you love some- The behavior of diffi cult children can improve body, you must be prepared to accept dramatically after a few months in a car- or tolerate everything and everybody ing foster family—love will fi nd a way. The connected with that person—his or her proverb was fi rst recorded in Thomas failings, idiosyncrasies, friends, rela- Deloney’s The Gentle Craft (c. 1598). tives, and so on: “‘I hope, Glencora, you Proverbs expressing similar mean- do not count me as your enemy?’ said ing: love conquers all; love is free; Mrs. Marsham, drawing herself up. ‘But love laughs at locksmiths. I shall—certainly, if you attack Alice. Love me, love my dog. I beg your pardon, love your enemy, but don’t put a gun Alice; but what I meant was this, Mrs. in his hand Treat your enemies with Marsham; Love me, love the best friend I respect and humanity, but also with cau- have in the world’” (Anthony Trollope, Can tion— do not give them the opportunity You Forgive Her?, 1864). The proverb dates to repay your kindness with an act of from the 12th century or earlier, and was aggression: Several people spoke against the used in a sermon by Saint Bernard: “qui proposal, warning that it could prove to be a me amat, amat et canem meum [who loves step too far in the détente between East and me, also loves my dog].” West. One of them reminded the assembly of the proverb “Love your enemy, but don’t put a gun love me little, love me long Warm affec- in his hand.” tion lasts longer than burning passion: Their relationship was far too intense to love your neighbor as yourself Every- last—there is truth in the old saying “Love me body should treat everybody else with little, love me long.” The proverb dates from respect, kindness, and tolerance: The before 1500. The sentiment it expresses world would be a better place if only people occurs in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and could be persuaded to follow this simple rule: Juliet (2:6), “Therefore love moderately; “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The prov- long love doth so.” erb is of biblical origin: “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the the love of money is the root of all children of thy people, but thou shalt love evil Greed and avarice are the cause of thy neighbor as thyself ” (Leviticus 19:18). many of the ills of this world: There are Extensions of the proverb include “Love

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your neighbor, but don’t pull down the six games in succession, she consoled herself with fence” and “Love your neighbor, but leave the saying “Lucky at cards, unlucky in love.” The his wife alone.” proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1866, but with the implication that it had long been lucky at cards, unlucky in love Those in general use. The sentiment it expresses who have luck at card games are less for- occurs in Jonathan Swift’s Polite Conversation tunate in matters of the heart; said when (1738): “Well, Miss, you’ll have a sad Hus- somebody wins or loses at cards: After losing band, you have such good Luck at Cards.”

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make a virtue of necessity The best the crowds of people who came up to way to handle an undesirable situation is Nodwengu that in a week I had sold to turn it to your advantage: “Welcomed everything I had to sell in the two wagons, as a friend of the house, I had nothing for that were mostly laden with cloth, beads, it but to take my seat quietly, and making knives and so forth” (H. Rider Haggard, a virtue of necessity, endeavour to derive Child of Storm, 1913). The proverb was my share of the beneﬁ t arising from ﬁ rst recorded in John Heywood’s Dialogue an excellent sermon” (Sir Walter Scott, of Proverbs (1546). Chronicles of the Canongate, 1827). Of Proverbs expressing similar mean- ancient origin, the proverb occurs in the ing: hoist your sail when the wind is writings of Chaucer and Shakespeare. fair; strike while the iron is hot.

make haste slowly Do not rush—you a man can only die once Death can will achieve your end more quickly if you only happen once in a lifetime: The con- proceed with care: In conducting an investi- demned man was sanguine about the coming gation of this nature, the police were well aware ordeal, telling himself “a man can only die of the need to make haste slowly—it was far once.” The proverb was first recorded too easy to overlook a vital clue. In its Latin c. 1597 by William Shakespeare in 2 form “Festina lente,” the proverb is attrib- Henry IV (3:2), in the form “A man can uted to the Roman emperor Augustus (63 die but once.” b.c.–a.d. 14). It was ﬁ rst recorded in its current form in Benjamin Franklin’s Poor man does not live by bread alone Peo- Richard’s Almanack (1744). ple need more than the basic necessities, Proverb expressing similar meaning: such as food and shelter, to lead a full slow and steady wins the race. and satisfying life: “Man, we know, cannot live by bread alone but hang me if I make hay while the sun shines Take don’t believe that some women could live advantage of an opportunity or a favorable by love alone” (Joseph Conrad, Chance, situation when it presents itself, because 1913). The proverb is of biblical origin: it may be short-lived: “Meanwhile . . . “man doth not live by bread only, but by I was busy with my own affairs, making every word that proceedeth out of the hay while the sun shone. So great were mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3),

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“It is written, Man shall not live by bread a man is innocent until proven guilty A alone, but by every word that proceedeth person accused of a crime or wrongdoing out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). is assumed to be innocent until his or her Variant of this proverb: man cannot guilt has been proved; a legal principle live by bread alone. in many countries: “‘Do you feel your “no comment” will be translated as say- a man in debt is caught in a net Those ing you’re guilty?’ ‘To my knowledge,’ he who owe money are trapped by their obli- said, ‘you’re innocent until proven guilty’” gations and at the mercy of their creditors: (New York Times, 1989). The proverb was My father once told me, “A man in debt is caught ﬁ rst recorded in 1910, but the sentiment in a net,” and on the basis of that advice I have it expresses is of earlier origin, e.g., never borrowed a cent from anybody. Junius, Letters: “Where the guilt is doubt- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ful, a presumption of innocence should in out of debt, out of danger. general be admitted.”

a man is a lion in his own cause People a man is known by the company he tend to exceed expectations when they keeps People may base their judgment have a personal interest in something: No of you on the reputation or character of one thought he would put up much of a struggle those you associate with, so take care in in court, but men can prove lions in their own choosing your friends: “Now when you cause. The proverb was fi rst recorded in came here, I told you to make friends David Fergusson, Scottish Proverbs, 1641. slowly, I told you to make sure they were the right kinds of friends. You’re known by a man is as old as he feels, and a woman the company you keep” (Robert Anderson, as old as she looks Chronological age Tea and Sympathy, 1953). First recorded in is irrelevant—a man of 40 may feel 30 1541 with different wording, the proverb on a good day and 50 on a bad day, and a appeared in 1591 in a book offering advice woman can use clothing and cosmetics to to those preparing for marriage: “If a man make herself look younger or older than can be known by nothing else, then he may she is: “She is always making me out so be known by his companions.” much older than I am and that’s not fair, Proverb expressing similar meaning: for a man is only as old as he feels and a birds of a feather flock together. woman is only as old as she looks” (V. Lush, Thames Journal, 1871). The quotation is man is the measure of all things Hu- the fi rst recorded use of the proverb. Its man beings are capable of rising to any two halves are often used separately, the challenge: “As of all things man is said the fi rst to encourage a youthful attitude to measure,/So your full merits measure life, and the second to encourage women forth a man” (George Chapman, Caesar to take care of their appearance. Facetious and Pompey, 1631). Similar sentiments variants include “A man is as old as the were voiced by Plato, but the earliest woman he feels” and “A man is as old as record of the proverb in English dates to he feels, a woman as old as she feels like 1547, when it appeared in W. Baldwin’s admitting.” Morall Phylosophie.

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manners make the man Good manners of crisis, and such times give God the are of the utmost importance: Remember opportunity to demonstrate his power: that manners make the man—you will be judged “In the fi rst winter of the war . . . we were on how you behave, not on what you look like, all much encouraged by tales of a new where you come from, or who your parents are. thirst for religion among the majority First recorded c. 1350, the proverb was the of the men. . . . ‘Man’s extremity, God’s motto of the bishop of Winchester, Eng- opportunity’” (E. A. Burroughs, The Valley land, William of Wykeham (1324–1404). of Decision, 1916). The proverb was fi rst Variant of this proverb: manners recorded in 1629. maketh man. Proverb expressing similar meaning: the danger past and god forgotten. man proposes, God disposes Human plans and ambitions will come to noth- a man’s got to do what a man’s got ing unless God chooses to permit their to do You must do what needs to be realization: “‘he will allow you an income done, or what you feel ought to be done, of 50,000 livres per annum during the however unpleasant it may be; sometimes whole time of your stay in Paris.’ ‘Then in used facetiously: It won’t be easy, breaking that case I shall always choose to remain the news to them, but a man’s got to do what there.’ ‘You cannot control circumstances, a man’s got to do. The proverb is associated my dear sir; “man proposes, and God dis- with the U.S. actor John Wayne, who poses”’” (Alexandre Dumas, The Count of used it in the movie Stagecoach (1939). It Monte Cristo, 1844–45). First recorded in also occurs in John Steinbeck’s novel The French in the early 14th century, the prov- Grapes of Wrath (1939): “I know this—a erb occurs in its Latin form, “homo propo- man got to do what he got to do.” nit, sed Deus disponit,” in Thomas à Kempis’s De Imitatione Christi (c. 1420), which was a man’s home is his castle People have translated into English c. 1450. the right to privacy and freedom of action in their own home: “A man’s home is his man’s best friend is his dog See a dog castle—he can defend it with bazookas is a man’s best friend. and machine guns if he knows where to get them” (Clifford Irving, The Campbell a man’s best reputation for the future Murder Case, 1988). The proverb was fi rst is his record of the past A person’s recorded in 1581 and enshrines a legal record of past achievement or conduct maxim stated by the English jurist Sir may be used to predict his or her future Edward Coke (1552–1634): “For a man’s performance: A man’s best reputation for the house is his castle, et domus sua cuique tutis- future is his record of the past, so with a résumé simum refugium [and each man’s home is like this you should have no diffi culty fi nding his safest refuge].” It is sometimes adapted another job. The proverb is recorded as a to different situations by substituting regional expression in the United States. another word for home, as in “A man’s automobile is his castle.” man’s extremity is God’s opportunity Variant of this proverb: an English- People often turn to religion in times man’s home is his castle.

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a man’s word is as good as his person through life, and control his or her bond Honorable people do not break behavior, just as a bridle is used to guide their promises: I said I would repay the money and control a horse: My grandmother was before the end of the month, and I will do so—a fairly tolerant in matters of religion, believing man’s word is as good as his bond. The proverb that everybody should be allowed to worship their was fi rst recorded c. 1500 in the form “A own god, but she had no time for atheists. “A man king’s word should be a king’s bond.” without a religion is a horse without a bridle,” she Variants of this proverb: an hon- used to say. The proverb is fi rst recorded in est man’s word is as good as his bond; a Robert Burton’s The Anatomy of Melancholy gentleman’s word is his bond. (1621). The proverb is of Latin origin: Homo Proverb expressing opposite mean- sine religione, sicut equus sine freno. ing: promises, like piecrust, are made to be broken. a man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle Self-centeredness is man’s work lasts till set of sun; woman’s not a quality that is associated with great- work is never done See a woman’s ness: Rather than wallowing in self-pity after work is never done. the death of his wife, he threw himself into voluntary work for a number of good causes, the man who is born in a stable is not a on the basis that a man wrapped up in himself horse A person does not necessarily have makes a very small bundle. the stereotypical characteristics of the place where he or she was born: Teased at college many a little makes a mickle Small about his Oklahoma origins, he used to reply, “The amounts accumulate to form a large quan- man who is born in a stable is not a horse.” The tity; often used of small sums of money proverb is attributed to Arthur Wellesley, saved over a long period: “My mother Duke of Wellington (1769–1852). used, upon all occasions, to inculcate some Variant of this proverb: because a salutary axioms . . . and as I grew up, man is born in a stable that does not make stored my memory with deeper observa- him a horse. tions; restrained me from the usual puer- ile expenses, by remarking that MANY a man who is his own lawyer has a fool A LITTLE MADE A MICKLE” (Samuel for his client It is not wise to act as your Johnson, Essays, c. 1750). The proverb was own attorney in a court of law, or in some fi rst recorded in this form in 1614, but the other legal process; also used in other fi elds sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. of activity requiring professional expertise Mickle is a dialect word for a large quantity. or objectivity: She decided to represent herself, The variant form “Many a mickle makes a despite our warnings that a man who is his own muckle” is actually meaningless, as muckle lawyer has a fool for his client, with disastrous is synonymous with mickle. consequences. The proverb was fi rst recorded Variant of this proverb: many a in 1809 in Philadelphia (Port Folio). mickle makes a muckle. Proverbs expressing similar mean- a man without a religion is a horse with- ing: every little helps; little and out a bridle Religion helps to guide a often fills the purse.

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many are called, but few are chosen erb was fi rst recorded in 1599 in John Not everybody who wants to do something Minsheu’s Spanish Dialogues. is selected or permitted to do it; used in any elitist situation: Although some of the lesser- many hands make light work Work known colleges and universities are desperate for is quickly and easily done when many students, in the case of Harvard and similarly people help: Come on, many hands make prestigious institutions, many are called but few light work, and if we all do our bit the house are chosen. The proverb is of biblical origin, will be spotless again by the time my parents get occurring in this form in Matthew 22:14. back. Of ancient origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded in English c. 1330. many a true word is spoken in jest Proverb expressing opposite mean- Something said jokingly often proves to ing: too many cooks spoil the broth. be true: Many a true word is spoken in jest, and the seeds of suspicion were sown in my many kiss the hand they wish to see cut mind when somebody fl ippantly remarked, off A person’s true feelings or intentions regarding my wife’s strange behavior, “Perhaps may be concealed by the mask of politeness she’s having an affair.” The proverb was or hypocrisy; used to warn against being fi rst recorded in this form in 1665, but deceived by such a show: Some were surprised the sentiment it expresses is of earlier to see him at the ceremony, knowing his intense origin, occurring in Chaucer’s Canterbury dislike of everything the organization stands for, Tales (c.1390): “Be nat wrooth, my lord, but many kiss the hand they wish to see cut off. though that I pleye./Ful ofte in game a The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1599 in sooth [truth] I have herd seye!” John Minsheu’s Spanish Dialogues. Variant of this proverb: there’s many a true word said in jest. March comes in like a lion and goes out Proverb expressing similar meaning: like a lamb The month of March often jesters do oft prove prophets. begins with wild, stormy weather and ends with mild, fair weather: Those who are many drops of water make an ocean See still repairing the damage caused by the storms little drops of water, little grains that struck the region earlier this month are of sand, make a mighty ocean and a hoping that the saying about March coming in pleasant land. like a lion and going out like a lamb will prove true. The proverb dates from before 1625 many go out for wool and come home (John Fletcher, A Wife for a Month). shorn Many people who set out to Variant of this proverb: March is in make their fortune, or to achieve some like a lion, out like a lamb. other aim, end up in a worse state than before: “Some go intent on repairing the March winds and April showers always ravages of Epsom or Newmarket [English bring May fl owers See april showers horse-racing events]; and in this specula- bring may flowers. tive section not a few . . . who go for wool come away shorn” (G. W. E. Russell, marriage is a lottery Whether a mar- Sketches and Snapshots, 1910). The prov- riage succeeds or fails is all a matter of

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luck; also applied to the choice of a mar- marry in May, rue for aye According riage partner: If it’s true that marriage is a to popular superstition, it is unlucky to lottery, then my grandparents must be one of marry in May: My mother was horrifi ed to the couples that hit the jackpot. The prov- hear that we had chosen May 15 for our wed- erb was fi rst recorded in 1642 (Thomas ding day. “Marry in May, rue for aye!” she cried. Fuller’s Holy State). I wonder what she would have said if she had lived to join us at our 50th anniversary cel- marriages are made in heaven Pro- ebrations last weekend. The proverb occurs vidence decides who will marry whom: in the writings of the Roman poet Ovid “I have always liked the sound of the (43 b.c.–a.d. 18): “mense malum Maio phrase ‘a marriage has been arranged’ nubere volgus ait [the common people say . . . . I prefer the idea of arrangement it is bad luck to marry in May].” to that other statement, that marriages are made in Heaven” (Stella Gibbons, May chickens come cheeping Children Cold Comfort Farm, 1932). The proverb born in the month of May are weak and was first recorded in 1567, in William delicate: Born on May 20, 1902, he never Painter’s Palace of Pleasure: “True it is, had a day’s illness in his life and died at the that marriages be don in Heaven and grand old age of 98. So much for the proverb performed in earth.” It has given rise “May chickens come cheeping”! The proverb to the figurative phrase a marriage made was fi rst recorded in 1868 in A. Hislop’s in heaven, describing an ideal marriage The Proverbs of Scotland. or any merger or combination of two parties or elements that are in perfect meat and mass never hindered man You harmony. can always fi nd time to eat and to go to Proverb expressing similar meaning: church; said to somebody who claims to hanging and wiving go by destiny. be too busy, or in too much of a hurry, for one or both of these: “Meat and mass marry in haste, repent at leisure Those never hindered man. The mass I cannot who rush into marriage, and subsequently afford you, for we are all good Protes- discover that they have made a mistake, tants. But the meat I press on your atten- may have to live with the unpleasant tion” (Robert Louis Stevenson, Catriona, consequences for a long time: “‘Marry 1893). The proverb dates from before in haste and repent at leisure’ is a prov- 1628. erb that may be borne in mind with advantage in the choice of a party as well medicine can prolong life, but death as of a wife” (Sir William Stirling-Max- will seize the doctor, too The power of well, Works, 1872). The proverb was fi rst medicine is limited, and everybody must recorded in 1568. It is sometimes applied die eventually: Those who expect miracles of to other acts of rashness, with a different the medical profession would do well to remem- verb in place of marry. ber the saying “Medicine can prolong life, but Proverb expressing opposite mean- death will seize the doctor too.” ing: happy’s the wooing that’s not Proverb expressing similar meaning: long a-doing. death defies the doctor.

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the meek shall inherit the earth Hu- Gray. A jocular variant runs: “Men are mility will ultimately be rewarded: “We from earth, women are from earth. Deal have the highest authority for believing with it.” that the meek shall inherit the Earth; though I have never found any particular men make houses, women make corroboration of this aphorism in the homes Although men can build or buy records of Somerset House [British reg- property, it takes a woman to turn a istry of births, marriages, and deaths]” house into a home: His apartment is very (F. E. Smith, Earl of Birkenhead, Contem- tastefully furnished, but it’s a bit austere porary Personalities, 1924). The proverb is and unwelcoming—as they say, “Men make of biblical origin: “Blessed are the meek: houses, women make homes.” The proverb for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew was fi rst recorded in 1938 in Selwyn Gur- 5:5). The facetious variant “The meek ney Champion’s Racial Proverbs. shall inherit the earth, but not its mineral Variant of this proverb: men build rights” is attributed to the U.S. oil execu- houses, women build homes. tive J. Paul Getty (1892–1976). Equally fl ippant is the modern variant “The geek a merry heart makes a cheerful counte- shall inherit the earth.” nance Inward feelings of happiness are Proverb expressing similar meaning: refl ected on the face: I’m supposed to greet soft and fair goes far; softly, softly, the customers with a happy face, but what do catchee monkey. I have to smile about? If a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, it’s small wonder that men are blind in their own cause Peo- I’m accused of looking miserable most of the ple cannot be objective or think rationally time. The proverb is of biblical origin: in matters they feel very strongly about: “A merry heart maketh a cheerful coun- It’s useless trying to reason with him—men are tenance: but by sorrow of the heart the blind in their own cause. The proverb was spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13). fi rst recorded in 1546 in John Heywood’s Variant of this proverb: the joy of the Dialogue of Proverbs. heart makes the face fair. Proverb expressing similar meaning: nobody should be judge in his own might makes right In any dispute or cause. contest, the more powerful party will prevail, regardless of justice: Might makes men are from Mars, women are from right, and litigation is a costly and futile exer- Venus Men and women have essentially cise when the defendant is one of the largest dissimilar natures: My mother and father multinational companies in the world. First never agreed about anything, but then, men recorded in English in the early 14th are from Mars and women are from Venus. It century, the proverb is of ancient origin, achieved proverbial status after appearing occurring in the epic Pharsalia by the as the title of the 1993 book Men Are from Roman poet Lucan (a.d. 39–65) “men- Mars, Women Are from Venus: A Practical Guide suraque iuris vis erat [might was the mea- for Improving Communication and Getting sure of right].” The sentiment it expresses What You Want in Your Relationships by John occurs even earlier, in Plato’s Republic

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(fourth century b.c.): “justice is nothing patience He stands waiting, with exact- else than the interest of the stronger.” ness grinds He all.” Variants of this proverb: might is Variant of this proverb: the mills of right; might beats right. God grind slowly, but they grind exceed- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ingly fi ne. providence is always on the side of the big battalions. a mind is a terrible thing to waste Ev- erybody should make best use of the the mill cannot grind with the water that intellectual capacity they have: “We will is past There is no point in looking back launch a renaissance in education, in sci- with regret on missed opportunities; used ence and learning. A mind is a terrible either to encourage people to take full thing to waste” (Walter Mondale, New York advantage of the present or simply to dis- Times, 1984). The proverb has been the courage them from yearning for the past: slogan of the United Negro College Fund “It did no good to think back. The mill since 1972. cannot grind with the water that is past, Proverb expressing similar meaning: as the old people in the mountains used mind unemployed is mind unenjoyed. to say” (Guy Richards, Red Kill, 1980). The proverb was fi rst recorded in Thomas mind unemployed is mind unenjoyed By Draxe’s Adages (1616). failing to put your mind to use you fail to Proverbs expressing similar mean- take advantage of the resources and plea- ing: seize the day; take time by the sures it offers you: At his retirement party forelock. he announced that he had enrolled for a correspondence course in sociology, on the basis of the the mills of God grind slowly, yet they proverb “Mind unemployed is mind unenjoyed.” grind exceedingly small Retribution Proverb expressing similar meaning: may be a long time in coming, but it a mind is a terrible thing to waste. cannot be avoided; also loosely applied to any slow or painstaking process: You mind your own business Concentrate may think you’ve got off scot-free, but just you upon your own affairs (rather than those wait—the mills of God grind slowly, yet they of others): “The Devil has got a lot of grind exceedingly small. The proverb was maxims which his adherents . . . are not fi rst recorded in English in 1640 in the slow to use—‘Mind your own business’” form “God’s mill grinds slow, but sure.” It (R. J. Mackenzie, Life, 1905). The proverb originated in a line quoted by the Greek (now used more often as a rebuke to those philosopher Sextus Empiricus (second who interfere in the business of others) century a.d.), which was subsequently was fi rst recorded in 1639 in J. Clarke’s used by the German poet Friedrich Von Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina. Logau (1604–55) in a poem ultimately translated into English by Henry Wad- misery loves company When you are sworth Longfellow (1807–82): “Though unhappy, it is good to be with others who the mills of God grind slowly, yet they have suffered in a similar way, or simply grind exceeding small;/Though with with people who will listen to your woes

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and offer sympathy; also used to imply 1825). The proverb was fi rst recorded in that miserable or unfortunate people like 1614 in the form “An inch in a miss is as everybody around them to be in the same good as an ell.” situation: Group therapy can be very effective in cases like these—misery loves company. The moderation in all things Excess is to proverb dates from before 1349. be avoided wherever possible: Too much Proverb expressing similar meaning: strenuous exercise can be as bad for you as too a trouble shared is a trouble halved. little—moderation in all things. The proverb comes from the Greek poet Hesiod’s misery makes strange bedfellows See Works and Days (eighth century b.c.) “mod- adversity makes strange bedfellows. eration is best in all things.” Proverbs expressing similar mean- misfortunes never come singly It is ing: enough is as good as a feast; often the case that several misfortunes enough is enough; there’s measure in happen together, or in quick succession: all things. “‘We are now without father: we shall soon be without home and brother,’ she Monday’s child is fair of face Children murmured. At that moment a little acci- born on a Monday are supposed to be dent supervened, which seemed decreed good-looking: I was born on a Monday, but by fate purposely to prove the truth of I sometimes fi nd it hard to believe the saying the adage, that ‘misfortunes never come “Monday’s child is fair of face” when I look singly.’ . . . St. John passed the win- in the mirror! The proverb is the fi rst line dow reading a letter. He entered. ‘Our of a traditional rhyme. See entries at the uncle John is dead,’ said he” (Charlotte days of the week for other proverbs from Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847). The proverb this rhyme. was fi rst recorded, with different wording, c. 1300. The sentiment it expresses money begets money It is easy to make occurs in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (4:5), more money when you already have some: “When sorrows come, they come not “‘Wish I knew something about business.’ single spies,/But in battalions.” The cur- ‘I can tell you all I know in one sentence. rent form of the proverb dates from the Money gets money’” (John Steinbeck, 17th or 18th century. The Winter of Our Discontent, 1961). The Variants of this proverb: misfortunes proverb was fi rst recorded in T. Wilson’s seldom come alone; troubles never come Discourse upon Usury (1572). singly. Variants of this proverb: money gets Proverb expressing similar meaning: money; money makes money; money it never rains but it pours. loves company. Proverb expressing similar meaning: a miss is as good as a mile If you fail, it takes money to make money. the margin of failure is irrelevant: “He was very near being a poet—but a miss is money burns a hole in the pocket Peo- as good as a mile, and he always fell short ple are often too eager to spend their of the mark” (Sir Walter Scott, Journal, money: Money burns a hole in the pocket—

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my grandmother used to give me some money to (Arnold Bennett, Mr. Prohack, 1922). The take on vacation, and my parents always had to proverb comes from a story about the restrain me from spending it all on the fi rst day. Roman emperor Vespasian, whose son The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1530 in objected to a tax on public lavatories. the works of Sir Thomas More: “A little Vespasian asked him to sniff a coin thus wanton money which . . . burned out the obtained, and he was forced to admit that bottom of his purse.” it did not smell offensive. The proverb is sometimes quoted in the Latin form “Non money can’t buy happiness Money olet [It does not smell].” cannot satisfy your emotional or spiritual needs: Money can’t buy happiness, as a num- money isn’t everything Money is not ber of lottery jackpot winners have discovered. the only thing that matters: “He said quite The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1792. angrily that money was not everything, Other words may be substituted for hap- there was the satisfaction of knowing piness, such as love or friends. you’d turned out a good job” (Flora Proverbs expressing opposite mean- Thompson, Still Glides the Stream, 1948). ing: a heavy purse makes a light heart; The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1842 in a light purse makes a heavy heart. the form “Money is not all.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: money doesn’t grow on trees Money is the best things in life are free. not easily earned or acquired; often said by a parent to a child who is constantly asking money is power Wealthy people can have for money or who spends it unwisely: No, or do what they want: “‘Money is power,’ I won’t give you 100 dollars to buy a ticket for Lanny said. ‘Money commands respect and the concert. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you obedience from other people’” (Upton know. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Sinclair, A World to Win, 1946). The prov- 1750. With another word in place of money erb was fi rst recorded in 1741 (N. Ames, it may be used in different situations, to Almanacs). indicate a scarcity of the specifi ed thing, Proverbs expressing similar mean- as in “Jobs don’t grow on trees” or “Good ing: a golden key can open any door; teachers don’t grow on trees.” money talks.

money gets money See money begets money is round and rolls away Money money. is easily spent: Money is round and rolls away—despite my best efforts, I never seem money has no smell Money that comes to have any left at the end of the week. The from unsavory or questionable sources is proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1619 in no different from—and no less acceptable Helpe to Discourse. than—money that comes from anywhere Proverb expressing similar meaning: else: “The associations of the wealth riches have wings. scarcely affected him. He understood in the ﬂ esh the deep wisdom of that old money is the root of all evil Money proverb . . . that money has no smell” is the cause of many undesirable human

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qualities and the motivation for many Variant of this proverb: money makes wicked or immoral acts: He justifi ed the the mare to go. low wages he paid to his workers by quoting the Proverb expressing similar meaning: proverb “Money is the root of all evil.” Based money makes the world go round. on a misquotation of the biblical saying “the love of money is the root of all evil” money makes the world go round (1 Timothy 6:10), the proverb was fi rst Money funds most human affairs: Ideal- recorded in its current form in 1777.The ism is all very well, but it’s money makes the opposite view was put forward by Samuel world go round. This relatively modern Butler, in Erewhon (1872)—“The want proverb began life as a song title from the of money is the root of all evil”—and Fred Ebb and John Kander musical Caba- George Bernard Shaw, in Man and Super- ret (1966), although similar sentiments man (1903): “Lack of money is the root expressing virtually the same thing date of all evil.” back much earlier. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: the love of money is the root of all money makes the mare go. evil. money talks Wealthy people have great money loves company See money infl uence: “‘At least I assume they are mil- begets money. lionaires?’ ‘That is what they would like you to assume, certainly. And if money money makes a man People are talks . . . they are certainly making the impressed by wealth, and have respect and right amount of noise’” (Anita Brookner, admiration for those with money: “Money Hotel du Lac, 1984). The proverb was fi rst maketh a man; even if he was a monkey to recorded in 1666, in an Italian proverb start with” (D. H. Lawrence, letter dated collection, in the form “Gold speaks.” A May 7, 1920). The proverb dates from facetious variant is “Money talks, but all it before 1500. says is goodbye.” Proverbs expressing similar mean- money makes money See money begets ing: a golden key can open any door; money. money is power.

money makes the mare go Money monkey see, monkey do Foolish people enables things to be done, and things are mindlessly copy others: On the basis of the done faster or more readily for those saying “Monkey see, monkey do,” stunts like who are willing and able to pay well: these have to be accompanied by the warn- Money makes the mare go, and a not-too- ing “Don’t try this at home” when shown on subtle display of wealth can work wonders prime-time television. The proverb was ﬁ rst in cutting through red tape. The proverb recorded in 1934 in Robert Hare’s Hand was ﬁ rst recorded in 1573 in the form of the Chimpanzee (1934). “Money makes the horse to go,” but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier more die of food than famine Exces- origin. sive indulgence in the wrong type of food

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is a bigger killer than famine: Posters bear- much, and something thought to be new ing the message “More die of food than famine,” and different—or peculiar to the current part of a new campaign for healthy eating, age—is often very similar to something have been criticized by some of the charitable that has happened before: Reading 19th- organizations involved in overseas aid. century literature, I am often struck by the truth of the proverb “The more things change, the more more haste, less speed If you do things they stay the same.” The proverb originated hurriedly, you will make more mistakes in French, in Alphonse Karr’s Les Guêpes and ultimately take longer; often used to (1849): “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même advise somebody to act more slowly or chose,” and the French form is sometimes carefully: “Ah, those advisers!” said he. used by English speakers, often abbreviated “If we had listened to them all we should to “Plus ça change.” The proverb was fi rst not have made peace with Turkey and recorded in English in George Bernard should not have been through with that Shaw’s The Revolutionists’ Handbook (1903). war. Everything in haste, but more haste, Proverbs expressing similar meaning: less speed” (Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, history repeats itself; there’s nothing 1863–69). The proverb was fi rst recorded new under the sun. c. 1350 in the form “The more haste, the worse speed.” the more you get, the more you Variant of this proverb: more haste, want Getting what you want only leads worse speed. to a desire for more: “I was averaging Proverb expressing similar meaning: eighty to a hundred a week. Well, you always in a hurry, always behind. know how it is. The more you get the more you want” (George Harmon Coxe, The the more said, the less done The more Glass Triangle, 1940). The proverb was fi rst things are talked about, the less likely recorded, with different wording, c. 1340 they are to get done: We could talk about in R. Rolle’s Psalter. this all night, but the more said, the less done. Variant of this proverb: the more you The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1760 in have, the more you want. George Colman’s Polly Honeycombe: “It’s Proverb expressing similar meaning: an old saying and a true one, The more much would have more. there’s said the less there’s done.” the more you stir it, the worse it the more the merrier The more people stinks The more you investigate an unsa- who take part, the more fun everybody vory or dubious affair, the more unpleas- will have, so extra people are always wel- ant details you discover: The more you stir come: “Is it OK with you if Tom and Megan it, the worse it stinks—it now appears that a come along too?” “Sure, the more the merrier.” number of major public fi gures were involved in The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1340 in the scandal, and the cover-up was coordinated the alliterative poem Pearl. by the president himself. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546 in John Heywood, the more things change, the more they Dialogue of Proverbs: “The more we stur a stay the same Things never change very tourde [turd], the wours it will stynke.”

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Variant of this proverb: the more you the mother of mischief is no bigger than stir a stink, the louder it smells. a midge’s wing A great quarrel, or other major trouble, is often caused by morning dreams come true According something trivial: The mother of mischief to popular superstition, the dreams you is no bigger than a midge’s wing, and a have in the early hours of the morning, throwaway remark about her sister’s in-laws or just before waking, are the most likely led to a family feud that lasted for more than to come true: If morning dreams really do 20 years. The proverb dates from before come true, then I’m in for an interesting day 1628. at work—I dreamed this morning that my boss was found wandering naked in the park- a mouse may help a lion Small or ing lot! The proverb was fi rst recorded lowly people can sometimes give valu- in this form in 1813, but the sentiment able assistance to those who are greater it expresses is of ancient origin: in the or more powerful than themselves: “I second century b.c. the pastoral poet only offer to show my gratitude by doing Moschus wrote, “at the third watch of what I can. . . . A mouse may help a lion” the night, when dawn is near, . . . and (John Buchan, The House of the Four Winds, when the fl ock of true dreams is out 1935). The proverb comes from one of grazing.” the fables of Aesop (sixth century b.c.), in which a mouse helps a lion caught in most people consider thrift a fi ne vir- a trap by chewing through the ropes that tue in ancestors People are generally bind it. pleased when the thrift of their ancestors enables them to live comfortably without the mouse that has but one hole is having to be too thrifty themselves: If it quickly taken Do not be dependent on is true that most people consider thrift a fi ne one thing alone, or on a single possible virtue in ancestors, then the fortune amassed course of action, but have other options by his family over the generations should make in reserve: Be sure to have an alternative plan him the envy of the nation. to fall back on if the fi rst one fails—remember that the mouse that has but one hole is quickly a mother can take care of ten children, taken. Of ancient origin, the proverb was but sometimes ten children can’t take fi rst recorded in English in Chaucer’s Can- care of one mother No matter how terbury Tales (c. 1390): “I holde a mouses many children she raises, a woman is herte nat worth a leek,/That hath but oon often neglected or abandoned by all of hole for to sterte to.” them in her old age: It’s not easy, with so Variant of this proverb: the mouse many mouths to feed, but I try to put a little that has but one hole is soon caught. money away each week in case I end up in a Proverb expressing similar mean- nursing home. Maybe I’m cynical, but I believe ing: don’t put all your eggs in one there’s a lot of truth in the saying “A mother basket. can take care of ten children, but sometimes ten children can’t take care of one mother.” The moving three times is as bad as a fi re proverb is of Jewish origin. See three moves are as bad as a fire.

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much coin, much care People with a water glideth by the mill than wots the lot of money have much to worry about. miller of ” (William Shakespeare, Titus The proverb was fi rst recorded in English Andronicus, 2:1). 1639 in J. Clarke’s Paroemiologia Anglo- Latina, although it also appeared as far much would have more People are back as the Odes of Horace, who rendered never satisfi ed with what they have: We it in the form: “Care follows increasing gave them all we could spare, but much would wealth.” have more—they returned under cover of Proverb expressing opposite mean- darkness and robbed us while we slept. The ing: a heavy purse makes a light heart. proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1350 in Douce MS 52. much cry and little wool Those who Proverb expressing similar mean- make the most noise, the loudest boasts, ing: the more you get, the more you or the greatest promises often have the want. least to offer, are the least productive, or simply fail to deliver the goods: “‘What murder will out The crime of murder noisy fellow is that in the next room?’ rarely goes undetected, and few murder- said Joe, when he had disposed of his ers escape justice: “Crimes cause their breakfast, and had washed and brushed own detection, do they? And murder will himself. ‘A recruiting serjeant,’ replied out . . ., will it?” (Wilkie Collins, The the Lion. . . . ‘And I wish . . . he was Woman in White, 1860). The proverb was anywhere else but here. The party make fi rst recorded in this form in Chaucer’s noise enough, but don’t call for much. Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “Mordre wol There’s great cry there, Mr Willet, but out; that se we day by day,” but the senti- very little wool’” (Charles Dickens, Barn- ment it expresses is of earlier origin, and aby Rudge, 1841). The proverb dates from it recurs in a number of Shakespeare’s before 1475. plays. Variant of this proverb: great cry but little wool. music hath charms to soothe the savage breast Music can have a calming infl u- much smoke, little fi re Often when ence on mind and spirit, or on violent there is most fuss about something, there people: The principle that music hath charms is least cause for it: As usual with such stories to soothe the savage breast is being tested by a in the press it was a case of much smoke, little new experimental form of therapy for hyperac- fi r e . It was fi rst recorded in 1639 in the tive and disruptive youngsters, which involves Berkeley MSS. periods of gentle exercise accompanied by Proverb expressing opposite mean- classical music. The proverb comes from ing: there’s no smoke without fire. William Congreve’s play The Mourning Bride (1697): “Music has charms to soothe much water goes by the mill that the a savage breast,/To soften rocks, or bend miller knows not of Many things are a knotted oak.” The variant is a common stolen or go astray without the knowledge misquotation. Shakespeare expressed a of the person affected: “What, man! More similar—but more disturbing—sentiment

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in his play Measure for Measure (4:1): “music my son is my son till he gets him a wife, oft hath such a charm/To make bad good, but my daughter’s my daughter all the and good provoke to harm.” days of her life See a son is a son till Variant of this proverb: music has he gets him a wife, a daughter’s a charms to soothe the savage beast. daughter all of her life.

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nature abhors a vacuum There are no a pitchfork but she keeps on coming defi ciencies in nature—whenever a gap or back; you can take the boy out of the vacancy occurs, something or somebody country but you can’t take the coun- will come along to fi ll it: “Whatever phi- try out of the boy. losophy may determine of material nature, Proverbs expressing opposite mean- it is certainly true of intellectual nature, ing: as the twig is bent, so is the tree that it abhors a vacuum: our minds cannot inclined; birth is much but breeding be empty” (Samuel Johnson, letter dated more; nurture passes nature. June 20, 1771). Of ancient origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded in English in nature will have its course There is no 1551, in Thomas Cranmer’s Answer to Gar- denying natural processes or impulses: diner: “Naturall reason abhorreth vacuum.” She tried to keep her doubts to herself but nature will have its course. The proverb was nature does nothing in vain Nothing in fi rst recorded c. 1400 in Beryn. nature happens without a purpose: The Proverbs expressing similar mean- death of some insects immediately after laying ing: nature passes nurture; you can their eggs may seem tragic, but nature does drive out nature with a pitchfork nothing in vain. A proverb that dates back but she keeps on coming back. to Aristotle, it was fi rst recorded in En- glish c. 1580 in G. Harvey’s Marginalia. the nearer the bone, the sweeter the fl esh Thin people are more attractive nature passes nurture A person’s or desirable; also used literally of meat: I inborn character, or inherited character- would describe her as skinny rather than slim, istics, cannot be changed by his or her but the nearer the bone, the sweeter the fl esh, upbringing: They worked hard to give him the as my father used to say. The proverb dates best education that money could buy, but nature from before 1398. passes nurture, and their efforts were wasted. Variant of this proverb: the closer to The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1492 in the bone, the sweeter the meat. the form “Nature goes before learning.” Proverbs expressing similar mean- the nearer the church, the farther from ing: nature will have its course; what’s God People who are active members bred in the bone will come out in the or offi cials of a church are often the least flesh; you can drive out nature with godly in their daily lives; also applied to

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those who live close to a church: “I fear it Langland’s Piers Plowman: “Nede . . . hath was a practical comment on the truth of no lawe.” It also exists in the Latin form the uncomfortable proverb, ‘The nearer “Necessitas non habet legem [Necessity has the church, the farther from God,’ that no law].” so bad a district should adjoin one of the great headquarters of the church” (Jane necessity sharpens industry Need Ellice Hopkins, Work amongst Working Men, makes people work harder: With heavy rain 1879). The proverb was fi rst recorded in forecast for the following day, I knew I only had a 1303. few hours left to fi x the roof and I worked harder than ever before—necessity sharpens industry. near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin A Proverb expressing similar meaning: person’s own best interests take prece- need makes the old wife trot. dence over those of his or her friends and family: I’m not prepared to sacrifi ce my own need makes the old wife trot Neces- chances of success for the sake of my brother— sity provides a sense of urgency: “Stimu- near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin. The lated by the spur which maketh the proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1570, in the old woman proverbially to trot, Swertha form “Nearer is my skin than shirt,” but posted down to the hamlet, with all the the sentiment it expresses occurs in the speed of threescore” (Sir Walter Scott, writings of the Roman dramatist Plautus The Pirate, 1822). The proverb was fi rst (c. 250–184 b.c.): “tunica propior palliost recorded c. 1225. [my tunic is closer than my cloak].” Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variants of this proverb: close sits my necessity sharpens industry. shirt, but closer my skin; near is my kirtle, but nearer is my smock. needs must when the devil drives There are times when people are forced to necessity is the mother of invention do things that they would not do under When people have an urgent need or a normal circumstances: I had never killed diffi cult problem, they use their creativ- an animal before, and I had no desire to kill ity and imagination to devise a solution: this one, but needs must when the devil drives. “I soled my shoes with wood, which I cut The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1450 from a tree . . . necessity is the mother of in the form “He must needs go that the invention” (Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Trav- devil drives.” els, 1726). The proverb was fi rst recorded Variant of this proverb: needs must in its current form in 1658, but the senti- when necessity drives. ment it expresses is of earlier origin. ne’er cast a clout till May be out Do necessity knows no law Rules and laws not stop wearing any item of warm are often broken at times of emergency or winter clothing before the end of May: urgent need: It went against all my principles A sudden change in the weather made us glad to steal the food, but necessity knows no law, that we had heeded the old proverb “Ne’er and my children were starving. The proverb cast a clout till May be out.” The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1377, in William was fi rst recorded in 1706, in a Span-

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ish/English dictionary, in the form “Do neither give nor take offense Try to not leave off your coat till May be past.” avoid offending anybody, and ignore any Clout is a British dialect word meaning apparent slights or insults directed at you: “rag,” and the proverb is sometimes The best way to avoid being drawn into an taken to refer to old clothes, as in Rob- argument or fi ght is to follow the golden rule ert Graves’s The White Goddess (1948): “Neither give nor take offense.” The proverb “In ancient Greece, as in Britain, this was fi rst recorded in 1948 in a U.S. prov- was the month in which people went erb collection. about in old clothes—a custom referred Variant of this proverb: neither take to in the proverb ‘Ne’er cast a clout ere offense nor make offense. May be out,’ meaning ‘do not put on new clothes until the unlucky month Nero fi ddled while Rome burned Peo- is over.’” It is sometimes wrongly sug- ple in positions of authority sometimes gested that the word May in the proverb behave irresponsibly during a crisis: Nero refers to may blossom—that is, the fi ddled while Rome burned, and the presi- hawthorn or a similar shrub. dent was more concerned with improving his Variants of this proverb: change not golf handicap than trying to avert a strike a clout till May be out; what you put off that would cripple the company. The prov- and what you put on, never change till erb refers to the legend that in a.d. 64 May be gone. Emperor Nero set fi re to the city of Rome and played his lyre while it burned. neglect will kill an injury sooner than revenge Insults and other malicious acts never ask pardon before you are are forgotten most quickly when the accused If nobody knows that you have victim chooses to ignore them: “Neglect done something wrong, do not apologize kills injuries; revenge increases them” and reveal your guilt—you may get away (Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Alma- with it: With a bit of luck he won’t notice the nack, 1733–58). The proverb was fi rst scratch on the car where I hit the wall, so I’m recorded c. 1620 in Owen Felltham’s saying nothing. My policy is “Never ask pardon Resolves, Divine, Morall, Politicall. before you are accused.” Proverb expressing similar mean- Proverb expressing similar meaning: forgive and forget; let bygones ing: he who excuses himself accuses be bygones. himself.

neither a borrower nor a lender be It never choose your women or linen by is advisable never to borrow or lend candlelight Soft or inadequate lighting anything, speciﬁ cally money: “Neither a can give people and things a deceptively borrower nor a lender be” is a lesson I learned attractive appearance, or hide their faults too late, after losing $200 and the friend and ﬂ aws: The proverb “Never choose your who borrowed it. The proverb comes from women or linen by candlelight” may sound Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (1:3; 1600–01) old-fashioned, but if you replace candlelight and is part of Polonius’s advice to his son with the lights of a disco or nightclub, there Laertes. are many young men who will vouch for its

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wisdom. The proverb was fi rst recorded made me see that there is something in 1573. Other versions of the proverb higher and nobler than a code of business advise against choosing gold or horses in ethics” (P. G. Wodehouse, Eggs, Beans and this way. Crumpets, 1940). Of uncertain origin, the Variant of this proverb: choose nei- proverb was popularized from the 1920s ther a woman nor linen by candlelight. onward by the U.S. actor W. C. Fields (1880–1946), who wrote and starred in never do evil that good may come of it a fi lm with this title in 1941. A wicked or immoral course of action cannot be vindicated by a worthy objec- never is a long time Think carefully tive: She remained fi rmly opposed to animal before you use the word never, which implies experimentation—even for medical research a certainty about the future that you cannot into lifesaving drugs—on the basis of the possess: He swore that he would never betray my proverb “Never do evil that good may come secret, but never is a long time, and I fear that I of it.” The proverb is of biblical origin: may live to regret taking him into my confi dence. “And not rather (as we be slanderously The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1721, in reported, and as some affi rm that we the form “Never is a long term,” but the say), Let us do evil, that good may come?” sentiment it expresses occurs in Chaucer’s (Romans 3:8). Canterbury Tales (c. 1390). Proverb expressing opposite mean- Variant of this proverb: never is a ing: the end justifies the means. long day. Proverb expressing similar meaning: never do things by halves Whatever never say never. you do, do it properly, not in a half- hearted manner: The general did not call a never judge by appearances See judge halt until the whole town was destroyed, but not according to appearances. he was never one to do things by halves. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1753 in never let the sun go down on your Hanway’s Travels. anger If you have quarreled or lost your Variant of this proverb: do well and temper with somebody, make your peace have well. before the end of the day: I believe that you Proverbs expressing similar mean- should never let the sun go down on your anger, ing: if a thing’s worth doing, it’s and I always insist that the children resolve any worth doing well; in for a penny, minor differences among themselves before they in for a pound; one might as well be go to bed. The proverb is of biblical origin: hanged for a sheep as for a lamb. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians never give a sucker an even break 4:26). Foolish or gullible people are easily Variant of this proverb: let not the exploited and do not deserve a fair sun go down on your wrath. chance; used to justify taking advantage of such a person: “Never give a sucker never let your education interfere with an even break. . . . But your sermon has your intelligence There are times when

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you must trust your intuition or native in choosing a marriage partner: She could do wit rather than what you have been a lot worse than marry young Jack Piper, who taught or what you have read: In emergen- has a promising legal career ahead of him. As cies such as these, medical professionals often my grandmother used to say, “Never marry for have to follow their common sense rather than money, but marry where money is.” The proverb their textbooks, on the basis of the saying was fi rst recorded in 1870 in Alfred, Lord “Never let your education interfere with your Tennyson’s “Northern Farmer.” intelligence.” Variant of this proverb: don’t marry for Proverb expressing similar meaning: money, but don’t marry without money. an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory. never mention a rope in the house of a man who has been hanged See never never look a gift horse in the speak of rope in the house of a man mouth When you are offered some- who has been hanged. thing for nothing, accept it with gratitude and do not fi nd fault with it: “Mr. never mix business with pleasure Keep Featherstone eyed him again over his your working life separate from your pri- spectacles and presented him with a little vate affairs and leisure activities: They say sheaf of notes. . . . He took them, saying, you should never mix business with pleasure, ‘I am very much obliged to you, sir,’ and but I see no harm in doing a little networking was going to roll them up without seem- at social functions like these. The proverb ing to think of their value. But this did was fi rst recorded in 1913. not suit Mr. Featherstone, who was eying Variant of this proverb: you can’t him intently. ‘Come, don’t you think it mix business and pleasure. worth your while to count ’em? . . .’ ‘I Proverb expressing similar meaning: thought I was not to look a gift-horse in business is business. the mouth, sir. But I shall be very happy to count them’” (George Eliot, Middle- never put off until tomorrow what march, 1871–72). The proverb alludes to you can do today If something needs the practice of examining a horse’s teeth doing—however undesirable the task may to ascertain its age. It was fi rst recorded be—the sooner you do it, the better: “No in this form in 1546, but the sentiment idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; it expresses dates from the fi fth century never put off till tomorrow what you can a.d. or earlier. do today” (Lord Chesterfi eld, letter dated Proverb expressing similar meaning: December 26, 1749). The proverb was beggars can’t be choosers. fi rst recorded in 1616, but the sentiment Proverb expressing opposite mean- it expresses is of earlier origin. The face- ing: beware of greeks bearing gifts. tious variant “Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow” dates from never marry for money, but marry where the 19th century. money is It is good to marry somebody Proverbs expressing similar mean- with suffi cient means for a comfortable life, ing: procrastination is the thief of but wealth should not be your sole criterion time; today is yesterday’s tomorrow.

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never say A without saying B See who who lacks the strength, experience, or says a must say b. qualifi cations to do it properly; also used of inanimate objects, such as an inad- never say die Do not surrender, stop equate piece of equipment or a low card trying, or give up hope: The fi rst few months that fails to win a trick: I should have will be very diffi cult, and you may feel that known better than to put O’Connor in charge success is beyond your grasp, but never say die. of the investigation—never send a boy to do a The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1837 in man’s job. The proverb was fi rst recorded Charles Dickens’s novel The Pickwick Papers. in 1931. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: don’t give up the ship; while never show your teeth unless you can there’s life, there’s hope. bite See if you can’t bite, never show your teeth. never say never Nobody can look far enough into the future to say with never speak ill of the dead You should certainty that something will never hap- not make disparaging or defamatory pen—anything is possible: “Al Marshall remarks about people after their death: did not rule out a resumption of talks, I know that you should never speak ill of the saying ‘you can never say “never” in this dead, but I’m not sure that I can think of business’” (Washington Post, 1984). First anything good to say about her. Of ancient recorded in 1977, the proverb was used origin, the proverb is sometimes quoted in the title of the James Bond movie in its Latin form, “De mortuis nil nisi bonum Never Say Never Again (1983), allegedly [Say nothing but good of the dead].” because the actor Sean Connery had Variant of this proverb: speak well been persuaded to make a comeback of the dead. as Agent 007, 12 years after announc- ing that he would never play the role never speak of rope in the house of a again. man who has been hanged Be tactful Proverb expressing similar meaning: and steer clear of sensitive subjects in the never is a long time. company of people who might be upset or offended by them: I was just about to tell Bill never sell America short Do not belit- and Maggie a funny story about my neighbor tle or underestimate the potential of setting his kitchen on fi re when I remembered America: “Speculation ran wild, and an that Bill’s sister and brother-in-law were killed orgy of boom-or-bust trading pushed the in a hotel blaze several years ago, and you bull markets up to dizzy peaks. ‘Never sell should never speak of rope in the house of a America short’ and ‘Be a bull on America’ man who has been hanged. The proverb was were favorite catchwords” (Thomas A. fi rst recorded in 1599 in the form “A man Bailey, The American Pageant, 1966). The ought not to make mention of a halter in proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1866. the house of a man that was hanged.” Variant of this proverb: never men- never send a boy to do a man’s job Do tion a rope in the house of a man who has not assign a diffi cult task to somebody been hanged.

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never tell tales out of school Do not to make radical changes: “New brooms pass on confi dential information, secrets, sweep clean. Abbot Thomas, like most of or gossip to others, especially to outsid- his predecessors, began with attempts at ers: New employees of the royal household are reformation” (J. A. Froude, Short Studies, obliged to sign a confi dentiality document, the 1877). First recorded in 1546, the prov- content of which can be summarized by the erb has given rise to the fi gurative phrase proverb “Never tell tales out of school.” The new broom meaning “somebody newly proverb was fi rst recorded in 1530. appointed to a position of authority”: Talk about a new broom! When the new principal never too old to learn See it’s never came into school she reorganized everything— too late to learn. and everyone!—in her fi rst term. Variant of this proverb: a new broom never trouble trouble till trouble trou- sweeps clean, but an old broom knows all bles you Do not anticipate future prob- the corners. lems—wait until something troublesome Proverb expressing similar meaning: needs to be dealt with before taking any new lords, new laws. action: It might be better to turn a blind eye to the situation unless it threatens to get out a new day, a new dollar See another of hand—never trouble trouble till trouble day, another dollar. troubles you. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1884 in Folk-Lore Journal. It is sometimes new lords, new laws When a new ruler quoted as part of a rhyme: “Never trouble or government comes to power—or trouble till trouble troubles you,/You only when a new person takes control of a double trouble and trouble others too.” situation—changes are made and differ- Proverbs expressing similar mean- ent rules apply: “‘What’s yer hurry then, ing: don’t meet troubles halfway; let Laban?’ inquired Coggan. ‘You used to sleeping dogs lie. bide as late as the latest.’ ‘Well, ye see, neighbours, I was lately married to a never work with children or animals The woman, and she’s my vocation now. . . . ’ unpredictability of children and animals The young man halted lamely. ‘New lords make them unreliable as fellow-workers new laws, as the saying is, I suppose,’ (a favorite maxim of actors and other remarked Coggan” (Thomas Hardy, Far entertainers but also used in many other from the Madding Crowd, 1874). The prov- contexts): He learned the hard way the truth erb was fi rst recorded in the mid-16th of never working with children or animals when century, but with the implication that it a small boy kicked him in the shin and he was had long been in general use. bitten by a pet rat, both on camera. A proverb Variant of this proverb: new lairds of U.S. origin, it was popularized by (and make new laws. possibly coined by) comedian W. C. Fields. Proverb expressing similar meaning: a new broom sweeps clean. a new broom sweeps clean When a new person takes up a position of author- nice guys fi nish last It is sometimes ity in an organization, he or she is likely necessary to be ruthless and aggressive—

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even cruel or unscrupulous—to get what nobody ever went broke underestimat- you want: He’s the kindest, most considerate ing the intelligence of the American person I’ve ever worked with, but he’s a loser— people There is much money to be made everybody knows that nice guys fi nish last. by exploiting the gullibility or poor taste The proverb was coined in the mid-20th of the general public: It should have been century by the U.S. baseball manager Leo obvious to anybody that the devices couldn’t pos- Durocher and used in 1975 as the title of sibly work, but they sold like hotcakes—nobody his autobiography. ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. The proverb was night brings counsel If you have a dif- coined in 1926 by the U.S. journalist H. L. fi cult problem to solve or an important Mencken in the form “No one in this world decision to make, a good night’s sleep . . . has ever lost money by underestimat- will work wonders: Night brings counsel, ing the intelligence of the great masses of and I woke up the following morning with a the plain people.” The word intelligence is new plan of action that couldn’t possibly fail. sometimes replaced by taste. The proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1590, in Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie nobody forgets a good teacher A good Queene, but the sentiment it expresses is teacher is long remembered by his or her of ancient origin: the Greek poet and dra- pupils: “They were surprised by the num- matist Menander (c. 342–292 b.c.) wrote, ber of people who wanted to add their “at night comes counsel to the wise.” names to the tribute, but nobody forgets a good teacher.” It appears to be a prov- nine tailors make a man A well-dressed erb of 20th-century invention. It enjoyed person does not buy all his or her clothes renewed circulation in the late 1990s as from the same source: They say that nine the slogan of a UK government campaign tailors make a man, so don’t be afraid of sporting to recruit more teachers. several different designer labels at the same time. The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form nobody is above the law Everybody in 1647; its variant form was fi rst recorded must obey the law of the land: “Declaring 34 years earlier. The original sense was that that ‘no one is above the law,’ a federal a gentleman should choose his garments prosecutor yesterday urged that former from a wide range of tailors. The expression Pentagon offi cial Paul Thayer be put behind is also sometimes linked to bell-ringing: a bars for his part in a $3 million illegal stock tailor being a teller or “stroke” in a funeral trading scheme” (Boston Globe, 1985). The knell: nine tailors referred to a man (six, a proverb comes from a speech made by woman; three, a child); compare Dorothy President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Sayers’s mystery The Nine Tailors (1934). Variant of this proverb: no man is Variant of this proverb: two tailors above the law, and no man is below it. go to a man. Proverb expressing opposite meaning: the king can do no wrong. nobody believes a liar when he speaks the truth See a liar is not believed nobody is born learned; bishops are when he tells the truth. made of men Education and scholar-

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ship are not innate qualities, and anybody erb was fi rst recorded c. 1449 and is a can acquire knowledge or aspire to high translation of the Latin legal maxim “Nemo offi ce: When students try to blame their failure debet esse iudex in propria causa.” or lack of ambition on a deprived family back- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ground, I remind them of the saying “Nobody is men are blind in their own cause. born learned; bishops are made of men.” a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind nobody is indispensable Nobody is so horse In certain circumstances only the important or well qualifi ed that he or smallest hint is needed to make yourself she cannot be replaced by another: The understood; also used to imply that any dismissal of the vice president was a salutary kind of hint is wasted on somebody who reminder that nobody is indispensable in this is determined not to take it: “You needn’t organization. say no more—a nod’s as good as a wink to Variant of this proverb: no man is a blind horse” (Sean O’Casey, The Shadow necessary. of a Gunman, 1925). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1794, in William Godwin’s nobody is infallible Nobody can claim novel Caleb Williams. to be always right and never to have made Proverb expressing similar meaning: a mistake: She may be the world’s greatest a word to the wise is sufficient. expert on the subject, but nobody is infallible, and in this case I am sure she is wrong. The no good deed goes unpunished When proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1880. you do something kind or helpful you Proverbs expressing similar mean- often get something unpleasant in return; ing: homer sometimes nods; to err is a cynical observation: A million dollars had human, to forgive divine. been spent on a new gym for the prison earlier in the year, but no good deed goes unpunished, nobody is perfect Everybody has his and the rioting prisoners found some useful or her faults; often said in response to makeshift weapons among the new equipment. criticism. “We ain’t none of us perfect The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1938 in that I knows of ” (L. Hollingworth, Death the form “Every good deed brings its own Leaves Us Naked, 1931). The proverb was punishment.” It has been attributed to a fi rst recorded in 1805, in Gouverneur number of people, including the writers Morris’s Diary of the French Revolution. Oscar Wilde and Clare Boothe Luce, but Proverb expressing similar meaning: it is of unknown origin. let him who is without sin cast the first stone. no joy without annoy Happiness is always accompanied by some sorrow or nobody should be judge in his own trouble: No joy without annoy, but we were cause People cannot be objective in determined not to let the bad news from matters that concern themselves: “No man home spoil our honeymoon. The proverb was is a good judge in his own cause. I believe fi rst recorded, with different wording, in I am tolerably impartial” (John Wesley, let- Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “For ter dated November 3, 1775). The prov- evere the latter ende of joye is wo.”

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Variant of this proverb: no joy with- (1605–94), in the French form “Il n’y a out alloy. pas de héros pour son valet-de-chambre,” but Proverbs expressing similar meaning: the sentiment it expresses is of earlier there’s no pleasure without pain; origin. Lord Byron turned the proverb there’s no rose without a thorn. around to express high praise in his mock- heroic poem Beppo (1818): “In short, he no man can call again yesterday See was a perfect cavaliero,/And to his very yesterday will not be called again. valet seem’d a hero.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: no man can serve two masters Nobody familiarity breeds contempt. can be loyal or committed to two different causes, organizations or employers no man is an island Nobody can func- simultaneously: “Men cannot serve two tion in total isolation from the rest of soci- masters. If this cant of serving their coun- ety: Those who aim for self-sufﬁ ciency—in a try once takes hold of them, good-bye material or spiritual sense—eventually discover to the authority of the Church” (George that no man is an island; we are all dependent, Bernard Shaw, Saint Joan, 1924). The to a greater or lesser extent, on one another. proverb is of biblical origin: “No man can The proverb comes from the English poet serve two masters: for either he will hate John Donne’s “Devotions upon Emergent the one, and love the other; or else he will Occasions” (1624): “No man is an Island, hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye entire of it self; every man is a piece of the cannot serve God and mammon” (Mat- Continent, a part of the main.” thew 6:24). Proverbs expressing similar mean- no man is necessary See nobody is ing: you can’t serve god and mammon; indispensable. you can’t run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. no moon, no man According to popular superstition, a child born at the time of no man is above the law, and no man is the new moon—that is, when there is no below it See nobody is above the law. moon visible in the sky—will not survive to adulthood: “‘No moon, no man.’ ’Tis no man is a hero to his valet The bet- one of the truest sayings ever spit out. The ter you know somebody, with all his or boy never comes to anything that’s born at her faults and weaknesses, the less likely new moon” (Thomas Hardy, The Return of you are to regard that person with awe the Native, 1879). The quotation is the ﬁ rst or veneration: “It has been said . . . that recorded use of the proverb, but implies no man is a hero to his valet de chambre; that it is already well known. now I am afraid when you and I grow a little more intimate . . . you will be hor- no names, no pack-drill If no names ribly disappointed in your high expecta- are mentioned, nobody can be punished tions” (Samuel Foote, The Patron, 1764). or held responsible for something: The The proverb is attributed to the Parisian report does not specify which companies are the hostess Anne-Marie Bigot de Cornuel worst offenders—no names, no pack-drill. The

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proverb was fi rst recorded in 1923 (O. take pain that look for any gain.” The Onions, Peace in our Time). Pack-drill is a more concise form “No pains, no gains” form of military punishment that involves was used in 1648 as the title of a poem marching up and down with a full load of by Robert Herrick. equipment. Variants of this proverb: there are no gains without pains; no sweat, no sweet. none but the brave deserve the fair Those who lack boldness or cour- no penny, no paternoster Religious age do not deserve to achieve great things; services must be paid for in advance; also also used more literally, of men courting loosely applied to any similar business women—or vice versa: Firmly believing— arrangement: I accept that the church needs at the tender age of ten—that none but the to raise money for essential repairs, but to me brave deserve the fair, she spurned the advances this new appeal, with the conditions attached to of any boy who couldn’t hold his own in a it, smacks of the old motto “No penny, no pater- playground battle. The proverb comes from noster.” The proverb was fi rst re cord ed in John Dryden’s poem “Alexander’s Feast” 1528, but with the implication that it was (1697), referring to Alexander the Great already in common use. and the courtesan Thais: “Happy, happy, Proverb expressing similar meaning: happy pair! . . . /None but the brave nothing for nothing. deserves the fair.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: the north wind doth blow and we shall faint heart never won fair lady. have snow Winds that blow from the north often bring cold weather with them: no news is good news It is probably Everyone in this part of the world knows that safe to assume that all is well if you when the north wind doth blow snow is surely have not heard anything to the contrary: on the way. The proverb has its origins in “Everywhere, women gathered in knots, a nursery rhyme: “The north wind doth huddled in groups . . . telling each other blows,/And we shall have snow,/And that no news is good news, trying to com- what will poor Robin do then? Poor fort each other” (Margaret Mitchell, Gone thing!” (Songs for Nursery, 1805). with the Wind, 1936). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1616 in the form “No news is no sweat, no sweet See no pain, no better than evil news.” gain.

no pain, no gain Nothing can be nothing can bring you peace but your- achieved without effort, suffering, or self Do not rely on others for reas- hardship; often applied speciﬁ cally to surance, contentment, or security: After physical exercise: Some medical experts wasting thousands of dollars on therapists and are concerned that those who follow the phi- analysts, she came to the conclusion that there losophy of “No pain, no gain” in their sports is a lot of truth in the saying “Nothing can training could be doing irreparable dam- bring you peace but yourself. ” The proverb age to their bodies. The proverb was ﬁ rst comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay recorded in 1577 in the form “They must “Self-Reliance” (1841).

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nothing comes of nothing Nothing and taxes” (Laura Ingalls Wilder, By the can be produced from nothing, therefore Shores of Silver Lake, 1939). Although everything must originate from some- Daniel Defoe used the phrase “things thing; also used to imply that if you do or as certain as death and taxes” in 1726, contribute nothing, you will get nothing the proverb is generally associated with in return: “You are to give me all your Benjamin Franklin, who wrote in a let- business. . . . If you have none, the learned ter dated November 13, 1789, “In this gentleman here knows nothing can come world nothing can be said to be certain, of nothing” (Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of except death and taxes.” Midlothian, 1818). The proverb occurs in the writings of the Greek poet Alcaeus nothing is certain but the unfore- (sixth century b.c.) and also exists in the seen The one thing that is sure to Latin form “Ex nihilo nihil fi t.” The variant happen is the thing that nobody expects “Nothing will come of nothing” comes or is prepared for; also used to imply from Shakespeare’s play King Lear (1:1). that nothing can be predicted: If it is true Variants of this proverb: nothing will that nothing is certain but the unforeseen, come of nothing; from nothing, nothing then surely it is impossible to insure yourself is made. against all eventualities. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1886, but with the nothing for nothing Everything must implication that it was already in general be paid for, in money or in kind: Nothing use. for nothing—you get me a seat on the next Proverb expressing similar meaning: fl ight to Rio, and I’ll give you a story that’ll the unexpected always happens. knock everything else off the front page. The proverb dates from before 1704. nothing is given so freely as advice Peo- Variants of this proverb: you get ple are at their most generous when it nothing for nothing; you never get any- comes to telling others what they should thing for nothing. and should not do: When I asked for sugges- Proverbs expressing similar mean- tions about tackling the problem, my friends ing: no penny, no paternoster; you readily offered ideas and I discovered the truth don’t get something for nothing. of the saying “Nothing is given so freely as advice,” but when it came to getting practical nothing goes over the back but that or fi nancial assistance, the phrase “like pulling comes under the belly See what’s got teeth” was more applicable. over the devil’s back is spent under his belly. nothing is impossible to a willing heart Anything can be achieved by nothing is certain but death and somebody with the will to succeed: He was taxes Death will come to everybody one of those infuriating people who believe that and taxes must be paid, but everything there is no such word as “can’t,” and that noth- else in life is unpredictable, insecure, or ing is impossible to a willing heart. The prov- avoidable: “Everything’s more or less a erb was fi rst recorded in Stephen Hawes’s gamble. . . . Nothing is certain but death Passetyme of Pleasure (1509).

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Proverb expressing similar meaning: can well imagine how later historians where there’s a will there’s a way. would have treated him” (Hugh Trevor- Roper, History and Imagination, 1980). nothing should be done in haste but The proverb was fi rst recorded in A. D. gripping a fl ea There are very few Richardson’s Beyond Mississippi (1867). things that need to be done quickly; said Proverb expressing similar meaning: by somebody urged to hurry up: “Don’t success breeds success. be impatient,” she said, pouring herself another cup of coffee. “Nothing should be done in haste nothing ventured, nothing gained You but gripping a fl ea.” The proverb dates will not achieve anything unless you are from before 1655 in the form “Do noth- prepared to make an attempt or take a ing rashly, but catching of fl eas.” risk: I knew that my suggestion would probably be greeted with ridicule, but this did not deter nothing so bad but it might have been me—nothing ventured, nothing gained. The worse Try to take a positive view of proverb was fi rst recorded in English c. misfortune—things are never as bad as 1385, in Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde, in they could be: I broke a leg, both arms, and the form: “He which that nothing under- several ribs, but at least I’m still alive—noth- taketh,/Nothyng n’acheveth.” ing so bad but it might have been worse. The Variants of this proverb: nothing ven- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1876. A ture, nothing gain; nothing venture, noth- more pessimistic corollary is “Nothing so ing have; nothing venture, nothing win. good but it might have been better.” Variant of this proverb: from the day nothing will come of nothing See noth- you were born till you ride in a hearse, ing comes of nothing. there’s nothing so bad but it might have been worse. no tree takes so deep a root as prejudice Once prejudice becomes estab- nothing so bold as a blind mare Those lished—in a person’s mind or in society who are ignorant or unaware of danger as a whole—it is very diffi cult to eradicate proceed without fear or caution: Nothing so it: No tree takes so deep a root as prejudice, and bold as a blind mare, and those who have the least neither education nor legislation can eliminate understanding of how a plane fl ies usually have racial hatred that is handed down from genera- the fewest qualms about traveling by air. The tion to generation. proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in 1721 (James Kelly, Scottish Proverbs) but the nought is never in danger Persons or sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. things of no value are at no risk of being stolen: He never bothered to lock the house nothing succeeds like success Success- behind him, as nought is never in danger. ful people go on to ever greater things; The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1639 also used to imply that people are more in J. Clarke’s Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina. respected or accepted after they succeed: “Nothing succeeds like success, and if nurture passes nature The way in which Hitler had founded his empire . . . we a person is brought up counts for more

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than any instinctive skills they may have 1611 in Randle Cotgrave’s A Dictionary of been born with: It is a fundamental prin- the French and English Tongues. ciple of modern education that nurture passes Proverb expressing opposite mean- nature. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in ing: nature passes nurture.

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obey orders, if you break owners Do as in the same team is a recipe for disaster—oil you are commanded, even if this means and water do not mix. The proverb was doing something you know to be foolish ﬁ rst recorded in 1783. It also occurs in or wrong: Provided that you follow the golden the form of the simile like oil and water, rule, “Obey orders, if you break owners,” nobody applied to incompatible people or things. can hold you responsible for anything that Variant of this proverb: oil and vin- goes wrong. Of nautical origin, the proverb egar will not mix. was ﬁ rst recorded in this form in 1823, but with the implication that it had long an old dog will learn no tricks See you been in use. can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

the obvious choice is usually a quick the older the wiser The older a person regret Think carefully before you make gets, the wiser he or she becomes: She a selection or decision: Are you sure she is tried to put the affair behind her and rue- the best candidate for the job? Remember that fully told herself “the older the wiser.” The the obvious choice is usually a quick regret. proverb was fi rst recorded in J. Clarke, Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina (1639). offenders never pardon Those who do Proverbs expressing similar mean- wrong themselves are the least likely to ing: experience is the mother of wis- forgive others’ wrongdoing: I was not dom; live and learn. surprised by his intolerant attitude, bearing in mind his own record—it’s well known that an old fool is the worst fool See there’s offenders never pardon. The proverb was no fool like an old fool. fi rst recorded in George Herbert’s Out- landish Proverbs (1640). an old fox is not easily snared A person with years of experience is unlikely to of two evils choose the less See choose be easily fooled: They tried to ambush him the lesser of two evils. on the way home, but an old fox is not easily snared. The proverb was fi rst recorded in oil and water do not mix Some people R. Taverner, Proverbs or Adages with New or things are incompatible by nature: Put- Additions, gathered out of the Chiliades of ting people with such different temperaments Erasmus (1539).

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Variant of this proverb: old foxes leavening of sinners in its ministry, on want no tutors. the principle that poachers make the Proverb expressing similar meaning: best gamekeepers” (Victor Canning, The with age comes wisdom. Great Affair, 1970). The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in 1878, but the old friends and old wine are best sentiment it expresses occurs in Chau- Friendships that have stood the test of cer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “A theef time are, like old wine, the best: “Old of venysoun, that hath forlaft/His liker- wine and an old friend are good provi- ousnesse and al his olde craft,/Kan kepe a sions.” (G. Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs, forest best of any man.” 1640). The proverb was fi rst recorded in Proverb expressing similar meaning: T. Draxe, Bibliotheca Scholastica (1633). set a thief to catch a thief. Variant of this proverb: old friends and old wine and old gold are best. old sins cast long shadows The passage of time often has the effect of making old habits die hard When you have past wrongdoing seem greater or more been doing a particular thing—or doing signifi cant than it actually was: His sense of something in a particular way—for a long guilt increased as the years went by—old sins time, it is very diffi cult to change: “Old cast long shadows, as they say—and ultimately habits die hard. Police offi cers who were drove him to suicide. The proverb was fi rst trained to pump the brakes have been recorded in 1924, but the sentiment it crashing a lot of police cars equipped with expresses is of earlier origin: in his play anti-lock brakes” (Washington Times, 1995). Aglaura (1638), Sir John Suckling wrote, The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1758 in “Our sins, like to our shadowes,/When the form “Habits are hard to break.” our day is in its glorie scarce appear:/ To wards our evening how great and mon- old maids lead apes in hell Women strous they are!” who die unmarried are doomed to share Variant of this proverb: old sins have the company of apes in the afterworld: long shadows. “Get you to heaven, Beatrice, get you to heaven; here’s no place for you maids: old soldiers never die Those who have so deliver I up my apes” (William Shake- served in the armed forces and survived speare, Much Ado about Nothing, 2:1). The warfare often live so long that they seem proverb was fi rst recorded in 1575 in indestructible: I saw Jack Stuart in the bar George Gascoigne’s Posies. the other day, regaling some of the youngsters with his army stories. He must be well into an old poacher makes the best game- his nineties by now—I guess it’s true that keeper A reformed wrongdoer is good old soldiers never die. The proverb comes at preventing others from committing from a popular song of World War I: the same crime or offense, because he “Old soldiers never die,/They simply fade or she can understand their thinking away.” A facetious variant is “Old soldiers and anticipate their actions: “What the never die—they just smell that way.” The Church needed, possibly, was a good proverb may be applied to other classes

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of people or things by replacing the word Proverb expressing similar meaning: soldiers. It has prompted numerous pun- the leopard can’t change its spots. ning variants, such as “Old bankers never die, they just yield to maturity” and “Old once bitten, twice shy Somebody who insurance agents never die, it’s against has had a bad experience is reluctant to their policy.” do the same thing again: She swore that she would never remarry—once bitten, twice shy. old trees can’t be transplanted See The proverb was fi rst recorded in this you can’t shift an old tree without form in 1894. it dying. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: once burned, twice shy; a burnt once a priest, always a priest People child dreads the fire. cannot change their vocation; also used to imply that people continue to behave once burned, twice shy People who in accordance with the habits and train- have suffered as a result of a previous ing of their trade or profession even experience tend to be cautious in their after they have left it: “You must be approach to similar situations: “She was quite sure . . . that you have a voca- especially on her guard . . . because she’d tion because it would be terrible if you been victimized in a stupid swindle her- found afterwards that you had none. self, recently. Once burned, twice shy, Once a priest always a priest, remember” you know” (Stewart Sterling, Dead Sure, (James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a 1949). The quotation is the fi rst recorded Young Man, 1916). The proverb was fi rst use of the proverb in this form. recorded in this form in 1859, but the Proverbs expressing similar mean- sentiment it expresses is of earlier ori- ing: once bitten, twice shy; a burnt gin. Other words may be substituted for child dreads the fire. priest when the proverb is used of other occupations. one bad apple spoils the lot See the rotten apple spoils the barrel. once a thief, always a thief Wrong- doers cannot change their nature and can one business begets another When one never be trusted: However tolerant and broad- business prospers, other businesses are minded they may be in their private lives, many likely to start up: Within weeks the high employers apply the principle “Once a thief, street was full of shops selling fast food, but always a thief” when it comes to considering job as they say, one business begets another. The applications from people with criminal records. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1528 in The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1622 in Thomas More’s Works: “It is an olde said the form “Once a knave and ever a knave.” saw, that one busynes begetteth and bryn- Other words may be substituted for thief, geth forth another.” such as crook, drunkard, fool, or whore, and the proverb is occasionally applied to those one cannot be in two places at once with enduring virtues rather than persistent Nobody can deal with two different vices, as in “Once a lady, always a lady.” things or attend two different events in

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two different places at the same time; to popular superstition, the number of said when confl icting demands are made magpies seen on a particular occasion on somebody, or when a choice has to portends sadness, happiness, and so on: be made between confl icting options: A magpie landed on the fence and I anxiously I would love to go to the show, but I don’t looked around for its mate, the old rhyme “One want to miss my evening class, and one cannot for sorrow, two for mirth” running through my be in two places at once. The proverb was mind. The proverb comes from a tradi- fi rst recorded in this form in 1611, but tional rhyme, fi rst recorded in the nine- the sentiment it expresses is of earlier teenth century, that continues: “fi ve for origin. silver; six for gold; seven for a secret not Variant of this proverb: you can’t be to be told; eight for heaven; nine for hell; in two places at the same time. and ten for the devil’s own sel [self].” Variant of this proverb: one for sor- one cannot love and be wise People row, two for joy, three for a girl, and four often show a lack of common sense or for a boy. good judgment when they are in love: “To tax and to please, no more than to one for the mouse, one for the crow, one love and to be wise, is not given to men” to rot, one to grow It is advisable not (Edmund Burke, On American Taxation, to expect a yield of more than 25 percent 1775). The proverb has been traced back when sowing seed: Don’t sow the seed too to the writings of Publilius Syrus (fi rst thinly if you want a good crop—remember the century b.c.): “amare et saper vix deo con- old saying “One for the mouse, one for the crow, ceditur [to love and to be wise is scarcely one to rot, and one to grow.” The proverb allowed to God].” was fi rst recorded in 1850. Variant of this proverb: one for wind one courageous thought will put to fl ight and one for crow, one to die and one to a host of troubles A strong and positive grow. mental attitude is the best defense against anxiety or adversity: Keep your spirits up, one funeral makes many Standing and remember that one courageous thought will around a grave on a cold or rainy day is put to fl ight a host of troubles. not good for the health, and can prove fatal for those attending a funeral: “It has been one enemy is too much Having even said . . . that one funeral makes many. A a single enemy in the world is danger- strong east wind . . . whistled through the ous: “One enemy is too much for a man crowd of mourners” (R. D. Blackmore, in a great post, and a hundred friends Perlycross, 1894). The quotation is the fi rst are too few” (H.G. Bohn, A Hand-Book recorded use of the proverb. of Proverbs, 1855). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1640 in George Herbert’s one good turn deserves another Acts of Outlandish Proverbs. kindness or assistance should be reciprocated; often said when returning a favor: one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for “But one good turn deserves another—in a wedding; four for a birth According that case, you must . . . dine with me” (Sir

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Walter Scott, St. Ronan’s Well, 1824). The one hand washes the other People proverb was fi rst recorded in English at cooperate and help one another, and the beginning of the 15th century, but a expect favors to be reciprocated: We French equivalent was in use in the early were not surprised to learn that the main- 14th century. tenance contract for the party headquarters Proverb expressing similar meaning: had been won by our rivals, who made such a you scratch my back and i’ll scratch generous contribution to the party’s last elec- yours. tion campaign—one hand washes the other. First recorded in English in 1573, the one half of the world doesn’t know how proverb is of ancient origin, occurring the other half lives People have no in the works of the Greek poet Epichar- conception or understanding of the prob- mus (c. 540–450 b.c.). lems and pleasures of everyday life for Proverb expressing similar meaning: those in other social classes, occupations, you scratch my back and i’ll scratch or countries; chiefl y used of the contrast yours. between rich and poor: The famous remark “Let them eat cake,” allegedly made by Marie one hour’s sleep before midnight is Antoinette on learning that her people had worth two after Those who go to bed no bread, is a classic illustration of the saying early have a more refreshing night’s sleep “One half of the world doesn’t know how the than those who rise late in the morning: I other half lives.” First recorded in Eng- was well aware of the saying “One hour’s sleep lish in 1607, the proverb occurs in the before midnight is worth two after,” but in my French satirist François Rabelais’s novel fi rst year at college I never actually managed Pantagruel (1532): “la moytié du monde ne to put it to the test. The proverb was fi rst sçait comment l’autre vit.” It has given rise recorded in 1640 in George Herbert’s to the fi gurative phrase how the other half Outlandish Proverbs. lives, referring to a lifestyle very different Variant of this proverb: one hour’s from your own. sleep before midnight is worth three Variant of this proverb: half the world after. knows not how the other half lives. Proverb expressing similar meaning: early to bed and early to rise, makes a one hand for yourself and one for the man healthy, wealthy, and wise. ship Do not neglect your own safety, security, or well-being for the sake of one law for the rich and another for your work or your employers; also used the poor It sometimes seems that literally as a safety maxim for those rich people are treated more leniently working at sea: He gave the company every- by the legal system than poor people: thing he had for most of his working life, and “Now, if the husbands and fathers of what good did it do him? I’m determined these ladies,—those who have them- not to follow in his footsteps—my motto is selves enacted the laws,—wink at their “One hand for yourself and one for the ship.” infringement, why should not others do Of nautical origin, the proverb was fi rst so? . . . There cannot be one law for the recorded in 1799. rich and another for the poor” (Captain

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Marryat, The King’s Own, 1830). The Proverbs expressing similar mean- quotation is the fi rst recorded use of the ing: every man to his taste; tastes proverb. differ; there’s no accounting for Variant of this proverb: there’s one tastes. law for the rich and another for the poor. one man’s trash is another man’s trea- one lie leads to another Once you sure Many people prize things that oth- have told one lie, it is often necessary to ers would not give houseroom to: Nobody continue lying to maintain the deception: who has ever been to a yard sale or fl ea market I had previously told them I wasn’t married, so can dispute the truth of the saying “One man’s when my wife arrived I had to introduce her as trash is another man’s treasure.” my sister—one lie leads to another. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1534. one might as well be hanged for a sheep Variants of this proverb: one lie as for a lamb If you are going to suffer begets another; one lie makes many; one or be punished for something, you might as seldom meets a lonely lie. well get the maximum pleasure or benefi t Proverb expressing similar meaning: from it: When the cakes arrived, she decided what a tangled web we weave when to ignore her diet and helped herself to a large first we practice to deceive. cream puff, probably the most fattening item on the plate. “One might as well be hanged for a one man’s loss is another man’s sheep as for a lamb,” she said with a guilty smile. gain People profi t from the misfor- The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1678. tunes of others; also used more literally: Proverb expressing similar meaning: One man’s loss is another man’s gain, and our in for a penny, in for a pound. takings doubled when the bar next door closed down. The proverb was fi rst recorded one nail drives out another One thing c. 1527 in the form “What one wins, replaces another, or new ideas or customs another loses.” cause old ones to fall into disuse: “As one Proverb expressing similar meaning: nail by strength drives out another,/So it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any the remembrance of my former love/Is by good. a newer object quite forgotten” (William Shakespeare, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, one man’s meat is another man’s poison 1591). The proverb is of ancient origin, What one person likes, another person and was known to the Greek philosopher dislikes: The show had good reviews in the Aristotle in the fourth century b.c. national press, but one man’s meat is another man’s poison, and I didn’t enjoy it at all. First one of these days is none of these recorded in English c. 1576, the prov- days Somebody who says he or she will erb is of ancient origin: in his De Rerum do something “one of these days”—that Natura (fi rst century b.c.), the Roman is, at some unspecifi ed future time—will poet Lucretius wrote, “quod ali cibus est probably never do it; said in response to aliis fuat acre venenum [what is food to one such a person: “One of these days I must go person may be bitter poison to others].” through my wardrobe and get rid of all the

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clothes I never wear.” “One of these days is sight. . . . ‘One story is good till another none of these days. If you don’t get on and do is told!’” (Thomas Babington Macaulay, in it you’ll have to buy a new wardrobe!” The the Edinburgh Review, 1831). The proverb proverb was fi rst recorded in Comes Fac- was fi rst recorded in 1593 in the form undus (1658). “One tale is always good until another is Proverb expressing similar meaning: heard.” tomorrow never comes. one swallow does not make a summer one picture is worth ten thousand You cannot generalize from a single words Visual images are often the most occurrence: One swallow does not make a concise and effective means of expres- summer, and the fact that she won the fi rst race sion: They say that one picture is worth ten of the season does not prove that she is worthy thousand words, and if you ask somebody to of selection for the Olympic team. The prov- name a memorable news story from the past, erb is of ancient Greek and Latin origin the chances are that he or she will describe the in the form “One swallow does not make photograph that accompanied it. The proverb a spring.” was fi rst recorded in 1927 by Frederick Variant of this proverb: one swallow R. Barnard in Printers’ Ink. makes not a spring, nor one woodchuck Variant of this proverb: a picture is a winter. worth a thousand words. one sword keeps another in its scab- one seldom meets a lonely lie See one bard Showing that you are ready and lie leads to another. able to defend yourself is a good way of discouraging others from attacking you: one step at a time Do not rush at things “The proverb ‘One sword drawn keeps or try to do too much at once—if you the other in the scabbard’ was verifi ed, the proceed slowly and carefully, things will hostile preparations led to negociations, seem less daunting and you will be less and the question was settled without fi ght- likely to make mistakes: “I did not allow ing” (Frederick Chamier, Ben Brace, 1836). myself to think of ultimate escape. . . . The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1640. One step at a time was enough” (John The nuclear deterrent is a modern illustra- Buchan, Mr. Standfast, 1919). The proverb tion of the sentiment it expresses. was fi rst recorded in C. M. Yonge’s Heir of Proverb expressing similar meaning: Redclyffe (1853). if you want peace, prepare for war. Proverb expressing similar meaning: life is hard by the yard, but by the one thief robs another People who are inch life’s a cinch. dishonest will not scruple to steal from each other. The proverb was fi rst recorded one story is good till another is c. 1510 in A. Barclay’s Eclogues in the told People are happy to accept one idea form: “It is ill stealing from a thiefe.” until a new idea comes along to replace it: “A theory is not proved . . . because the one volunteer is worth two pressed evidence in its favour looks well at fi rst men Those who volunteer for work or

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service are generally more effi cient and tage: I fi rmly believe that the only difference reliable than those who are forced to do between stumbling blocks and stepping-stones it against their will: We never turn away is the way you use them, and although my fi rst anybody who offers to help, on the principle few job applications were unsuccessful, they that one volunteer is worth two pressed men. gave me the opportunity to hone my skills as The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1705 in an interviewee. This proverb is recorded T. Hearne’s Journal. as a regional expression in the United Variant of this proverb: a volunteer is States. worth ten pressed men. the only place where success comes one wedding brings another The before work is in a dictionary Nobody romantic atmosphere of a wedding may succeeds without fi rst making an effort: have an effect on unmarried guests, Remember that the only place where success prompting other couples to get engaged comes before work is in a dictionary, and if you or sparking off new relationships that want to make a go of this business you need to will lead to the altar: My son was a bit focus all your time and attention on it. nervous when his new girlfriend invited him to her sister’s wedding—one wedding brings the only thing a heated argument another, and he doesn’t want it to be his! The ever produced is coolness An angry proverb was fi rst recorded in 1634, but exchange of words resolves nothing and with the implication that it was already in leads to a breakdown of friendly relations: general use. If you sit down and discuss your differences calmly and rationally, you may ultimately one year’s seeding makes seven years’ reach agreement, but the only thing a heated weeding If you allow weeds to seed argument ever produced is coolness. This prov- themselves, it will take a long time to get erb is recorded as a regional expression in rid of all the new plants they produce; the United States. also used fi guratively of the need to eradi- Variant of this proverb: heated argu- cate something undesirable before it has a ments do not warm the fi reside. chance to spread, or to warn people that their actions can have lasting repercus- the only thing we have to fear is fear sions: Weeds are not only unsightly, but also a itself Negative feelings such as fear and potential source of trouble for the future—one doubt can do more harm than the things year’s seeding makes seven years’ weeding. The you are afraid of or uncertain about: Once proverb was fi rst recorded in 1866 in the we have grasped the notion that the only thing form “One year’s seeding may cost ten we have to fear is fear itself, we can face the years’ weeding.” future with renewed courage, confi dence, and optimism. The proverb is associated with the only difference between stumbling President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who blocks and stepping-stones is the way used it in his fi rst inaugural address in you use them Be positive in your 1933, but it is probably of earlier origin. approach to obstacles that lie in your Variant of this proverb: we have path, and try to turn them to your advan- nothing to fear but fear itself.

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only time will tell See time will tell. own merits, not by luck, and opportunities look for you when you are worth fi nding. The prov- open confession is good for the soul erb is recorded as a regional expression in See confession is good for the soul. the United States. Proverb expressing similar meaning: an open door may tempt a saint It is opportunity never knocks for persons best not to put temptation in anybody’s not worth a rap. way—even the most honest and upright person might fi nd it hard to resist: She opportunity knocks but once Take had never stolen a cent in her life before, but advantage of opportunities when they the sight of all that money lying there was arise, because you may not get a second too much for her—an open door may tempt chance: “‘Opportunity only knocks once a saint. The proverb was fi rst recorded in in this world,’ he would say. Major Major’s 1659 in James Howell’s Spanish Proverbs. father repeated this good joke at every Proverb expressing similar meaning: opportunity” (Joseph Heller, Catch-22, opportunity makes a thief. 1961). The proverb was fi rst recorded, with different wording, in 1567. Early the opera ain’t over till the fat lady examples of its use had fortune or fate in sings Wait until something fi nally place of opportunity. comes to an end before you give up Variant of this proverb: opportunity hope, celebrate your success, abandon never knocks twice at any man’s door. your efforts, or make a judgment: “One Proverb expressing similar meaning: day three years ago, Ralph Carpenter, he that will not when he may, when who was then Texas Tech’s sports infor- he will he may have nay. mation director, declared to the press box contingent in Austin, ‘The rodeo opportunity makes a thief Do not leave ain’t over till the bull riders ride.’ Stirred valuable things unsecured in a place where to top that deep insight, San Antonio they could easily be stolen: Opportunity sports editor Dan Cook countered with, makes a thief, and people who park their car ‘The opera ain’t over till the fat lady on the street and leave the keys in the ignition sings’” (Washington Post, 1978). Current should not be too surprised to fi nd it gone when from at least the 1970s, the proverb has they return. The proverb was fi rst recorded a possible origin in the southern U.S. in this form in 1387, but the sentiment it saying, “Church ain’t out till the fat lady expresses is of earlier origin. sings.” Proverbs expressing similar mean- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ing: the hole calls the thief; an open it’s not over till it’s over. door may tempt a saint.

opportunities look for you when you are opportunity never knocks for persons worth ﬁ nding Those who have good not worth a rap Worthless people are fortune are often those who best deserve unlikely to enjoy good fortune: She could it: Don’t just sit around complaining that you have made something of herself if she had tried, never get the breaks—people succeed on their but she was too idle and feckless to bother, and

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opportunity never knocks for persons not worth ancient origin. It also occurs in the French a rap. form “Autres temps, autres moeurs.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: other times, opportunities look for you when you other customs. are worth finding. an ounce of common sense is worth a opportunity never knocks twice at any pound of theory A practical common- man’s door See opportunity knocks sense approach is often far more effective but once. than abstract theorizing: Ms. Jackson and her helpers believe that an ounce of common opposites attract People who have sense is worth a pound of theory, and have nothing in common are often drawn worked wonders with some of the problem cases together because they have qualities that that the so-called experts gave up on long ago. complement each other: They say that Proverb expressing similar meaning: opposites attract, but a lasting friendship is never let your education interfere more likely to be built on similarity than on with your intelligence. difference. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1918 in J. Watson and A. J. Rees’s Mys- an ounce of discretion is worth a pound tery of the Downs. of wit Good judgment is often more Proverb expressing similar meaning: valuable than knowledge or learning; also extremes meet. interpreted more literally as a warning Proverb expressing opposite mean- to tactfully refrain from making jokes at ing: like attracts like. another’s expense: At times like this it is wise to err on the side of caution, whatever the optimist’s cup is half full; the pessi- the textbooks say—remember that an ounce of mist’s cup is half empty See the glass is discretion is worth a pound of wit. The prov- either half empty or half full. erb was fi rst recorded in 1616 (T. Adams, Sacrifi ce of Thankfulness), with learning in other times, other manners Customs place of wit. and conventions change over the years, and we should not judge people or things an ounce of practice is worth a pound of the past by modern standards, or vice of precept The best way to teach is versa; sometimes said to those who mock by example, and the best way to learn or criticize the behavior of members of is by experience: “Remember that rigid a different generation: “Notwithstanding probity, and the strictest punctuality . . . the favourite explanation of ‘other times, are the very soul of business, and that other manners,’ contemporary critics of an ounce of practice is worth a pound Clarissa found very much the same fault of precept” (R. D. Blackmore, Cradock with her history as people do to-day” Nowell, 1866). (Austin Dobson, Samuel Richardson, 1902). Proverbs expressing similar mean- The proverb was fi rst recorded in English ing: experience is the best teacher; an in 1576, in the form “Other times, other ounce of practice is worth a pound of ways,” but the sentiment it expresses is of precept; years know more than books.

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an ounce of prevention is worth a out of the fullness of the heart the pound of cure It often takes a lot of mouth speaks People cannot avoid talk- effort to put right something that could ing about what is on their mind; also used have been prevented with a little effort: to imply that a person’s true thoughts and “An ounce of prevention is worth a feelings are revealed by what he or she pound of cure. . . . All the old saws point says: Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth up the value of heading off a problem speaks, and she was so angry and upset that before it reaches the pass” (Washington she could restrain herself no longer. The prov- Times, 1997). erb is of biblical origin: “O generation Proverbs expressing similar meaning: of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak a stitch in time saves nine; prevention is good things? for out of the abundance of better than cure; who repairs not his the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew gutters repairs his whole house. 12:34). Variant of this proverb: out of out of debt, out of danger Nobody the abundance of the heart the mouth who owes money can feel safe and secure: speaks. I breathed a sigh of relief as I handed over the wad of bills—out of debt, out of danger. The out of the mouths of babes and suck- proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in 1639. lings come great truths Children often Proverb expressing similar meaning: make surprisingly pertinent remarks or a man in debt is caught in a net. profound observations by accident: I asked Megan if she knew what divorce was, and she out of sight, out of mind We tend to said, “It’s when your dad doesn’t live with you forget about people or things we have any more but buys you better birthday presents.” not seen for some time: “He did not Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings! actually suggest that she should come The proverb is of biblical origin: “Out of home. Evidently it was still necessary the mouth of babes and sucklings hath that she should remain out of sight and thou ordained strength” (Psalm 8:2), “Yea; out of mind—a skeleton in a distant and have ye never read, Out of the mouth of well-locked cupboard” (George Orwell, A babes and sucklings thou hast perfected Clergyman’s Daughter, 1935). The proverb praise?” (Matthew 21:16). It is often used was ﬁ rst recorded c. 1450, but the senti- in a shortened and allusive form, as in the ment it expresses is of earlier origin. example. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: from the seldom seen, soon forgotten. mouths of babes come words of wisdom. Proverb expressing opposite meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: absence makes the heart grow fonder. children and fools speak the truth.

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paddle your own canoe Make your own tell him face to face—I’ll send him a letter. way; rely upon your own resources: He Paper does not blush. The proverb was fi rst decided to go freelance and paddle his own recorded in 1577 in John Grange’s The canoe. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Golden Aphroditis. 1844, in Captain Frederick Marryat’s Set- tlers in Canada, but became better known parents are patterns Parents are role through a poem by Sarah Bolton, pub- models for their children and should set a lished in Harper’s Magazine in May 1854: good example: Parents are patterns, and with “Voyage upon life’s sea,/To yourself be their father in prison and their mother funding true,/And, whatever your lot may be,/ her drug habit with prostitution, these children Paddle your own canoe.” have little chance of remaining on the straight Proverbs expressing similar mean- and narrow. This proverb is recorded as a ing: every man is the architect of his regional expression in the United States. own fortune; if you want a thing done well, do it yourself; god helps parsley seed goes nine times to the those who help themselves; life is devil Parsley is a diffi cult plant to grow, what you make it. and the seeds take such a long time to germinate that it seems they have been paper bleeds little It is easy to do some- down to hell several times before they thing in writing, without taking account of sprout: They say that parsley seed goes nine the human factors involved: The conditions times to the devil, and in my experience some seemed reasonable and harmless enough on of it never comes back—I sowed a whole packet paper, but paper bleeds little, and nobody could in that bed, and all I got was a few scrawny have predicted how much suffering they would plants. The proverb was fi rst recorded in cause. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1658, but with the implication that it was 1940, in Ernest Hemingway’s novel For already in regional use in England. Whom the Bell Tolls, but with the implication that it was already in general use. past cure, past care It is futile worrying about something when it is too late paper does not blush It is possible to to do anything about it. The proverb was express in writing what you would be too recorded in the works of Robert Greene ashamed or embarrassed to say: I can’t in 1593: “Remember the old proverbe,

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past cure, past care.” In 1594 William those who believed that such patriotism was the Shakespeare quoted the proverb in his last refuge of scoundrels. The proverb was ﬁ rst play Love’s Labour’s Lost (5:2): “Great rea- recorded as a quotation of Samuel Johnson son; for ‘past cure is still past care.’” in James Boswell’s Life of Johnson (1791).

the path of true love never runs pay as you go and nothing you’ll owe It smooth See the course of true love is best to pay for everything when you never did run smooth. receive it and not to get into debt: In these days of credit cards and charge accounts, the patience is a remedy for every sor- saying “Pay as you go and nothing you’ll owe” row In time grief will fade, ills will be has a rather old-fashioned ring. The proverb cured, and problems will be solved, so was fi rst recorded in 1851 Polly Peablos- all you can do is wait patiently: Patience is som’s Wedding (T. A. Burke, ed.). a remedy for every sorrow, and in six months’ time you’ll probably have forgotten all about pay beforehand was never well it. The proverb was fi rst recorded, with served People who are paid in advance different wording, c. 1390. In modern for their services have little incentive to usage the word sorrow may be replaced by work hard or well: Take my advice and don’t disease or trouble. hand over any money until the job is at least Variant of this proverb: patience is a half done—pay beforehand was never well plaster for all sores. served. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Proverb expressing similar meaning: 1591 in the form “He that pays aforehand time is a great healer. has never his work well done.”

patience is a virtue It is good to be pay what you owe and you’ll know what patient, but it is not easy: “patience is a you own Once you have paid in full for virtue; and . . . you ought not to be in something, there can be no dispute about haste to take a fi rst offer, for fear you who owns it; also used with reference to should not have a second” (Samuel Rich- the seizure of a debtor’s property: “Pay ardson, Sir Charles Grandison, 1754). First what you owe and you’ll know what you own,” recorded in English in the 14th century, they say, so I guess the house and car aren’t the proverb is of ancient origin. mine yet. The proverb is fi rst recorded Variants of this proverb: patience is in J. Stevens’s A New Spanish and English a virtue, catch it if you can: seldom in a Dictionary (1706). woman and never in a man; patience is a virtue which few possess—some have a peace makes plenty Peace brings little, others have less. prosperity: “Peace, Dear nurse of arts, plenties, and joyful births” (William patriotism is the last refuge of a scoun- Shakespeare, Henry V, 5:2). The proverb drel Those who have no better argument was fi rst recorded in Reliquae Antiquae in resort to appeals to patriotic sentiment: the 15th century. The meeting split into those who believed it was Variants of this proverb: peace right to fi ght to defend national interests and maketh plenty; plenty maketh pride;

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pride maketh war; war maketh poverty; Four-footed Beasts: “If by couetousnesse poverty maketh peace. or negligence, one withdraw from them their ordinary foode, he shall be penny the pen is mightier than the sword wise, and pound foolish.” Writing can be more effective or per- Proverb expressing similar meaning: suasive than violence or aggression; also spare at the spigot, and let out the used to imply that words can be more bunghole. dangerous than weapons: “Beneath the Proverb expressing opposite mean- rule of men entirely great/The pen ing: take care of the pence and the is mightier than the sword” (Edward pounds will take care of themselves. George Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu, 1838). The quotation is the fi rst recorded use people are more easily led than driven of the proverb in its current form, but It is better to guide people by example the sentiment it expresses is of earlier than to force them to do as they are told: origin. You may fi nd that a change of approach will Proverb expressing similar meaning: work wonders—people are more easily led than a goose quill is more dangerous than driven, and nobody responds well to threats and a lion’s claw. coercion. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1690 in Winthrop Papers. a penny saved is a penny earned It is wise to save money whenever you can, people who live in glass houses shouldn’t however small the amount: This brand is throw stones Do not criticize others not much cheaper, but a penny saved is a penny if you have the same faults yourself and earned. The proverb was fi rst recorded in are therefore vulnerable to retaliation: 1640 in the form “A penny spar’d is twice “Granted, the present internal chaos and got,” and the word got was used in place confusion of the Anglican churches in the of earned in subsequent occurrences of the Northern hemisphere forbids me to make proverb up to the early 20th century. merry at Rome’s expense; people who live Proverbs expressing similar mean- in glass houses should not throw stones; yet ing: saving is getting; thrift is a great there is a difference here. The trouble with revenue. Western Anglicanism is that it has drifted from its Reformation roots in matters of penny wise and pound foolish By being mental method, and needs to return to too thrifty or frugal with small expenses those roots” (James I. Packer, “Assessing you may incur a much larger expense; the Anglican-Roman Catholic Divide: An also used of those who combine parsi- Anglican Perspective,” CRUX, 1997). The mony with extravagance: “The problem in proverb was fi rst recorded in 1640, but the any police agency is that training assumes sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin: lower priority than putting people out on Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1385) the street. In a lot of ways that’s penny contains a similar warning for “Who that wise and pound foolish” (New York Times, hath an hed of verre [a head of glass].” A 1987). The proverb was fi rst recorded facetious variant is “People who live in glass in 1607, in Edward Topsell’s History of houses should undress in the dark.”

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Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: shit or get judge not, that ye be not judged. off the pot. Proverb expressing similar meaning: physician, heal thyself Do not reproach fish or cut bait. another person for something that you are equally guilty of; also used to imply the pitcher will go to the well once that you should solve your own problems too often Nothing can continue or be before you try to deal with those of repeated indefi nitely—a run of good for- other people: “How can a man . . . teach tune or success must come to an end, per- sobriety or cleanliness, if he be himself sistent cheats or swindlers will ultimately drunken or foul? ‘Physician, heal thyself,’ be caught out: I decided not to push my is the answer of his neighbours” (Samuel luck by asking for yet another extension to the Smiles, Thrift, 1875). The proverb is of deadline—my publisher had accepted all the biblical origin: “Ye will surely say unto excuses I’d given so far, but the pitcher will go me this proverb, Physician, heal thy- to the well once too often. The proverb was self: whatsoever we have heard done in fi rst recorded in 1340. Capernaum, do also here in thy country” Variant of this proverb: a pitcher (Luke 4:23). that goes to the well too often is broken Proverb expressing similar meaning: at last. sweep your own doorstep clean. pity is akin to love Pity and love are a picture is worth a thousand words See related emotions: She pitied him, and one picture is worth ten thousand although pity is akin to love, it is not the best words. foundation for a lasting relationship. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1696, but pigs are pigs All bad people or things the sentiment it expresses is of earlier are equally undesirable, regardless of origin, occurring in Shakespeare’s play where they come from: Pigs are pigs, and Twelfth Night (3:1): “I pity you.—That’s a this kind of behavior is no more acceptable in a degree to love.” college graduate than it is in an ignorant lout. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1822, a place for everything and everything in a letter from Charles Lamb to Samuel in its place Everything belongs some- Taylor Coleridge. where, and should be tidied away; often used to encourage orderliness or to describe pigs may fl y, but they are very unlikely an orderly place: “‘I thought you were birds See if a pig had wings, it might rather partial to anatomical specimens.’ ‘So I fly. am, but not on the breakfast-table.’ ‘A place for everything and everything in its place,’ piss or get off the pot If you’re not as my grandmother used to say.” (Dorothy ready to take action or get on with what L. Sayers, Lord Peter Views Body, 1928). The you have to do, then make way for some- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1640, with body who is: This is not the time for hesita- different wording, and occurs in guides tion or indecision—piss or get off the pot! to thrift and household management,

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notably that written by Mrs. Isabella Bee- special hero to us.’ Politics do indeed ton (1836–65). make strange bedfellows” (Victor Lasky, It Didn’t Start with Watergate, 1977). The please your eye and plague your proverb was fi rst recorded in 1839 in heart Those who choose their husbands, Diary of Philip Hone. The expression strange wives, or lovers on the basis of good looks bedfellows derives from Shakespeare’s Tem- alone may suffer for their choice: “‘Please pest (2:2; 1611): “Misery acquaints a man your eye and plague your heart’ is an with strange bedfellows.” adage that want of beauty invented, I dare say, more than a thousand years ago” (Wil- a poor excuse is better than none See a liam Cobbett, Advice to Young Men, 1829). bad excuse is better than none. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1617. possession is nine points of the law A pleasure fi rst and business after See person who actually has something in his business before pleasure. or her possession is in a strong position for claiming legal ownership of or entitle- plus ça change, plus c’est la même ment to it: “It is hard to reconcile this chose See the more things change, with Russia’s dreadful example of looting the more they stay the same. masses of art, hiding it and then claiming that possession is 90 percent of the law” poets are born, not made The ability to (New York Times, 1994). The proverb was write poetry is an innate quality and cannot fi rst recorded in 1616 (T. Draxe, Adages). be taught or learned: She rejected the notion The nine in the proverb is nine out of ten that poets are born, not made, and believed that parts. The “nine points” have been listed as everybody was capable of putting his or her (1) a good deal of money, (2) a good deal thoughts into verse, with or without tuition. of patience, (3) a good case, (4) a good The proverb is of ancient origin in its Latin lawyer, (5) a good counsel, (6) good wit- form, “Poeta nascitur, non fi t.” It is sometimes nesses, (7) a good jury, (8) a good judge, applied to different skills or occupations by and (9) good luck. substituting another word for poets, as in Variant of this proverb: possession is “Salesmen are born, not made.” nine-tenths of the law.

politeness costs nothing and gains every- a postern door makes a thief It is all too thing See civility costs nothing. easy to rob a house that has a rear entrance through which people can slip in and out politics makes strange bedfellows Pol- unnoticed: They had ﬁ tted extra locks and bolts itics tends to bring together those who on the back door, on the basis of the saying “A pos- would normally avoid each other’s com- tern door makes a thief,” but unfortunately they pany, and unlikely alliances may be forged had neglected to secure the windows. The prov- for political reasons: “For, if anything, erb was ﬁ rst recorded c. 1450 in the form Troy represented the earthy patriotism of “A back door makes a rich man poor.” New York’s hard-hat voters, a fact which, Variant of this proverb: the back according to Mankiewicz, ‘made him a door robs the house.

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the post of honor is the post of danger poverty is no disgrace, but it’s a great The most perilous positions in an admin- inconvenience Poor people have noth- istration or organization are those that ing to be ashamed of, but their situation have the highest prestige: She had no ambi- is nonetheless undesirable: “‘Poverty’s no tions to rise any further through the ranks, on disgrace, but ’tis a great inconvenience’ the basis that the post of honor is the post of was a common saying among the Lark Rise danger. The proverb was fi rst recorded in people; but . . . their poverty was no less this form in 1832 in A. Henderson’s Scot- than a hampering drag upon them” (Flora tish Proverbs but the sentiment it expresses Thompson, Lark Rise to Candleford, 1945). is of much earlier origin. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1591 in Proverbs expressing similar mean- the form “Poverty is no vice, though it be ing: the highest branch is not the saf- an inconvenience.” est roost; uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. poverty is not a crime Poor people should not be treated like criminals: “It the pot calls the kettle black People is easy enough to say that poverty is no criticize others for faults that they have crime. No; if it were men wouldn’t be themselves, or make accusations that are ashamed of it” (Jerome K. Jerome, Idle equally applicable to themselves: “But a very Thoughts of an Idle Fellow, 1889). The prov- few weeks after Voltaire’s arrival, little clouds erb was fi rst recorded in 1591 in the form of discord become visible on the horizon; “Poverty is no vice.” and one can overhear the pot and the kettle . Variants of this proverb: poverty is . . calling each other black” (Lytton Strachey, no crime; poverty is no sin. Biographical Essays, “Voltaire and Frederick the Great,” 1949). The proverb was fi rst poverty makes strange bedfellows See recorded in this form in 1699, but the adversity makes strange bedfellows. sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. It alludes to the blackened bottoms of pots, power corrupts, and absolute power cor- pans, and kettles used on an open fi re. rupts absolutely Power has an adverse Proverb expressing similar mean- effect on the integrity of those in authority, ing: the best place for criticism is in and the more power they have, the worse front of your mirror. they become: His impeccable record suggested that he would be a just and wise ruler, but power poverty comes from God, but not corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, dirt Some people cannot avoid being and the people lived to regret their choice. The poor, but nobody has any excuse for being proverb comes from a letter written by dirty or for failing to keep his or her the English historian Lord Acton in 1887: house clean: “Poverty comes from God, but not “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute dirt,” my aunt used to say as she scrubbed the power corrupts absolutely. Great men are fl oor on her hands and knees. almost always bad men, even when they exercise infl uence and not authority.” The poverty is no crime See poverty is not sentiment expressed in the shorter form, a crime. “Power corrupts,” is of earlier origin.

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practice makes perfect The more often Variant of this proverb: everybody you do something, the better at it you speaks well of the bridge that carries him become: “Young birds very frequently make over. their fi rst fl ight when their parents are out of sight. Practice of course makes perfect praise the child, and you make love to the and puts a polish on the somewhat awkward mother Parents—especially mothers— fi rst performance; but there is no elaborate are pleased and fl attered by compliments learning needed” (J. S. Huxley, Man in the paid to their children: He struggled to think Modern World, “The Intelligence of Birds,” of something nice to say about her obnoxious 1947). The proverb was fi rst recorded in son, anxious to win her favor and well aware 1553 in T. Wilson’s Art of Rhetoric. that if you praise the child you make love to the mother. The proverb was fi rst recorded practice what you preach Always fol- in 1829 (W. Cobbett, Advice to Young Men), low the advice or instructions you give but with the implication that it had long to others: Practice what you preach—it’s no been in general use. use warning your children about the dangers of alcohol unless you are prepared to modify a preacher’s son is often bad See cler- your own drinking habits. The proverb is of gymen’s sons always turn out badly. ancient origin. prejudice is being down on what we are praise no man till he is dead Final judg- not up on People automatically dislike ments on a person’s qualities can only or distrust anything they have no under- become reliable after he or she is dead: standing of or familiarity with: Disparaging The revelation that their former boss had been and offensive remarks like these are just a sign swindling the corporation’s pension fund made of ignorance—prejudice is being down on what several employees wish they had observed the we are not up on. old proverb that warns against praising any Proverb expressing similar meaning: man till he is dead. The proverb was fi rst prejudice is the child of ignorance. recorded in R. Taverner, Proverbs or Adages with New Additions, gathered out of the Chili- prejudice is the child of ignorance Prej- ades of Erasmus (1540). udice is caused by a lack of knowledge or Variant of this proverb: praise day understanding: On the basis that prejudice is at night. the child of ignorance, it is hoped that this new information campaign will pave the way for praise the bridge that carries you better race relations. The proverb was fi rst over Do not criticize people or things recorded in William Hazlitt’s essay “On that have helped you: On the principle that Prejudice” (c. 1821). you should always praise the bridge that carries Proverb expressing similar meaning: you over, I spoke out in defense of the system prejudice is being down on what we are that had enabled me to continue my education not up on. after the death of my parents. The proverb Proverb expressing opposite mean- was fi rst recorded in 1678 in John Ray’s ing: admiration is the daughter of A Collection of English Proverbs. ignorance.

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prevention is better than cure It is pride goes before a fall Arrogance and better to prevent something undesir- overconfi dence often lead to humiliation able from happening than to have to or disaster; often used as a warning: “‘I fi x it afterward: The debate was evenly suppose he thinks he’d be mayor himself,’ divided between those who favored abortion said the people of Blackstable. They pursed on demand and those who felt that free con- their lips. ‘Pride goeth before a fall’” (W. traception should be available to all, on the Somerset Maugham, Cakes and Ale, 1930). basis that prevention is better than cure. The The proverb is of biblical origin—“Pride proverb was fi rst recorded in 1618, but goeth before destruction, and an haughty the sentiment it expresses is of earlier spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)—and origin. is sometimes regarded as a misquotation. Proverbs expressing similar mean- The sentiment it expresses occurs in one ing: an ounce of prevention is worth of the fables of Aesop (sixth century b.c.), a pound of cure; a stitch in time saves about a victorious fi ghting cock who fl ies nine; who repairs not his gutters up to a high place and crows in triumph, repairs his whole house. only to be carried off by a passing eagle. Variant of this proverb: pride comes the price of liberty is eternal vigi- before a fall. lance Freedom can only be preserved by keeping a watch on any threat to it: procrastination is the thief of time If The Treasury might wrangle over the cost you constantly put off doing things, you of the nation’s defense, but the price of lib- will only waste the time in which they erty is eternal vigilance. An Irish proverb could have been done and will ultimately fi rst recorded by John Philpot Curran in run out of time in which to do them: 1790, it became a favorite maxim of U.S. “They were virtuous young men, and reformer Wendell Phillips in the mid- lost no opportunity that fell in their way 19th century. to make their livelihood. Their motto was in these words, namely, ‘Procrastina- pride comes before a fall See pride tion is the thief of time’” (Mark Twain, goes before a fall. The Innocents Abroad, 1869). The proverb comes from Edward Young’s poem Night pride feels no pain People are able to Thoughts (1742): “Procrastination is the endure or ignore the physical discomfort thief of time;/Year after year it steals, till caused by smart or fashionable clothes, all are fl ed.” Other writers have different shoes, or jewelry; also used in other views on the subject: Oscar Wilde wrote, situations where people tolerate physical in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891), “He suffering in order not to lose face: In those was always late on principle, this principle days women wore corsets that were sometimes being that punctuality is the thief of time,” so tightly laced as to cause internal injury, but and according to Ogden Nash, in The Prim- pride feels no pain. The proverb was fi rst rose Path (1935), “Far from being the thief recorded in 1614. of Time, procrastination is the king of it.” Variant of this proverb: pride feels Proverbs expressing similar mean- no cold. ing: never put off until tomorrow

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what you can do today; there’s no try,’ he sighed” (W. Somerset Maugham, time like the present. Then and Now, 1946). The proverb is of biblical origin in its current form: “A promises, like piecrust, are made to be prophet is not without honor, save in his broken People cannot be depended own country, and in his own house” (Mat- upon to keep their word: She promised never thew 13:57). to mention the incident again, but promises, like Variant of this proverb: a prophet is piecrust, are made to be broken, and she couldn’t without honor in his own country. resist retelling the story—much to my embarrassment—at a dinner party the following week. prosperity discovers vice; adversity, The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1681, in virtue Wealth or good fortune often the periodical Heraclitus Ridens: “He makes brings out the worst in a person, whereas no more of breaking Acts of Parliaments, hardship or misfortune brings out the than if they were like Promises and Pie- best: The saying “Prosperity discovers vice; crust made to be broken.” adversity, virtue” should not be used as an Variant of this proverb: promises are argument for withholding fi nancial assistance like piecrust: easy made and easy broken. from the needy. The proverb was fi rst Proverb expressing opposite mean- recorded in 1732 in Thomas Fuller’s Gno- ing: a man’s word is as good as his mologia: Adagies and Proverbs. bond. prosperity is just around the corner the proof of the pudding is in the eating Things will improve in the near future: Nothing can be properly judged until it is Politicians are always telling us that prosperity put to the test: The car is very attractive in is just around the corner—provided that we its new design, and the improved performance continue voting them into power—but over the fi gures look good on paper, but the proof of the past few years we seem to have done a complete pudding is in the eating—let’s go for a drive. tour of the block without tracking it down. The The proverb was fi rst recorded in this proverb originated at the time of the Great form in the 17th century, but the senti- Depression, during the administration of ment it expresses is of earlier origin. President Herbert Hoover (1929–33), Variant of this proverb: the proof is with whom it is generally associated. in the pudding. providence is always on the side of the a prophet is not without honor, save big battalions Those with the great- in his own country People who give est strength, power, or infl uence always words of warning or wisdom are not seem to have luck on their side and heeded or appreciated by those closest inevitably win the day: Not only do they to them: “In Florence the signori thought outnumber us, but they also have better weap- him an amusing fellow and his letters ons at their disposal. Providence is always often made them laugh, but they had on the side of the big battalions, and I see no great confi dence in his judgment and no point in fi ghting a battle that we can- never followed his advice. ‘A prophet is not possibly win. The proverb has been not without honor save in his own coun- attributed to various people, notably

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the French marshal Henri de Turenne The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1853 in T. (1611–75): “la fortune est toujours, comme C. Haliburton’s Sam Slick’s Wise Saws. disait le pauvre M. de Turenne, pour les gros bataillons [fortune is always, as poor put fi rst things fi rst See first things Mr. de Turenne used to say, for the big first. battalions]” (Madame de Sévigné, letter dated December 22, 1673). The French put your best foot forward Always writer Voltaire (1694–78) was of a dif- make the most of your strengths and ferent opinion: “Dieu n’est pas pour les abilities; also used to urge people to make gros bataillons, mais pour ceux qui tirent le their best effort or be on their best behav- mieux [God is on the side not of the big ior: Put your best foot forward, and try to make battalions, but of the best shots].” a good impression at the outset. The proverb Variant of this proverb: God is always was fi rst recorded in the 16th century. It on the side of the big battalions. occurs in Shakespeare’s play Titus Androni- Proverbs expressing similar mean- cus (2:3), “Come on, my lords, the better ing: might makes right; the weakest go foot before.” to the wall. Proverb expressing opposite mean- put your trust in God, and keep your ing: the race is not to the swift, nor powder dry Do not pin all your hopes on the battle to the strong. divine assistance or intervention—always be prepared to take action yourself if neces- punctuality is the politeness of kings It sary: “Zwingli . . . believed in the necessity is discourteous to be late, regardless of of war; while Luther put his sole trust in your rank or status: “Punctuality is the the Word of God. . . . Zwingli was a free politeness of kings, and King Magnus is a republican; while Luther was a loyal monar- model in that respect” (George Bernard chist. He belonged to the Cromwellian type Shaw, The Apple Cart, 1929). The proverb of men who “trust in God and keep their is attributed to King Louis XVIII (1755– powder dry” (Philip Schaff, History of the 1824) in its French form “L’exactitude est Christian Church, 1883–1893). The proverb la politesse des rois.” It was fi rst recorded in is attributed to the English Civil War leader English in 1853, in the form “Punctuality Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658), who is said is the virtue of princes.” to have given this advice to his troops at the Variant of this proverb: punctuality battle of Edgehill in 1642. The word powder is the politeness of princes. refers to gunpowder. The proverb has given rise to the cliché to keep one’s powder dry. punctuality is the soul of business It Variant of this proverb: trust in God is important to be on time for business and keep your powder dry. appointments: Punctuality is the soul of busi- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ness, and most companies take a very dim view of hope for the best and prepare for the job applicants who arrive late for their interviews. worst.

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the quarrel of lovers is the renewal unpleasant illness, but rarely lasts more than of love A loving relationship is often a few days—quickly come, quickly go. The reestablished on a ﬁ rmer footing after an proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in this form in argument: “The falling out of Lovers . . . is 1869 in W. C. Hazlitt’s English Proverbs. the renewal of Love. Are we not now bet- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ter friends than if we had never differed?” easy come, easy go. (Samuel Richardson, Sir Charles Grandison, 1754). The proverb is of ancient origin, quick ripe, quick rotten See soon ripe, occurring in the Roman poet Terence’s soon rotten. Andria (second century b.c.): “Amantium irae amoris integratio est [Lovers’ quarrels quit while you are ahead Give up doing are a strengthening of love].” something when you are in a good posi- Variant of this proverb: the falling tion rather than risk what you have out of lovers is the renewing of love. already gained: He was tempted to bet on one more game but remembered the adage “quit quickly come, quickly go Something while you are ahead.” The proverb was that arises suddenly is likely to disappear first recorded c. 1350 in the Douce MS. just as suddenly; also used of something Variant of this proverb: leave off that is rapidly gained and lost: It is an while the play is good.

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the race is not to the swift, nor the hopes were raised when I woke at dawn to the battle to the strong Speed and power sound of rain beating on the window. Rain do not guarantee success—those who are before seven, fi ne before eleven—perhaps the slower and weaker may win through per- baseball game would not have to be canceled severance or tactics: “Amongst the wild after all. The proverb was fi rst recorded in tribes of the Malay Archipelago there is 1835, but with the implication that it was also a racing match; and it appears from already in use among amateur weather M. Bourien’s account, as Sir J. Lubbock forecasters. remarks, that ‘the race, “is not to the Variant of this proverb: rain before swift, nor the battle to the strong,” but to seven, clear before eleven. the young man who has the good fortune to please his intended bride’” (Charles rats desert a sinking ship People tend Darwin, The Descent of Man, 1871). The to leave an organization, pull out of a proverb is of biblical origin: “the race project, or abandon a cause when they is not to the swift, nor the battle to the become aware that it is heading for disas- strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor ter; often used to imply disloyalty, or to yet riches to men of understanding, nor predict the imminent failure of some- yet favor to men of skill; but time and thing: “What do you want HER to know chance happeneth to them all” (Ecclesi- how you are for? She don’t want to see astes 9:11). ’ee. She’s the rat that forsook the sinking Proverb expressing similar meaning: ship! . . . And I stuck to un—the more slow and steady wins the race. fool I! Have that strumpet in the house Proverbs expressing opposite mean- indeed!” (Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, ing: providence is always on the side of 1895). The proverb was fi rst recorded the big battalions; the weakest go to in the 16th century, but a similar senti- the wall. ment—referring to the notion that rats and mice always leave a house that is rain before seven, fi ne before eleven about to fall down—was expressed in the Rain early in the morning often heralds fi rst century a.d. by the Roman scholar a fi ne day; occasionally applied to other Pliny the Elder. things that start in an unpromising way: Variant of this proverb: rats abandon The weather forecast was not good, but my a sinking ship.

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the receiver is as bad as the thief See right is often more unpleasant or damag- if there were no receivers, there ing than the original problem: “‘But how would be no thieves. much will it cost to win the day?’ asked Mme. Sechard. ‘Fees if you win, one red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky thousand francs if we lose our case.’ ‘Oh, in the morning, sailors take warning A dear!’ cried poor Eve, ‘Why, the remedy red sky at sunset is a sign of fair weather is worse than the disease!’” (Honoré de the following day, but a red sky at sunrise Balzac, Eve and David, 1841–43). The means that bad weather is on the way: A proverb was fi rst recorded in 1582, but spectacular sunset on Saturday evening was the sentiment it expresses is of ancient followed by a glorious day for our outing on origin. It occurs in one of the fables of Sunday, fulfi lling the promise of the old saying Aesop (sixth century b.c.), about a group “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the of pigeons who ask a hawk to defend them morning, sailors take warning.” The proverb against a kite: once inside their cote, the is of biblical origin: “When it is evening, hawk kills more of them in a single day ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky than the kite could have killed outside in is red. And in the morning, It will be foul a whole year. weather to day: for the sky is red and Variant of this proverb: the cure may lowring” (Matthew 16:2–3). be worse than the disease. Variant of this proverb: red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; red sky in the render unto Caesar that which is Cae- morning, shepherd’s warning. sar’s Give what you have to give to those who have a better claim to them: a reed before the wind lives on, while He did not want to hand the extra money over mighty oaks do fall Those who are fl ex- to the taxman, but his accountant persuaded ible and relatively insignifi cant can survive him to render unto Caesar what was Caesar’s. crises that bring down more prominent A biblical quotation from Matthew 22:21, people who are unable or unwilling to the proverb has changed somewhat from yield or adapt: Remembering the saying “A its original meaning, which is evident reed before the wind lives on while mighty from its fuller biblical form: “Then saith oaks do fall,” he managed to hold on to his job he unto them, Render therefore unto through successive administrations by keeping a Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; low profi le and adjusting his method of work- and unto God the things that are God’s.” ing in line with policy changes and prevailing An underlying message here is to keep trends. The proverb was fi rst recorded in worldly things separate from religion. Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1385): “And reed that boweth down for every revenge is a dish best eaten cold Ven- blast,/Ful lightly, cesse wynd, it wol geance is often more satisfying if it is aryse;/ But so nyl nought an ook whan exacted some time after the original it is cast.” offense; said when a wrong cannot be immediately avenged, or used to discour- the remedy may be worse than the age somebody from retaliating in the heat disease Action taken to put something of the moment: I’ll get my own back one of

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these days, but I’m in no hurry—revenge is a Proverb expressing similar meaning: dish best eaten cold. The proverb was fi rst money is round and runs away. recorded in 1885. Variant of this proverb: revenge is a the rich get richer and the poor get dish best served cold. poorer Those who have money fi nd it easy to make more, while those who have revenge is sweet It is very satisfying to none sink further into debt; often applied retaliate or avenge a wrong: “I am the man to a specifi c economic period, climate, or from whom you ran, the man you sought policy that favors the rich and disadvantages to slay./That you may note and gaze and the poor: The most signifi cant result of this gloat, and say ‘Revenge is sweet’,/In the method of taxation is that the rich get richer and grit and grime of the river’s slime I am the poor get poorer. The proverb was popular- rotting at your feet” (Robert Service, Bal- ized in the early 20th century as a line from lads of a Cheechako, “The Ballad of One- the song “Ain’t We Got Fun” (1921), by Gus Eyed Mike,” 1909). The proverb was fi rst Kahn and Raymond B. Egan, which also recorded in 1566, in William Painter’s contains the facetious variant “The rich get Palace of Pleasure: “Vengeance is sweete vnto rich and the poor get children.” him, which in place of killing his enemy, giueth life to a perfect frende.” In his poem the rich man has his ice in the sum- Paradise Lost (1667), John Milton observed, mer and the poor man gets his in the “Revenge, at fi rst, though sweet,/Bitter winter It may seem that everybody, ere long, back on itself recoils.” rich or poor, has an equal share of good fortune in life, but this is not so: “The revolutions are not made with rose rich get ice in the summer and the poor water It is not possible to bring about get it in the winter, so some people fi gure drastic changes by pleasant, easy, or everyone gets an even break” (J. W. Rider, peaceful means, or without causing dam- Jersey Tomatoes, 1986). The proverb was age or suffering: “On either side harm fi rst recorded in 1921. must be done before good can accrue— revolutions are not to be made with rose a rich man’s joke is always funny Wealthy water” (Lord Byron, letter dated Octo- people are surrounded by those who hope ber 3, 1819). The quotation is the fi rst to win their favor by fl attery, such as, by recorded use of the proverb in English. It laughing at all their jokes, whether they comes from a rhetorical question posed are funny or not: He went on to tell an by the French writer Nicolas (1741–94): anecdote that was in rather poor taste, but his “Voulez-vous qu’on vous fasse des révolutions à host—who had invited him with a view to l’eau rose [Do you expect revolutions to be securing a lucrative sponsorship deal—laughed made with rose water].” appreciatively. A rich man’s joke is always funny. The proverb comes from the writings of riches have wings Money is soon gone. the poet T. E. Brown (1830–97). The proverb is of biblical origin: “For riches Proverb expressing similar meaning: taketh her to her wings, as an eagle, and He that has a full purse never wanted a fl ieth into the heaven” (Proverbs 23:5). friend.

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a rising tide lifts all boats Everybody Robin Hood could brave all weathers but benefi ts from an upward trend in a nation’s a thaw wind Of all kinds of weather, prosperity or quality of life: “The country a raw wind after frost or snow is the was in a sharp economic expansion com- most penetrating. The proverb appears in ing out of ’82. This made everybody look W. Neville, The Life and Exploits of Robin smart—you know, the rising tide lifts Hood (1855). In Yorkshire, England, where all boats” (Washington Times, 1990). The the historical Robin Hood may have lived, proverb is associated with President John a cold wind from the north or east is called F. Kennedy, who used it in a speech in a “Robin Hood wind.” 1963: “As they say on my own Cape Cod, a rising tide lifts all the boats.” a rolling stone gathers no moss People who spend their lives traveling or moving the road to hell is paved with good inten- around tend to accumulate few responsi- tions Good intentions are of no value bilities or personal attachments: “We keep unless they are translated into action; also repeating the silly proverb that rolling used when something done with good stones gather no moss, as if moss were a intentions has an undesirable or harmful desirable parasite” (George Bernard Shaw, effect: To those who constantly make vague Misalliance, Preface, 1914). The proverb is promises of future support for our charity, I probably of ancient origin: in his Adagia have only this to say: “The road to hell is (1500) the Dutch humanist Desiderius paved with good intentions.” The proverb Erasmus quotes Latin and Greek proverbs was fi rst recorded in English in 1574, in translated as “A rolling stone is not cov- the form “Hell is full of good desires,” but ered with moss” and “A rolling stone does it is has been attributed to Saint Bernard not gather seaweed.” (1091–1153). Variants of this proverb: the streets Rome was not built in a day It takes of hell are paved with promises; hell is a lot of time and effort to achieve great full of good meanings, but heaven is full things; used to encourage patience and of good works. perseverance: “‘These are early days, Trot,’ she pursued, ‘and Rome was not the robin and the wren are God’s cock built in a day, nor in a year. You have and hen The robin and the wren are chosen . . . a very pretty and a very special birds in the eyes of heaven: the affectionate creature. It will be your duty robin and the wren are God’s cock and hen: the . . . to estimate her (as you chose her) martin and the swallow are God’s mate and by the qualities she has, and not by the marrow. The proverb appears in the Poetical qualities she may not have. The latter you Description of Song Birds (1787). The prov- must develop in her, if you can’” (Charles erb refl ects the time-honored superstition Dickens, David Copperfi eld, 1850). First that it is unlucky to kill a robin or a wren. recorded in English in 1545, the proverb It may also have been infl uenced by the is of ancient origin. ancient misapprehension that the robin and the wren were the male and female of a rose by any other name would smell the same species. as sweet It is the intrinsic qualities of

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people and things that matter, not what call a rose/By any other name would they are called—names have no bearing smell as sweet.” on character or nature: “Anne looked Proverb expressing similar meaning: thoughtful. ‘I read in a book once that a what’s in a name? rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I’ve never been able to believe a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose Things it. I don’t believe a rose WOULD be as and people are what they are—you cannot nice if it was called a thistle or a skunk deﬁ ne them in any other way, or change cabbage’” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne their essential nature by giving them a of Green Gables, 1908). The proverb comes different name: “A rose is a rose is a rose,” from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet said Jerome M. Becker . . . ‘He commit- (2:2),ååååå “What’s in a name? that which we ted the murder under the inﬂ uence of RUSSIAN PROVERBS Many Russian proverbs are regional equivalents of others found in the English-speaking world, but others would appear to have arisen uniquely from the Russian experience of hardship and servitude over the centuries.

Ask a lot, but take what is offered Better a bed of wood than a bier of gold Don’t praise your furnace when the house is cold Eat until you are half full; drink until you are half drunk An enemy will agree, but a friend will argue Eternal peace lasts until the next war Eternity makes room for a salty cucumber Even in the ashes there will be a few sparks He who offers his back should not complain if it is beaten Honor goes to God; the priests get the bacon The horses of hope gallop, but the asses of experience go slowly If you don’t have a hundred roubles, make sure you have a hundred friends In Russia every day is of thirty hours In the lake of lies there are many dead ﬁ sh No one is hanged who has money in his pocket One cannot make a fur coat from a thank-you Only chained bears dance Thanks to one small candle the whole of Moscow burns Vodka is the aunt of wine Who lives in exile ﬁ nds that spring has no charm Who wants heat must endure the smoke You can’t sew buttons on your neighbor’s mouth Your body belongs to the Tsar, your soul to God, and your back to the squire

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cocaine and to me that’s simple: It’s mur- ﬁ rst recorded, with different wording, der and his conduct was depraved’” (New in 1340. York Times, 1989). The proverb comes from Variants of this proverb: the rotten the U.S. writer Gertrude Stein’s Sacred apple injures its neighbor; one bad apple Emily (1913). spoils the lot.

the rotten apple spoils the barrel A rules are made to be broken People single bad individual can have a cor- would not bother to make rules if they rupting inﬂ uence on all those around did not expect them to be broken every him or her, or everybody with whom he now and then; often used to justify some or she comes into contact; also used to minor infringement, especially of a rule imply that one bad member of a group considered to be petty, unnecessary, or can create an unfavorable impression of inappropriate: I know we’re not supposed the whole: If we wish to retain our politi- to take food and drink into the library, but cal neutrality, we must keep militants and rules are made to be broken. The proverb activists out of the organization—the rotten was ﬁ rst recorded in 1942 in F. Gruber’s apple spoils the barrel. The proverb was Gift Horse.

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safe bind, safe fi nd If you fasten things save at the spigot and waste at the securely before you leave, or lock some- bung See spare at the spigot, and let body or something away, they will still out the bunghole. be there when you return: “‘I’ll privately turn the key on her, in case she wakes save something for a rainy day It is before we come back. Safe bind, safe sensible to put money aside in case it is fi nd—you know the proverb!’” (Wilkie needed in the future: He remembered his Collins, No Name, 1862). The proverb was grandmother’s advice to save something for a fi rst recorded in 1546 in the form “Fast rainy day. The proverb was fi rst recorded bind, fast fi nd.” in 1583 in J. Stubbes’s Anatomie of Abuses.

safety fi rst Safety issues should always save us from our friends Our friends be the fi rst consideration: This company can cause us far more harm or trouble has adopted a safety fi rst policy. This proverb than our enemies; usually—but not dates back to 1929, when it appeared in exclusively—applied to false, treacher- W. R. Inge’s Assessment and Anticipation: ous, or disloyal friends: She says she felt “‘Safety fi rst’ is all very well when we compelled, as one of my oldest friends, to tell are preparing to cross a street or board my employers about my alcohol problem. All an omnibus.” I can say is, “Save us from our friends!” The proverb was fi rst recorded, with differ- Saturday’s child works hard for its living ent wording, in 1477. Queen Elizabeth Children born on a Saturday are sup- I is alleged to have said, in 1585, “There posed to be industrious and hardwork- is an Italian proverb which saith, From ing: Both her sons were born on a Saturday, my enemy let me defend myself; but and neither of them has bothered to look for from a pretensed friend, good Lord a job since leaving college. So much for the deliver me.” saying “Saturday’s child works hard for its Variant of this proverb: God pro- living”! The proverb is the sixth line of a tect me from my friends—I can protect traditional rhyme beginning “Monday’s myself from my enemies. child is fair of face.” See entries at the Proverb expressing similar mean- days of the week for other proverbs from ing: with friends like that, who this rhyme. needs enemies?

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 237 1/29/07 5:12:57 PM savingååååå is getting SCANDINAVIAN PROVERBS The proverbs of the Scandinavian countries provide a glimpse into the history of those nations, including as they do a fair number of pithy observations based on the experience of harsh weather and a seafaring tradition going back to the Vikings.

Ambition and revenge are always hungry Ask for advice, then use your head Better ice that melts than ﬁ re that extinguishes Don’t praise the bread that is not out of the oven Don’t sail out farther than you can row back Even a small star shines in the dark Fish bite best on a golden hook Fresh air impoverishes doctors Heaven dries what it has made wet It is the great north wind that made the Vikings It is too late to learn to swim when the water is up to your lips Love has produced some heroes but many idiots too A man without money is like a boat without sails The most difﬁ cult mountain to cross is the threshold No answer is also an answer Nobody is too young to die tomorrow Rain does not stay in the sky A small cloud may hide both sun and moon There is no wind that blows right for the sailor who does not know where the harbor is The winter does not leave without a backward glance

saving is getting Money that is got you fi nd a Tartar,’ was the sum of British com- through saving is as valuable as money that prehension of the Russian character” (Brit- is earned. The proverb was fi rst recorded ish Spectator, 1911). Attributed to Napoleon in 1642 in G. Torriano’s Select Italian Prov- Bonaparte (1769–1821), the proverb was erbs: “Saving is the fi rst getting.” fi rst recorded in English in 1823, but with Proverb expressing similar meaning: the implication that it was already in gen- a penny saved is a penny earned. eral use. Other words may be substituted for Russian and Tartar, as in the Republican scrambled eggs can’t be unscram- slogan “Scratch a Democrat and you will bled See you can’t unscramble eggs. fi nd a rebel.”

scratch a Russian and you ﬁ nd a Tartar second thoughts are best Do not act What a person claims to be may be different on impulse: “Second thoughts, they say, are from what he or she actually is: “Until a short best:/I’ll consider of it once again” (John time ago the aphorism, ‘Scratch a Russian and Dryden, The Spanish Friar, 1681). The prov-

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 238 1/29/07 5:12:57 PM åååååsee a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, . . . SCOTTISH PROVERBS Scotland has a rich heritage in terms of proverbs, of which the following is merely a selection. A bad wound may heal, but a bad name will kill A blind man needs no looking glass The devil’s a busy bishop in his own diocese A hungry man smells meat far All that’s said in the kitchen should not be told in the hall Enough’s as good as a feast Every man to his taste, as the man said when he kissed his cow From saving comes having Get what you can and keep what you have; that’s the way to get rich Good company on a journey is worth a coach If I had a dog as daft, I would shoot him If you don’t see the bottom, don’t wade Laws catch ﬂ ies, but let hornets go free A man cannot wive and thrive the same year Many a mickle makes a muckle A nod’s as good as a wink to a blind horse One whisky is all right; two is too much; three is too few Penny wise and pound foolish War makes thieves, and peace hangs them A wise lawyer never goes to law himself Ye may not sit in Rome and strive with the Pope You will never know a man till you do business with him

erb is of ancient origin, occurring in Eurip- ceases to be a secret: “Don’t tell anybody ides’ Hippolytus (ﬁ fth century b.c.): “The else—it’s a secret.” “It can’t be—a secret’s a second thoughts are invariably wiser.” secret until it’s told.” Variant of this proverb: a secret a secret is either too good to keep or shared is no secret. too bad not to tell It is very hard to keep a secret of any kind: You’ll never see a pin and pick it up, all the day believe what Megan’s planning to do to that you’ll have good luck; see a pin and guy who dumped her last week. It’s a secret, of let it lay, bad luck you’ll have all the course, but you know what they say—a secret is day According to popular superstition, either too good to keep or too bad not to tell. if you see a pin lying around, it is lucky The proverb is a regional expression in the to pick it up and unlucky not to; also United States. used to encourage thriftiness: See a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll have good a secret’s a secret until it’s told When luck—and you might also prevent somebody you pass on a secret to somebody else, it from getting a painful surprise if they kneel

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down or walk around barefoot. The proverb seize the day Live for the present, and was fi rst recorded in 1843. take full advantage of every moment: Variants of this proverb: fi nd a penny, Nobody knows what the future may hold, so pick it up, all day long you’ll have good seize the day. The proverb comes from the luck; see a pin and pick it up, all the day writings of the Roman poet Horace (65–8 you’ll have good luck; see a pin and let it b.c.) and is often used in its original Latin lie, you’ll want a pin before you die. form, “Carpe diem.” It was popularized in the late 20th century as the motto of the seeing is believing People are often charismatic and unconventional English reluctant to believe something until they teacher John Keating, played by Robin see it for themselves, but nobody doubts Williams, in the movie Dead Poets Society the evidence of his or her own eyes: “‘if you (1989): “Carpe diem, lads! Seize the day! had seen de great huge pieces of de plate Make your lives extraordinary.” so massive, Sir Arthur,—so fi ne fashion, Variant of this proverb: seize the Miss Wardour—and de silver cross dat we moment. did fi nd . . . you would have believed then.’ Proverbs expressing similar meaning: ‘Seeing is believing indeed’” (Sir Walter eat, drink, and be merry, for tomor- Scott, The Antiquary, 1816). The proverb row we die; gather ye rosebuds while was fi rst recorded in 1609. ye may; life is short and time is swift; the mill cannot grind with the water seek and you shall fi nd You must make that is past; take time by the forelock. a personal effort to get what you want: “‘What would you have me do?’ said seldom seen, soon forgotten Persons Fernand. ‘How do I know? Is it my affair? or things rarely seen or mentioned are I am not in love with Mademoiselle quickly forgotten: At fi rst he seemed quite Mercedes; but for you—in the words upset about the break-up of their relationship, of the gospel, seek, and you shall fi nd’” but after a few weeks it was a case of seldom (Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte seen, soon forgotten. The proverb was fi rst Cristo, 1844–45). The proverb is of bibli- recorded c. 1350 in the Douce MS. cal origin: “Ask, and it shall be given you; Proverb expressing similar meaning: seek, and ye shall fi nd; knock, and it shall out of sight, out of mind. be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). self-deceit is the easiest of any It is see no evil, hear no evil, speak no easy to convince yourself of something evil Ignore any wrongdoing, malice, or that you want to believe: She has persuaded gossip that is going on around you, and herself that she is innocent of the charge, but do not get involved: It’s no use asking him self-deceit is the easiest of any, and she will about the latest offi ce intrigue—his motto fi nd it more diffi cult to persuade the judge and is “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” jury. The proverb is recorded as a regional First recorded in 1926, the proverb is expression in the United States. associated with a representation of three monkeys with their hands over their eyes, self-interest is the rule, self-sacrifi ce the ears, and mouth, respectively. exception People are far more con-

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cerned with looking after their own inter- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ests than with sacrifi cing their needs for every man for himself and the devil the sake of others: It was one of those rare take the hindmost. occurrences, an act of pure altruism, in a world where self-interest is the rule and self-sacrifi ce send a fool to market and a fool he’ll the exception. The proverb is recorded as a return It is unrealistic to expect a fool regional expression in the United States. to change into anything but a fool: “You may go back again, like a fool as you self-praise is no recommendation came” (Jonathan Swift, Polite Conversation, Boast ful talk about your own abilities or 1738). The proverb was fi rst recorded in achievements does not impress others, 1586 in G. Whitney’s Emblems. Variants of and may have the opposite effect—people this proverb have the fool being sent “to often distrust those who have too high an France” or simply “far.” opinion of themselves: “Self-praise is no recommendation, but I may say for myself set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll that I am not so bad a man of business” ride to the devil People who suddenly (Charles Dickens, Bleak House, 1853). The acquire wealth or power are likely to be proverb was fi rst recorded in 1826, but the corrupted by it: “‘Set a beggar on horse- sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. back, and he’ll ride to the devil,’ . . . some Proverb expressing opposite mean- of these early manufacturers did ride to ing: toot your own horn lest the same the devil in magnifi cent style” (Elizabeth be never tooted. Gaskell, North and South, 1855). The proverb was fi rst recorded in self-preservation is the fi rst law of this form in 1669, but the sentiment it nature Survival is the primary natural expresses is of earlier origin. instinct of all living things; used when Proverb expressing similar meaning: people take action to protect themselves give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it or their own interests: The strike failed to death. because not enough people were prepared to put their own jobs on the line for the sake of some- set a sprat to catch a mackerel See body else’s—self-preservation is the fi rst law of throw out a sprat to catch a mack- nature. The proverb was fi rst recorded in erel. the English poet John Donne’s Biathana- tos, a defense of suicide, probably written set a thief to catch a thief A person c. 1610 but not published until 1646: “It is who has been involved in wrongdoing— onley upon this reason, that selfe-preser- especially a reformed criminal—is good vation is of Naturall Law.” The sentiment at catching others, because he or she can it expresses is of ancient origin, occur- understand their thinking and anticipate ring in the writings of Cicero (106–43 their actions: “‘Set a thief to catch a thief,’ b.c.): “primamque ex natura hanc habere said Mr. Stryker, with his usual dry man- appetitionem, ut conservemus nosmet ipsos [by ner. ‘I don’t believe in the full success of nature our fi rst impulse is to preserve your virtuous diplomatist. How is a man ourselves].” to know all the turnings and windings of

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the road that leads to treaties, unless he Variant of this proverb: the harder has gone over it himself?’” (Susan Feni- the storm, the sooner it’s over. more Cooper, Elinor Wyllys, 1846). The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in this form the sheep that bleats loses a mouthful in 1665, but with the implication that it See a bleating sheep loses a bite. had long been in general use. The sentiment it expresses occurs in the writings shit happens Sometimes you must of the poet Callimachus (third century resign yourself to the inevitability of bad b.c.): “being a thief myself I recognized things happening: The detective shrugged. “I the tracks of a thief.” don’t know why she died. She was just unlucky. Variant of this proverb: it takes a Shit happens.” The proverb appears to thief to catch a thief. be of late 20th-century U.S. origin. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: it takes one to know one; an old shit or get off the pot See piss or get poacher makes the best gamekeeper. off the pot.

share and share alike Things must be the shoe is on the other foot The situ- shared equally and fairly among those ation has been reversed: Now the shoe is on who want or have a right to their part: the other foot, and those responsible for laying “‘Drink, Henry Fray—drink,’ magnani- off half the workforce are fi ghting to save their mously said Jan Coggan, a person who own jobs. The proverb was fi rst recorded in held Saint-Simonian notions of share and the 19th century in the form “The boot is share alike where liquor was concerned, on the other leg.” as the vessel showed signs of approach- Variant of this proverb: the boot is ing him in its gradual revolution among on the other foot. them. (Thomas Hardy, Far from the Mad- ding Crowd, 1874). The proverb was fi rst the shoemaker’s child always goes bare- recorded c. 1564. foot People often fail to benefi t from the professional skills of those closest the sharper the storm, the sooner it’s to them: “My mother always used to over The more unpleasant something say, ‘The shoemaker’s family goes bare- is, the less time it lasts: The unfortunate foot.’ Well . . . I married a plumber and students who found themselves on the receiv- every faucet in our house drips” (Wash- ing end of his outbursts of rage used to console ington Times, 1996). The proverb was fi rst themselves with the saying “The sharper the recorded, with different wording, in storm, the sooner it’s over.” The proverb 1546. Other words may be substituted was fi rst recorded, in its variant form, for child, such as son, wife, or family, as in in 1872. The sentiment it expresses, the quotation. however, is of ancient origin: compare Variant of this proverb: the cobbler’s Seneca (c. 4 b.c.–a.d. 65), “procellae, children go barefoot. quanto plus habent virium, tanto minus tem- poris [the harder storms are, the shorter shoot fi rst and ask questions after- they last].” ward In certain circumstances—for

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example, when facing a potentially dan- Proverb expressing similar meaning: gerous person or thing—it is safer not fish and guests stink after three days. to lose time weighing up the situation before taking action; often used in contexts show me a liar and I will show you a criticizing such hasty or arbitrary behavior: thief People who are prepared to tell “It struck her, too, that war seemed to lies are likely to be dishonest in other ways have made the people on that side of the too. The proverb was fi rst recorded in ocean extremely ready with weapons. They 1607 in R. West’s The Court of Conscience. would be quite likely to shoot fi rst and ask Proverb expressing similar meaning: questions afterward—which would be too a liar is worse than a thief. late to be helpful” (Mary Roberts Rinehart, The Amazing Interlude, 1918). the show must go on Things must con- Variant of this proverb: shoot fi rst, tinue as if nothing had happened; used ask questions later. when events or circumstances threaten to disrupt something planned: The show a short horse is soon curried A small must go on, as they say, and we cannot post- task is soon done: A short horse is soon cur- pone the conference just because one of the ried—it won’t take long to put the room back delegates has been unfortunate enough to to rights. The proverb was fi rst recorded fall down the stairs and break his leg. Of c. 1350 in Douce MS 52. theatrical origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded in 1867 in the Dictionary of short reckonings make long friends If Americanisms. you want to keep your friends, and retain goodwill in business, always pay your shrouds have no pockets Wealth and debts and settle your accounts promptly: possessions are of no use to you after you “‘I will repay you in a minute,’ returned are dead; often used to justify extravagant Eugene. He unsealed one of the bags as he spending: There’s no point in hoarding money spoke, counted out a hundred and forty at your age—you have no children to leave it francs, and pushed them towards Mme. to, and shrouds have no pockets. The proverb Vauquer. ‘Short reckonings make good was fi rst recorded, with different word- friends,’ he added” (Honoré de Balzac, ing, in 1854. Father Goriot, 1835). The proverb was fi rst Proverb expressing similar meaning: recorded in this form in 1673 (J. Dare, you can’t take it with you. Counsellor Manners) but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. a shut mouth catches no fl ies It is often safest or wisest to say nothing: short visits make long friends People To avoid the risk of incriminating myself, I are unlikely to establish lasting friendships remained silent—a shut mouth catches no with visitors who outstay their welcome: fl ies. The proverb was fi rst recorded in The vicar did not appear to be familiar with 1599 in the form “In a closed up mouth a the old saying “short visits make long friends,” fl y cannot get in.” for he stayed for over an hour. The proverb Variant of this proverb: a closed was fi rst recorded in 1923 in Folk-Lore. mouth catches no fl ies.

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Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: silence is the a still tongue makes a wise head. best answer to the stupid.

silence gives consent Those who do silence means consent See silence not reply to a request or accusation, or gives consent. who raise no objection to something said or done, are assumed to have acquiesced: silly question, silly answer See ask “Of course I ought to have known that a silly question and you get a silly you could not care for a man like me, a answer. stranger. Silence gives consent. Yes? Eh? I don’t want any of that sort of consent. sin, sorrow, and work are the things that And unless some day you fi nd you can men can’t shirk Nobody can lead a life speak . . . No! No! I shall never ask that is utterly virtuous, happy, or idle: I you” (Joseph Conrad, Chance, 1913). The wish I could stay longer, but I must get back proverb was fi rst recorded, with different to the offi ce—sin, sorrow, and work are the wording, c. 1380 by John Wycliffe. things that men can’t shirk. The proverb is Variant of this proverb: silence recorded as a regional expression in the means consent. United States.

silence is golden Silence is a quality sing before breakfast, cry before of great value; often used as advice to night Those who wake up feeling happy say nothing, but also applied to a lack of and carefree often encounter sorrow or environmental noise: “Silence is golden, trouble before the end of the day: There as her father used to say when she used to must be some truth in the saying “Sing before fl y into tempers and wanted to say nasty breakfast, cry before night”—I often fi nd that things to everybody within range” (Aldous my mood changes dramatically during the Huxley, Antic Hay, 1923). The proverb course of the day. The proverb was fi rst was fi rst recorded in 1865 (W. White, recorded, with different wording, in J. Eastern England), but with the implication Palsgrave’s L’éclaircissement de la Langue that it was already in general use. Française (1530). Proverbs expressing similar mean- Variants of this proverb: if you sing ing: there is a time to speak, and a time before breakfast, you’ll cry before supper; to be silent; think before you speak; a laugh before breakfast, cry before sunset. word spoken is past recalling. six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a silence is the fi ttest reply to folly The woman, and eight for a fool Women best way to respond to a foolish remark need more sleep than men, but only fools or action is to ignore it: I treated her ill- sleep for eight hours or more: “John Wes- informed and bigoted comments with the con- ley . . . considered that fi ve hours’ sleep tempt they deserved and said nothing—silence was enough for him or any man. . . . The is the fi ttest reply to folly. The proverb was old English proverb, so often in the mouth fi rst recorded in 1948 in a U.S. proverb of George III, was ‘six hours for a man, collection. seven for a woman, and eight for a fool’”

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(J. H. Friswell, The Gentle Life, 1864). The 1592): “What, man! more water glideth quotation is the fi rst recorded use of the by the mill/Than wots the miller of; and proverb in this form, but the sentiment easy it is/Of a cut loaf to steal a shive, we it expresses is of earlier origin. Variants know.” of the proverb recommend fi ve or seven Variant of this proverb: you never hours’ sleep for travelers, six or seven for miss a slice from a cut loaf. students and scholars, eight for workmen, merchants, or children, and they say that a slip of the lip will sink a ship See only fools, knaves, or “lazy bodies” need loose lips sink ships. more. sloth is the mother of poverty The less the sky’s the limit There is virtually no work you do, the less money you will limit to what can be achieved, earned, or earn. If it were true that sloth is the mother spent: “Teenoso was one colt who proved of poverty, there would be no such thing as the himself a dream horse by remaining in idle rich. The proverb was fi rst recorded in training after winning a Derby deemed of 1669 in Politeuphuia. dubious quality; a year later he won the Variant of this proverb: sloth is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. ‘The key to poverty. sky’s the limit for a four-year-old, though the opportunities in the Pattern are not sloth makes all things diffi cult, but there for fi llies,’ Geoff Wragg, Teenoso’s industry makes all things easy See all trainer, said” (Independent, 1989). things are easy to industry, all things difficult to sloth. sleep is the brother of death Sleep and death are related: “How wonderful is slow and steady wins the race Those Death, Death his brother Sleep!” (Percy who work or proceed at a gentle steady Bysshe Shelley, Queen Mab, 1813). The pace are more likely to achieve success proverb is ultimately of Greek origin than those who rush: We generally fi nd and appeared in the writings of Homer. that students of average ability who apply Its earliest appearance in English dates themselves diligently throughout the course do from 1563, in The Mirror of Magistrates. better in their fi nal examinations than brighter The word brother is sometimes replaced students who leave all their studying to the last by cousin. minute—slow and steady wins the race. The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed You Robert Lloyd’s poem “The Hare and the can get away with wrongdoing, such as Tortoise” (1762): “The bets were won, adultery or petty theft, if you are not the the Hare awake,/When thus the victor fi rst person to do it, or if the offended Tortoise spake./ . . . /You may deride my party is unlikely to notice the result: He awkward pace/But slow and steady wins tried to justify his behavior with sayings of the race.” The poem retells Aesop’s fable dubious morality, such as “A slice off a cut of the same name, dating from the sixth loaf isn’t missed.” The proverb comes from century b.c., about a race between these Shakespeare’s play Titus Andronicus (2:1; two animals. The hare sets off at great

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speed, stops for a rest and falls asleep, she is probably accustomed to receiving much and wakes up to fi nd that the tortoise has more generous tips from her clients. plodded past it to the fi nishing line. Variant of this proverb: slow but sure small is beautiful Smallness can be an wins the race. attractive and desirable quality: “In the Proverbs expressing similar mean- 19th century, some classical composers ing: fair and softly goes far in a day; forgot (if they had ever known) the prin- make haste slowly; the race is not ciple that ‘small is beautiful’” (Washington to the swift, nor the battle to the Post, 1991). The proverb was fi rst used in strong. 1973 as the title of a book by the German- born British economist E. F. Schumacher. slow but sure Something that is done Proverbs expressing similar mean- slowly and carefully is more likely to be ing: the best things come in small done thoroughly and correctly than some- packages; little fish are sweet. thing that is done in haste: “But, the lan- Proverb expressing opposite mean- guage of that country was quite gone from ing: big is beautiful. her, and she was forced to make signs. So she went on, getting better from day to small leaks sink big ships See little day, slow, but sure, and trying to learn leaks sink the ship. the names of common things” (Charles Dickens, David Copperfi eld, 1850). The small sorrows speak; great ones are proverb was fi rst recorded in 1692. It has silent People are usually happy to talk given rise to the adverbial phrase slowly about minor sorrows but tend to avoid dis- but surely. cussing greater sadnesses: “The grief that does not speak whispers the o’er-fraught slow but sure wins the race See slow heart and bids it break” (William Shake- and steady wins the race. speare, Macbeth). The proverb was fi rst recorded in English in 1587 in T. Hughes’s small choice in rotten apples When The Misfortunes of Arthur, although it is ulti- faced with two or more equally undesir- mately of ancient origin, appearing in the able options, it matters little which one writings of Seneca. you choose: “You can come shopping with me or you can stay at home and clean your small things affect light minds See room—which would you rather do?” “Small little things please little minds. choice in rotten apples.” The proverb comes from Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the soft and fair goes far Much can be Shrew (1:1; 1593). achieved by adopting a calm and gentle approach: “Soft and fair, young lady. You a small gift usually gets small thanks If that are going to be married think things you give people less than they expect, can never be done too fast” (Oliver Gold- they may be less grateful than you would smith, The Good-Natured Man, 1768). The like: I was not surprised by her lukewarm proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1400 in response—a small gift gets small thanks, and Beryn.

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Proverbs expressing similar mean- gesture in one place may be interpreted as an ing: the meek shall inherit the earth; insult in another. The proverb was fi rst softly, softly, catchee monkey. recorded in this form in 1582, but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin, a soft answer turns away wrath A gen- occurring in Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde tle response will calm an angry person: (c. 1385): “In sondry londes [lands], son- “Speak briefl y and to the point, and even dry ben usages.” if the call is a disagreeable one, follow the Variant of this proverb: every coun- proverb that ‘A soft answer turneth away try has its own customs. wrath’” (Milla Alihan, Corporate Etiquette, Proverbs expressing similar mean- 1974). The proverb is of biblical origin in ing: every land has its own law; when its current form: “A soft answer turneth in rome, do as the romans do. away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). A facetious exten- so many men, so many opinions Every- sion of the proverb is “A soft answer turns body has his or her own way of thinking: away wrath but has little effect on a door- The saying “So many men, so many opinions” to-door salesman.” was amply illustrated by the lively discussion at yesterday’s meeting, and it seems unlikely that softly, softly, catchee monkey A agreement will ever be reached. The proverb is patient, careful, and gentle approach is of ancient origin, occurring in the Roman best when trying to catch a wily or elusive poet Terence’s Phormio (second century person or thing, especially a criminal: The b.c.): “quot homines tot sententiae.” It was operation must be carefully planned and followed fi rst recorded in English in Chaucer’s Can- through—softly, softly, catchee monkey. The terbury Tales (c. 1390) in the form “As many proverb was first recorded in 1907 in heddes, as many wittes ther been.” G. Benham’s Cassell’s Book of Quotations. Variant of this proverb: as many Proverbs expressing similar mean- men, as many opinions. ing: easy does it; soft and fair goes far. some folks speak from experience; others, from experience, don’t speak Peo- so goes Maine, so goes the nation See ple often learn from experience that there as maine goes, so goes the nation. are times when it is better to say nothing: There had been similar unrest at my previous soldiers and travelers may lie in workplace, and when I argued against the authority See a traveler may lie with proposed strike—which subsequently failed—I authority. was shouted down. So this time I kept my mouth shut—some folks speak from experience; others, so many countries, so many customs from experience, don’t speak. Different nations and peoples have different ways of doing things, codes of something is better than nothing It is behavior, and so on: When traveling abroad, better to have or get less than we desire remember the saying “So many countries, so than nothing at all: I gave her a couple of dol- many customs”—what is considered a friendly lars—not much, I know, but something is better

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than nothing. The proverb was fi rst recorded the sooner begun, the sooner done The in English in 1546, but a French equivalent sooner you make a start on some- was in use in the early 15th century. thing—especially a diffi cult or unpleas- Variant of this proverb: better some- ant task—the sooner it will be fi nished: thing than nothing. I’m not looking forward to clearing out the Proverb expressing similar meaning: attic, but the sooner begun, the sooner done. half a loaf is better than no bread. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1578 in T. Garter’s Most Virtuous Susanna. something is rotten in the state of Denmark There is something wrong, or sooner said than done See easier said something suspicious going on, in a place, than done. organization, or system; often used to imply corruption: “To the Parisian com- soon ripe, soon rotten Precocious tal- mon man, meanwhile, one thing remains ent or premature success is often short- inconceivable: that now when the Bastille lived: “Very few prize boys and girls is down, and French Liberty restored, stand the test of wear. Prodigies are grain should continue so dear. . . . Is it almost always uncertain; they illustrate Aristocrat forestallers; a Court still bent the proverb of ‘soon ripe, soon rot- on intrigues? Something is rotten, some- ten’” (Samuel Smiles, Life and Labour, where” (Thomas Carlyle, The French Revo- 1887). Of Latin origin, the proverb was lution, 1837). The proverb comes from fi rst recorded in English, with differ- Shakespeare’s play Hamlet (1:4; 1600–01). ent wording, in William Langland’s Piers It is often used in a shortened and allusive Plowman (c. 1377). form, as in the quotation, or with another Variants of this proverb: early name in place of Denmark. ripe, early rotten; quick ripe, quick rotten. a son is a son till he gets him a wife, a daughter’s a daughter all of her sorrow comes unsent for Sorrows will life Men tend to neglect or lose contact descend upon all individuals, however with their parents after marriage, whereas unwelcome they may be. The proverb was women maintain the bonds of fi lial affec- fi rst recorded in 1579 in Edmund Spens- tion and loyalty throughout their lives: I er’s The Shepheardes Calendar: “Sorrow, ne hardly ever see Frank and his family, though they neede be hastened on:/For he will come live much closer than Annabel, who still comes without calling anon.” to visit me once a month. I guess I shouldn’t Variants of this proverb: sorrow and be surprised—a son is a son till he gets him a ill weather come uninvited; sorrow is wife, a daughter’s a daughter all of her life. The soon enough when it comes. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1670 (John Ray, A Collection of English Proverbs). sow dry and set wet Seeds should be Variant of this proverb: my son is sown in dry soil and seedlings should be my son till he gets him a wife, but my planted in wet soil: The old country saying daughter’s my daughter all the days “Sow dry and set wet” has a sound scientifi c of her life. basis—too much moisture will rot the seed

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 248 1/29/07 5:12:59 PM åååååspare at the spigot, and let out the bunghole SOUTH AMERICAN PROVERBS The various peoples of South America share a large stock of proverbs covering most aspects of daily life. As well as succinct observations on everyday routine, these include a fair number of pithy sayings reﬂ ecting the region’s strong religious traditions.

The baby who does not cry is not nursed A dog that barks all the time gets little attention A dog with many masters dies of starvation Even the candle seller dies in the dark For our sins God has created three enemies for us: mice in the house, the fox in the mountains, and a priest in our village God is big, but the forest is bigger God writes on crooked lines Hands that give also receive He who prays a lot is afraid of something He who saves up for another day has no trust in God If it were ever to rain soup, the poor would only have forks If you have a tail of straw, then keep away from the ﬁ re Laughing wife, crying purse No one knows as much about the pot as does the spoon A sleeping fox ﬁ nds no meat The one who loves you will also make you weep That which is a sin in others is a virtue in ourselves There is nothing hidden between heaven and earth Tomorrow is as good as today You make a road by walking on it

before it has a chance to germinate. The prov- is better than spend and crave. The proverb erb was fi rst recorded in 1660: S. Riders, was fi rst recorded in 1758, in Benjamin Riders: 1660 British Merlin. Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. Proverb expressing similar meaning: sow the wind and reap the whirlwind See spare well and have to spend. they that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind. spare at the spigot, and let out the bunghole Those who are reluctant to spare and have is better than spend and part with small sums of money are often crave It is better to use your money careless or extravagant in their spend- wisely, keeping some in reserve, than to ing on other things; also used to warn spend it all and fi nd yourself in need: I against false economy: “People are often resisted the temptation to blow my winnings saving at the wrong place. . . . They spare on an expensive vacation—spare and have at the spigot, and let all run away at the

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 249 1/29/07 5:12:59 PM spareååååå the rod and spoil the child SPANISH PROVERBS As with many other countries, the proverbs of the Spanish reveal much about traditional national preoccupations. Among many other subjects may be found proverbs that relate to the family, music, prevarication, religion, and gossip.

Beware of women with beards and men without beards Don’t call me a little olive until you have picked me A face that never laughs betrays an evil heart God is good, but not crazy The hand of the stranger is heavy Her father’s fortune will make the ugliest girl attractive How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward I dance to the tune that is played If I die, I forgive you; if I recover, we shall see If you have nothing better to do, go to bed with your own wife Insults should be well avenged or well endured Italians talk to women, Frenchmen to the learned, and the Spaniard talks to God The man deliberates, the woman decides A mother-in-law made of sugar still tastes bitter Only God helps the badly dressed An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest Soup must be hot, insults cold Spanish is the language of lovers, Italian is for the singer, French for diplomats, and German for horses There is no woman who sleeps so deeply that the sound of a guitar will not bring her to the window There was already twenty in the family, so my grandmother had a baby Three Spaniards, four opinions Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week Who gossips with you will gossip about you

bunghole” (E. J. Hardy, How to Be Happy ing; used to justify the punishment of though Married, 1885). The proverb was children when they misbehave, speciﬁ - ﬁ rst recorded in 1642 in a collection of cally to justify corporal punishment: “‘I Italian proverbs. shall govern by affection, Mr. Harrison.’ Variant of this proverb: save at the ‘It won’t do,’ said Mr. Harrison, ‘won’t do spigot and waste at the bung. at all, Anne. “Spare the rod and spoil the Proverb expressing similar meaning: child.’” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of penny wise and pound foolish. Avonlea, 1909). The proverb is of biblical origin: “He that spareth his rod hateth his spare the rod and spoil the child Firm son: but he that loveth him chasteneth discipline is necessary for a good upbring- him betimes” (Proverbs 13:24).

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spare well and have to spend If you do is, so he can tell us all about it. Speak of the devil not waste money you will always be able and he’s sure to appear! The proverb was fi rst to afford the things you need: “Spare well recorded in 1666 in the form “Talk of the and have to spend” was his motto, but he seemed devil, and he’s presently at your elbow.” It to place far greater emphasis on the sparing is often used in the shortened and allusive than on the spending, and his reputation as a form “Speak of the devil.” miser was not unjustifi ed. The proverb was Variants of this proverb: talk of the fi rst recorded in 1541. devil and he’s sure to appear; talk about Variant of this proverb: spare well the devil and his imps will appear. and spend well. Proverbs expressing similar mean- speak softly and carry a big stick Do ing: spare and have is better than spend not threaten violence or provoke aggres- and crave; spare when you’re young sion, but be prepared to use great force and spend when you’re old. if the need arises: Their policy of “Speak softly and carry a big stick” seems at last to spare when you’re young and spend have brought peace to the streets of the city. when you’re old People who were The proverb was popularized in a speech thrifty in their youth can afford to be made in 1901 by President Theodore extravagant in their old age: I’m paying Roosevelt: “There is a homely old adage as much as I can afford into a private pension which runs: ‘Speak softly and carry a big plan, on the basis of the saying “Spare when stick; you will go far.’ If the American you’re young and spend when you’re old.” The nation will speak softly and yet build and proverb was fi rst recorded in 1721, in keep at a pitch of the highest training a H. Bullinger’s Christian State of Matrimony. thoroughly effi cient navy, the Monroe Proverb expressing similar meaning: Doctrine will go far” (Speech at the Min- spare well and have to spend. nesota State Fair).

speak not of my debts unless you mean speak the truth and shame the devil See to pay them It is considered rude or tell the truth and shame the devil. tactless to mention another person’s debts: I had heard rumors that his company speak well of the dead See never speak was in severe fi nancial trouble, so I tried to steer ill of the dead. the conversation onto other matters, remembering the adage “Speak not of my debts unless speech is silver, but silence is golden It you mean to pay them.” The proverb is fi rst is good to speak, but sometimes it is bet- recorded in George Herbert’s Outlandish ter still to say nothing: “She will give a Proverbs (1640). pound note to the collection if I would cut my eloquence short, so in this case, speak of the devil and he always though speech is silver, silence is certainly appears People often appear unexpect- golden” (Winifred Holtby, South Riding, edly when others are talking about them; 1936). The proverb was fi rst recorded in said when such a coincidence occurs: I hear 1834, with the implication that it was of Jack’s found himself a job at last. . . . Ah, here he Swiss origin.

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 251 1/29/07 5:13:00 PM the spirit is willing but the ﬂ esh is weak

Proverbs expressing similar mean- in L. Fioravanti’s Compendium of Rational ing: there is a time to speak and a time Secrets (1582). to be silent; think before you speak; a word spoken is past recalling. step on a crack, break your mother’s back It is unlucky to walk on the cracks the spirit is willing but the fl esh is between paving slabs on the sidewalk; a weak People are often physically inca- childish superstition, or used in a chil- pable of doing what they want to do, or dren’s game: “Look out!” cried my young what they know they ought to do; often nephew, as I was about to put my foot down, used as an excuse: “Since then I have “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back!” written many other books; and though ceasing my methodical study of the old a stern chase is a long chase It takes masters (for though the spirit is willing, a long time to catch up with something or the fl esh is weak), I have continued with somebody moving ahead of you in the same increasing assiduity to try to write bet- direction: “English poetry has had a start of ter” (W. Somerset Maugham, The Sum- some centuries, and a stern chase is prover- ming Up, 1938). The proverb is of biblical bially a long one” (J. A. Bridges, Victorian origin: “Watch and pray, that ye enter Recollections, 1919). First recorded in 1823, not into temptation: the spirit indeed is the proverb is of nautical origin—a stern willing, but the fl esh is weak” (Matthew chase is a chase at sea in which one vessel 26:41). follows in the wake of another.

the squeaky wheel gets the grease sticks and stones may break my bones, Those who complain the most loudly or but names will never hurt me Verbal persistently, or who make the most fuss, abuse, malicious remarks, or defamatory get what they want: “Do as others have statements do no physical harm; often done—put heat on your state legislature said by children to those who call them and urge your friends to do the same. The names: When the other kids teased me about wheel that squeaks get the oil” (Washington the clothes my mother made me wear, I would Post, 1990). The proverb is attributed to reply, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, the U.S. humorist Josh Billings, alias but names will never hurt me.” The proverb Henry Wheeler Shaw (1818–85), in the was ﬁ rst recorded in G. F. Northall’s Folk- form “The wheel that squeaks the loudest Phrases (1894). is the one that gets the grease.” Variant of this proverb: sticks and Variants of this proverb: the squeaky stones may break my bones, but words wheel gets the oil; the wheel that does the will never hurt me. squeaking is the one that gets the grease. Proverb expressing similar meaning: hard words break no bones. stand on your own two feet Do not be Proverb expressing opposite meaning: dependent on others: Stand on your own the tongue is not steel, but it cuts. two feet—your parents will not be around forever, and you must learn to be more self- stick to your guns Stand by your prin- reliant. The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded ciples or convictions, assert your rights, and

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refuse to compromise: Stick to your guns—to as good as new in a day. For I daresay your give way on this issue would be interpreted as lot would turn to and give us a hand?’ a sign of weakness. The proverb was fi rst ‘You see if we don’t,’ said Wicks. ‘So be it, recorded, with different wording, in James then,’ concluded Trent. ‘A stitch in time Boswell’s The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791): saves nine.’” (Robert Louis Stevenson, “Mrs. Thrale stood to her gun with great The Wrecker, 1892). The proverb was fi rst courage, in defence of amorous ditties.” recorded in 1732. It is believed that the number nine was chosen because it almost a still tongue makes a wise head A rhymes with time. wise person knows when it is best to keep Proverbs expressing similar mean- silent; also used to imply that wisdom is ing: an ounce of prevention is worth gained by listening and thinking rather than a pound of cure; prevention is bet- talking all the time: When people commented ter than cure; who repairs not his that her son was unusually quiet for a boy of his gutters repairs his whole house. age, she would reply, “A still tongue makes a wise head.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in stolen fruit is sweet See forbidden 1562 in the Works of John Heywood. fruit is sweet; stolen waters are Proverb expressing similar meaning: sweet. a shut mouth catches no flies. stolen waters are sweet Illicit pleasures still waters run deep People who are are often all the more enjoyable for this quiet and reserved often have a deeply reason; also used of the pleasure derived passionate nature and may surprise others from stolen goods or ill-gotten gains: He by doing something that is apparently out reckons that no liquor tastes as good as the of character: “‘Madame Odintsov is very moonshine his uncle used to make, perhaps charming, but she is so cold and reserved on the basis that stolen waters are sweet. that . . .’ ‘Still waters run deep, you know,’ The proverb is of biblical origin: “Stolen interposed Bazarov. ‘You say she is cold; waters are sweet, and bread eaten in that just adds to the fl avor. You like ices, I secret is pleasant” (Proverbs 9:17). expect’ ” (Ivan Turgenev, Fathers and Sons, Variants of this proverb: stolen fruit 1862). The proverb was fi rst recorded in is sweet; stolen pleasures are sweetest. English c. 1400 in the form “Where the Proverb expressing similar meaning: fl ood is deepest the water stands still- forbidden fruit is sweet. est.” It occurs in Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part 2 (3:1; 1592), “Smooth runs the stone-dead hath no fellow There is water where the brook is deep,/And in his nothing so fi nal as death; used by those in simple show he harbours treason.” favor of capital punishment: “The execu- Variant of this proverb: still water tion of the death sentence had been post- runs deep. poned for a week, an unusual period in a country where the adage ‘stone-dead hath a stitch in time saves nine Prompt no fellow’ wins general support” (Lon- attention to minor problems will avoid don Times, 1926). The proverb was fi rst major problems later: “‘We could set it up recorded c. 1633.

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stone walls do not a prison make The not rise above the moral level of the social mind and spirit are not imprisoned by conditions of the people from whom it merely physical restraints: “The poet derives its inspiration” (James Connolly, assures us that—‘Stone walls do not a Labour in Irish History, 1910). The proverb prison make,’ but a combination of the was fi rst recorded in 1663. stone wall, the political parasite and the Variant of this proverb: a stream moral instructor is no garden of sweets” never rises higher than its source. (Ambrose Bierce, Devil’s Dictionary, 1911). The proverb comes from Richard the streets of hell are paved with Lovelace’s poem “To Althea, From Prison” promises See the road to hell is (1642): “Stone walls do not a prison paved with good intentions. make/Nor iron bars a cage.” stretch your arm no further than your straws show which way the wind sleeve will reach Do not try to live blows Small things, such as apparently beyond your means, or to do more than trivial details or insignifi cant events, can you are capable of: Stretch your arm no fur- be useful indicators of what is going ther than your sleeve will reach—you may be to happen in the future: Journalists must able to raise enough money to buy the boat, but learn to be highly observant, and not to can you afford all the running costs, mooring dismiss any detail as insignifi cant—straws fees, and insurance? The proverb was fi rst show which way the wind blows. The proverb recorded in 1541. was fi rst recorded in John Selden’s Table Proverbs expressing similar mean- Talk (c. 1654): “Take a straw and throw ing: cut your coat according to your it up into the Air, you shall see by that cloth; everybody stretches his legs which way the Wind is.” It-is probably of according to the length of his cov- earlier origin, however, and-is attributed erlet. to Francis Bacon (1561–1626) in Lord Byron’s poem “Don Juan” (1819): “You strike while the iron is hot Take advan- know, or don’t know, that great Bacon tage of a favorable situation while it lasts: saith,/‘Fling up a straw, ’twill show the “Let George cut in directly and win her. way the wind blows.’” The proverb has . . . Strike while the iron’s hot” (William given rise to the fi gurative phrases a straw Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1848). in the wind and to know (or see, fi nd out,) An allusion to the work of the blacksmith, which way the wind blows. the proverb was fi rst recorded in English Variant of this proverb: it’s as well in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): to know which way the wind blows. “Whil that iren is hoot, men sholden smyte.” The sentiment it expresses, how- a stream cannot rise above its ever, is of ancient origin. The English poet source Nothing can be greater or bet- John Dryden expanded on the metaphor ter than what it comes from, or than the in “Aeneis” (1697), his translation of Vir- person who created it: “Just as it is true gil’s Aeneid: “We must beat the iron while that a stream cannot rise above its source, it is hot, but we may polish it at leisure.” so it is true that a national literature can- The U.S. writer Ambrose Bierce paro-

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died the proverb in his Devil’s Dictionary Latin or French origin: in his Discours sur (1911): “Strike while your employer has le style (1753), the Comte de Buffon said, a big contract.” “Ces choses sont hors de l’homme, le style est Proverbs expressing similar mean- l’homme même [These things are external ing: hoist your sail when the wind is to the man; style is the man].” fair; make hay while the sun shines. success breeds success One success strive not against the stream Do not leads to another: Success breeds success, struggle against things that cannot be over- and within a few years she had a chain of come, or try to do the impossible; also health-food stores stretching from coast to used to encourage conformity: “Never coast. The proverb was first recorded in strive against the stream, always drive the 1927 in N. Martin’s Mosaic. nail that will go” (Matthew Prior, Four Dia- Variants of this proverb: success logues of the Dead, “The Vicar of Bray and begets success; success makes success as Sir Thomas More,” c. 1721). Of ancient money makes money. origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded in Proverb expressing similar meaning: English c. 1300. nothing succeeds like success. Variant of this proverb: it’s ill striving against the stream. success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan Everybody want to stuff a cold and starve a fever See feed take credit for success, but nobody will a cold and starve a fever. take responsibility for failure: “In the aftermath of the impeccably executed a stumble may prevent a fall A minor aerial attack that initiated the war with check may prevent greater disaster: It was Iraq, the old saw that success has many an unfortunate setback, but we must remember fathers while failure is an orphan comes that a stumble may prevent a fall. The prov- to mind” (Washington Times, 1991). The erb was fi rst recorded in 1732 in Thomas proverb may have originated in the diary Fuller’s Gnomologia. of Mussolini’s son-in-law, the Italian dip- Variant of this proverb: it’s a good lomat Count Galeazzo Ciano (1903–44): horse that never stumbles. “La vittoria trova cento padri, e nessuno vuole riconoscere l’insuccesso [Victory has a hun- the style is the man A person’s style, dred fathers, and nobody acknowledges especially in speaking and writing, is an a failure].” indicator of his or her true nature: “‘The Variant of this proverb: victory has a style is the man.’ This applies with pecu- hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan. liar force to Paul. His style has been called ‘the most personal that ever existed.’ It success is never fi nal You cannot afford fi tly represents the force and fi re of his to relax your efforts after a great achieve- mind and the tender affections of his ment—you must keep working to main- heart” (Philip Schaff, History of the Chris- tain or improve your position: History is tian Church, 1883–93). First recorded in littered with examples of those who forgot that English in 1901, the proverb may be of success is never fi nal in the world of politics.

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 255 1/29/07 5:13:00 PM success makes success as money makes money

Variant of this proverb: success is the sun loses nothing by shining into a never fi nal and failure is never fatal. puddle Those who are truly great cannot be corrupted by association with foul or success makes success as money makes wicked things or people: As Chaucer said, money See success breeds success. the Bible is no less holy for describing the worst sins of humankind—the sun loses nothing by sue a beggar and catch a louse There shining into a puddle. The proverb was fi rst is nothing to be gained by seeking legal recorded in English in 1303, but the senti- redress from those who cannot afford to ment it expresses is of ancient origin: the pay: What is the point of entering into liti- saying “the sun shines into dung but is not gation with a company on the verge of bank- tainted” is attributed to the Greek philoso- ruptcy? Sue a beggar and catch a louse. The pher Diogenes (c. 412–c. 323 b.c.). proverb was fi rst recorded in 1639 in J. Variant of this proverb: the sun is not less bright for shining on a dunghill. Clarke’s Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina. Proverbs expressing opposite mean- Variant of this proverb: sue a beggar ing: he that touches pitch shall be and you’ll get a louse. defiled; if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with fleas. suffi cient unto the day is the evil thereof There is quite enough to worry about sweep your own doorstep clean Do at the present time, without anticipating not criticize others until you are beyond future problems and troubles: “In the reproach yourself: You have no right to meanwhile there were no sense in wor- accuse them of wasting public money, when rying over schemes for a future, which your own department is squandering huge we may not live to see. ‘Suffi cient for the amounts on needless bureaucracy—sweep your day is the evil thereof’” (Jane Carlyle, own doorstep clean! The proverb is fi rst letter dated April 1, 1836). The proverb recorded in T. Adams’s Temple (1624). is of biblical origin: “Take therefore no Proverbs expressing similar mean- thought for the morrow: for the morrow ing: if every man would sweep his shall take thought for the things of itself. own doorstep the city would soon be Suffi cient unto the day is the evil thereof ” clean; physician, heal thyself. (Matthew 6:34). Proverbs expressing similar meaning: the sweetest wine makes the sharpest don’t cross the bridge till you come vinegar See from the sweetest wine, to it; take things as they come. the tartest vinegar.

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the tailor makes the man A person’s My motto is “Take care of number one,” and I’m qualities may be judged by the clothes not going to risk losing my job for the sake of a they wear: “Believe it, sir, that clothes do hopeless cause. The proverb is fi rst recorded much upon the wit . . . and thence comes in Maria Edgeworth, The Parent’s Assistant your proverb, the tailor makes the man” (1796): “I’m only talking of number one, (Ben Jonson, The Staple of News, 1625). you know. I must take care of that fi rst.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1605 in Variant of this proverb: look out for William Shakespeare’s King Lear. number one. Proverb expressing similar meaning: clothes make the man. take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves If you are take a hair of the dog that bit you careful with small sums of money, you will Drinking more alcohol is supposed to be a always have plenty—attend to the details cure for a hangover: “‘Rouse yourself, lion- of your fi nancial affairs and do not worry heart. Ha ha! Put a good face upon it, and about the larger picture. Its original form drink again. Another hair of the dog that has pence and pounds in place of pennies bit you, captain! . . .’ Mr Tappertit received and dollars: “Take care of the pence and these jovial promptings with a very bad the pounds will take care of themselves grace, being much the worse, both in mind is as true of personal habits as of money” and body, for his two nights of debauch” (George Bernard Shaw, Pygmalion, 1912). (Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge, 1841). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1750 in The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546. It a letter written by Lord Chesterfi eld, in alludes to the former practice of treating a which it is attributed to “Old Mr. Lowndes dog bite by putting a hair from the offend- [William Lowndes (1652–1724)], the ing animal into the wound. famous Secretary of the Treasury.” In Alice’s Variant of this proverb: the hair of Adventures in Wonderland (1865), Lewis Car- the dog is good for the bite. roll punningly applied the proverb to Proverb expressing similar meaning: language: “Take care of the sense, and the like cures like. sounds will take care of themselves.” Variant of this proverb: look after take care of number one Put your own the pennies and the dollars will look after interests before those of everybody else: themselves.

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 257 1/29/07 5:13:00 PM take opportunity by the forelock

Proverb expressing similar meaning: take time by the forelock Take full light gains make heavy purses. advantage of the present, and do not Proverb expressing opposite mean- waste time: “As his doing the one or the ing: penny wise and pound foolish. other was a mere question of time, he and Mrs. Pocket had taken Time by the take opportunity by the forelock See forelock (when, to judge from its length, take time by the forelock. it would seem to have wanted cutting), and had married without the knowledge take the goods the gods provide Make of the judicious parent” (Charles Dickens, the most of anything you have or get by Great Expectations, 1860–61). The proverb good fortune: If you have a natural talent was ﬁ rst recorded in the 16th century. It for music, you should not feel guilty about alludes to a representation of Time as hav- using it to make money—take the goods ing a bald head with just a lock of hair at the gods provide. In its current form, the the front, so it can be seized as it arrives proverb comes from John Dryden’s poem but not as it departs. “Alexander’s Feast” (1697): “Lovely Thais Variant of this proverb: take oppor- sits beside thee,/Take the good the gods tunity by the forelock. provide thee.” The sentiment it expresses, Proverbs expressing similar meaning: however, occurs in the writings of the the mill cannot grind with the water Roman dramatist Plautus (c. 250–184 that is past; seize the day; there’s no b.c.): “habeas quod di dant boni [you may time like the present; time and tide wait keep what good the gods give].” for no man.

take the will for the deed We must a tale never loses in the telling People always give people credit for their good are inclined to exaggerate, and anecdotes, intentions, even if they fail to carry them gossip, or lies are embroidered by the teller through: Take the will for the deed—she each time they are retold: A tale never loses would have come to visit you at the hospital if in the telling—he is rumored to have inherited there hadn’t been a railroad strike. twenty million dollars, but if you knock a couple of zeros off the end of the fi gure, you will be a take things as they come Sometimes it bit closer to the actual sum of money involved. is best to deal with possible problems only The proverb was fi rst recorded in its cur- as they arise: She decided to stop worrying rent form in 1721, but the sentiment it about the future and just to take things as they expresses is of earlier origin. came. The proverb was fi rst recorded in Variant of this proverb: a tale grows 1611 in J. Davies’s The Scourge of Folly. better in the telling. Variant of this proverb: take things as you fi nd them. talk about the devil and his imps will Proverb expressing similar meaning: appear See speak of the devil and he don’t cross the bridge till you come always appears. to it; don’t meet troubles halfway; sufficient unto the day is the evil talk is cheap It is easy to say that thereof. something can or will be done, but it

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takes money or effort to do it; often used Askelon, lest the daughters of the Philis- when people make idle boasts or prom- tines rejoice.” ises they are unlikely to keep: “‘What can you do?’ ‘Go out to Montana, just tell not all you know, nor do all you as soon as the weather is fi t, and relo- can It is good policy not to reveal the cate the mine. . . .’ ‘Talk is cheap, but it full extent of your knowledge or capa- takes money to pay for railroad tickets,’ bilities: Sometimes it is wiser in business to went on Malone” (Horatio Alger, Joe the tell not all you know, nor do all you can, but to Hotel Boy, 1906). The proverb was fi rst keep something back for yourself. The proverb recorded in its current form in 1843 (T. was fi rst recorded in 1739 in Benjamin C. Haliburton, Attaché), but the senti- Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. ment it expresses is of earlier origin. Variants of this proverb: talk is tell the truth and shame the devil It is cheap, but it takes money to buy land; always best to be honest, however great talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy the temptation may be to lie: “I don’t like liquor. the whole change that’s come over you in the last year. I’m sorry if that hurts talk of the devil and he’s sure to your feelings, but I’ve got to—tell the appear See speak of the devil and he truth and shame the devil” (Thornton always appears. Wilder, Our Town, 1938). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1548. It occurs in tastes differ Different people like dif- Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 1 (3:1): ferent things: “‘I express my opinion,’ “And I can teach thee, coz, to shame retorted Neelie, chafi ng under the satiri- the devil/By telling truth: tell truth and cally indulgent tone in which the govern- shame the devil.” ess addressed her. ‘It’s a matter of taste, Variant of this proverb: speak the Miss Gwilt; and tastes differ’” (Wilkie truth and shame the devil. Collins, Armadale, 1866). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1803. that government is best which governs Proverbs expressing similar mean- least The best form of government is ing: every man to his taste; one man’s one that allows people the greatest free- meat is another man’s poison; there’s dom: “I heartily accept the motto, ‘That no disputing about tastes. government is best which governs least.’ . . . Carried out, it fi nally amounts to this, tell it not in Gath Be careful how much which also I believe—‘That government you tell your enemies: “The fact is—but is best which governs not at all’” (Henry tell it not in Gath—I was happier without David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience, 1849). them!” (Marie Corelli, God’s Good Man, The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1837, 1904). The proverb is biblical in origin, in John L. O’Sullivan’s introduction to appearing at 2 Samuel 1:20, in which The United States Magazine and Democratic David hears of the death of Jonathan in Review: “The best government is that which battle with the Philistines: “Tell it not governs least.” It is held to be one of the in Gath, publish it not in the streets of key principles of the Republican Party.

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them as asks, gits; them as don’t ask, they say. The proverb was fi rst recorded in don’t git See ask, and it shall be given 1620, in a translation of Cervantes’ Don you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and Quixote. it shall be opened unto you. there are no gains without pains See there are as good fi sh in the sea as ever no pain, no gain. came out of it See there are other fish in the sea. there are none so blind as those who will not see It is impossible to make there are lies, damned lies, and statis- people accept the evidence of their own tics Statistics can be used to create a eyes if they choose to ignore it or refuse misleading impression: “Statistically speak- to believe it: “‘None so blind as those that ing, this is one of the safest forms of travel.” won’t see.’ . . . A single effort of the will “I don’t believe it. Have you never heard was suffi cient to exclude from his view the saying ‘There are lies, damned lies, and whatever he judged hostile to his immedi- statistics’?” The proverb is attributed to ate purpose” (Edward Fitzgerald, Polonius, the British statesman Benjamin Disraeli 1852). The proverb was fi rst recorded in (1804–81) in Mark Twain’s autobiogra- 1546 in the form “Who is so deaf, or so phy: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, blind, as is he that willfully will neither damned lies and statistics.” hear nor see.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: there are more ways of killing a cat than there are none so deaf as those who choking it with cream If one method will not hear. fails, there are plenty more to choose from: Undeterred, we tried a more subtle there are none so deaf as those who will approach—there are more ways of killing a not hear You cannot communicate with cat than choking it with cream. The proverb people who stubbornly refuse to listen: was fi rst recorded in this form in 1855, in I tried to warn her that her son was heading Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho!, but for trouble, but there are none so deaf as those its variant forms are of earlier origin. who will not hear. The proverb was fi rst Variants of this proverb: there are recorded in 1546, with different wording more ways of killing a dog than choking it (see the preceding entry), but a French with butter; there are more ways of kill- equivalent was in use 200 years earlier. ing a dog than hanging it. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverbs expressing similar mean- there are none so blind as those who ing: all roads lead to rome; there’s will not see. more than one way to skin a cat. there are other fi sh in the sea Plenty there are no birds in last year’s more people, things, opportunities, or nest Things are not as they were: That options are available; often used to con- may well have been the case when you were in sole somebody whose relationship with offi ce, but the circumstances are quite different a boyfriend or girlfriend has ended: now—there are no birds in last year’s nest, as “There’s fi sh in the sea, no doubt of it,

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As good as ever came out of it” (W. S. ible—there goes more to marriage than four Gilbert, Patience, 1881). The proverb was bare legs in a bed. The proverb was fi rst fi rst recorded, with different wording, recorded c. 1549 in John Heywood’s Dia- c. 1573. logue of Proverbs. Variant of this proverb: there are as good fi sh in the sea as ever came out there’ll be sleeping enough in the of it. grave Life is too short to waste time having more sleep than you need: She was there are tricks in every trade People one of those hearty outdoor types who insist on in every occupation have their own spe- waking everybody up at the crack of dawn with cial—and often secret—ways of doing a cry of “Rise and shine! There’ll be sleeping things that enable them to save time, enough in the grave.” The proverb was fi rst effort, or money; often implying clever- recorded in 1741, in Benjamin Franklin’s ness, craftiness, or deception: “‘Where Poor Richard’s Almanack. are you staying?’ ‘Mrs. May’s boarding house.’ ‘I know her. What they tell is she there must be a fi rst time for every- fi lls you up with soup so you can’t eat thing See there’s a first time for much meat.’ ‘I guess there are tricks to everything. every trade,’ said Adam” (John Steinbeck, East of Eden, 1952). The proverb was fi rst there’s a black sheep in every fl ock In recorded in 1632 in the form “Knavery every family, community, organization, or in all trades.” It has given rise to the fi gu- profession there is at least one member rative phrase the tricks of the trade. who brings disgrace on the rest: “There are black sheep in nearly every large fam- there are two sides to every ques- ily . . . and these two one-idea’d curs were tion Any issue can be looked at from ready to tear any one to death that should two opposing viewpoints, both of which interfere with that miserable inheritance merit consideration: “Men of energy of which was their thought by day and their character must have enemies: because dream by night” (Charles Reade, The Clois- there are two sides to every question, and ter and the Hearth, 1861). The proverb was . . . those who take the other will of course fi rst recorded in 1816. Often reduced to be hostile” (Thomas Jefferson, letter dated the cliché a black sheep, or the black sheep of May 5, 1817). Of ancient origin, the the family, it alludes to the undesirability proverb has been attributed to the Greek of sheep with black wool that is diffi cult teacher Protagoras (c. 490–c. 420 b.c.). to dye. Other words may be used in place of ques- Variant of this proverb: there’s a tion, such as story, argument, coin, or fence. black sheep in every family.

there goes more to marriage than four there’s a ﬁ rst time for everything Ev- bare legs in a bed There is more to erything must start somewhere, and the marriage than sex: The most successful mar- fact that something has not happened riages are those where the husband and wife before does not mean that it will never are intellectually as well as sexually compat- happen; also used when somebody does

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 261 1/29/07 5:13:01 PM there’s a Jack for every Jill

something that he or she has never done them: There’s a pot of gold at the end of the before: “It’s perfectly safe—we’ve been doing rainbow, and in this case the pot of gold is the it this way for the past ten years and we’ve crime-free society that no politician will ever never had an accident.” “There’s a fi rst time for be able to deliver. The proverb alludes to everything.” The proverb was fi rst recorded the popular superstition, fi rst recorded in 1792 in A. Hamilton’s Papers. in 1836, that a pot of gold is to be found Variants of this proverb: there’s at the place where a rainbow touches the always a fi rst time; there must be a fi rst ground. time for everything. there’s a remedy for everything except there’s a Jack for every Jill See every death Death is fi nal, irremediable, and jack has his jill. inevitable; also used to imply that all other problems have a solution: “There there’s always a fi rst time See there’s is a remedy for everything except Death a first time for everything. . . . so the bitterness of this disappointment has long passed away” (Frederick there’s always room at the top Those Locker-Lampson, My Confi dences, 1896). who excel, or who are truly ambitious, The proverb was fi rst recorded in this will always succeed: It’s a competitive business, form in 1573, but the sentiment it but there’s always room at the top. The proverb expresses is of earlier origin. is attributed to the U.S. statesman Daniel Variant of this proverb: there’s a Webster (1782–1852), who replied in remedy for all things but death. this way to advise against joining the over- Proverb expressing similar meaning: crowded legal profession. It was popular- death defies the doctor. ized in the mid-20th century by the British Proverb expressing opposite mean- writer John Braine in his best-selling novel ing: avoidance is the only remedy. Room at the Top (1957) and its Academy Award–winning movie adaptation. there’s a season and a time for every purpose under the heaven See to every- there’s an exception to every rule No thing there is a season. rule applies in every single case: This phenomenon, which appears to defy the laws of there’s a sin of omission as well as of physics, demonstrates that there’s an exception to commission There are times when fail- every rule. The proverb was fi rst recorded ure to do what you should is as bad as doing in 1579 in the form “There is no rule so what you should not do: As he did nothing to general that it admits not exception.” prevent the burglars from entering the building, Proverb expressing similar meaning: he was deemed to have helped them—there’s a the exception proves the rule. sin of omission as well as of commission.

there’s a pot of gold at the end of there’s a skeleton in every closet Every the rainbow Some things can never be person, family, or organization has a shame- achieved; used when people chase after ful secret: There’s a skeleton in every closet, ideals or ambitions that constantly elude and he was one of those journalists who special-

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ize in fl inging open the closet doors of the rich appropriate time and in the appropriate and famous and exposing their skeletons to the place: There’s a time and place for everything, public eye. The proverb was fi rst recorded and this is neither the time nor the place to in 1845 (in William Thackeray’s Punch in be cracking jokes like that! The proverb was the East) in the form “There is a skeleton fi rst recorded in 1509 in A. Barclay, Ship in every house.” It is often reduced to the of Fools. cliché a skeleton in the closet. Variant of this proverb: there’s a Variant of this proverb: every family time for everything. has a skeleton in the closet. Proverb expressing similar meaning: to everything there is a season. there’s a sucker born every minute The world is full of gullible people: “‘There’s a there’s a time to speak and a time to be sucker born every minute,’/P. T. Barnum silent Sometimes it is not appropriate to declared,/And a con man is born every say anything: She could have told him where hour/To make sure no sucker is spared” he had gone wrong, but there is a time to speak, (Wall Street Journal, 1994). The proverb is and a time to be silent. The proverb is of bib- attributed to the U.S. showman Phineas lical origin, appearing at Ecclesiastes 3:7. T. Barnum (1810–91), but there is no Variant of this proverb: there’s a evidence to support this attribution. It time to wink as well as to see. sometimes occurs in the allusive form Proverbs expressing similar mean- “There’s one born every minute,” which is ing: silence is golden; speech is silver, also applied more generally to fools. but silence is golden; think before you speak; a word spoken is past recalling. there’s a tide in the affairs of man In the ebb and fl ow of human existence, it there’s good and bad in every- is important to act at the most opportune thing Nothing is totally good or bad: or favorable time, and not to miss this If you’re hoping to fi nd the perfect job, you’re moment when it comes: “‘There is a tide heading for disappointment—there’s good and in the affairs of men/Which, taken at the bad in everything. fl ood,’—you know the rest,/And most of us have found it now and then;/At least we there’s honor among thieves Criminals think so, though but few have guess’d/The will not hurt or betray their fellow crimi- moment, till too late to come again (Lord nals, thus treating one another with more Byron, “Don Juan,” 1819). The proverb is respect than their victims: If it’s true that a shortened and allusive form of a passage there’s honor among thieves, then why do the from Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar (4:3): prisoners want to keep their personal pos- “There is a time in the affairs of men/ sessions under lock and key? The proverb Which, taken at the fl ood, leads on to for- was fi rst recorded in this form in the tune; /Omitted, all the voyage of their life early 19th century, but the sentiment it /Is bound in shallows and in miseries.” expresses is of earlier origin. Proverbs expressing similar mean- there’s a time and place for every- ing: dog does not eat dog; hawks will thing Things should be done only at the not pick out hawks’ eyes.

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there’s luck in leisure It is better not Proverb expressing similar meaning: to act in haste; sometimes used to justify don’t judge a book by its cover. procrastination: They say there’s luck in leisure, so I decided to wait a little longer. there’s many a good tune played on an The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1683 old fi ddle Old people should not be in G. Meriton’s Yorkshire Dialogue. dismissed as incapable: “Beyond a haricot Proverb expressing opposite mean- vein in one of my legs I’m as young as ever ing: delays are dangerous. I was. Old indeed! There’s many a good tune played on an old fi ddle” (Samuel there’s luck in odd numbers According Butler, The Way of All Flesh, 1903). The to popular superstition, odd numbers are quotation is the fi rst recorded use of the lucky; often said when somebody does proverb. something for the third, fi fth, or seventh time: “‘Now, Rory, leave off, sir: you’ll there’s many a slip between cup and hug me no more;/That’s eight times lip Many things can go wrong in the to-day that you’ve kissed me before.’/ process of putting a plan into action; often ‘Then here goes another,’ says he, ‘to used to warn against overconfi dence or make sure,/For there’s luck in odd num- overoptimism: We can’t be certain of success, bers,’ says Rory O’More” (Samuel Lover, and I won’t be happy until I have the document “Rory O’More,” 1836). The proverb was in my hand—there’s many a slip between cup fi rst recorded in Shakespeare’s play The and lip. The proverb was fi rst recorded Merry Wives of Windsor (c. 1598). The in English in 1539, but the sentiment it sentiment it expresses, however, is of expresses dates back to ancient times. It ancient origin, occurring in the writings is said to have its origin in Greek mythol- of Virgil (70–19 b.c.): numero deus impare ogy, in the story of a man who laughed at gaudet [the god delights in an uneven a prophecy that he would not live to drink number].” the wine of his vineyard. As he raised the Proverb expressing similar meaning: fi rst glass to his lips he was told that a boar the third time is the charm. was destroying his vines; he put down the glass and rushed out, only to be killed by there’s many a good cock come out of the boar. a tattered bag Do not be misled by Variant of this proverb: there’s many external appearances—it is what is inside a slip ’twixt cup and lip. or what emerges from something that Proverb expressing similar meaning: counts; also used to imply that people don’t count your chickens before should not be judged by their parents, they are hatched. clothes, or background: The classes take place in a dilapidated building on the wrong there’s many a true word said in jest See side of town, but they have produced some of many a true word is spoken in jest. the fi nest musicians in the county, proving that there’s many a good cock come out of a tattered there’s measure in all things Every- bag. First recorded in 1883, the proverb thing should be done in moderation: comes from the sport of cockfi ghting. “‘Why, carry out logically the theory you

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were advocating just now, and it follows ‘Hm! No accounting for tastes!’” (Lewis that people may be killed.’ ‘Upon my Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, word!’ cried Luzhin. ‘No, that’s not so,’ 1865). The proverb was fi rst recorded put in Zossimov. . . . ‘There’s a measure in in 1794. all things,’ Luzhin went on superciliously. Proverb expressing similar mean- ‘Economic ideas are not an incitement ing: one man’s meat is another man’s to murder, and one has but to suppose’” poison. (Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment, 1866). The proverb is of ancient origin, there’s no disputing about tastes There occurring in the writings of the Roman is no point in arguing about what is good poet Horace (65–8 b.c.): “est modus in or bad, since everybody likes different rebus [there is measure in things].” It was things: I tried to persuade her to choose a fi rst recorded in English in Chaucer’s Troi- bolder color, but I soon realized I was wasting lus and Criseyde (c. 1385): “In every thyng, my breath. There’s no disputing about tastes, I woot, there lith mesure.” and she likes pastel shades best. Of ancient Proverbs expressing similar mean- origin, the proverb is sometimes quoted ing: enough is as good as a feast; in its Latin form, “De gustibus non est enough is enough; moderation in all disputandum.” things. Proverb expressing similar meaning: tastes differ. there’s more than one way to skin a cat There are many different ways of there’s no fool like an old fool Foolish doing something: “The door’s locked! Now behavior in old people is often worse what are we going to do?” “There’s more than than that in the young: “‘You’re an old one way to skin a cat—let’s see if we can woman, Emily, and there’s no fool like an fi nd an open window.” The proverb is fi rst old fool. The man’s twenty years younger recorded in John Ray’s A Collection of Eng- than you, and don’t fool yourself as lish Proverbs (1670). to what he married you for. Money!” Proverbs expressing similar mean- (Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair ing: all roads lead to rome; there at Styles, 1920). The proverb was fi rst are more ways of killing a cat than recorded in 1546 in John Heywood’s choking it with cream. Dialogue of Proverbs. Variant of this proverb: an old fool is there’s no accounting for tastes Ev- the worst fool. erybody likes different things; often said Proverb expressing similar meaning: disparagingly of another person’s choice, a fool at forty is a fool indeed. or predilection: “‘Shall we try another fi gure of the Lobster Quadrille?’ the Gry- there’s no great loss without some phon went on. ‘Or would you like the gain There is often a small advantage Mock Turtle to sing you a song?’ ‘Oh, a to be gained from an unfortunate or song, please, if the Mock Turtle would be unpleasant occurrence: My dreams of join- so kind,’ Alice replied, so eagerly that the ing the diplomatic corps had been dashed, but Gryphon said, in a rather offended tone, there’s no great loss without some gain, and I

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had made a number of useful contacts along occurring in the Greek poet Hesiod’s the way. The proverb dates from before Works and Days (eighth century b.c.). 1641. It was popularized in the song “Home, Sweet Home” (1823) by J. H. Payne: there’s no little enemy Do no under- “’Mid pleasures and palaces though we estimate your enemies, all of whom are may roam,/Be it ever so humble, there’s capable of great harm: “To be friendly no place like home.” with every one is another matter; we must Proverbs expressing similar mean- remember that there is no little enemy” ing: east, west, home’s best; home is (Sir John Lubbock, The Pleasures of Life, home, be it ever so homely. 1887). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1659, but the sentiment it expresses is of there’s no pleasure without pain A ancient origin: compare Publilius Syrus happy or enjoyable experience is always (fi rst century b.c.), “Inimicum, quamvis accompanied by some sorrow or suffer- humilem, docti est metuere [It is a wise man ing: There’s no pleasure without pain, and who fears an enemy, however humble].” the joy of our reunion was tempered by the knowledge that this was the last time the whole there’s no peace for the wicked Life is family would be together. The fi rst recorded full of interruptions and disturbances; said use of this proverb is c. 1526: “Lyghtly by those who are bothered in this way, joc- there is no pleasure, but that vnto it some ularly implying that they do not deserve peyne is annexed” (Dicta Sapientum). to have any time to themselves: The phone Proverbs expressing similar mean- hasn’t stopped ringing this evening—there’s no ing: no joy without annoy; there’s no peace for the wicked! The proverb is of bibli- rose without a thorn. cal origin: “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22). there’s no putting old heads on young Variant of this proverb: there’s no shoulders See you can’t put an old rest for the wicked. head on young shoulders. Proverb expressing similar meaning: there’s no rest for the weary. there’s no rest for the weary However hard you work, and however tired you there’s no place like home Home is the are, there is always more to be done; said place where people feel most comfortable resignedly by somebody who suffers in and contented; often said by somebody this way: I’d just sat down, for the fi rst time on his or her return: “They . . . were only all day, when my son called me into the kitchen come now to stay a few weeks on account to help him with a cake he was baking for his of their father’s death; but they did so girlfriend—there’s no rest for the weary! The like Marsh End and Morton, and all these proverb was fi rst recorded in B. Graeme’s moors and hills about. They had been in Murder of Some Importance (1931). London, and many other grand towns; Variant of this proverb: there’s no but they always said there was no place rest for the wicked. like home” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, Proverb expressing similar meaning: 1847). The proverb is of ancient origin, there’s no peace for the wicked.

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there’s no rest for the wicked See yesterday’s newspapers, but there’s no smoke there’s no peace for the wicked; without fi re, and its stockholders remain con- there’s no rest for the weary. cerned. The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in 1592, but the sentiment it there’s no rose without a thorn All expresses is of earlier origin. Compare good, beautiful, or pleasurable things have the 13th-century French proverb “Nul some drawback or unpleasant aspect: “‘My feu est sens fumee ne fumee sens feu [No fi re pay is to be twenty-fi ve louis a month, a is without smoke, nor smoke without good table, good lodging, etc., etc. . . . Do fi re]. you think it is worth the trouble?’ ‘There’s Variant of this proverb: where there’s no rose without a thorn’” (Casanova, smoke, there’s fi re. Memoirs, 1828–38). The proverb was fi rst Proverbs expressing similar mean- recorded c. 1435, but the sentiment it ing: common fame is seldom to blame; expresses is of ancient origin. what everybody says must be true. Variant of this proverb: every rose Proverb expressing opposite mean- has a thorn. ing: much smoke, little fire. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: no joy without alloy; there’s no there’s no such thing as a free lunch Ev- pleasure without pain; you have to erything must be paid for, sooner or later, take the bitter with the sweet. directly or indirectly: “Europeans are now learning some hard facts of life about there’s no royal road to learning socialized medicine: There’s no such thing Knowledge and skills can only be as a free lunch” (Washington Times, 1996). acquired by hard work—there are no The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1966, short cuts: There is no royal road to learn- in Robert Heinlein’s The Moon Is a Harsh ing, but those who are prepared to put in Mistress. It is associated with the U.S. the months of study required to master this economist Milton Friedman (1912– ), subject will find their efforts well rewarded. who popularized it. The proverb was first recorded in its Variant of this proverb: there’s no current form in 1824. It comes from such thing as a free ride. an anecdote about the Greek math- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ematician Euclid (fl. 300 b.c.), who you don’t get something for nothing. allegedly replied, “There is no royal road to geometry,” when asked by King there’s no such thing as bad weather, Ptolemy I for an easier way to study only the wrong clothes Any weather is the subject. tolerable if you are suitably dressed for it: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the there’s no smoke without fi re Rumors wrong clothes,” she said as she put on her slicker, usually have a factual basis, although boots, and sou’wester and set off in the pour- they may present a misleading or exag- ing rain for her daily walk with the dogs. The gerated version of the truth: The company proverb is of comparatively recent origin, has released a statement refuting the allega- and was fi rst recorded in the Washington tions of fi nancial mismanagement made in Post (Feb. 15, 1980).

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Variant of this proverb: there’s no such nothing so good for the inside of a man as thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. the outside of a horse’” (G. W. E. Russell, Social Silhouettes, 1906). The quotation is there’s nothing constant but inconstancy the fi rst recorded use of the proverb. There will always be people and things that are unreliable or changeable: There’s there’s no time like the present Now nothing constant but inconstancy, and even our is the best time to do something; used best friends may turn against us. The proverb as encouragement to act without delay: is recorded as a regional expression in the “We must clear out the attic one of these days.” United States. “There’s no time like the present—let’s make a start on it straight away.” The proverb was there’s nothing lost by civility Polite- fi rst recorded in this form in 1696, but the ness does no harm, and may do a lot of sentiment it expresses is of earlier origin. good: You could at least have apologized— Proverbs expressing similar mean- there’s nothing lost by civility. ing: take time by the forelock; pro- Proverb expressing similar meaning: crastination is the thief of time. civility costs nothing. there’s nowt so queer as folk People there’s nothing new under the sun What are uniquely unpredictable: He shook his is thought to be a novelty is often shown head when he heard the news and observed to be nothing more than a revival or “There’s nowt so queer as folk.” The proverb reintroduction of an old idea; also used was fi rst recorded in 1905 in the English as a comment on the changeless nature Dialect Dictionary. of things: “‘They’re after something quite new—something that’s never been heard there’s one law for the rich and another of before.’ ‘My dear fellow! There is noth- for the poor See one law for the rich ing new under the sun’” (George Orwell, and another for the poor. Coming up for Air, 1939). The proverb is of biblical origin: “The thing that hath there’s reason in all things Everything is been, it is that which shall be; and that logical or done for a purpose: They say there’s which is done is that which shall be done: reason in all things, but I have yet to understand and there is no new thing under the sun” the reason for this drastic change of plan. The (Ecclesiastes 1:9). proverb was fi rst recorded in 1602 in John Proverbs expressing similar mean- Marston’s Antonio and Mellida. ing: everything old is new again; the Proverb expressing similar meaning: more things change, the more they every why hath its wherfore. stay the same. there’s safety in numbers It is preferable there’s nothing so good for the inside of or advisable to face a dangerous or unpleas- a man as the outside of a horse Riding ant situation in the company of others; also is a healthy pastime: “The Squire will wind used more generally, to imply that many is up . . . with an apocryphal saying which he better than a few, or to justify siding with attributes to Lord Palmerston—‘There’s the majority: We always walk home from the

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club together, on the principle that there’s safety something must be prepared to bear in numbers. The proverb is of biblical origin: the costs or suffer the consequences: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but He smoked and drank himself into an early in the multitude of counselors there is grave—they that dance must pay the piper. safety” (Proverbs 11:14). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1638 Proverb expressing similar meaning: (J. Taylor, Taylor’s Feast) in the form “Those every why has its wherefore. that dance must pay the Musicke.” Variants of this proverb: he who there’s truth in wine What people say dances must pay the fi ddler; those who when they are drunk is usually true: There dance must pay the fi ddler. is truth in wine, and she had drunk the best part of a bottle of champagne, so I felt inclined to they that live longest see most Older believe her. Of ancient origin, the proverb is people have more experience of life: often used in its Latin form, “In vino veritas,” Many of her younger neighbors used to go as in the following quotation from Anthony to my grandmother for advice, on the basis Trollope’s novel Phineas Redux (1873): “But of the saying “They that live longest see he was fl ushed with much wine, and he most.” The proverb was fi rst recorded was a man whose arrogance in that con- in English in 1620, in a translation of dition was apt to become extreme. ‘In Cervantes’s Don Quixote, but there is vino veritas!’ The sober devil can hide his evidence of a French version in the early cloven hoof; but when the devil drinks he 14th century. loses his cunning and grows honest.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: don’t teach your grandmother to alcohol will preserve anything but suck eggs. a secret; drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals. they that sow the wind shall reap the Variant of this proverb: in wine there whirlwind People who provoke trouble is truth. or violence—or behave in a reckless manner—will suffer far worse consequences: they also serve who only stand and “. . . the indiscriminate profusion that wait You can be often be helpful without would glut avarice, or supply prodigal- actively doing anything; also used to com- ity, neither does good, nor is rewarded mend or encourage patience and endur- by gratitude. It is sowing the wind to ance: “This man’s life of patient suffering reap the whirlwind” (Sir Walter Scott, was not in vain, but a benediction to many The Black Dwarf, 1816). The proverb is of who came in contact with it. ‘Those also biblical origin: “For they have sown the serve who only stand and wait’” (Philip wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 1883– (Hosea 8:7). 1893). The proverb comes from John Mil- Variant of this proverb: sow the wind ton’s poem “On His Blindness” (c. 1650). and reap the whirlwind.

they that dance must pay the piper a thing of beauty is a joy forever Beau- Those who gain pleasure or beneﬁ t from tiful things bring lasting pleasure; often used

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to imply that the memory of something sale laden with so-called bargains, I reminded beautiful stays with you for a long time her of the saying “A thing you don’t want is afterward: “I wished for a picture of her. A dear at any price.” Madonna, whose face was a portrait of that beautiful Nazareth girl, would be a ‘thing think all you speak, but speak not all you of beauty’ and ‘a joy forever’” (Mark Twain, think Do not say anything that you do The Innocents Abroad, 1869). The proverb not believe, but never say everything that comes from John Keats’s poem “Endymion” is in your mind: I’m not asking you to lie, I’m (1818): “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:/ just suggesting that it would be not be tactful Its loveliness increases; it will never/Pass to tell the whole truth—think all you speak, into nothingness.” but speak not all you think. The proverb is Proverb expressing opposite mean- recorded as a regional expression in the ing: beauty is but a blossom. United States.

things come in threes According to think before you speak Never express popular superstition, two similar occur- an opinion, make a remark, or answer a rences—bad or good—are inevitably fol- question until you have considered the lowed by a third: I fell down the steps this possible effects of what you are going morning and trapped my fi nger in the door to say; also used to imply that careful this afternoon, so if things come in threes—as thought beforehand leads to more elo- people say they do—I’m in for another acci- quent speech: “A long article on airport- dent before long. The proverb was fi rst security tips for passengers ends with the recorded in 1927. advice: ‘Think before you speak. Casual Variants of this proverb: all good joking remarks may not be viewed as such things come in threes; all bad things come by secret agents’” (Boston Globe, 1990). in threes. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1557 in the form “Think well and you will speak things past cannot be recalled It is well.” too late for regret after something is done; Variants of this proverb: fi rst think, sometimes used to advise caution: Many and then speak; think fi rst and speak after- of us would do things differently if we had our ward; think twice before you speak once. lives to live over again, but things past cannot Proverbs expressing similar mean- be recalled. The proverb was fi rst recorded ing: think much, speak little, and write in English in the 15th century, but there less; a word spoken is past recalling. is evidence of a French version 100 years earlier. thinking is very far from knowing Proverb expressing similar meaning: Opinion and conjecture are not the what’s done cannot be undone. same as knowledge and certainty: “I think this is the right road.” “Thinking is a thing you don’t want is dear at any very far from knowing—let’s look at the price Do not be tempted to buy some- map!” The proverb was first recorded in thing you do not need just because it is 1706 in J. Stevens, A New Spanish and cheap: When my mother came back from the English Dictionary.

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think much, speak little, and write less similar anecdote attributes the proverb to It is best to think long and hard about King Solomon. something before expressing any thoughts Variant of this proverb: all things about it. The proverb was fi rst recorded will pass. c. 1430 in John Lydate’s Minor Poems in the form: “Take no quarelle, thynk mekyl and those who can, do; those who can’t, say nought.” teach People who are incapable of put- Proverb expressing similar meaning: ting their knowledge and skills to practi- think before you speak. cal use go into education: He graduated from law school in 1995 and went back there think twice before you speak once See as a lecturer two years later, prompting his think before you speak. students to remark, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” The proverb comes from the third time is the charm According George Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman to popular superstition, success will come (1903): “He who can does. He who can- at the third attempt: After two aborted mis- not, teaches.” Other words may be substi- sions, N.A.S.A. is hoping that the third time is tuted for teach, as in “Those who can, do; the charm. The proverb was fi rst recorded those who can’t, attend conferences.” in 1721 (James Kelly, Scottish Proverbs), but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier those who cannot remember the past origin. are condemned to repeat it Those who Variants of this proverb: third time forget, are ignorant of, or fail to learn lucky; the third time pays for all. from the mistakes of earlier generations Proverbs expressing similar mean- are likely to make the same mistakes ing: if at first you don’t succeed, themselves: It is to be hoped that the study try, try again; there’s luck in odd of modern history in our schools and colleges numbers. will prevent a recurrence of horrors such as the Holocaust of World War II—those who cannot this, too, shall pass Do not despair—an remember the past are condemned to repeat it. unpleasant situation or a diffi cult period In its current form, the proverb comes will not last forever: When things were going from George Santayana’s The Life of Reason badly for me, in the early part of my career, my (1905–06). The sentiment it expresses, father consoled me with the saying “This, too, however, is of ancient origin. shall pass.” He was right, of course, and soon the bad times were nothing more than a fading those who dance must pay the fi d- memory. The proverb was fi rst recorded in dler See they that dance must pay 1852. In a speech in 1859, Abraham Lin- the piper. coln told a story about its origin: “It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise those who hide can fi nd The person men to invent him a sentence . . . which who fi nds something is often the person should be true and appropriate in all times who hid it in the fi rst place: The speed with and situations. They presented him the which the discovery was made aroused suspi- words: ‘And this, too, shall pass away.’” A cions that the police had planted the drugs on

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the premises—those who hide can fi nd. The recorded c. 1390, the proverb occurs proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1400 in in Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night (1:3; Seven Sages of Rome. 1601): “‘Fair lady, do you think you have fools in hand?’ ‘Now, sir, thought is free.’” those who know don’t speak; those who speak don’t know Those who talk the the thread breaks where it is weakest A most volubly are usually those who know weak point in a thread or anything else is the least about the subject in question: likely to be the point where the whole The more you say, the more you show your thing fails: He insisted upon changes in lower ignorance—have you never heard the proverb management, arguing that the thread breaks “Those who know don’t speak and those who where it is weakest. The proverb was fi rst speak don’t know”? Of ancient Chinese recorded in 1640 in George Herbert’s origin, the proverb was fi rst recorded in Outlandish Proverbs. English in 1948. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: a chain is no stronger than its weak- who knows most, speaks least. est link.

those who play at bowls must look out threatened men live long Threats are for rubbers It is foolish to embark on often not carried out, and people who have or participate in an enterprise without been warned are on their guard and there- being aware of or taking account of the fore in less danger than others; sometimes problems you may encounter: “‘And how said in defi ant response to a threat or warn- if it fails?’ said Darsie. ‘Thereafter as it ing: A succession of doctors had told him that if may be . . . those who play at bowls must he didn’t change his lifestyle, he wouldn’t live to meet with rubbers’” (Sir Walter Scott, see his grandchildren, but threatened folks live Redgauntlet, 1824). The proverb was fi rst long, and he proved them all wrong. The prov- recorded in 1762. The word rubbers (or erb was fi rst recorded in English in 1534 rubs) refers to the unevenness of the (Lady E. Wheathell, in M. St. C. Byrne, ground on which the game of bowls (or Lisle Letters), but with the implication that lawn bowling) is played. it was already an old saying, and a French equivalent was in use 200 years earlier. those who please everybody please Variant of this proverb: threatened nobody See you can’t please every- folks live the longest. body. the three doctors Diet, Quiet, and Tem- thought is free Anybody may think perance are the best physicians See whatever he or she likes: “‘Ah, your the best doctors are dr. diet, dr. Ursel was a jewel of worth,’ said the girl quiet, and dr. merryman. earnestly. ‘Would she were here.’ ‘Instead of her that is here?’ ‘I say not that,’ and three may keep a secret, if two of them she blushed a little. ‘You do but think are dead It is impossible for two or it.’ ‘Thought is free’” (Charles Reade, more people to keep a secret: “Don’t worry, The Cloister and the Hearth, 1861). First your secret is safe with us.” “I wish I could

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believe you, but I’ve heard it said that three . . . is not only a great virtue but also may keep a secret only if two of them are dead.” ‘a great revenue’” (London Times, 1930). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546 in The proverb was fi rst recorded, with John Heywood, Dialogue of Proverbs. different wording, in 1659, but the sen- Variant of this proverb: two can keep timent it expresses is of ancient origin. a secret if one is dead. Compare Cicero (106–43 b.c.): “Non intelligunt homines quam magnum vectigal three moves are as bad as a fi re The sit parsimonia [Men do no realize how loss, damage, and stress involved in mov- great a revenue thrift is].” ing house three times is equivalent to that Proverbs expressing similar mean- caused by a fi re: I can well believe that three ing: a penny saved is a penny earned; moves are as bad as a fi re—we have already saving is getting. moved house twice since we were married, and it was a major upheaval each time, so I hope throw dirt enough, and some will we never have to do it again. The proverb stick A reputation that is constantly was fi rst recorded in 1758, in Benjamin attacked cannot remain undamaged—if Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. false accusations or defamatory remarks Variant of this proverb: moving three are repeated often enough, people will times is as bad as a fi re. begin to believe them: “Whatever harm a . . . venomous tongue could do them, three things are not to be trusted: a he took care should be done. Only throw cow’s horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s dirt enough and some of it is sure to stick” hoof A cow is likely to gore you, a (Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown’s Schooldays, dog to bite you, and a horse to kick you, 1857). The proverb was fi rst recorded in so treat all three with respect and cau- 1656 in Trepan. tion: Given that three things are not to be Variant of this proverb: fl ing dirt trusted—a cow’s hoof, a dog’s tooth, and a enough, and some will stick. horse’s hoof—is it any surprise that people Proverb expressing similar meaning: prefer to live in cities and keep cats? The prov- give a dog a bad name and hang him. erb was fi rst recorded in English c. 1383, with woman’s faith as the third object of throw out a sprat to catch a mackerel distrust, replacing a cow’s horn. Other It is worth making a small sacrifi ce to substitutes include women’s protestations, an gain something of much greater value: Englishman’s laugh, and a baby’s bottom, the Loss leaders are goods offered for sale at below last of these occurring in a 13th-century cost price to attract customers who will, it is French version of the proverb. hoped, make further purchases in the store—a modern illustration of the saying “Throw out three times a bridesmaid, never a a sprat to catch a mackerel.” The proverb bride See always a bridesmaid, never was fi rst recorded in 1810 in John Poole, a bride. Hamlet Travestied. Variants of this proverb: you must thrift is a great revenue Saving and lose a fl y to catch a trout; set a sprat to frugality lead to fi nancial gain: “Thrift catch a mackerel.

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Thursday’s child has far to go Chil- 1913). The proverb was fi rst recorded in dren born on a Thursday are supposed this form in 1639, but the sentiment it to be destined to travel: We were not sur- expresses is of ancient origin. It is some- prised when Megan announced her intention times found in its Latin form, “Tempus to backpack around the world before going fugit.” Extended forms of the proverb to college—she was born on a Thursday, and include “Time fl ies when you’re having everybody knows that Thursday’s child has far fun” and “Time fl ies when you’re enjoying to go! The proverb is the fourth line of a yourself,” often used ironically. traditional rhyme. See entries at the days of the week for other proverbs from this time hangs heavy on idle hands Time rhyme. seems to pass more slowly when we have little or nothing to do: Business is sluggish time alone will tell See time will tell. at the moment, and the working day sometimes seems interminable—time hangs heavy on time and tide wait for no man Nobody idle hands. The proverb is recorded as a can afford to delay or be delayed: “‘Annie, regional expression in the United States. my dear,’ said he, looking at his watch, and fi lling his glass, ‘it is past your cousin Jack’s time is a great healer Grief, shock, time, and we must not detain him, since wounded feelings, and so on will fade with time and tide—both concerned in this time: She thought she would never get over the case—wait for no man’” (Charles Dickens, death of her husband, but time is a great healer. David Copperfi eld, 1850). The proverb was The proverb is of ancient origin, occurring fi rst recorded in 1592 in a form referring in the writings of the Greek poet and dra- to both time and tide, but the sentiment it matist Menander (c. 342–292 b.c.): “time expresses is of earlier origin. is the healer of all necessary evils.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variants of this proverb: time heals take time by the forelock. all wounds; time will heal. Proverbs expressing similar meantime ends all things Everything must ing: patience is a remedy for every ultimately come to an end—nothing lasts sorrow; time works wonders. forever: Time ends all things, and the feuding families fi nally agreed to bury their differences. time is money Nobody can afford to The proverb is fi rst recorded in N. Ames’s waste time that could be spent earning Almanacs (1786). money: “I’m only asking for ten minutes of Proverb expressing similar meaning: your time—it won’t cost you anything.” “Yes it everything has an end. will—I’m self-employed, and time is money!” The proverb was fi rst recorded in this time fl ies Time sometimes seems to form in 1748, in Benjamin Franklin’s Advice pass with surprising rapidity: “‘Time fl ies,’ to a Young Tradesman, but the sentiment it said Dick. ‘George Thorne will be free expresses is of earlier origin. before long, and he’ll be coming out. I wonder if he’ll stay here or try to take time is the rider that breaks youth Mercedes away?’” (Zane Grey, Desert Gold, Young people become less wild and more

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sensible with age: Most troublesome teenag- fi rst recorded in its current form in the ers develop into responsible adults—time is 20th century, earlier forms being “Time the rider that breaks youth. The proverb will show,” “Time reveals all things,” and was fi rst recorded in 1640, in George “Time discloses all things.” The sentiment Herbert’s Outlandish Proverbs. it expresses is of ancient origin, occurring Proverbs expressing similar mean- in the writings of the Greek poet and dra- ing: wanton kittens make sober cats; matist Menander (c. 342–292 b.c.): “time with age comes wisdom. brings the truth to light.” Variants of this proverb: time alone time lost cannot be recalled Time will tell; only time will tell. wasted cannot be reclaimed: “And time lost may well be repented, but never time works wonders Great things can recalled” (John Lyly, Euphues and his be achieved in the course of time: I England, 1580). The proverb was fi rst thought she would never learn the job, but time recorded c. 1385 in Geoffrey Chaucer’s works wonders, and now she is one of our best Troilus and Criseyde. employees. The proverb was fi rst recorded Proverb expressing similar meaning: in 1588 in A. Marten’s Exhortation to lose an hour in the morning, chase it Defend Country. all day; yesterday will not be called Proverb expressing similar meaning: again. time is a great healer.

times change, and we with time Cus- timing is everything It is important to toms, values, and circumstances are choose the right time to do something: constantly changing, and we must adapt Timing is everything, and this is probably not ourselves accordingly: When I ﬁ rst started the best moment to reopen the public debate work, nobody addressed their superiors or about capital punishment. The proverb inferiors by their ﬁ rst names. But times change, comes from the Greek poet Hesiod’s and we with time—I don’t even know the sur- Works and Days (eighth century b.c.): names of some of the people I work with today. “Observe due measure, for right timing is The proverb is of Latin origin: “Tempora in all things the most important factor.” mutantur nos et mutamur in illis [Times are changing and we with them].” It is often ’tis better to have loved and lost, than shortened to “Times change.” never to have loved at all It is better to Variant of this proverb: times change, have experienced the joy of love, even if it and we with them. ends in sorrow, than never to have had that experience: I was devastated when my daugh- time will heal See time is a great ter died, but I cherish all my happy memories of healer. her, and consider myself more blessed than some of my childless friends—’tis better to have loved time will tell Some things can only be and lost, than never to have loved at all. In its judged or known after the passage of current form, the proverb comes from time: I hope I have made the right decision, Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “In Memo- but only time will tell. The proverb was riam” (1850), but a similar sentiment

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was expressed by William Congreve 150 everything, because he is not certain of years earlier in his play The Way of the World anything, except that to err is human” (1700): “Say what you will, ’tis better to (London Times Literary Supplement, 1908). be left, than never to have been loved.” The fi rst part of the proverb sometimes stands alone, as in the quotation, and is today is yesterday’s tomorrow You can- also found in the Latin form “Humanum not go on putting things off, because the est errare.” In its current form, the proverb future becomes the present: “I’ll quit smok- comes from Alexander Pope’s Essay on ing tomorrow.” “You’ve said that before. Today Criticism (1711). Earlier versions do not is yesterday’s tomorrow, so why not quit now?” mention forgiveness, but add that “to The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1745 in repent is divine” or “to persevere is dia- Edward Young’s Night Thoughts. bolical.” A modern facetious variant is “To Proverb expressing similar meaning: err is human, but to really foul things up never put off until tomorrow what requires a computer.” you can do today. Proverbs expressing similar meaning: homer sometimes nods; nobody is today you, tomorrow me What happens infallible. to one person one day could happen to another person the next day: “‘Comrade,’ to everything there is a season Ev- I say to the dead man, but I say it calmly, erything has its own appropriate time: ‘Today you, tomorrow me’” (Erich Maria Don’t be too impatient to start a family—to Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front, everything there is a season. The proverb is 1929). The proverb is of Latin origin: of biblical origin: “To everything there is a “Hodie mihi, cras tibi [Today it is my turn, season, and a time to every purpose under tomorrow yours].” the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The passage Variant of this proverb: I today, you goes on to list numerous examples: “A tomorrow. time to be born, and a time to die; . . . A time to kill, and a time to heal; . . . A time to each his own Everybody has his or to weep, and a time to laugh; . . . A time her own tastes and idiosyncrasies: Standing to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, in the rain watching cars drive around a race- and a time of peace.” track all afternoon is not my idea of fun, but to Variant of this proverb: there’s a sea- each his own. The proverb was fi rst recorded son and a time for every purpose under in 1713 in Wise, Churches Quarrel Espoused. the heaven. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing similar meaning: every man to his taste. there’s a time and place for everything. to err is human, to forgive divine We all make mistakes, but not everybody to forget a wrong is the best revenge See is tolerant of the mistakes of others; the best way to get even is to forget. sometimes used to ask for forgiveness, implying that it would be a magnanimous to know all is to forgive all The better gesture: “The modern moralist pardons you understand somebody’s motives, the

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more likely you are to pardon him or her: sore tooth. The proverb was fi rst recorded, If only you would let me explain, you would see with different wording, in 1586. things in a different light—to know all is to Variant of this proverb: the tongue forgive all. First recorded in English in the ever turns to the aching tooth. mid-20th century, the proverb may be of French origin. the tongue is not steel, but it cuts Words can cause as much pain and dam- tomorrow is another day Don’t worry age as an edged tool or weapon: The about what has happened today—things tongue is not steel, but it cuts, and the scars may improve tomorrow; also used with left by her cruel words took many months to reference to making a fresh start: The search heal. The proverb was fi rst recorded in party has just returned, somewhat dispirited, this form in 1640, but the sentiment it but tomorrow is another day and they haven’t expresses is of earlier origin. given up hope of fi nding the child alive. The Proverbs expressing opposite mean- proverb was fi rst recorded, in its variant ing: hard words break no bones; sticks form, c. 1527. It was popularized as the and stones may break my bones, but closing line of Margaret Mitchell’s novel names will never hurt me. Gone with the Wind (1936): “Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After too many chiefs and not enough Indians all, tomorrow is another day.” There are too many people giving orders Variant of this proverb: tomorrow and not enough following them, or too is a new day. many people in charge and not enough to do the work: It was a classic case of too many tomorrow never comes If you keep chiefs and not enough Indians, with a top-heavy putting something off until tomorrow, it management structure and an overstretched will never get done: “To-morrow, every labor force. The proverb is thought to have Fault is to be amended; but that To-mor- originated in Australia about 1940. row never comes” (Benjamin Franklin, Variants of this proverb: all chiefs Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1756). The prov- and no Indians; too many chiefs and not erb was fi rst recorded, with different enough braves. wording, in 1523 in Lord Berners’s Froissart. too many cooks spoil the broth Too Proverb expressing similar meaning: many people trying to help can be a one of these days is none of these hindrance; also used of too many people days. working on the same project, often pulling in different directions: Some of the the tongue always returns to the sore worst movies I’ve ever seen have a whole string tooth People cannot help thinking or of screenwriters in the credits, proving that too talking about what is bothering them many cooks spoil the broth. The proverb was most at a particular time: I tried to bury fi rst recorded in 1575 in the form “The myself in my work, but my mind kept going back more cooks the worse potage.” Other to the argument I’d had with my husband the words may be substituted for broth, such day before—the tongue always returns to the as brew, stew, or pie.

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Proverb expressing opposite mean- delivery to arrive in the morning, touch wood. ing: many hands make light work. This proverbial charm was fi rst recorded in 1805 in R. Anderson’s Ballads in Cumberland too much of a good thing is worse than Dialect but may be much older. It refers to none at all See you can have too the ancient superstition (possibly rooted in much of a good thing. pagan tree worship) that it is lucky to touch wood when you make a wish—and many toot your own horn lest the same be people even today will seek to touch a piece never tooted Sing your own praises, in of nearby wood as they say the charm. case nobody else does: I think modesty is Variant of this proverb: knock on highly overrated as a virtue—my motto is “Toot wood; touch wood, it’s sure to come your own horn lest the same be never tooted.” good. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1776 in Warren-Adams Letters. trade follows the fl ag One nation may Variant of this proverb: if you don’t colonize another for commercial pur- toot your own horn, nobody else will. poses: “The removal of a million poor Proverb expressing opposite mean- creatures to Canada and the establishment ing: self-praise is no recommendation. of them there . . . would probably have turned out . . . a profi table investment. to the pure all things are pure Virtuous Trade follows the fl ag” (J. A. Froude, people tend to be unaware of the wicked- Fraser’s Magazine, 1870). The quotation is ness or evil that is around them; sometimes the fi rst recorded use of the proverb. used to imply naivety: To the pure all things are pure, and it never occurred to her that he travel broadens the mind People might have an ulterior motive in asking to see the become more broad-minded and knowl- picture that hung over her bed. The proverb is edgeable by visiting other countries and of biblical origin: “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defi led and learning about the customs, culture, and unbelieving is nothing pure” (Titus 1:15). lifestyle of those who live there: “He may be a trifl e cracked . . . but that’s to the victor belong the spoils The only because his travels have been too winner of a contest or battle gets every- much for his intellect. They say travel thing that goes with victory: The winner of broadens the mind; but you must have the the championship gets a lot more than a tro- mind” (G. K. Chesterton, The Poet and the phy—sponsorship deals, celebrity status—to Lunatics, 1929). The quotation is the fi rst the victor belong the spoils. The proverb was recorded use of the proverb. fi rst recorded in 1832, in a speech made by Senator William L. Marcy of New travel east and travel west, a man’s own York. F. Scott Fitzgerald turned it around home is still the best See east, west, in his novel The Beautiful and Damned home’s best. (1922): “The victor belongs to the spoils.” a traveler may lie with authority People touch wood If nothing goes wrong, every- who have traveled may boast of their expe- thing will turn out satisfactorily: I expect the riences without fear of contradiction: No

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one believed the tale the stranger was spinning, trouble shared is a trouble halved. The prov- but a traveller may lie with authority and no one erb was fi rst recorded in 1931 in Dorothy could prove he was talking through the top of his L. Sayers’s Five Red Herrings. hat. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1362 Proverb expressing similar meaning: in William Langland’s Piers Plowman. misery loves company. Variant of this proverb: soldiers and travelers may lie in authority. troubles never come singly See misfortunes never come singly. the tree is known by its fruit Peo- ple should judged by what they do or true blue will never stain Persons of produce—specifi cally, by their chil- real integrity can never be corrupted. The dren—rather than by fi rst impressions proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1630 in the or outward appearance: “If then the tree Roxburghe Ballads: “You know true blew may be known by the fruit, as the fruit will never stain.” One explanation of the by the tree, then, peremptorily I speak it, proverb refers to the blue dye for which there is virtue in that Falstaff ” (William the city of Coventry, England, was known Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part I, 1597–98). (and by which residents of the city might The proverb is of biblical origin: “Either recognize each other), while another make the tree good, and his fruit good; or refers to the blue aprons of butchers, else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit the dark color of which served to make corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit” bloodstains less obvious. There may also (Matthew 12:33). be a reference to the color blue as worn Proverb expressing similar meaning: by the incorruptible Virgin Mary. handsome is as handsome does. trust everybody, but cut the cards Have trifl es make perfection, and perfection is faith in the honesty and integrity of those no trifl e Perfection is a great thing, but around you, but remain on your guard not easy to achieve, and attention to detail and take precautions in case you are is of the utmost importance: She kept going wrong: I have no reason to doubt his word, back over her work, changing a comma here and but I want to check out the story before tak- a word there, until she was completely satisfi ed. ing any further action—trust everybody, but It was a tiresome exercise, but trifl es make perfec- cut the cards. First recorded in English in tion, and perfection is no trifl e. The proverb is 1900, the proverb is of Russian origin: attributed to the Italian artist Michelangelo “Trust, but verify.” It was popularized (1475–1564), who is said to have made by President Ronald Reagan in the late this remark to a friend after spending 1980s. several days putting almost imperceptible fi nishing touches to a sculpture. trust in God and keep your powder dry See put your trust in god, and a trouble shared is a trouble halved It keep your powder dry. often helps to discuss your problems with somebody else: Advice columnists are inun- trust not a new friend nor an old enemy dated with letters from those how believe that a It is foolish to trust either a friend of short

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standing or someone else who may harbor (1823): “’Tis strange—but true; for truth hostile feelings: She realized too late the is always strange;/Stranger than fi ction; if truth of the old saw that you should never trust it could be told,/How much would nov- a new friend nor an old enemy. The proverb els gain by the exchange!” was fi rst recorded in a ballad of 1450. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: trust not the fact is stranger than fiction. praise of a friend nor the contempt of an enemy. truth is the fi rst casualty of war When war breaks out, the truth quickly succumbs trust not one night’s ice Do not rely to propaganda and rumor. The proverb was upon something that has yet to be tried fi rst recorded in 1928 by A. Ponsonby in and tested: The general declined the offer of Falsehood inWartime : “When war is declared, a royal audience, privately telling his advisers Truth is the fi rst casualty.” that he had learnt not to trust one night’s ice. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1651 in truth is truth to the end of the reckon- George Herbert’s Outlandish Proverbs. ing The truth can never be changed: If Proverb expressing similar meaning: it was true then, it is must be true now—truth first try and then trust. is truth to the end of the reckoning. In its current form, the proverb comes from trust not the praise of a friend nor the Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure contempt of an enemy See trust not a (5:1; 1604), “Nay, it is ten times true; for new friend nor an old enemy. truth is truth/To the end of reckoning.” The sentiment it expresses, however, is of the truth hurts It is often unpleasant earlier origin. to learn the truth: “We want the truth. The President wants it. I want it. And truth lies at the bottom of a well It is the American people have a fundamental often very diffi cult to discover the truth: right to it. And if the truth hurts, so be it” We will probably never know exactly what hap- (George Bush, New York Times, 1986). The pened on that night—truth lies at the bottom fi rst recorded use of this proverb is in Rob- of a well, and everybody I’ve interviewed so ert Browning’s Fifi ne at the Fair (1872). far has given me a different version of events. The proverb is attributed to the Greek truth is stranger than fi ction The truth philosopher Democritus (c. 460–c. 370 is often far more unlikely than anything b.c.): “we know nothing certainly, for that can be dreamed up by the imagina- truth lies in the deep.” tion: “He has based all his brilliancy and Variant of this proverb: truth keeps solidity upon the hackneyed, but yet to the bottom of her well. forgotten, fact that truth is stranger than Proverb expressing opposite mean- fi ction. Truth, of course, must of necessity ing: truth will out. be stranger than fi ction, for we have made fi ction to suit ourselves” (G. K. Chester- truth will out The truth cannot be con- ton, Heretics, 1905). The proverb comes cealed forever: “After all, the names of from Lord Byron’s poem “Don Juan” the principal characters will be quite as

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much disguised; for though in this history try before you trust See first try then the chronicler would prefer to conceal trust. the facts under a mass of contradic- tions, anachronisms, improbabilities, and Tuesday’s child is full of grace Chil- absurdities, the truth will out in spite of dren born on a Tuesday are supposed to him” (Honoré de Balzac, The Collection of be graceful in movement and bearing; Antiquities, 1839). First recorded in 1439, also interpreted in other senses of the the proverb occurs in Shakespeare’s play word grace: If it were true that Tuesday’s child The Merchant of Venice (2:2), “Truth will is full of grace, you might expect to ﬁ nd that a come to light; murder cannot be hid disproportionate number of ballet dancers and long; a man’s son may, but in the end models were born on that day. The proverb is truth will out.” the second line of a traditional rhyme. See Proverb expressing opposite mean- entries at the days of the week for other ing:ååååå truth lies at the bottom of a well. proverbs from this rhyme. TURKISH PROVERBS Turkish proverbs cover many subjects, but they are perhaps at their most distinctive when discussing the facing of difﬁ culty of one kind or another.

Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love The eagle does not feed on fl ies A friend is one soul in two bodies He who controls his tongue saves his head He who has no children has one sorrow, he who has children has a thousand sorrows A hungry dog will bring a lion down If you fall in a river hang on to a snake If you look for a faultless woman you will remain a bachelor In the company of the blind, close your eyes To live in peace one must be blind, deaf, and mute Measure a thousand times, cut once No matter how far down a wrong road you are, turn back One armpit cannot hold two watermelons One bad experience is worth more than a thousand threats One eats, another watches; that’s how revolutions are born Profi t is the brother of loss Sometimes you have to sacrifi ce your beard in order to save your head So the music, so the people When God wants to please a poor man, He lets him lose his donkey and then helps him fi nd it again You don’t wash blood away with blood but with water

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turnabout is fair play Taking turns to do put their minds to it: Can you help me something is the fairest way to proceed: check these fi gures? There’s an error in here Come away from the computer and let your somewhere, but I can’t fi nd it, and two heads sister use it for a while—turnabout is fair play. are better than one. The proverb was fi rst The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1755. recorded c. 1390 in John Gower, Confessio Amantis in the form “Tuo han more wit two and two make four Logic dictates then on.” that something must be so: Two and two Proverb expressing similar meaning: make four and the geologists were forced to four eyes see more than two. admit that the signs of an impending earth- quake were all there. The proverb was fi rst two is company but three is none See recorded in 1697 in Jeremy Collier’s Essays two’s company, three’s a crowd. on Moral Subjects. Variant of this proverb: two and two two of a trade never agree Members do not make fi ve. of the same trade or profession often do not get on with one another, because of two blacks don’t make a white See two rivalry: They say that two of a trade never wrongs don’t make a right. agree, but my parents, both accountants, have been happily married for 30 years now. The two boys are half a boy, and three boys proverb was fi rst recorded, with differ- are no boy at all When two or more ent wording, in 1630 by Thomas Dekker, boys work together, they distract each Honest Whore, Part II. other and do less work between them than Variant of this proverb: two of a a single boy working alone: If the twins and trade seldom agree. their brother offer to help, I usually pick just one of them, on the principle that two boys are two’s company, three’s a crowd Two half a boy, and three boys are no boy at all. people, especially friends or lovers, often The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1930 in regard a third as an unwelcome intruder: F. Thompson’s Country Calendar. Why does she always want to tag along with two can keep a secret if one is dead See us? Has she never heard the saying “Two’s three may keep a secret, if two of them company, three’s a crowd” ? The proverb was are dead. fi rst recorded in the mid-19th century, in the form “Two is company but three two dogs fi ght over a bone while a third is none,” (W. C. Hazlitt, English Proverbs) runs away with it See while two dogs but the sentiment it expresses is of ear- are fighting for a bone, a third runs lier origin. away with it. Variants of this proverb: two is company but three is none; two’s a couple, two eyes see more than one See four three’s a crowd, four’s too many, and eyes see more than two. fi ve’s not allowed.

two heads are better than one A prob- two tailors go to a man See nine tai- lem is more quickly solved if two people lors make a man.

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two wrongs don’t make a right Wrong- two wrongs never make a right’” (Joseph doing is always unacceptable, even if Heller, Catch-22, 1961). The proverb was another person has done the same thing; ﬁ rst recorded, in its variant form, in often used to discourage or condemn 1721. In The Second Sin (1773), Thomas retaliation: “‘Why didn’t you just hit him Szasz mischievously argued that “Two over the head and take the bedsheet away wrongs don’t make a right, but they make from him?’Yossarian asked. . . . Milo shook a good excuse.” his head. ‘That would have been unjust,’ Variant of this proverb: two blacks he scolded ﬁ rmly. ‘Force is wrong, and don’t make a white.

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uneasy lies the head that wears a the unexpected always happens” (Evelyn crown Those in power are weighed Waugh, Scoop, 1938). The proverb was down by responsibilities, feelings of inse- fi rst recorded in English in 1885, but the curity, or fears of losing their position sentiment it expresses is of ancient origin, and can never rest easy: “‘Uneasy lies the occurring in the writings of the Roman head that wears a crown!’ Stepan Arka- dramatist Plautus (c. 250–184 b.c.). dyevich said playfully, hinting, evidently, Variant of this proverb: it’s always not simply at the Princess’s conversation, the unexpected that happens. but at the cause of Levin’s agitation, Proverb expressing similar meaning: which he had noticed” (Leo Tolstoy, Anna nothing is certain but the unforeseen. Karenina, 1873–77). The proverb comes from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 2 union is strength People can achieve (3:1; 1597), “Canst thou, O partial sleep, greater things by working together than by give thy repose/To the wet sea-boy in an working alone: “Union is strength; union is hour so rude,/And in the calmest and also weakness. It is a good thing to harness most stillest night,/ . . . /Deny it to a king? two horses to a cart; but it is not a good Then happy low, lie down!/Uneasy lies thing to try and turn two hansom cabs into the head that wears a crown.” one four-wheeler” (G. K. Chesterton, Her- Proverbs expressing similar mean- etics, 1905). The proverb was fi rst recorded ing: the highest branch is not the in English in 1654 in the form “Union safest roost; the post of honor is the strengthens.” The sentiment it expresses, post of danger. however, is of ancient origin, occurring Proverb expressing opposite mean- in Homer’s Iliad (c. eighth century b.c.): ing: better be first in a village than “even weak men have strength in unity.” second at rome. Variant of this proverb: in unity there is strength. the unexpected always happens You can be always be sure that something united we stand, divided we fall It is unforeseen will happen for which you important that a group of people remain are not prepared: “Have nothing which united in order to succeed; often used in a case of emergency you cannot carry to discourage dissatisfi ed members from in your own hands. But remember that breaking away: We must have the support of

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the entire workforce in this protest—united we body in good form: You must practice stand, divided we fall. The proverb comes regularly to keep your skills up to scratch—the from John Dickinson’s “Liberty Song,” used key is always bright. The proverb was published in the Boston Gazette in 1768: ﬁ rst recorded, with different wording, in “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans 1561 in Kitt Hath Lost Key. all,/By uniting we stand, by dividing we Variant of this proverb: iron not used fall.” The sentiment it expresses, however, soon rusts. is of ancient origin, occurring in one of the fables of Aesop (sixth century b.c.), about use legs and have legs The body, among a lion that persuades a group of bulls to other things, will continue to work prop- separate and kills them one by one. erly only if kept in regular use: When it Proverbs expressing similar meaning: comes to the maintenance of general ﬁ tness the divide and conquer; a house divided old adage “use legs and have legs” still holds against itself cannot stand. true. First recorded in G. Harvey, Margina- lia (c. 1582): “Use Legges, & have Legges: use brains not brawn See wisdom goes Use Law and Have Law. Use nether & beyond strength. have nether.”

the used key is always bright Activity, use your head and save your feet See work, and exercise keep the mind and let your head save your heels.

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variety is the spice of life Change and virtue is its own reward The satisfaction difference make life interesting: People who of knowing you have done the right thing never go to the same place twice on vacation is all that is needed: I know that virtue is its fall into two groups—those who believe that own reward, and I certainly didn’t expect to variety is the spice of life and those who are con- be paid for my efforts, but she could at least stantly and vainly searching for the ideal spot. have thanked me! First recorded in Eng- The proverb comes from William Cowper’s lish in 1509, in the form “Virtue has no poem “The Task” (1785): “Variety’s the very reward,” the proverb has been traced back spice of life,/That gives it all its fl avour.” to the works of the Roman poet Ovid (43 Proverb expressing similar meaning: b.c.–a.d. 18). a change is as good as a rest. the voice of the people is the voice of the vicar of Bray will be vicar of Bray God The will of the people must be still Some people doggedly cling to offi ce obeyed; also used to imply that the peo- or other privileges however much cir- ple are always right: “One Sansculottic cumstances might change around them: bough that cannot fail to fl ourish is Jour- The chairman refused to resign after the vote, nalism. The voice of the People being the prompting one of his critics to observe “the vicar voice of God, shall not such divine voice of Bray will be vicar of Bray still.” The proverb make itself heard? To the ends of France; was recorded by Thomas Fuller in The His- and in as many dialects as when the fi rst tory of the Worthies of England in 1662. It great Babel was to be built!” (Thomas refers to an infamous vicar of Bray who Carlyle, The French Revolution, 1837). Of during the reign of Henry VIII stubbornly ancient origin, the proverb is sometimes held onto his post, fi rst as a Catholic, then used in its original Latin form, “Vox populi, as a Protestant. vox Dei.”

victory has a hundred fathers and defeat a volunteer is worth ten pressed is an orphan See success has many men See one volunteer is worth two fathers, while failure is an orphan. pressed men.

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walls have ears What you say may be several years earlier. The proverb was fi rst overheard; used as a warning: “In Paris, recorded in 1732 in Thomas Fuller, Gno- where walls have ears, where doors have mologia: Adagies and Proverbs. tongues, and window bars have eyes, there Proverb expressing similar meaning: are few things more dangerous than the time is the rider that breaks youth. practice of standing to chat in a gateway” (Honoré de Balzac, Cousin Pons, 1847–48). war is hell War is a horrifi c experience The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1592. and a terrible thing: “Let’s not regard the Proverb expressing similar meaning: Germans as enemies. War is never black fields have eyes and woods have ears. or white: war is hell for all involved” (Time, 1994). The proverb is associated walnuts and pears you plant for your with General William T. Sherman, who heirs Walnut trees and pear trees take used it in 1880: “There is many a boy a long time to produce fruit: A new fast- here today who looks on war as all glory, yielding variety has been developed, giving but, boys, it is all hell.” The sentiment it the lie to the old saying “Walnuts and pears expresses, however, is of earlier origin. you plant for your heirs.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1732 in the form “He war is too important to be left to the who plants a walnut tree expects not to generals Those in authority cannot be eat of the fruit.” The idea that trees of any relied on to do their job properly; applied kind are generally planted for the benefi t to warfare, diplomacy, or government: of succeeding generations, however, is of War is too important to be left to the gener- ancient origin. als, even in peacetime—the offensive action ordered by the police chiefs only heightened the wanton kittens make sober cats Peo- tension and exacerbated the riot. The proverb ple who live wildly or extravagantly in has been attributed to various people, their youth usually develop into sensible notably the French politicians Charles- and responsible adults: I’ve heard that wan- Maurice de Talleyrand (1754–1838) and ton kittens make sober cats, but it was hard Georges Clemenceau (1841–1929). to believe that the demure young woman who answered the door was the troublesome girl war will cease when men refuse to who had caused her parents so much anxiety fi ght There will always be war while

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there are people who are prepared to touched a drop in his life, believing that water serve in the armed forces; a pacifi st is the only drink for a wise man. The proverb slogan: If it is true that war will cease when was fi rst recorded in 1854, in Henry men refuse to fi ght, then the present military David Thoreau’s Walden. recruitment crisis should not be a cause for alarm. The proverb is of 20th-century water seeks its own level People tend origin. to be drawn toward, or to end up with, others of the same background, class, waste not, want not If you make full intelligence, or experience: You can’t go and careful use of your resources, you will on pretending to be better than you are—water never be in need; applied to everything seeks its own level. The proverb was fi rst from the eating up of leftover food to recorded in 1778 in Public Papers of George domestic and industrial recycling: “There Clinton, First Governor of New York. were, besides, some little pleasures in Variant of this proverb: water fi nds the shape of helping her to vegetable its own level. she didn’t want, and when it had nearly alighted on her plate taking across for his the way to a man’s heart is through his own use, on the plea of waste not, want stomach The best way to please a man not” (Thomas Hardy, Under the Green- is by feeding him well: “‘Well, you know, wood Tree, 1872). The proverb was fi rst the way to a man’s heart is through his recorded in this form in 1800 (in Maria stomach, Cornelia,’ explained Captain Edgeworth, Parent’s Assistant), but the sen- Jim. ‘I believe you—when he HAS a timent it expresses is of earlier origin. heart,’ retorted Miss Cornelia. ‘I suppose Proverb expressing similar meaning: that’s why so many women kill them- willful waste makes woeful want. selves cooking’” (Lucy Maud Montgom- ery, Anne’s House of Dreams, 1917). The a watched pot never boils It seems that proverb was fi rst recorded in 1814, in the things take longer to happen when you form “The shortest road to men’s hearts watch or wait with impatience: “What’s is down their throats,” in a letter written the use of watching? A watched pot never by John Adams. boils, and I see you are after watching that weather-cock. Why now, I try never the way to be safe is never to feel to look at it, else I could do nought else” secure See he that is too secure is (Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton, 1848). not safe. This quotation is the fi rst recorded use of the proverb. the weakest go to the wall In any confl ict or struggle, the weakest will always water fi nds its own level See water lose, be defeated, fail, or be ruined: You seeks its own level. have to be aggressive and self-assertive to survive in this industry, where the weakest go water is the only drink for a wise to the wall. The proverb dates from before man Wise people avoid drinking alco- 1500, and occurs in Shakespeare’s play hol: He is strictly teetotal, never having Romeo and Juliet (1:1). It is said to have

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originally referred to seating installed woot best where wryngeth me my sho.” around the walls of medieval churches, The sentiment it expresses, however, is of and has given rise to the fi gurative phrase ancient origin, occurring in the writings to go to the wall, to be ruined; to fall or fail of Plutarch (c. 46–c. a.d. 120). in a struggle. Proverb expressing similar meaning: wear your learning like your watch, in a providence is always on the side of private pocket Do not make a show of the big battalions. your knowledge or education: She is one Proverb expressing opposite mean- of those who believe that you should wear your ing: the race is not to the swift, nor learning like your watch, in a private pocket, the battle to the strong. and few people would guess that she is one of the country’s leading astronomers. The prov- we all have our cross to bear Nobody is erb comes from a letter written by Lord exempt from suffering—we all have our Chesterfi eld in 1748: “Wear your learn- own problems and affl ictions: I know life is ing, like your watch in a private pocket: hard for him, but I wish he wouldn’t complain and do not merely pull it out and strike it; so much—we all have our cross to bear. The merely to show that you have one.” proverb is an allusion to the biblical quotation “And whosoever doth not bear his wedlock is a padlock Marriage brings cross, and come after me, cannot be my with it many restrictions on personal disciple” (Luke 14:27). freedom: Wedlock is a padlock, and divorce lawyers make a comfortable income selling peo- wealth makes many friends Many ple the key. The proverb was fi rst recorded people want to be the friend of a rich in 1678 in John Ray’s English Proverbs. person: Wealth makes many friends—but these so-called friends will lose interest in you Wednesday’s child is full of woe Chil- when your money runs out. The proverb is dren born on a Wednesday are supposed to of biblical origin: “Wealth maketh many be miserable by nature: My mother gave up friends; but the poor is separated from his trying to make Sam smile for the camera—he neighbor” (Proverbs 19:4). was born on aWednesday, and seemed determined Proverb expressing similar meaning: to prove that Wednesday’s child is full of woe. he that has a full purse never wanted The proverb is the third line of a traditional a friend. rhyme. See entries at the days of the week for other proverbs from this rhyme. the wearer best knows where the shoe pinches Nobody can fully understand we have nothing to fear but fear another person’s hardship or suffering: itself See the only thing we have to The wearer best knows where the shoe pinches, fear is fear itself. and charitable organizations must consult with those they are trying to help, so that the aid welcome is the best cheer Welcoming can be directed where it is most needed. The your guests with friendly hospitality is proverb was fi rst recorded in English in more important than giving them fi ne food Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “I and wine: Tom is a kind, generous, and jovial

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host, which makes up for his shortcomings in the Variant of this proverb: you have to kitchen—as they say, welcome is the best cheer. learn to crawl before you can walk. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1550 in the form “Welcome is the best dish.” a wet May brings plenty of hay Wet Variant of this proverb: welcome is weather in May means the hay harvest will the best dish on the table. be good later in the year: As farmers everywhere will tell you, “a wet May brings plenty well begun is half done If you make of hay.” The proverb was fi rst recorded in a good start to a task, it will be quickly 1846 in M. A. Denham’s A Collection of completed: If you cut the pieces out carefully Proverbs . . . relating to the Weather. and accurately, you will have no diffi culty fi t- ting them together—well begun is half done. what a tangled web we weave when fi rst The proverb was fi rst recorded in English, we practice to deceive Once you have with different wording, c. 1415. The sen- told one lie, you fi nd yourself supporting timent it expresses, however, is of ancient it with other related lies, constructing an origin, occurring in the writings of Plato elaborate network of deceit from which it and Horace. is not easy to escape: “People have pretty Proverb expressing similar meaning: well forgotten my other mistakes. . . . But a good beginning is half the battle. they’ll never forget this. They will think I am not respectable. Oh, Marilla, ‘what we must eat a peck of dirt before we a tangled web we weave when fi rst we die Everybody must suffer a certain practice to deceive.’ That is poetry, but it amount of unpleasantness during his or is true.” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne her lifetime; also used literally, as when of Green Gables, 1908). The proverb comes eating unwashed food: Whenever I came from Sir Walter Scott’s poem Marmion home from school with a tale of woe, my mother (1808). would console me with her favorite saying, “We Proverb expressing similar meaning: must eat a peck of dirt before we die.” The one lie leads to another. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1738, in Jonathan Swift’s Polite Conversation. what can’t be cured must be endured If Variant of this proverb: you have to something cannot be put right, we must eat a bushel of dirt before you die. learn to put up with it: “‘What cannot be cured must be endured,’ the chained man we must learn to walk before we can says, trying to smile. But it comes out as run It is necessary to learn the basics a grimace” (Washington Post, 1997). The before progressing to more advanced proverb was fi rst recorded in 1579, but things: “More fail from doing too much the sentiment it expresses is of earlier than too little. We must learn and be origin. strong enough to walk before we can run” (James Platt, Business, 1875). The proverb what can you expect from a pig but a was fi rst recorded, with different word- grunt? Boorish or uncouth people can- ing, c. 1350. Early examples of its use had not be expected to behave in any other creep and go in place of walk and run. way; used as an insult when such a person

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says or does something rude: His remark royal accusers sent Louis XVI and his was in very poor taste, but what can you expect queen to the guillotine, than they them- from a pig but a grunt? The proverb was selves were being hoist onto the tumbrels fi rst recorded, with different wording, by men whose own heads would later in 1731. drop into the basket. What goes around comes around” (Washington Times, 1989). whatever man has done, man may do If Of U.S. origin, the proverb was fi rst one person has succeeded in doing some- recorded in 1974. thing, it should not be impossible for Proverb expressing similar mean- another person to do it too: “‘Dark Deeds ing: curses, like chickens, come home are written in an unknown tongue called to roost. “Lawyerish,” where the sense is “as one grain of wheat in two bushels of chaff,” what goes up must come down The pick it out if you can.’ ‘Whatever man law of gravity must be obeyed; also used has done man may do,’ said Dr. Sampson fi guratively of any rise and fall: What goes stoutly. ‘You have read it, and yet under- up must come down, even on Wall Street, and stood it: so why mayn’t we, ye monster you must sell your stocks at exactly the right o’ conceit?’” (Charles Reade, Hard Cash, moment to get the best return on your invest- 1863). The quotation is the fi rst recorded ment. The proverb was fi rst recorded in use of the proverb. 1929 in F. A. Pottle’s Stretchers. Variant of this proverb: what man has done, man can do. what has happened once can happen again Something that has a precedent what everybody says must be true Pub- cannot be dismissed as impossible, and lic opinion is generally assumed to be accu- may recur: What has happened once can rate: “Everybody said so. Far be it from me happen again, but next time we will be better to assert that what everybody says must prepared to control the disease before it reaches be true. Everybody is, often, as likely to epidemic proportions. The proverb was fi rst be wrong as right” (Charles Dickens, The recorded in 1815 in Journal of a Young Man Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain, 1848). of Massachusetts. The proverb was fi rst recorded, with different wording, c. 1475. what man has done, man can do See Proverbs expressing similar mean- whatever man has done, man may do. ing: common fame is seldom to blame; there’s no smoke without fire. what must be, must be See what will be, will be. what goes around, comes around Those who say or do bad things to other people what’s bred in the bone will come out are likely to fi nd themselves on the in the fl esh Inherited characteristics receiving end of similar criticism or become evident in each new generation: treatment in the future; also used to In his middle years he became an alcoholic, like imply that everybody eventually gets his his father and grandfather before him—what’s or her just deserts: “No sooner had the bred in the bone will come out in the fl esh. Of

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medieval Latin origin, the proverb was Proverbs expressing similar mean- fi rst recorded in English in Sir Thomas ing: it’s no use crying over spilled milk; Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur (c. 1470), things past cannot be recalled. in the form “Harde hit ys to take oute off the fl eysshe that ys bredde in the what’s good for General Motors is good bone.” The current form of the proverb for America Anything that benefi ts busi- is a comparatively recent alteration of ness and commerce is of benefi t to the the original, “What’s bred in the bone country as a whole: “You will never hear will not (come) out of the fl esh,” which from me . . . that this country should do has a slightly different meaning, imply- this or that simply because business wants ing that inherited characteristics cannot it. What is good for General Motors may, be eradicated: “Even Benjamin lost all or may not, be good for the country” patience with me this time. ‘What is (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., A Thousand bred in the bone,’ he said, quoting the Days, 1965). In its current form, the old proverb, ‘will never come out of the proverb comes from testimony given in fl esh. In years gone by, you were the most 1953 by Charles Erwin Wilson, president obstinate child that ever made a mess in of General Motors, regarding his nomina- a nursery’” (Wilkie Collins, The Law and tion as secretary of defense: “For many the Lady, 1875). years I thought what was good for our Proverbs expressing similar mean- country was good for General Motors, ing: blood will tell; nature passes and vice versa.” Other words may be sub- nurture. stituted for General Motors and America.

what’s done cannot be undone Once what’s got over the devil’s back is spent something has been done, it cannot under his belly Money that is acquired be changed, no matter how much you by illicit or immoral means is spent in a regret having done it: “‘I shouldn’t have similar manner: They travel from one resort hurried on our affair, and brought you to the next, fl eecing or robbing the tourists by to a half-furnished hut before I was day and squandering their ill-gotten gains in ready, if it had not been for the news the bars and brothels by night—what’s got you gave me, which made it necessary to over the devil’s back is spent under his belly. save you, ready or no . . . Good God!’ The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1582 in ‘Don’t take on, dear. What’s done can’t S. Gosson’s Plays Confuted. be undone’” (Thomas Hardy, Jude the Variant of this proverb: nothing goes Obscure, 1895). The proverb was fi rst over the back but that comes under the recorded in English c. 1450, but the sen- belly. timent it expresses is of ancient origin. It occurs in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth what’s in a name? The names borne (1605–06) in both its forms, “What’s by or given to people and things are not done is done” (3:2) and “What’s done important: What’s in a name? Why pay $200 cannot be undone” (5:1). for a jacket with a designer label when you can Variant of this proverb: what’s done buy one of the same—if not better—quality is done. for half the price? The proverb comes from

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Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet (2:2), what’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is “What’s in a name? that which we call a my own People often expect free use rose/By any other name would smell as of what belongs to others while refusing sweet.” to share their own property: My husband’s Proverb expressing similar meaning: salary will be paid into our joint account, and a rose by any other name would smell I have set up a separate account for my own as sweet. earnings. This is just to simplify my business affairs, as I’m self-employed—I have assured what’s new cannot be true People my husband that it is not a case of “What’s are always skeptical about new ideas: yours is mine, and what’s mine is my own”! Throughout the ages, scientists and inventors The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1591. have struggled against the popular miscon- It is a facetious alteration of the less selfi sh ception that what’s new cannot be true. The notion “What’s yours is mine, and what’s proverb was fi rst recorded, with different mine is yours,” associated with the sharing wording, in 1639 in J. Clarke’s Parœmiolo- of money and possessions in marriage. gia Anglo-Latina. Variant of this proverb: what’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is mine. what’s past is prologue Everything that has gone before is just the introduction what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t to what is still to come: “A century and a grieve over Nobody can be upset by quarter. A long time for any commercial something that he or she is unaware of: He entity, and something to take pride in. tried to exculpate himself by concealing all the And we do, while bearing in mind that evidence from his wife and saying, “What the ‘what’s past is prologue.’ It’s the next 125 eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over.” years that really count” (New York Times, The proverb dates from before the 12th 1991). The proverb comes from Shake- century, when it was used in a sermon by speare’s play The Tempest (2:1; 1611), Saint Bernard: “Quod non videt oculus cor “We all were sea-swallow’d, though non dolet [What the eye sees not, the heart some cast again,/And by that destiny to does not grieve at].” perform an act/Whereof what’s past is Proverbs expressing similar meaning: prologue, what to come/In yours and admiration is the daughter of igno- my discharge.” rance; what you don’t know can’t hurt you. what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander What is appropriate for one what the soldier said isn’t evi- person is equally appropriate for another dence Gossip, hearsay, and rumor are person in a similar situation; sometimes not reliable sources of the truth: You need used in the context of sexual equality: If more than a secondhand account from an eye- smoking is to be banned on the factory fl oor, witness to prove your case—what the soldier then it should also be banned in the board- said isn’t evidence. The proverb was fi rst room—what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for recorded in 1837, in Charles Dickens’s the gander. The proverb was fi rst recorded novel The Pickwick Papers: “‘You must not in 1670 in John Ray’s English Proverbs. tell us what the soldier, or any other man,

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said, sir,’ interposed the judge; ‘it’s not Variant of this proverb: what you evidence.’” gain on the swings you lose on the roundabouts. what will be, will be What is destined to happen cannot be prevented: There’s no what you put off and what you put on, point in worrying about the future—what will never change till May be gone See be, will be. The proverb was fi rst recorded ne’er cast a clout till may be out. in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “Whan a thyng is shapen, it shal be.” It is what you see is what you get Things sometimes quoted in its Italian form, “Che or people are exactly as they seem; sarà, sarà,” which was popularized in the used to imply honesty, straightforward- mid-20th century as a line from the song ness, etc.: “‘My wife says I’m the most “Whatever Will Be Will Be.” uncomplicated man in the world,’ Duka- Variant of this proverb: what must kis admits. ‘I guess I am.’ Even his be, must be. 83-year-old mother says of him, ‘What you see is what you get’” (Time, 1987). what you don’t know can’t hurt you It First recorded in 1971, the proverb has is often better to remain in ignorance acquired a specialized use (abbreviated of things that could distress you: I to WYSIWYG) in the world of comput- decided that it would be wiser—and perhaps ing, where it means “What you see on kinder—not to tell my parents the whole the screen is exactly what you will get story of what happened that night, on the on the printout.” basis of the saying “What you don’t know Proverb expressing opposite mean- can’t hurt you.” The proverb was fi rst ing: appearances are deceiving. recorded in 1576 in G. Pettie’s Petit Palace. what you’ve never had you never Proverbs expressing similar mean- miss People do not feel the lack of ing: ignorance is bliss; what the eye something they have never possessed or doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve enjoyed: “I castrate the male lambs . . . over. about an hour after they have been born. They say what you’ve never had, you what you lose on the swings you gain never miss” (Ronald Blythe, Akenfi eld, on the roundabouts Gains and losses 1969). The proverb was fi rst recorded in tend to balance one another overall: 1912 in Jean Webster’s Daddy Long-Legs. Their delivery charges are higher, but their Proverb expressing similar meaning: prices are lower—what you lose on the swings you can’t lose what you never had. you gain on the roundabouts. The proverb comes from Patrick Reginald Chalmers’s the wheel comes full circle Things poem “Roundabouts and Swings” (1912): eventually reach a situation resembling “What’s lost upon the roundabouts we that from which they began: The word pulls up on the swings!” It has given originally meant “foolish” or “ignorant,” but rise to the fi gurative phrase swings and over the centuries it lost its derogatory con- roundabouts. notations and came to mean “amusing” or

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“pleasant.” However, the wheel comes full when a dog bites a man, that is not circle, and the word is now used as an news; but when a man bites a dog, that expression of contempt. The proverb comes is news The media are only interested from Shakespeare’s play King Lear (5:3; in unusual or outrageous stories: Need- 1605), “The wheel is come full circle: less to say, the photos that appeared in all I am here.” the papers the following day were not of the president making his historic speech, but of the wheel of fortune is forever in him falling down the steps as he left the stage motion People’s fortunes are constantly afterward. When a dog bites a man, that is changing—somebody who has good luck not news; but when a man bites a dog, that one year may have bad luck the next, and is news. The proverb was fi rst recorded vice versa: It seemed that nothing could go c. 1880, by John B. Bogart in The New wrong, but the wheel of fortune is forever in York Sun. motion, and disaster struck the following day. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1748 in when all fruit fails, welcome haws We Papers of Benjamin Franklin. must accept with gratitude whatever is available, even if it is not exactly the wheel that does the squeaking is what we want or need: “So even the the one that gets the grease See the excommunicated will do, when it’s not squeaky wheel gets the grease. easy to get anyone else. When all fruit fails, welcome haws” (Brendan Behan, when Adam delved and Eve span, who Borstal Boy, 1958). The proverb was fi rst was then the gentleman? The class sys- recorded in 1721 in James Kelly, Scottish tem has not always existed and is therefore Proverbs. The haw is the berry of the haw- invalid or irrelevant: “‘On what grounds thorn: When there is no fruit generally, do they hold us in vassalage? Do not we all even hawthorn berries are to be gladly come from the same father and mother, received. Adam and Eve?’ The spirit of individual Proverb expressing similar meaning: freedom breathed itself out in the effec- beggars can’t be choosers. tive rhyme, which ran like wildfi re, ‘When Adam delved and Eve span/Who was then when all you have is a hammer, every- the gentleman?’” (Philip Schaff, History thing looks like a nail People with of the Christian Church, 1883–1893). The a restricted range of knowledge or proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1340 in the options often try to apply the same form “When Adam delved and Eve span, solution to every problem: “That kind where was then the pride of man?” (The of crude misapplication of PCs and word delved is archaic for “dug” and “span” PC software—the computer world’s the archaic past tense of spin.) It was asso- equivalent of the old saw that ‘when all ciated with the period of social unrest in you have is a hammer, everything starts England that culminated in the Peasants’ to look like a nail’—means death for Revolt (1381). productivity” (PC Magazine, 1989). The Proverb expressing similar meaning: proverb was fi rst recorded in 1981 in jack’s as good as his master. the New York Times.

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when a man’s single, his pockets will jin- in doubt what to do, he is a wise man who gle Unmarried men have more money does nothing.” than those who have a wife and family Variant of this proverb: when in to support: When a man’s single, his pockets doubt, leave it out. will jingle, but money isn’t everything, and a Proverb expressing opposite mean- bachelor’s life can be a lonely one. ing: between two stools one falls to the ground. when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war A contest or struggle when in Rome, do as the Romans do between equally matched opponents is a You should always follow the customs, long and fi erce battle: There is no prospect rules, and laws of the place where you of an early end to the dispute, both sides hav- are: I don’t like kissing total strangers, but ing considerable support from different sectors in this country it’s considered impolite not to, of the general public—when Greek meets and when in Rome we must do as the Romans Greek, then comes the tug of war. The prov- do. The proverb was fi rst recorded c. erb comes from Nathaniel Lee’s play The 1475, but the sentiment it expresses is of Rival Queens (1477), about the latter years much earlier origin, and has been attrib- of Alexander the Great: “When Greeks uted to Saint Ambrose (c. 339–a.d. 97). joined Greeks, then was the tug of war!” Variant of this proverb: when you are at Rome, do as Rome does. when house and land are gone and spent, Proverb expressing similar meaning: then learning is most excellent It is so many countries, so many customs. important to have a good education to fall back on if you lose or use up all your when one door closes, another one money and material assets: My earnings as opens Disappointment or failure is a child model had provided me with at very usually followed by a new opportunity: I comfortable nest egg, but my parents urged me didn’t get a part in the musical, but the next not to abandon my studies, on the principle that day’s mail brought an offer of a recording “When house and land are gone and spent, then contract—when one door closes, another one learning is most excellent.” The proverb was opens. The proverb was fi rst recorded in fi rst recorded in 1752 in S. Foote’s Taste. 1586 in D. Rowland’s Lazarillo. Proverb expressing similar mean- Variant of this proverb: when one ing: learning is better than house door shuts, another opens. or land. when poverty comes in at the door, when in doubt, do nothing If you are love fl ies out of the window Financial unsure what to do, it is best to do noth- problems can cause the breakdown of a ing at all: I thought I heard a scream, and marriage or other loving relationship: wondered if I should call the police, go and They lived together for fi ve blissfully happy investigate, or follow the age-old wisdom of years, until their money ran out. Then they “When in doubt, do nothing.” The proverb began to learn the truth of the proverb “When was fi rst recorded in George John Whyte- poverty comes in at the door, love fl ies out of Melville’s novel Uncle John (1874): “When the window.” The proverb was fi rst recorded

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in 1631, in R. Brathwait’s English Gentle- wind, which is often piercing and cold, is woman: “It hath been an old Maxime: that the worst of all: “When the wind’s in the as pouerty goes in at one doore, loue goes East, It’s neither good for man nor beast out at the other.” . . . The East-wind with us is commonly Variant of this proverb: when the very sharp, because it comes off the Conti- wolf comes in at the door, love creeps out nent” (John Ray, A Collection of English Prov- of the window. erbs, 1670). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1600 in R. Cawdrey’s Treasury of Similes. when the cat’s away, the mice will play People do as they please in the when the wine is in, the wit is out Peo- absence of those in authority: “Monsieur ple say foolish things when they are Grandet entered the room, threw his drunk: “You were talking nonsense at the keen eye upon the table, upon Charles, dinner table last night.” “Well, you know what and saw the whole thing. ‘Ha! ha! so they say—when the wine is in, the wit is out.” you have been making a feast for your The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1390 in nephew; very good, very good, very good John Gower’s Confessio Amantis. indeed!’ he said. . . . ‘When the cat’s away, the mice will play’” (Honoré de Balzac, when the wolf comes in at the door, love Eugenie Grandet, 1833). The proverb was creeps out of the window See when fi rst recorded in 1607, but with the impli- poverty comes in at the door, love flies cation that it had long been in use. There out of the window. is evidence of a French version, “Ou chat na rat regne [Where there is no cat, the rat when the worst comes, the worst is reigns],” in the early 14th century. going See when things are at the worst they begin to mend. when the going gets tough, the tough get going In times of crisis, those who are when thieves fall out, honest men come most resilient and determined take action by their own A dispute between crimi- and prove their worth: You give up far too nals is to the advantage of their victims, easily—have you never heard the saying “When either because they betray one another and the going gets tough, the tough get going”? The reveal the truth, or because they are too proverb is attributed to the United States busy arguing to commit the crime in the businessman and diplomat Joseph P. Ken- fi rst place: When thieves fall out, honest men nedy (1888–1969), father of President John come by their own—dissension within the gang F. Kennedy. It is sometimes used facetiously led to one of their members making a full confes- to convey the opposite meaning, with get sion, and ultimately to the release of my brother, going in the sense of “run away.” who had been wrongfully convicted of the crime. Proverb expressing similar meaning: The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546. calamity is the touchstone of a brave Variant of this proverb: when thieves mind. fall out, honest men get their due.

when the wind is in the east, ’tis neither when things are at the worst they begin good for man nor beast An easterly to mend When things cannot get any

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worse, they begin to get better: “‘I have the saying “When you argue with a fool, make heard about it, miss,’ said Dolly, ‘and it’s sure he isn’t similarly engaged.” very sad indeed, but when things are at the worst they are sure to mend.’ ‘But are you when you go to dance, take heed whom sure they are at the worst?’ asked Emma you take by the hand Beware of getting with a smile. ‘Why, I don’t see how they can involved with dishonest or unscrupulous very well be more unpromising than they people: It may sound like an unmissable are; I really don’t,’ said Dolly” (Charles business opportunity, but make sure this guy Dickens, Barnaby Rudge, 1841). The prov- is on the level before you sign anything. As erb was fi rst recorded in 1582 in G. Whet- my grandmother used to say, “When you go to stone’s Heptameron of Civil Discourses. dance, take heed whom you take by the hand.” Variant of this proverb: when the The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1621 in worst comes, the worst is going. Bartholomew Robinson’s Adagia in Latin Proverbs expressing similar mean- and English. ing: after a storm comes a calm; the darkest hour is just before dawn. where bees are, there is honey Wher- ever there are industrious people, wealth when two ride one horse, one must sit is produced; also used of other types of behind See if two ride on a horse, people whose presence is indicative or one must ride behind. suggestive of something: The company has done well not through good fortune, but through when you are at Rome, do as Rome the hard work of everybody involved—where does See when in rome, do as the bees are, there is honey. The proverb was fi rst romans do. recorded in 1616 in T. Draxe’s Adages. Variant of this proverb: where there when you are in a hole, stop digging are bees, there is honey. When you have landed yourself in trouble, such as through a foolish remark where God builds a church, the devil or action, do not say or do anything to will build a chapel Any force for good, make the situation worse: “Until now such as progress or reform, is inevitably the president has ignored the fi rst law of accompanied—or closely followed—by politics: When you get yourself in a hole, something bad; not exclusively used in stop digging” (Houston Chronicle, 1993). religious contexts: “But, human sin and First recorded in 1988, the proverb is imperfection enter into all great move- attributed to the British politician Denis ments of history. Wherever God builds a Healey (1917– ). church, the Devil is sure to build a chapel close by” (Philip Schaff, History of the when you argue with a fool, make sure he Christian Church, 1883–1893). The proverb isn’t similarly engaged Do not assume was fi rst recorded in 1560. In his satiri- that you are more intelligent or knowl- cal poem “The True-Born Englishman” edgeable than the person you are arguing (1701), Daniel Defoe wrote, “Wherever with: It is better not to enter into a dispute God erects a House of Prayer,/The Devil unless you are certain of the facts—remember always builds a Chapel there:/And ’twill

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be found upon Examination,/The latter means; nothing is impossible to a has the largest congregation.” willing heart. Variant of this proverb: where God has a church, the devil has a chapel. where there’s life there’s hope See while there’s life there’s hope. where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise See ignorance is bliss. where there’s muck there’s brass There is often money to be made wherever where the carcass is, there will the there is muck or dirt of some kind: It may eagles be gathered People are drawn be surprising to many to learn that there are together, or to a particular place, when millionaires in the refuse-disposal business, but they think they will gain something to where there’s muck there’s brass. The proverb their advantage: “he explained his appear- was fi rst recorded in 1678 in John Ray’s ance at the inquest on the twin lines of A Collection of English Proverbs. busman’s holiday and that where the car- Variant of this proverb: where there’s cass is there will the vultures be gathered muck there’s money. together” (Christopher Bush, The Perfect Murder Case, 1929). The proverb is of where there’s no vision, the people per- biblical origin: “For wheresoever the car- ish People need hopes and dreams to case is, there will the eagles be gathered sustain them: “I hope no one ever tries together” (Matthew 24:28). The word to raise a child without a vision. I hope eagles is sometimes replaced by vultures, as nobody ever starts a business or plants a in the quotation. crop in the ground without a vision. For where there is no vision, the people per- where there are bees, there is honey See ish” (Bill Clinton, New York Times, 1992). where bees are, there is honey. The proverb is of biblical origin: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but where there’s a will there’s a way If he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Prov- you are suffi ciently determined to achieve erbs 29:18). something, then you will fi nd a way of doing so: It won’t be an easy task, but where where there’s smoke, there’s fi re See there’s a will there’s a way. The proverb was there’s no smoke without fire. fi rst recorded in 1640 in the form “To him that will, ways are not wanting.” The where the tree falls, there it shall lie See U.S. writer Ambrose Bierce parodied the as a tree falls, so shall it lie. proverb in his Devil’s Dictionary (1911): “Where there’s a will there’s a won’t.” which came fi rst, the chicken or the Other facetious variants, punning on the egg? It is sometimes diffi cult to dis- word will, include “Where there’s a will tinguish between cause and effect: Which there’s a lawsuit” and “Where there’s a came fi rst, the chicken or the egg? Did the will there’s relatives.” town develop because of the railroad, or was Proverbs expressing similar mean- the railroad brought here because it was a ing: he who wills the end, wills the developing town?

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while the grass grows, the steed trying to underbid each other for the contract, starves If somebody has to wait a long they failed to notice that their customer had time for something, it may arrive too late entered into negotiations with another smaller to be of use: “I shall sell them next year fast company—while two dogs are fi ghting for a enough, after my one-man-show; but while bone, a third runs away with it. The proverb the grass grows the steed starves” (George was fi rst recorded in this form in 1639, Bernard Shaw, The Doctor’s Dilemma, 1906). but the sentiment it expresses is of earlier The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1350 in origin, occurring in Chaucer’s Canterbury the form “While the grass grows, the good Tales (c. 1390). horse starves.” It occurs in Shakespeare’s Variant of this proverb: two dogs play Hamlet (3:2; 1600–01), in an exchange fi ght over a bone while a third runs away between Hamlet and Rosencrantz: “‘Sir, I with it. lack advancement.’ ‘How can that be when you have the voice of the King himself for whiskey and gasoline don’t mix Do not your succession in Denmark?’ ‘Ay, sir, but drive an automobile after drinking alco- “While the grass grows . . .”—the proverb hol: The tables have been turned, and young is something musty.’” people are now warning their parents that Variant of this proverb: while the whiskey and gasoline don’t mix. grass grows, the horse starves. Variant of this proverb: gasoline and whiskey don’t mix. while there’s life there’s hope Do not give up hope while there is the remotest a whistling woman and a crowing hen are possibility of survival, improvement, or neither fi t for God nor men Females success: “I will be pleasantly surprised if should not do things that are traditionally corporate America acts on your ‘wake-up associated with males—it is men who call’—but where there’s life there’s hope” whistle and cocks that crow, not women (Washington Times, 1996). First recorded and hens; also interpreted more literally: in English in 1539, the proverb is of Whistling softly to herself as she went about ancient origin, occurring in the writings her work, she became aware that her grandfa- of Cicero (106–43 b.c.): “dum anima est ther was looking at her with stern disapproval. spes esse dicitur [as the saying is, while “A whistling woman and a crowing hen are there’s life there’s hope].” neither fi t for God nor men,” he snapped. The Variant of this proverb: where there’s proverb was fi rst recorded in this form in life there’s hope. 1850, but the sentiment it expresses is of Proverb expressing similar meaning: earlier origin. never say die. Variant of this proverb: a whistling girl and a crowing hen always come to the while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, same bad end. a third runs away with it When two parties are engaged in a dispute, their a white wall is the fool’s writing attention is distracted from what is going paper Only foolish people write on on around them, and both may end up walls: It is said that a white wall is the fool’s as losers: The larger suppliers were so busy writing paper, but there are occasional nug-

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gets of wisdom to be found in the graffi ti that Juan, 1819). The proverb is of ancient adorns the walls of the college lavatories. The origin, occurring in the writings of the proverb was fi rst recorded in 1573 in Greek poet and dramatist Menander James Sanford’s The Garden of Pleasure. (c. 342–292 b.c.). Proverbs expressing similar meaning: who excuses himself accuses him- god takes soonest those he loveth self See he who excuses himself best; the good die young. accuses himself. whom the gods would destroy, they fi rst who has land has war There will always make mad Those who commit acts of be disputes over the ownership of land; great folly are heading for disaster, the also used of larger territorial disputes: implication being that such people lose The saying “Who has land has war” is quite their sanity or good sense because they true—I’ve lost thousands of dollars in legal are destined for this end: The company’s battles since I bought this ranch. The proverb decision to pull out of such a lucrative market was fi rst recorded in 1579, but with the was nothing short of lunacy, but whom the implication that it was already in com- gods would destroy they fi rst make mad. The mon use. sentiment expressed by the proverb is of ancient origin. The critic Cyril Connolly who knows most, speaks least Wise or parodied the proverb in Enemies of Promise knowledgeable people say little: Don’t be (1938): “Whom the gods wish to destroy misled by her reserved manner—who knows they fi rst call promising.” most, speaks least. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1666, in an Italian proverb who repairs not his gutters repairs his collection. whole house Those who neglect small Proverb expressing similar meaning: repairs will fi nd they have to make much those who know don’t speak; those bigger ones later: It is easy to put aside rou- who speak don’t know. tine maintenance jobs, but he who repairs not his gutters repairs his whole house. The prov- whom the gods love die young Pre- erb was fi rst recorded in 1849 in John mature death is a sign that somebody Ruskin’s The Seven Lamps of Architecture. is worthy of divine favor because of Variant of this proverb: he that great talent or virtue; also used to repairs not a part, builds all. imply that it is better not to live long: Proverbs expressing similar mean- “Thrice fortunate! who of that frag- ing: an ounce of prevention is worth ile mould,/The precious porcelain of a pound of cure; prevention is better human clay,/Break with the first fall than cure; a stitch in time saves nine. . . ./‘Whom the gods love die young,’ was said of yore,/And many deaths who says A must say B If you say or do do they escape by this:/The death one thing, you must be prepared to say of friends, and that which slays even or do what logically follows: “But who more—/The death of friendship, love, says ‘A’ must say ‘B.’ . . . You can’t talk youth, all that is” (Lord Byron, Don about victims and caring and knowing

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cows individually while, at the same time, wife and family when you can fulfi ll your you treat carrots as nobodies!” (Washing- sexual and other needs through casual ton Times, 1988). The proverb was fi rst relationships; also used in other contexts: recorded in 1838 in the form “If you say Jack has no shortage of girlfriends, but he has A, they’ll make you say B.” no plans to marry any of them. As he says, “Why Variant of this proverb: never say A buy a cow when you can get the milk for free?” without saying B. The proverb was fi rst recorded, with different wording, in 1659 in James Howell, whose bread I eat, his song I sing Peo- Proverbs. ple show loyalty to, or comply with the Variant of this proverb: why buy the demands of, those who employ, pay, or cow when milk is so cheap? feed them: Unsurprisingly, her views on the subject are the same as those already expressed why keep a dog and bark yourself? If by her sponsors—whose bread I eat, his song you employ somebody to do something I sing. for you, there is no point in doing it your- Proverb expressing similar meaning: self: I don’t add up the fi gures—that’s my he who pays the piper calls the tune. accountant’s job. Why keep a dog and bark yourself? The proverb was fi rst recorded whosoever draws his sword against in 1583 in B. Melbancke’s Philotimus. the prince must throw the scabbard Proverb expressing opposite mean- away Those who overthrow a ruler or ing: if you would be well served, serve government must be constantly ready to yourself. defend themselves against a retaliatory or counterrevolutionary act: The rebels why should the devil have all the best will never be able to live in peace—whosoever tunes? Secular songs often have more draws his sword against the prince must throw catchy melodies than traditional religious the scabbard away. The proverb was fi rst music; used as justifi cation for making recorded in 1604 in R. Dallington’s View hymn tunes more acceptable to popular of France. taste: “The Primitive Methodists . . . acting upon the principle of ‘Why should the who won’t be ruled by the rudder must devil have all the pretty tunes?’ collect be ruled by the rock Those who refuse the airs which are sung at pot and public to be guided by reason, advice, or instruc- houses, and write their hymns to them” tions are heading for disaster: They ignored (William Chappell, Popular Music of the all our warnings, and now they must face the Olden Time, 1859). The quotation is the consequences—who won’t be ruled by the rud- fi rst recorded use of the proverb, which is der must be ruled by the rock. The proverb attributed to the British evangelist Rowland was fi rst recorded in 1666, in an Italian Hill (1744–1833). proverb collection. a willful man must have his way Stub- why buy the cow when you can get the born people will do as they please, so milk for free? There is no point in tak- there is no point in arguing with them: ing on the expense and responsibility of a I have tried to persuade my father to come

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and live with us, but I seem to be wasting my a winner never quits, and a quitter never breath—a willful man must have his way. The wins You need determination and perse- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1816, in Sir verance if you want to succeed: I urged her Walter Scott’s novel The Antiquary. not to give up, reminding her of the saying “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.” willful waste makes woeful want Reck- less extravagance leads to dire need: “Now the winners laugh, the losers weep See young folks go off to Paris, and think noth- let them laugh that win. ing of the cost: and it’s well if wilful waste don’t make woeful want before they die” winning isn’t everything, it’s the only (Elizabeth Gaskell, Wives and Daughters, thing In any competitive situation, 1866). The proverb was fi rst recorded in winning is the only thing that mat- this form in 1721, but the sentiment it ters; sometimes said in response to the expresses is of earlier origin. remark “Winning isn’t everything,” or Proverb expressing similar meaning: used to encourage single-mindedness in waste not, want not. sportspeople: She was one of those ambitious young lawyers for whom winning isn’t the willing horse carries the load Peo- everything, it’s the only thing. The proverb ple tend to take advantage of those who was fi rst recorded in 1953. It is often never complain or refuse: The willing attributed to the U.S. football coach horse carries the load, and she often fi nds her- Vince Lombardi, who made a similar self working several hours a week longer than remark in 1962. her less obliging colleagues. The proverb Proverb expressing opposite mean- was fi rst recorded, with different wording: it’s not whether you win or lose, ing, in 1546 in John Heywood’s Dialogue but how you play the game. of Proverbs. Variant of this proverb: all lay loads winter fi nds out what summer lays up on the willing horse. When things go awry, that is the time when the extent of any resources is tested: wine has drowned more men than the “Winter draws out what summer laid in” sea Overindulgence in alcohol can be (Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732). The fatal: If you must drink, do so in modera- proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1460 in Good tion—wine has drowned more men than the Wyf wold a Pylgremage. sea. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1669 in Politeuphuia. wisdom goes beyond strength Intelli- gence always outmatches brute strength: wink at small faults Let trivial offenses David’s victory over Goliath merely illustrates go unpunished. The proverb was fi rst the truth behind the maxim “wisdom goes recorded c. 1598 in William Shake- beyond strength.” The proverb was fi rst speare’s Henry V (2:2): “If little faults recorded in 1616 in T. Draxe’s Bibliotheca . . . shall not be wink’d at, how shall we Scholastica. stretch our eye when capital crimes . . . Variant of this proverb: use brains appear before us?” not brawn.

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wisdom is better than rubies Wisdom wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, is a highly desirable and very precious fools by their own See learn from the attribute, more valuable than riches: My mistakes of others. father was not a wealthy man, but he was very wise, and wisdom is better than rubies. The wishes won’t wash dishes Merely wish- proverb is of biblical origin: “For wisdom ing that something was done is not enough is better than rubies; and all the things to get it done. The proverb appears to be a that may be desired are not to be com- relatively recent U.S. introduction dating pared to it” (Proverbs 8:11). from the 20th century, although similar Variant of this proverb: wisdom is sentiments have been expressed in variant better than wealth. forms since the 17th century. Variant of this proverb: wishes never a wise lawyer never goes to law him- can fi ll a sack. self Those who practice the law and Proverb expressing similar meaning: understand the costs involved know better if wishes were horses, beggars would than to rely upon it themselves. The proverb ride. was fi rst recorded in 1642 in G. Torriano’s Select Italian Proverbs. the wish is father to the thought Our beliefs and expectations are infl uenced by a wise man changes his mind, but a fool what we want or hope to be true: I think never does It is foolish to persist in the she’s looking better this morning, but perhaps same opinion or course of action regard- the wish is father to the thought. The proverb less of new information or different cir- comes from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, cumstances: Accused of making a U-turn in Part 2 (4:5), “Thy wish was father, Harry, policy, the mayor calmly replied, “A wise man to that thought.” changes his mind, but a fool never does.” The sentiment expressed by the proverb occurs with age comes wisdom People become in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c. 1390): “No more sensible and knowledgeable as they folie to chaunge counseil whan the thyng get older: With age comes wisdom, which is is chaunged.” perhaps why older drivers have few accidents. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1523 in a wise man is never less alone than when Erasmus’s Adagia. alone An intelligent person has his or Proverbs expressing similar mean- her own thoughts for company: She did ing: an old fox is not easily snared; not worry about leaving the professor on his time is the rider that breaks youth. own, for he had often told her that a wise man is never less alone than when alone. The with friends like that, who needs proverb was fi rst recorded in English in enemies? Treacherous or disloyal friends 1581 in George Pettie’s Guazzo’s Civil are worse than enemies: It was one of Conversation but is of much older, Roman his so-called friends who reported him to the origin and is sometimes attributed to police—with friends like that, who needs ene- Scipio Africanus the Elder or otherwise mies? The proverb was dates from the early to Themistocles. 20th century.

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Variant of this proverb: with such a word spoken is past recalling You friends, one hardly needs enemies. cannot take back what you have said, so Proverb expressing similar meaning: think carefully before speaking: I immedi- save us from our friends. ately regretted making such a hurtful remark, but a word spoken is past recalling. The a woman’s work is never done The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1509 in household tasks traditionally assigned to the form “A word once spoken cannot be women—cooking, cleaning, and so on— revoked,” but the sentiment it expresses is seem endless because they are repeated of ancient origin. day after day: I was still ironing at mid- Variant of this proverb: words once night—a woman’s work is never done! The spoken you can never recall. Prov- proverb was fi rst recorded in Thomas erb expressing similar meaning: think Tusser’s Hundred Good Points of Husbandry before you speak. (1570) in the form “Some respite to husbands the weather doth send, but hus- a word to the wise is suffi cient It is wives affaires have never none ende.” not necessary to explain things in detail Variant of this proverb: man’s work to intelligent people; often used when lasts till set of sun, woman’s work is never dropping a subtle hint or making a cryptic done. remark: He mentioned that four of the company’s directors had just resigned, and a word to a wonder lasts but nine days Sensa- the wise is suffi cient—I’m going to invest my tional events are usually entirely forgot- money elsewhere. The proverb is sometimes ten after a short time: “These few days’ quoted in its Latin form, “Verbum sapienti wonder will be quickly worn” (William sat est,” often shortened to “verb. sap.” It was Shakespeare, Henry VI (2:1). The proverb fi rst recorded in English, with different was fi rst recorded c. 1374 in Geoffrey wording, in 1570. Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde. The proverb Variant of this proverb: a word is is often referred to in the abbreviated enough to the wise. form “a nine-day wonder.” Proverb expressing similar meaning: a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind wonders will never cease! Amazing horse. things are constantly happening; often used ironically: I hear she actually admitted that she work before play Tasks and chores must had made a mistake—wonders will never cease! be completed before we can relax and The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1776 in T. enjoy ourselves: Work before play—you’re Boaden’s Private Correspondence of D. Garrick. not going anywhere until all these dishes are Variant of this proverb: wonders washed and dried! never cease! Proverb expressing similar meaning: Proverb expressing opposite mean- business before pleasure. ing: the age of miracles is past. work expands so as to fi ll the time a word is enough to the wise See a available for its completion Any task, word to the wise is sufficient. however small, will use up all the time

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available for it, because it is done more future: You won’t catch me losing sleep over slowly than necessary, or because it gives problems that may never happen—worry is rise to extra work: “I can’t believe it took you interest paid on trouble before it falls due. all afternoon to write one letter.” “Well, I didn’t The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1924 in have anything else to do, and work expands Judge Magazine. to fi ll the time available.” The proverb is known as Parkinson’s Law, named for the worry kills more men than work See British historian C. Northcote Parkinson it’s not work that kills, but worry. (1909–93), who coined it in 1955. A similar observation has been made about worse things happen at sea This pres- the tendency of objects to multiply until ent misfortune, though regrettable, they occupy all the available space. could have been worse: We shall have to give the show a miss, but never mind, work never hurt anybody Work will worse things happen at sea. The proverb not do you any harm, and may do you was first recorded in 1869 in Charles some good; often said to those who are Spurgeon’s John Ploughman’s Talk. The idle or lazy: When I complained to my son’s proverb has long since acquired the employer about the long hours he was expected status of a cliché. to do, I got the curt reply, “Work never hurt Proverbs expressing similar mean- anybody.” The proverb was fi rst recorded ing: into every life a little rain must in 1879 in Dinah Maria Mulock’s Young fall; it’s an ill wind that blows nobody Mrs. Jardine. any good. Variant of this proverb: hard work never hurt anybody. the worst is yet to come Things are not as bad as they can and will be: The the world is a stage and all the people in mild weather we have been enjoying for it actors See all the world’s a stage. the past few days does not mean winter is over—meteorologists are warning that the the world runs on wheels Daily events worst is yet to come. The proverb was are unceasing and happen at a rapid pace: fi rst recorded in Tennyson’s poem “Sea “The world runs all on wheels. All things Dreams” (1860): “His deeds yet live, therein move without intermission” (John the worst is yet to come./ Yet let your Florio, translation of Montaigne, 1603). sleep for this one night be sound:/I do The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1546 in forgive him!” John Heywood’s A Dialogue containing . . . Proverb expressing opposite mean- the Proverbs in the English Tongue. ing: the best is yet to be.

the worm will turn See even a worm the worth of a thing is what it will will turn. bring A thing is worth no more than somebody is willing to pay for it: worry is interest paid on trouble before She claimed that the painting was worth it falls due Do not add to the stress $100,000, but the worth of a thing is what it of everyday life by worrying about the will bring, and it has just been sold at auction

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for less than half that ﬁ gure. The proverb is rent form occurs in Samuel Butler’s poem of Latin or French origin in the form “A Hudibras (1664): “For what is worth in thing is worth as much as it can be sold any thing,/But so much money as ’twill for.” A rhyming version closer to the cur- bring?”

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years know more than books Expe- The proverb was ﬁ rst recorded in George rience is more valuable than academic Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs (1640). education: “Years know more than books,” Proverb expressing similar meaning: saidååååå the old man, tapping the side of his nose. experience is the best teacher; an YIDDISH PROVERBS Yiddish proverbs rank among the most humorous and inventive anywhere in the world and have a unique worldly wise ﬂ avor. Typical subjects include food, health, money, and death.

A man should stay alive if only out of curiosity An imaginary ailment is worse than a disease Better ten times ill than one time dead Better the best of the worst than the worst of the best Better to hear curses than to be pitied A clock that stands still is better than one that goes wrong Every man knows that he must die, but no one believes it Every pot will ﬁ nd its lid Experience costs blood God sends burdens, and shoulders Health? Very nice! But where will we get potatoes? He that lies on the ground cannot fall He who has children will never die of starvation If you eat your bagel you will have nothing in your pocket but the hole If you stay at home you won’t wear out your shoes If you want your dreams to come true, don’t sleep Money buys everything but good sense One does not live on joy or die of sorrow Sleep faster —we need the pillows When a thief kisses you, count your teeth With money in your pocket, you are wise, handsome, and you sing well too

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001-319_DictProverbs_2e.indd 308 1/29/07 5:13:09 PM you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some . . . ounce of practice is worth a pound recorded in 1670 in John Ray’s A Collec- of precept. tion of English Proverbs.

yesterday will not be called again It is you can catch more fl ies with honey impossible to relive the past: “Well, well than with vinegar A polite or pleasant (quoth she) what ever ye now saie, it is approach is more effective than rudeness too late to call again yesterdaie” (J. Hey- or unpleasantness in dealing with people; wood, A Dialogue containing . . . the Proverbs sometimes used to recommend ingratiat- in the English Tongue, 1546). The proverb ing behavior: “Ask his advice frequently, was fi rst recorded in John Skelton, Mag- and thank him profusely for his wisdom nyfycence (1516). and guidance. Remember that old adage Variant of this proverb: no man can ‘You can catch more fl ies with honey than call again yesterday. with vinegar’” (Washington Post, 1996). The Proverbs expressing similar mean- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1666 in ing: the mill cannot grind with the G. Torriano’s Italian Proverbs. The word water that is past; time lost cannot honey is sometimes replaced by sugar or be recalled. molasses. Variant of this proverb: honey catches you are what you eat Your diet affects more fl ies than vinegar. your physical and mental well-being; often used to promote health food or to you can drive out nature with a pitchfork condemn junk food: “If you are what you but she keeps on coming back It is eat, the survivor of tonight’s world heavy- impossible to change your own or another weight championship fi ght will have been person’s character permanently, however nourished either by sandwiches or sea- hard you try; also used of attempts to weed” (New York Times, 1992). The proverb change aspects of the natural world: The say- may be of German origin, but the senti- ing “You can drive out nature with a pitchfork but ment it expresses occurs in the French she keeps on coming back” was never truer than in gastronome Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s its horticultural sense, as any gardener who has Physiologie du Goût (1825): “Dis-moi ce que done battle with a well-established weed will tell tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es [Tell me you. The proverb originated in the writings what you eat, and I will tell you what of the Roman poet Horace (65–8 b.c.). you are].” Variant of this proverb: drive nature out of the door and it will return by the you buy land, you buy stones; you buy window. meat, you buy bones When you buy Proverb expressing similar meaning: something, you must accept any undesir- the leopard can’t change its spots. able elements that come with it: In the past, customers did not object to paying for you can fool some of the people all of the lumps of earth that clung to the fresh veg- the time, and all of the people some of etables sold on market stalls, on the principle the time, but you can’t fool all of the that “You buy land, you buy stones; you buy people all of the time It is impossible meat, you buy bones.” The proverb was fi rst to maintain a deception that will convince

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everybody: A few gullible people were taken proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1175 in Old in, but most soon realized that he was an impos- English Homilies. The journalist Dorothy tor—you can fool some of the people all of the Parker (1893–1967), asked to make up a time, and all of the people some of the time, but sentence containing the word horticulture, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. is said to have punningly replied, “You can The proverb is attributed to Abraham Lin- lead a horticulture, but you can’t make coln in its current form, but the sentiment her think.” it expresses is of ancient origin. Variant of this proverb: you can take a horse to the water, but you can’t make you can have too much of a good him drink. thing An excess of anything, however desirable or benefi cial it may be, is not you can only die once Death may be good: “Modern liberals feel that a more a frightening and unpleasant prospect or tolerant society is a good thing, and they experience, but we can console ourselves are right. Yet, it is possible to have too with the fact that it will never be repeated; much of a good thing” (Washington Post, a fatalistic attitude, as in a life-threatening 1995). The proverb was fi rst recorded in situation: I know it’s a dangerous pastime, but 1611, but the sentiment it expresses is of you can only die once, and nothing can beat the earlier origin. In Shakespeare’s play As You thrill of hurtling down an almost vertical slope Like It (4:1), Rosalind asks, “Why then, can at more than 100 m.p.h. The proverb was one desire too much of a good thing?” The fi rst recorded c. 1435. It occurs in Shake- proverb is sometimes used in its opposite speare’s play Henry IV, Part 2 (3:2; 1597) in form, as in the following quotation from the form “A man can die but once.” Casanova’s Memoirs (1828–38): “I promised to tell my tale if he thought it would you can run, but you can’t hide It is not weary him, warning him that it would impossible to evade capture, or some take two hours. ‘One could never have other undesirable experience, forever: too much of a good thing,’ he was kind They’ll have to face the consequences of their enough to say.” actions sooner or later—you can run, but you Variant of this proverb: too much of can’t hide. The proverb is attributed to the a good thing is worse than none at all. U.S. boxer Joe Louis (1914–81), who is said to have remarked, with reference to you can lead a horse to water, but you the speed and agility of his opponent Billy can’t make him drink You can give Conn, “He can run, but he can’t hide.” somebody the opportunity to do something, but you cannot force him or her you can take a horse to the water, but to do it: “If he is very strongly set against you can’t make him drink See you can the work, perhaps it is better that he lead a horse to water, but you can’t should take the opportunity there is now make him drink. to break his articles . . . as you know you can take a horse to the water, but you can take the boy out of the coun- you can’t make him drink” (W. Somerset try, but you can’t take the country out Maugham, Of Human Bondage, 1915). The of the boy People never lose inborn

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or ingrained characteristics, even after a fi gurative phrase to beat somebody at his or change of environment or situation: “Back her own game. in the good old days, when eager young rubes were descending upon the great you can’t beat somebody with metropolises in search of fame and for- nobody You cannot win, especially in tune, it used to be said that you can take the politics, without support: Both candidates boy out of the country but you can’t take have been canvassing hard, on the basis that the country out of the boy” (Washington you can’t beat somebody with nobody. Post, 1987). The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1938. The words boy and country may be you can’t be in two places at the same replaced by others, such as girl and city. time See one cannot be in two places Proverb expressing similar meaning: at once. nature passes nurture. you can’t build a church with stumbling you can’t argue with success Those who blocks Religion cannot be founded on succeed must be doing things the right doubt and uncertainty: It was questions like way: It’s a rather unconventional approach, but these that caused the faith of early believers to it works, and you can’t argue with success. waver—you can’t build a church with stumbling blocks. you can’t be all things to all men It is impossible to do everything that every- you can’t catch old birds with chaff body wants: Politicians naturally want to win Experienced people are not easily as many votes as possible, but you can’t be all deceived: You can’t catch old birds with things to all men. The proverb is of biblical chaff—I’ve been in this job long enough to origin: “To the weak became I as weak, know when somebody is trying to pull a fast that I might gain the weak: I am made all one. The proverb was fi rst recorded, with things to all men, that I might by all means different wording, in 1481 in William save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). It is also Caxton, Reynard the Fox. used in the form of the fi gurative phrase to be all things to all men. you can’t eat your cake and have it Proverbs expressing similar mean- too See you can’t have your cake and ing: a friend to all is a friend to eat it too. none; you can’t please everybody. you can’t fi ght City Hall Members of you can’t beat a man at his own the general public cannot hope to win game Do not try to compete with or a dispute or battle with offi cialdom or outdo somebody in his or her own fi eld of bureaucracy: I thought of making a formal activity, especially if you lack experience complaint, but there seemed little point—you yourself: They tried to outwit the fraudsters can’t fi ght City Hall. The proverb dates with trickery, but soon learned that you can’t from the late 17th century. beat a man at his own game. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1756. It is more you can’t fl y with one wing See a bird frequently encountered in the form of the never flew on one wing.

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you can’t get a quart into a pint pot You you can’t have your cake and eat it cannot fi t something into too small a too You cannot do two mutually incom- space; also used more generally of any patible things at the same time: You can’t attempt to do the impossible: I would like have your cake and eat it too—if you want to take more warm clothing, but you can’t get your children to lead happy, independent lives a quart into a pint pot, and this is the larg- you must accept that they will not always be est suitcase I have. The proverb was fi rst there when you need them. The proverb was recorded in 1896. fi rst recorded in 1546 in John Heywood’s Dialogue of Proverbs. you can’t get blood from a stone It is Variant of this proverb: you can’t eat impossible to get money, help, information, your cake and have it too. or pity from somebody who is unwilling Proverb expressing similar meaning: or unable to give it to you: “Blood cannot you can’t have it both ways. be obtained from a stone, neither can anything on account be obtained . . . from Mr. you can’t keep the birds from fl ying Micawber” (Charles Dickens, David Copper- over your head, but you can keep them fi eld, 1850). The proverb was fi rst recorded from building a nest in your hair When in 1666, in an Italian proverb collection. bad things happen—as they inevitably Variant of this proverb: you can’t get will—do not dwell on them or let them blood from a turnip. get to you: It was a devastating blow, but I knew that I must pick up the pieces and carry you can’t go home again You cannot on—you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over return to the past as you remember it: I your head, but you can keep them from build- have such happy memories of the time I spent ing a nest in your hair. there, but things are very different now, and you can’t go home again. The proverb was you can’t lose what you never had Fail- coined by the U.S. novelist Thomas Wolfe ure to get something you want is not as the title of a book published posthu- a real loss; also used with reference to mously in 1940. the loss of something that somebody only thinks he or she has: “‘He has broke you can’t have it both ways You must all; there’s half a line and a good hook choose between two mutually exclusive lost.’ ‘I, and a good Trout too.’ ‘Nay, the alternatives: “But you can’t have it both Trout is not lost, for . . . no man can lose ways. Either the much-vaunted ‘caring what he never had’” (Izaak Walton, The society’ is a myth, or a complete change Compleat Angler, 1676). The proverb was in the value judgements of the people fi rst recorded, with different wording, who govern television is needed” (Glasgow in Christopher Marlowe’s poem Hero and Herald, 1976). The proverb dates from the Leander, published posthumously in 1598. early 20th century. Variant of this proverb: you can’t Proverbs expressing similar mean- lose what you haven’t got. ing: a door must be either shut or Proverb expressing similar meaning: open; you can’t have your cake and what you’ve never had you never eat it too. miss.

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you can’t make an omelette without you can’t please everybody It is impos- breaking eggs Sacrifi ces have to be sible to do something that everybody made in order to achieve a goal; often will approve of: If we reduce the fuel taxes used to justify an act that causes loss, we’ll upset the environmentalist lobby, but you harm, or distress to others: “In war sol- can’t please everybody. The proverb was fi rst diers themselves sometimes cried, and recorded in 1472 in E. Paston’s Letter, but their relations cried quite often. You the sentiment it expresses is of ancient can’t make an omelette without breaking origin eggs” (L. P. Hartley, The Hireling, 1957). Variants of this proverb: you can’t Of French origin, the proverb was fi rst please the whole world and his wife; those recorded in English in 1859. who please everybody please nobody. Proverb expressing similar meaning: you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s you can’t be all things to all men. ear You cannot produce anything of good quality from poor raw material; often used you can’t put an old head on young of people: “The proverb says, ‘You can’t shoulders It is unreasonable to expect make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.’ Well, young people to be as sensible or knowl- I don’t know about that. I rather think you edgeable as their elders: “‘This boy will may, if you begin early in life. She has made investigate and report to me.’ . . . ‘Aunt a home out of that old boat, sir, that stone Rachel, you are certainly very eccentric.’ and marble couldn’t beat’ (Charles Dick- ‘I may be, but I am not often deceived.’ ens, David Copperfi eld, 1850). The proverb ‘Well, I hope you won’t be this time. The was fi rst recorded in 1518 in A. Barclay’s boy seems to me a very good boy, but Eclogues: “None can . . . make goodly silke you can’t put an old head on young shoul- of a gotes fl ece [goat’s fl eece].” ders’” (Horatio Alger, Driven from Home, Proverb expressing similar meaning: 1889). The proverb was fi rst recorded garbage in, garbage out. in 1591. Variant of this proverb: there’s no you can’t make bricks without straw putting old heads on young shoulders. You cannot produce anything without the necessary materials or resources: “You can you can’t put a square peg in a round only acquire really useful general ideas by hole Do not give somebody a job for fi rst acquiring particular ideas, and putting which he or she is unsuited or unqualifi ed; those particular ideas together. You cannot also used of other situations in which a make bricks without straw” (Arnold Ben- person is a misfi t: There’s no point in asking nett, Literary Taste, 1909). The proverb is of Jack to take over responsibility for the company biblical origin: “Ye shall no more give the website—he has no aptitude for or interest people straw to make brick, as heretofore: in computing, and you can’t put a square let them go and gather straw for them- peg in a round hole. The proverb was fi rst selves” (Exodus 5:7). recorded in the early 19th century. It is more frequently encountered in the form you can’t mix business and pleasure See of the cliché a square peg in a round hole (or never mix business with pleasure. a round peg in a square hole).

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Variant of this proverb: you can’t put if he doesn’t fi nd Mammon very good a round peg in a square hole. company now’” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s House of Dreams, 1917). The proverb you can’t put new wine in old bot- is of biblical origin: “No man can serve tles The introduction of new meth- two masters. . . . Ye cannot serve God ods, ideas, items, or components into and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Mammon something old and well established—or means “material wealth or possessions.” old and decrepit—can have disastrous Proverb expressing similar meaning: consequences: You can’t put new wine in old no man can serve two masters. bottles, and you can’t expect today’s software to run on a computer that’s been gathering dust you can’t shift an old tree without it in the attic for the last 15 years. The proverb dying Relocation is not good for old is of biblical origin: “Neither do men put people: We tried to persuade my mother to sell new wine into old bottles: else the bottles her house and move closer to us, but she refused. break, and the wine runneth out, and the “You can’t shift an old tree without it dying,” bottles perish” (Matthew 9:17). she said. The proverb was fi rst recorded, Variant of this proverb: don’t put with different wording, c. 1518. new wine in old bottles. Variant of this proverb: old trees can’t be transplanted. you can’t run with the hare and hunt with the hounds You cannot support you can’t step twice into the same river two opposing parties at the same time: Things are constantly changing: Some people “‘You ought to know best,’ he said, ‘but fi nd change exciting and stimulating, while if you want a divorce it’s not very wise others fi nd it unsettling and alarming, but the to go seeing her, is it? One can’t run with fact remains that you can’t step twice into the the hare and hunt with the hounds’” (John same river. The proverb is of ancient origin, Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga, 1922). The occurring in the writings of the Greek phi- proverb dates from before 1449. Until the losopher Heraclitus (fi fth century b.c.). late 19th century it was most frequently used in the form of the fi gurative phrase to you can’t take it with you You might hold with the hare and run with the hound. as well spend your money while you are Proverb expressing similar meaning: alive, because it can’t be carried with you no man can serve two masters. into the next world: He decided to blow the remaining money on a world cruise, on the you can’t serve God and mammon A principle that you can’t take it with you. The devout or virtuous way of life is incom- proverb was fi rst recorded in 1841. patible with the pursuit of material Variant of this proverb: you can’t wealth and possessions: “‘He hasn’t many take it with you when you go. friends—been too busy all his life to make Proverb expressing similar meaning: any. He’s made heaps of money, though.’ shrouds have no pockets. ‘Well, he thought that since he couldn’t serve God and Mammon he’d better stick you can’t teach an old dog new to Mammon. . . . So he shouldn’t complain tricks Old people are often unwilling

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or unable to learn new skills or adopt Struggles and Triumphs (1870): “When peo- new methods: “Since I’m 95 years old, it ple expect to get ‘something for nothing’ may be that ‘you can’t teach an old dog they are sure to be cheated.” The sentiment new tricks,’ but I’m just not comfort- it expresses, however is of earlier origin; in able with new appliances. They make me his novel Sybil (1845), Benjamin Disraeli nervous and . . . never work for me” (New wrote, “To do nothing and get something York Times, 1989). The proverb was ﬁ rst formed a boy’s ideal of a manly career.” recorded in 1636, but the sentiment it Proverbs expressing similar mean- expresses is of earlier origin. ing: nothing for nothing; there’s no Variant of this proverb: an old dog such thing as a free lunch. will learn no tricks. Proverb expressing opposite mean- you get nothing for nothing See nothing: never too old to learn. ing for nothing.

you can’t tell a book by its cover See you get what you pay for The quality don’t judge a book by its cover. of goods and services is refl ected in their price—cheap things are usually inferior you can’t unscramble eggs Damage and expensive things are usually superior: cannot be undone, and changes cannot be He charges more than my last barber, but you reversed: We must think very carefully before get what you pay for, and he cuts my hair well. taking such a drastic step—the result could be disastrous, and you can’t unscramble eggs. The you have to eat a bushel of dirt before proverb is attributed to the U.S. fi nancier you die See we must eat a peck of dirt and art collector J. Pierpont Morgan before we die. (1837–1913). Variant of this proverb: scrambled you have to learn to crawl before you eggs can’t be unscrambled. can walk See we must learn to walk before we can run. you can’t win ’em all Nobody can hope to succeed every time: I thought she might you have to take the bad with the be upset to learn that she hadn’t got the job, good See you have to take the bitter but she just shrugged her shoulders and said, with the sweet. “You can’t win ’em all.” The proverb dates from the mid-20th century. you have to take the bitter with the Proverb expressing similar meaning: sweet You must endure the bad times you win some, you lose some. if you want to enjoy the good times: In marriage, as in everything else, you have to you don’t get something for noth- take the bitter with the sweet. The proverb ing Everything has to be paid for, directly was fi rst recorded in 1546, but the sen- or indirectly, in money or in kind: You don’t timent it expresses is of earlier origin, get something for nothing—I’ll expect you to occurring in Alexander Barclay’s The Ship return the favor one of these days. The proverb of Fools (1509): “Take ye in good worth the was fi rst recorded in Phineas T. Barnum’s swetnes with the sour.”

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Variants of this proverb: always take just a matter of having the right equip- the bitter with the better; you have to take ment: Buying her a new piano is a waste of the bad with the good. money—she has no talent, and you need more Proverb expressing similar meaning: than dancing shoes to be a dancer. The prov- there’s no rose without a thorn. erb is recorded as a regional expression in the United States. you have to take the rough with the smooth Everything has pleasant and you never accumulate if you don’t spec- unpleasant—or diffi cult and easy— ulate See if you don’t speculate, you aspects: “‘Every profession,’ I said, ‘has can’t accumulate. got its dirty jobs. . . .’ ‘And will have,’ she said, ‘so long as professional men consent you never get anything for nothing See to do the dirty work of their employers.’ nothing for nothing. ‘And where should I be, I should like to know,’ I said, ‘if I went on that lay? I’ve you never know a man until you live got to take the rough with the smooth.’” with him When you live with some- (John Galsworthy, The Freelands, 1915). The proverb was fi rst recorded c. 1400. body you fi nd out what he or she is Proverb expressing similar meaning: really like: She believes that all couples he that would have eggs must endure should cohabit before they marry, on the the cackling of hens. principle that you never know a man until you live with him. you’ll be damned if you do and damned Variant of this proverb: you never if you don’t In some situations it is know a man until you bed with him a impossible to do the right thing, because winter and summer. both of the options open to you will cause Proverb expressing similar meaning: trouble or upset: “The toughest question I come live with me and you’ll know get is when people ask me what to do with me. policies of troubled companies. . . . Usually there’s a surrender charge involved to get you never know what you can do until out of the policy, so you’re damned if you you try People are often surprised to do and damned if you don’t” (NewYork Times, discover what they are capable of when 1994). The proverb comes from Lorenzo they make an effort: I didn’t think I could Dow’s Refl ections on the Love of God (1836). walk that far, but you never know what you can do till you try. The proverb was fi rst you must lose a fl y to catch a trout See recorded in 1818 in William Cobbett’s throw out a sprat to catch a Year’s Residence in America. mackerel.

you must take two bears to live with you never miss a slice from a cut loaf you—bear and forbear See bear and See a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed. forbear. you never miss the water till the well you need more than dancing shoes to be runs dry We tend to take some things a dancer Doing something well is not for granted, and become aware of their

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value only when they are no longer a young man married is a young man available: “Do not let your chances, like marred It is not good to marry too sunbeams pass you by;/For you never young: “You may carve it on his tomb- miss the water till the well runs dry” stone, you may cut it on his card,/That (Rowland Howard, You Never Miss the a young man married is a young man Water, 1876). The proverb dates from marred!” (Rudyard Kipling, The Story of before 1628. the Gadsbys, 1888). First recorded in 1589, Proverbs expressing similar mean- with reference to young women rather ing: blessings brighten as they take than young men, the proverb occurs in their flight; the cow knows not the Shakespeare’s play All’s Well That Ends Well value of her tail till she has lost it. (2:3; 1602): “A young man married is a man that’s marr’d.” a young barber and an old physician Youth is fi ne in a barber but unde- young men forgive, old men never See sirable in a doctor: My aunt declined seeing youth and old age will never agree. the youthful locum on the grounds that “a young barber and an old physician” was best. young men may die, but old men must The proverb was fi rst recorded in J. Sand- die Death is a possibility at any age, but ford, The Garden of Pleasure (1573). a certainty in old age: I fought in two wars Variant of this proverb: a young phy- and survived, but nobody lives forever—young sician fattens the churchyard. men may die, but old men must die. The proverb was fi rst recorded in this form the young cock crows as he heard the in 1623, but the sentiment it expresses old one The young learn by the example is of ancient origin, occurring in a story of their elders. The proverb was fi rst about a young Roman widow courted by recorded in Alexander Barclay, Ship of an elderly man. Fools (1509): “The yonge cok lerneth to crowe hye of the olde.” a young physician fattens the church- Variant of this proverb: the young yard See a young barber and an old pig grunts like the old sow. physician.

young folks think old folks to be fools, the young pig grunts like the old but old folks know young folks to be sow See the young cock crows as he fools Young people think they are wiser heard the old one. than their elders, but the opposite is true: “‘Young folks always think old ones fools, young saint, old devil Those who behave they say.’ ‘Finish the adage, Sir, that old best when they are young are often those folks know young ones to be so, and then who behave worst when they are old: In agree with me that it is a saying founded later life he made up for the missed opportuni- on prejudice” (Francis Edward Smedley, ties of his virtuous youth, indulging freely in Frank Fairleigh, 1850). The proverb was all the excesses of the fl esh—a classic illustra- fi rst recorded in 1577 in J. Grange’s tion of the saying “Young saint, old devil.” The Golden Aphroditis. proverb was fi rst recorded (Middle English

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Sermons) c. 1400, but with the implication me and I’ll scratch you,” but the senti- that it was already in common use. ment it expresses is of ancient origin. Variant of this proverb: a young Proverbs expressing similar mean- saint, an old sinner. ing: one hand washes the other; one good turn deserves another. you pays your money and you takes your choice It is up to you which item, you should know a man seven years course of action, or theory you choose; before you stir his fi re You should not used when there is an element of chance be too familiar with people, or interfere involved, or when there is little differ- in their domestic affairs, until you have ence between the options available: Which known them for some time: “Let me get of their stories is closest to the truth? You pays you another drink. . . . I know one ought your money and you takes your choice. The to know people seven years to poke their proverb was fi rst recorded in 1846, as a fi res, but I believe it’s less for cocktails” cartoon caption in the British magazine (Angela Thirkell, Marling Hall, 1942). The Punch. It is sometimes occurs in the more proverb was fi rst recorded in 1803 in C. grammatical form “You pay your money Dibdin’s Professional Life. and you take your choice.” Variant of this proverb: you pays you snooze, you lose Those who fail to your money and you takes your chance. keep alert will lose out: “I felt sorry for his disappointment, but in this business you’re only young once Young people it’s a case of you snooze, you lose.” The should take the opportunity to do all the proverb appears to be of U.S. origin, dat- things they will be unable to do when ing from the late 20th century. they’re older: He was in two minds about taking a year off to travel round the world, youth and old age will never agree The but I encouraged him, reminding him that young and the old see the world dif- you’re only young once. The proverbs fi rst ferently: “Youthe and elde is often at recorded use is P. Wentworth’s In the Bal- debaat” (Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canter- ance (1941). bury Tales, c. 1387). It appears in William Shakespeare’s The Passionate Pilgrim in the you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch form “Crabbed age and youth cannot live yours Favors will be reciprocated; often together.” used to imply corruption, or a covert Variant of this proverb: young men arrangement between the parties con- forgive, old men never. cerned: “In theory, racing’s addiction to the thin drip of a levy on betting turn- youth must be served Young people over should mean that bookmakers and should be allowed to have their own the sport’s administrators approach each way, helped, or treated with forbearance: other in a mutual spirit of: ‘You scratch Youth must be served, but we have to draw the my back, and I’ll scratch yours’” (Lon- line somewhere, and acts of wanton vandalism don Times, 1998). The proverb was fi rst cannot be tolerated. The proverb was fi rst recorded in 1704, in the form “Scratch recorded in 1829 in P. Egan’s Boxiana.

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Variant of this proverb: youth will nonchalant attitude to defeat: Hearing be served. that he had not been successful in gaining the contract, he sighed with resignation, “You win youth will have its fl ing Young people some, you lose some. I guess there’ll always be a should be forgiven for their excesses or next time.” The proverb was fi rst recorded, improprieties: “I pray you, pardon me, ex- in its variant form, in 1897, in Rudyard Pirate King!/Peers will be peers, and youth Kipling’s Captains Courageous. will have its fl ing” (W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Variant of this proverb: you win a Sullivan, The Pirates of Penzance, 1879). The few, you lose a few. proverb was fi rst recorded in 1562. Proverb expressing similar meaning: Variant of this proverb: youth will you can’t win ’em all. have its course. zeal without knowledge is a runaway you’ve made your bed, now lie in it See horse Uninformed enthusiasm will only as you make your bed, so you must lead to disaster. The proverb is ultimately lie in-it. of biblical origin, appearing at Romans 10:2 in the form: “They have a zeal of you win some, you lose some Successes God, but not according to knowledge.” and failures tend to balance one another Variant of this proverb: zeal without overall; used to indicate or advocate a knowledge is the sister of folly.

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The nouns, adjectives, and verbs of the for shorn look under shear. Other derived proverbs are indexed under the base form forms, such as nouns ending in -er and (the singular noun or the infi nitive of the adverbs ending in -ly, have their own key- verb), thus “Children should be seen and words, for example, loser and badly. Note not heard” is indexed under child, see, and that common words such as thing, man, hear, and “Easier said than done” is indexed all, have, and do are not always indexed. under easy, say, and do. The same principle Hyphenated forms and two-word com- applies to verb forms used as nouns and pounds are indexed under their separate adjectives (such as those ending in -ing and elements, thus “Beauty is only skin deep” -ed): for blessing and blessed look under bless, is listed under beauty, skin, and deep, and for lining look under line, for willing look “Don’t jump from the frying pan into the under will, for broke look under break, and fi re” is under jump, fry, pan, and fi r e .

A Who says A must say B abundance out of the abundance of abandon Rats abandon a sinking ship the heart the mouth speaks See out See rats desert a sinking ship of the fullness of the heart the mouth abhor nature abhors a vacuum speaks above Caesar’s wife must be above accident accidents will happen in the suspicion best-regulated families nobody is above the law account there’s no accounting for abroad go abroad and you’ll hear news tastes of home accumulate if you don’t speculate, you absence absence is the mother of dis- can’t accumulate illusion accuse accusing the times is but excus- absence makes the heart grow fonder ing ourselves a little absence does much good he who excuses himself accuses himself absent he who is absent is always in never ask pardon before you are the wrong accused absolute power corrupts, and absolute accuse qui s’excuse, s’accuse See he who power corrupts absolutely excuses himself accuses himself absolutely power corrupts, and abso- accuser a guilty conscience needs no lute power corrupts absolutely accuser

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ache the tongue ever turns to the ach- afraid he who rides a tiger is afraid to ing tooth See the tongue always returns dismount to the sore tooth Africa always something new out of acorn even a blind pig occasionally Africa picks up an acorn aft the best-laid schemes of mice and great oaks from little acorns grow men gang aft a-gley action action is worry’s worst enemy afterward shoot fi rst and ask questions actions speak louder than words afterward action without thought is like shooting again what has happened once can hap- without aim pen again a common danger causes common action yesterday will not be called again actor the world is a stage and all the against strive not against the stream people in it actors See all the world’s Agamemnon brave men lived before a stage Agamemnon ad big fl eas have little fl eas upon their age age before beauty backs to bite ’em, and little fl eas have the age of miracles is past lesser fl eas, and so ad infi nitum the golden age was never the present age Adam when Adam delved and Eve span, an idle youth, a needy age who was then the gentleman? with age comes wisdom addle as good be an addled egg as an youth and old age will never agree idle bird a-gley the best-laid schemes of mice admire admiration is the daughter of and men gang aft a-gley ignorance agree agree, for the law is costly advantage the devil can quote scrip- beauty and honesty seldom agree ture to his own advantage See the devil birds in their little nests agree can cite scripture for his purpose history is a fable agreed upon adventure adventures are to the adven- two of a trade never agree turous youth and old age will never agree adventurous adventures are to the agreement an ill agreement is better adventurous than a good judgment adversity adversity makes strange bed- ahead quit while you are ahead fellows aim action without thought is like a dose of adversity is often as needful as a shooting without aim dose of medicine air don’t air your dirty linen in public prosperity discovers vice; adversity, vir- See don’t wash your dirty linen in tue public advice ask advice, but use your own akin cleanliness is akin to godliness See common sense cleanliness is next to godliness nothing is given so freely as advice pity is akin to love affair there’s a tide in the affairs of alcohol alcohol will preserve anything man but a secret affect small things affect light minds alibi corruption will fi nd a dozen alibis See little things please little minds for its evil deeds

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alike great minds think alike misfortunes seldom come alone See mis- share and share alike fortunes never come singly alive if you want to live and thrive, let a wise man is never less alone than when the spider run alive alone all all fi sh are not caught with fl ies alter circumstances alter cases all’s well that ends well always always something new out of all things will pass See this, too, shall Africa pass once a priest, always a priest the end crowns all See the end crowns once a thief, always a thief the work America America is a tune: it must be every man for himself and God for us all sung together a friend to all is a friend to none the business of America is business hear all, see all, say nowt never sell America short it’ll all be the same in a hundred years what’s good for General Motors is good it’ll all come out in the wash for America it’s all grist for the mill See all is grist that American good Americans, when they comes to the mill die, go to Paris it’s all in a day’s work nobody ever went broke underestimat- it takes all kinds of people to make a ing the intelligence of the American world people a jack of all trades is master of none amor Amor vincit omnia See love con- mom is the measure of all things quers all tell not all you know, nor do all you can an if and an spoils many a good charter the third time pays for all See the third if ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d time is the charm be no work for tinkers to know all is to forgive all ancestor most people consider thrift a you can fool some of the people all of fi ne virtue in ancestors the time, and all of the people some of angel fools rush in where angels fear the time, but you can’t fool all of the to tread people all of the time anger anger improves nothing but the you can’t be all things to all men arch of a cat’s back you can’t win ’em all anger without power is folly allow every dog is allowed one bite never let the sun go down on your two’s a couple, three’s a crowd, four’s too anger many, and fi ve’s not allowed See two’s angry a hungry man is an angry man company, three’s a crowd animal all animals are equal, but some alloy no joy without alloy See no joy are more equal than others without annoy never work with children or animals alone he travels fastest who travels annoy no joy without annoy alone another another day, another dollar laugh and the world laughs with you, he who fi ghts and runs away may live to weep and you weep alone fi ght another day leave well enough alone tomorrow is another day

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answer ask a silly question and you get stretch your arm no further than your a silly answer sleeve will reach a civil question deserves a civil answer army an army marches on its stomach fools ask questions that wise men cannot around prosperity is just around the answer corner silence is the best answer to the stupid See what goes around, comes around silence is the fi ttest reply to folly arrive it’s better to travel hopefully a soft answer turns away wrath than to arrive anvil the church is an anvil which has ars ars est celare artem See the best art worn out many hammers conceals art anything if anything can go wrong, it ars longa, vita brevis See art is long and life will is short you never get anything for nothing See art all arts are brothers, each is a light nothing for nothing to the other apace ill news comes apace See bad art is long and life is short news travels fast art is power ill weeds grow apace the art of being a parent consists of sleep- ape an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, ing when the baby isn’t looking though they be clad in silk or scarlet the best art conceals art old maids lead apes in hell artem ars est celare artem See the best art appear be what you appear to be See be conceals art what you would seem to be ash beware of an oak, it draws the speak of the devil and he always appears stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; appearance appearances are deceiving creep under the thorn, it can save you judge not according to appearances from harm appetite appetite comes with eating ask ask, and it shall be given you; seek, apple an apple a day keeps the doctor and ye shall fi nd; knock, and it shall be away opened unto you the apple never falls far from the tree ask advice, but use your own common the rotten apple spoils the barrel sense small choice in rotten apples ask a silly question and you get a silly April April showers bring May fl owers answer arch anger improves nothing but the ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies arch of a cat’s back he that will thrive must fi rst ask his wife architect every man is the architect of never ask pardon before you are accused his own fortune shoot fi rst and ask questions afterward are See be ass better be the head of an ass than the argue when you argue with a fool, tail of a horse See better be the head of make sure he isn’t similarly engaged a dog than the tail of a lion you can’t argue with success astray the best-laid schemes of mice argument the only thing a heated argu- and men oft go astray See the best-laid ment ever produced is coolness schemes of mice and men gang aft arm kings have long arms a-gley

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attack attack is the best form of defense what’s got over the devil’s back is spent See the best defense is a good offense under his belly attract like attracts like you scratch my back and I’ll scratch opposites attract yours authority a traveler may lie with backyard a cock is mighty in his own authority backyard See every cock will crow autres autres temps, autres moeurs See upon his own dunghill other times, other manners the grass is always greener in some- available work expands so as to fi ll the body else’s backyard See the grass is time available for its completion always greener on the other side of avoid beware of an oak, it draws the the fence stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the bad all bad things come in threes See fl ash; creep under the thorn, it can save things come in threes you from harm a bad excuse is better than none criticism is something you can avoid by a bad husband makes a bad wife See a good saying nothing, doing nothing, and husband makes a good wife being nothing bad money drives out good avoidance avoidance is the only remedy bad news travels fast away away goes the devil when he a bad penny always turns up fi nds the door shut against him a bad workman quarrels with his tools blue are the hills that are far away don’t throw good money after bad when the cat’s away, the mice will play fi re is a good servant but a bad master aye marry in May, rue for aye give a dog a bad name and hang him B who says A must say B a good horse cannot be of a bad color babe out of the mouths of babes and good riddance to bad rubbish sucklings come great truths the good seaman is known in bad baby the art of being a parent consists weather of sleeping when the baby isn’t look- hard cases make bad law ing he comes too early who brings bad news don’t throw out the baby with the bath- hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper water nothing so bad but it might have been back anger improves nothing but the worse arch of a cat’s back one bad apple spoils the lot See the rotten the back door robs the house See a postern apple spoils the barrel door makes a thief a poor excuse is better than none See a bad big fl eas have little fl eas upon their backs excuse is better than none to bite ’em, and little fl eas have lesser a preacher’s son is often bad See clergy- fl eas, and so ad infi nitum men’s sons always turn out badly God makes the back to the burden the receiver is as bad as the thief See if it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s there were no receivers, there would back be no thieves step on a crack, break your mother’s a secret is either too good to keep or too back bad not to tell

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see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll barrel an empty barrel makes the most have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, noise See empty vessels make the most bad luck you’ll have all the day sound there’s good and bad in everything the rotten apple spoils the barrel there’s no such thing as bad weather, only basket don’t put all your eggs in one the wrong clothes basket three moves are as bad as a fi re bathwater don’t throw out the baby a whistling girl and a crowing hen always with the bathwater come to the same bad end See a whis- baton every soldier has the baton of a tling woman and a crowing hen are fi eld-marshal in his knapsack neither fi t for God nor men battalion providence is always on the you have to take the bad with the good side of the big battalions See you have to take the bitter with battle a good beginning is half the the sweet battle badly clergymen’s sons always turn out he who fi ghts and runs away may live to badly fi ght another day, but he that is in battle bag an empty bag cannot stand See an slain will never rise to fi ght again See he empty sack cannot stand upright who fi ghts and runs away may live to there’s many a good cock come out of a fi ght another day tattered bag it’s better to lose the battle and win the bait fi sh or cut bait war the hook without bait catches no fi sh the race is not to the swift, nor the battle bake as you bake, so shall you brew to the strong as you brew, so shall you bake See as you bawl a bawling cow soon forgets her brew, so shall you drink own calf See a bellowing cow soon barber a young barber and an old physi- forgets her calf cian bayonet a bayonet is a weapon with a bare there goes more to marriage than worker at each end four bare legs in a bed be the best is yet to be barefoot he that waits for dead men’s be what you would seem to be shoes may go a long time barefoot See the future ain’t what it used to be it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes what will be, will be the shoemaker’s child always goes bare- you are what you eat foot bear (n.) you must take two bears to bargain it takes two to make a bargain live with you—bear and forbear See bark a barking dog never bites bear and forbear the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on bear (v.) bear and forbear why keep a dog and bark yourself? beware of Greeks bearing gifts barn don’t shut the barn door after the a clear conscience can bear any trouble horse is stolen we all have our cross to bear a jackass can kick a barn door down, but it beard it’s merry in hall when beards takes a carpenter to build one wag all

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beast music has charms to soothe the like begets like See like breeds like savage beast See music hath charms to love begets love soothe the savage breast money begets money beat if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em one business begets another it’s easy to fi nd a stick to beat a dog one lie begets another See one lie leads might beats right See might makes right to another you can’t beat a man at his own game success begets success See success breeds you can’t beat somebody with nobody success beautiful big is beautiful beggar beggars can’t be choosers small is beautiful give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to beauty age before beauty death beauty and honesty seldom agree if wishes were horses, beggars would ride beauty draws with a single hair set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride beauty is a good letter of introduction to the devil beauty is but a blossom sue a beggar and catch a louse beauty is in the eye of the beholder begin charity begins at home beauty is no inheritance equality begins in the grave beauty is only skin deep fi sh begin to stink at the head See a fi sh beauty is truth, truth beauty stinks from the head fancy passes beauty a good beginning is half the battle grace will last, beauty will blast a good beginning makes a good ending a thing of beauty is a joy forever he that would the daughter win, must bed as you make your bed, so you must with the mother fi rst begin lie in it he who begins many things, fi nishes but early to bed and early to rise, makes a man few healthy, wealthy, and wise he who would climb the ladder must life is no bed of roses begin at the bottom there goes more to marriage than four an ill beginning makes an ill ending bare legs in a bed a journey of a thousand miles begins with you never know a man until you bed with one step him a winter and summer See you never life begins at forty know a man until you live with him the sooner begun, the sooner done bedfellow adversity makes strange bed- well begun is half done fellows when things are at the worst they begin politics makes strange bedfellows to mend bee where bees are, there is honey behind always in a hurry, always beer he that drinks beer, thinks beer behind life isn’t all beer and skittles behind every great man there is a great before pride goes before a fall woman beforehand pay beforehand was never if two ride on a horse, one must ride well served behind beg give a loaf and beg a slice beholder beauty is in the eye of the beget length begets loathing beholder

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belfry the devil gets up to the belfry by the best place for criticism is in front of the vicar’s skirts your mirror believe believe only half of what you the best things come in small packages see and nothing you hear the best things in life are free believing has a core of unbelieving the best way to get even is to forget a liar is not believed when he tells the a dog is a man’s best friend truth don’t shoot the pianist, he’s doing his seeing is believing best believer a believer is a songless bird east, west, home’s best in a cage few words are best bellow a bellowing cow soon forgets God takes soonest those he loves best her calf a good example is the best sermon belly the eye is bigger than the belly the good is the enemy of the best a growing youth has a wolf in his belly good to forgive, best to forget See forgive See a growing youth has a wolf in his and forget stomach he laughs best who laughs last See he who hungry bellies have no ears See a hungry laughs last, laughs longest stomach has no ears he lives longest who lives best See he lives what’s got over the devil’s back is spent long who lives well under his belly he who laughs last, laughs best See he who laughs last, laughs longest belong conscience gets a lot of credit honesty is the best policy that belongs to cold feet hope for the best and prepare for the to the victor belong the spoils worst below no man is above the law, and no hunger is the best sauce man is below it See nobody is above it’s best to be off with the old love before the law you are on with the new bend as the twig is bent, so is the tree it’s best to be on the safe side See it’s bet- inclined ter to be on the safe side best accidents will happen in the best- laughter is the best medicine regulated families a man’s best reputation for the future is all’s for the best in the best of all possible his record of the past worlds old friends and old wine are best the best art conceals art an old poacher makes the best game- the best defense is a good offense keeper the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, put your best foot forward and Dr. Merryman revenge is a dish best eaten cold the best is the enemy of the good second thoughts are best the best is yet to be silence is the best answer to the stupid See the best-laid schemes of mice and men silence is the ﬁ ttest reply to folly gang aft a-gley that government is best which governs the best of friends must part least the best of men are but men at best welcome is the best cheer

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why should the devil have all the best it’s better to be happy than wise tunes? it’s better to be on the safe side bestow fl owers leave fragrance in the it’s better to be right than in the majority hand that bestows them it’s better to die on your feet than live on better always take the bitter with the your knees better See you have to take the bitter it’s better to give than to receive with the sweet it’s better to laugh than to cry better a big fi sh in a little pond than a little it’s better to light one candle than curse fi sh in a big pond the darkness better a dinner of herbs where love is than it’s better to lose the battle and win a stalled ox where hate is the war better a good cow than a cow of a good it’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive kind learning is better than house or land better a little fi re to warm us than a big a live dog is better than a dead lion one to burn us prevention is better than cure better be an old man’s darling than a something is better than nothing young man’s slave a tale grows better in the telling See a tale better be envied than pitied never loses in the telling better be fi rst in a village than second in ’tis better to have loved and lost, than Rome never to have loved at all better be out of the world than out of two heads are better than one the fashion wisdom is better than rubies better be the head of a dog than the tail beware beware of an oak, it draws the of a lion stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; better death than dishonor creep under the thorn, it can save you better late than never from harm better luck next time beware of Greeks bearing gifts better one house spoiled than two let the buyer beware better safe than sorry big better a big fi sh in a little pond than the better the day, the better the deed a little fi sh in a big pond better the devil you know than the devil better a little fi re to warm us than a big you don’t know one to burn us better to wear out than to rust out big fi sh eat little fi sh discretion is the better part of valor big fl eas have little fl eas upon their backs example is better than precept to bite ’em, and little fl eas have lesser a good name is better than precious fl eas, and so ad infi nitum ointment the bigger they are, the harder they fall the gray mare is the better horse big is beautiful half a loaf is better than no bread the eye is bigger than the belly the half is better than the whole if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay it’s better to be an hour too early than a under the porch minute too late the larger the body, the bigger the heart it’s better to be born lucky than rich little pitchers have big ears

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the mother of mischief is no bigger than a life’s a bitch, and then you die midge’s wing bite a barking dog never bites providence is always on the side of the big big fl eas have little fl eas upon their backs battalions to bite ’em, and little fl eas have lesser small leaks sink big ships See little leaks fl eas, and so ad infi nitum sink the ship a bleating sheep loses a bite speak softly and carry a big stick dead men don’t bite billet every bullet has its billet don’t bite off more than you can chew bind safe bind, safe fi nd don’t bite the hand that feeds you bird as good be an addled egg as an every dog is allowed one bite idle bird if you can’t bite, never show your teeth a believer is a songless bird in a cage once bitten, twice shy a bird in the hand is worth two in the take a hair of the dog that bit you bush when a dog bites a man, that is not news; a bird never fl ew on one wing but when a man bites a dog, that is birds in their little nests agree news birds of a feather fl ock together biter the biter is sometimes bit the early bird catches the worm bitter you have to take the bitter with fi ne feathers make fi ne birds the sweet an ill bird lays an ill egg black all cats are black at night See all in vain the net is spread in the sight of cats are gray in the dark the bird the devil is not as black as he is painted it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest the pot calls the kettle black little birds that can sing and won’t sing there’s a black sheep in every fl ock must be made to sing two blacks don’t make a white See two pigs may fl y, but they are very unlikely wrongs don’t make a right birds See if a pig had wings, it might fl y blame a bad workman blames his tools there are no birds in last year’s nest See a bad workman quarrels with his you can’t catch old birds with chaff tools you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over common fame is seldom to blame your head, but you can keep them from blast grace will last, beauty will blast building a nest in your hair bleat a bleating sheep loses a bite birth birth is much but breeding more bleed paper bleeds little one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a bless blessed are the dead that the rain wedding; four for a birth rains on bis bis dat qui cito dat See he gives twice blessed are they who expect nothing, for who gives quickly they shall not be disappointed bishop nobody is born learned; bishops blessed is the bride that the sun shines are made of men on See happy is the bride that the sun bit the biter is sometimes bit shines on every little bit helps See every little helps blessings brighten as they take their fl ight bitch the hasty bitch bringeth forth happy is the bride that the sun shines on, blind whelps blessed is the corpse that the rain falls

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on See happy is the bride that the sun it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any shines on good it’s more blessed to give than to receive the north wind doth blow and we shall See it’s better to give than to receive have snow blind blind chance sweeps the world straws show which way the wind blows along blue blue are the hills that are far away a blind man’s wife needs no paint true blue will never stain a deaf husband and a blind wife are always blush blushing is a sign of grace a happy couple paper does not blush even a blind pig occasionally picks up an boat don’t rock the boat acorn little boats should stay close to shore the hasty bitch bringeth forth blind a rising tide lifts all boats whelps body corporations have neither bodies if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall to be punished nor souls to be damned into the ditch the larger the body, the bigger the heart in the country of the blind, the one-eyed boil a watched pot never boils man is king bold fortune favors the bold See fortune justice is blind favors the brave love is blind nothing so bold as a blind mare love is blind; friendship closes its eyes bolt a fool’s bolt is soon shot men are blind in their own cause it’s too late to shut the stable door after a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind horse the horse has bolted See don’t shut the nothing so bold as a blind mare barn door after the horse is stolen there are none so blind as those who will bond a man’s word is as good as his not see bond bliss ignorance is bliss bone beauty is only skin-deep, but blithe the child that is born on the Sab- bath day is bonny and blithe and good goodness goes to the bone See beauty and gay is only skin-deep block the only difference between charity is not a bone you throw to a dog stumbling blocks and stepping-stones but a bone you share with a dog is the way you use them a dog that will fetch a bone will carry a you can’t build a church with stumbling bone blocks a good dog deserves a good bone blood blood is thicker than water hard words break no bones the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the nearer the bone, the sweeter the fl esh the church sticks and stones may break my bones, but blood will have blood names will never hurt me blood will tell what’s bred in the bone will come out in you can’t get blood from a stone the fl esh blossom beauty is but a blossom while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a blow if wind blows on you through a third runs away with it hole, say your prayers and mind your you buy land, you buy stones; you buy soul meat, you buy bones

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bonny the child that is born on the Sab- both you can’t have it both ways bath day is bonny and blithe and good bottle you can’t put new wine in old and gay bottles bonum de mortuis nil nisi bonum See bottom every tub must stand on its never speak ill of the dead own bottom book a book is like a garden carried in he who would climb the ladder must the pocket begin at the bottom books and friends should be few and truth lies at the bottom of a well good bought See buy cards are the devil’s books See cards are bound keep a thing seven years and the devil’s tools it’s bound to come in handy See keep don’t judge a book by its cover a thing seven years and you’ll ﬁ nd a a great book is a great evil use for it a house without books is like a room bowl life is just a bowl of cherries without windows bowls those who play at bowls must years know more than books look out for rubbers boot the boot is on the other foot See boy all work and no play makes Jack a the shoe is on the other foot dull boy don’t judge a man until you have walked a boys seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses mile in his boots boys will be boys a lie can go around the world and back again never send a boy to do a man’s job while the truth is lacing up its boots one for sorrow, two for joy, three for a born the child that is born on the Sab- girl, and four for a boy See one for sor- bath day is bonny and blithe and good row; two for mirth; three for a wed- and gay ding; four for a birth from the day you were born till you ride two boys are half a boy, and three boys are in a hearse, there’s nothing so bad but no boy at all it might have been worse See nothing so you can take the boy out of the country bad but it might have been worse but you can’t take the country out of if you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll the boy never be drowned brain an idle brain is the devil’s work- it’s better to be born lucky than rich shop the man who is born in a stable is not a use brains not brawn See wisdom goes horse beyond strength nobody is born learned; bishops are made branch all arts are one, all branches on of men one tree See all arts are brothers, each poets are born, not made is a light to the other there’s a sucker born every minute the highest branch is not the safest roost borrow the early man never borrows brass where there’s muck there’s brass from the late man brave brave men lived before he that goes a-borrowing, goes a-sorrowing Agamemnon borrower neither a borrower nor a calamity is the touchstone of a brave lender be mind

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the coward dies a thousand deaths, the sticks and stones may break my bones, but brave but one See cowards die many words will never hurt me times before their death the thread breaks where it is weakest fortune favors the brave time is the rider that breaks youth none but the brave deserve the fair you can’t make an omelette without Robin Hood could brave all weathers but breaking eggs a thaw wind breakfast hope is a good breakfast but too many chiefs and not enough braves a bad supper See too many chiefs and not enough an hour before breakfast is worth two the Indians rest of the day See an hour in the morn- Bray the vicar of Bray will be vicar of ing is worth two in the evening Bray still sing before breakfast, cry before night bread bread always falls buttered side breast hope springs eternal in the down human breast bread is the staff of life music hath charms to soothe the savage half a loaf is better than no bread breast man does not live by bread alone breed birth is much but breeding more whose bread I eat, his song I sing drought never bred dearth in England break hard words break no bones familiarity breeds contempt if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it like breeds like if it takes two to make a bargain, it takes success breeds success two to break it See it takes two to make what’s bred in the bone will come out in a bargain if it were not for hope, the heart would the fl esh brevis break ars longa, vita brevis See art is long ignorance of the law is no excuse for and life is short breaking it See ignorance of the law is brevity brevity is the soul of wit no excuse brew as you bake, so shall you brew it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s as you brew, so shall you drink back bribe a bribe will enter without knocking never give a sucker an even break brick you can’t make bricks without nobody ever went broke underestimat- straw ing the intelligence of the American bride always a bridesmaid, never a people bride obey orders, if you break owners happy is the bride that the sun shines on a pitcher that goes to the well too often is bridesmaid always a bridesmaid, never broken at last See the pitcher will go to a bride the well once too often bridge don’t burn your bridges behind promises, like piecrust, are made to be you broken don’t cross the bridge till you come to it rules are made to be broken it’s good to make a bridge of gold to a step on a crack, break your mother’s fl ying enemy back praise the bridge that carries you over

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bridle a man without a religion is a bump education doesn’t come by horse without a bridle bumping your head against the school bright always look on the bright side house the sun is not less bright for shining on a if frogs had wings, they wouldn’t bump dunghill See the sun loses nothing by their tails on rocks See if a pig had shining into a puddle wings, it might fl y the used key is always bright bundle a man wrapped up in himself brighten blessings brighten as they take makes a very small bundle their fl ight bung save at the spigot and waste at the bring borrowing brings sorrowing bung See spare at the spigot, and let out See he that goes a-borrowing, goes a- the bunghole sorrowing bunghole spare at the spigot, and let he comes too early who brings bad news out the bunghole night brings counsel burden God makes the back to the nothing can bring you peace but yourself burden one wedding brings another burn better a little fi re to warm us than the worth of a thing is what it will bring a big one to burn us broaden travel broadens the mind burn not your house to scare away the broke, broken See break mice broom a new broom sweeps clean a burnt child dreads the fi re don’t burn your bridges behind you broth every cook praises his own broth if you play with fi re, you get burned too many cooks spoil the broth money burns a hole in the pocket brother all arts are brothers, each is a Nero fi ddled while Rome burned light to the other once burned, twice shy sleep is the brother of death bury let the dead bury the dead build fools build houses and wise men bush a bird in the hand is worth two live in them in the bush it’s easier to tear down than to build up good wine needs no bush a jackass can kick a barn door down, but it bushel don’t hide your light under a takes a carpenter to build one bushel men build houses, women build homes See you have to eat a bushel of dirt before men make houses, women make homes you die See we must eat a peck of dirt Rome was not built in a day before we die where God builds a church, the devil will business business before pleasure build a chapel business is business you can’t build a church with stumbling business is like a car, it will not run by blocks itself except downhill you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over business neglected is business lost your head, but you can keep them from the business of America is business building a nest in your hair everybody’s business is nobody’s business bullet every bullet has its billet mind your own business bully a bully is always a coward never mix business with pleasure

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one business begets another Caesar Caesar’s wife must be above punctuality is the soul of business suspicion busy the busiest men have the most render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s leisure cage a believer is a songless bird in a busy folks are always meddling cage if you want something done, ask a busy cake you can’t have your cake and eat person it too butter bread always falls buttered side calamity calamity is the touchstone of down a brave mind fi ne words butter no parsnips calendar death keeps no calendar there are more ways of killing a dog than calf a bellowing cow soon forgets her choking it with butter See there are calf more ways of killing a cat than choking call call a man a thief and he will steal it with cream call a spade a spade buy buy in the cheapest market and sell call no man happy till he dies in the dearest he who pays the piper calls the tune far-fetched and dear-bought is good for the hole calls the thief ladies many are called, but few are chosen fools build houses and wise men buy them the pot calls the kettle black See fools build houses and wise men yesterday will not be called again live in them calm after a storm comes a calm gold may be bought too dear in a calm sea every man is a pilot money can’t buy happiness camel it’s the last straw that breaks the talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy land See talk is cheap camel’s back can talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy can’t live with ’em, can’t live with- liquor See talk is cheap out ’em why buy a cow when milk is so cheap? little birds that can sing and won’t sing See must be made to sing why buy the cow when you can get the those who can, do; those who can’t, milk for free? teach you buy land, you buy stones; you buy you can run, but you can’t hide meat, you buy bones candle the game is not worth the candle buyer the buyer needs a thousand eyes, it’s better to light one candle than curse the seller wants but one the darkness let the buyer beware candlelight never choose your women bygone let bygones be bygones or linen by candlelight ça plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose canoe paddle your own canoe See the more things change, the more cap if the cap fi ts, wear it See if the shoe they stay the same fi ts, wear it cabbage fair words butter no cabbage capacity genius is an infi nite capacity See fi ne words butter no parsnips for taking pains cackle he that would have eggs must car business is like a car, it will not run endure the cackling of hens by itself except downhill

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caravan the dogs bark, but the caravan cast coming events cast their shadows goes on before carcass where the carcass is, there will don’t cast your pearls before swine the eagles be gathered let him who is without sin cast the fi rst card cards are the devil’s tools stone lucky at cards, unlucky in love ne’er cast a clout till May be out trust everybody, but cut the cards old sins cast long shadows care care is no cure castle a man’s home is his castle care killed the cat casualty truth is the fi rst casualty of war children are certain cares, but uncertain cat all cats are gray in the dark comforts anger improves nothing but the arch of a the devil takes care of his own See the cat’s back devil looks after his own care killed the cat a mother can take care of ten children, a cat can look at a king but sometimes ten children can’t take a cat has nine lives care of one mother a cat in gloves catches no mice much coin, much care the cat would eat fi sh, but would not wet past cure, past care her feet take care of number one curiosity killed the cat take care of the pennies and the dollars keep no more cats than will catch mice will take care of themselves there are more ways of killing a cat than careful be careful what you wish for: choking it with cream you might get it See don’t wish too there’s more than one way to skin a cat hard; you might just get what you wanton kittens make sober cats wished for when the cat’s away, the mice will play if you can’t be good, be careful catch all fi sh are not caught with fl ies carpe carpe diem See seize the day catching’s before hanging carpenter a jackass can kick a barn catch not at shadows and lose the sub- door down, but it takes a carpenter to stance build one a cat in gloves catches no mice carry a book is like a garden carried in a drowning man will catch at a straw the pocket eagles don’t catch fl ies a dog that will fetch a bone will carry a the early bird catches the worm bone fi rst catch your hare don’t carry all your eggs in one basket See the hook without bait catches no fi sh don’t put all your eggs in one basket if the sky falls, we shall catch larks praise the bridge that carries you over if you run after two hares, you will catch speak softly and carry a big stick neither the willing horse carries the load keep no more cats than will catch mice cart don’t put the cart before the a man in debt is caught in a net horse the mouse that has but one hole is soon case circumstances alter cases caught See the mouse that has but one hard cases make bad law hole is quickly taken

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patience is a virtue, catch it if you can: don’t change horses in the middle of seldom in a woman and never in a man the stream See don’t swap horses in See patience is a virtue midstream set a thief to catch a thief don’t change the rules in the middle of a shut mouth catches no fl ies the game softly, softly, catchee monkey honors change manners sue a beggar and catch a louse the leopard can’t change its spots throw out a sprat to catch a mackerel the more things change, the more they you can catch more fl ies with honey than stay the same with vinegar times change, and we with time you can’t catch old birds with chaff what you put off and what you put on, cattle hurry no man’s cattle never change till May be gone See ne’er caught See catch cast a clout till May be out cause a man is a lion in his own cause a wise man changes his mind, but a fool men are blind in their own cause never does change nobody should be judge in his own cause plus ça change, plus c’est la même caution caution is the parent of safety chose See the more things change, the more they stay the same caveat caveat emptor See let the buyer channel great minds run in the same beware channels See great minds think alike cease war will cease when men refuse chapel where God builds a church, the to fi ght devil will build a chapel wonders will never cease! character character is destiny celare ars est celare artem See the best art dreams retain the infi rmities of our char- conceals art acter certain children are certain cares, but charity charity begins at home uncertain comforts charity covers a multitude of sins nothing is certain but death and taxes charity is not a bone you throw to a dog nothing is certain but the unforeseen but a bone you share with a dog chacun chacun à son goût See every man charm music hath charms to soothe the to his taste savage breast chaff you can’t catch old birds with the third time is the charm chaff if and an spoils many a good charter chain a chain is no stronger than its chase he who chases two hares catches weakest link neither See if you run after two hares, chance blind chance sweeps the world you will catch neither along a stern chase is a long chase you pays your money and you takes your che che sarà, sarà See what will be, will chance See you pays your money and be you takes your choice cheap buy in the cheapest market and change a change is as good as a rest sell in the dearest change not a clout till May be out See it’s as cheap sitting as standing ne’er cast a clout till May be out talk is cheap

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why buy a cow when milk is so cheap? See fools and children should never see half- why buy a cow when you can get the done work milk for free? Friday’s child is loving and giving cheat cheaters never win and winners give me a child for the fi rst seven years never cheat See cheaters never prosper and he is mine for life cheats never prosper See cheaters never happy is he that is happy in his children prosper heaven protects children, sailors, and cheater cheaters never prosper drunken men cheep may chickens come cheeping he that has a wife and children has given cheer welcome is the best cheer hostages to fortune cheerful cheerful company shortens it’s a wise child that knows its own father the miles See good company on the it takes a village to raise a child road is the shortest cut late children, early orphans a merry heart makes a cheerful counte- Monday’s child is fair of face nance a mother can take care of ten children, cheese cheese digests all things but but sometimes ten children can’t take itself care of one mother cherry life is just a bowl of cherries never work with children or animals chew don’t bite off more than you can praise the child, and you make love to chew the mother chicken curses, like chickens, come prejudice is the child of ignorance home to roost Saturday’s child works hard for its living don’t count your chickens before they the shoemaker’s child always goes bare- are hatched foot may chickens come cheeping spare the rod and spoil the child which came fi rst, the chicken or the egg? Thursday’s child has far to go chief too many chiefs and not enough Tuesday’s child is full of grace Indians Wednesday’s child is full of woe child as the twig is bent, the child will chip let the chips fall where they may grow See as the twig is bent, so is the choice he that has a choice has trouble tree inclined the obvious choice is usually a quick a burnt child dreads the fi re regret the child is father of the man small choice in rotten apples a child on a giant’s shoulders sees further you pays your money and you takes your of the two See a dwarf on a giant’s choice shoulders sees further of the two choke it’s idle to swallow the cow and children and fools speak the truth choke on the tail children are certain cares, but uncertain there are more ways of killing a cat than comforts choking it with cream children should be seen and not heard choose choose the lesser of two evils the child that is born on the Sabbath day is many are called, but few are chosen bonny and blithe and good and gay never choose your women or linen by the devil’s children have the devil’s luck candlelight

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chooser beggars can’t be choosers clean don’t throw away your dirty chose plus ça change, plus c’est la même water until you get clean chose See the more things change, the if every man would sweep his own door- more they stay the same step the city would soon be clean Christmas Christmas comes but once a new broom sweeps clean a year sweep your own doorstep clean the devil makes his Christmas pies of law- cleanliness cleanliness is next to God- yers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers liness church the blood of the martyrs is the clear a clear conscience can bear any seed of the church trouble the church is an anvil which has worn out rain before seven, clear before eleven See many hammers rain before seven, fi ne before eleven a church is God between four walls clergyman clergymen’s sons always the nearer the church, the farther from turn out badly God clerk the clock goes as it pleases the where God builds a church, the devil will clerk build a chapel the devil makes his Christmas pies of law- you can’t build a church with stumbling yers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers blocks client a man who is his own lawyer has churchyard a green winter makes a fat a fool for his client churchyard climb he that would eat the fruit must a young physician fattens the churchyard climb the tree See a young barber, an old physician he who would climb the ladder must cinch life is hard by the yard, but by the begin at the bottom inch life’s a cinch the higher the monkey climbs the more he circle the wheel comes full circle shows his tail circumstance circumstances alter cases climber hasty climbers have sudden cite the devil can cite scripture for his falls purpose clock the clock goes as it pleases the cito bis dat qui cito dat See he gives twice clerk who gives quickly clog from clogs to clogs is only three city a great city, a great solitude generations See from shirtsleeves to if every man would sweep his own door- shirtsleeves is only three generations step the city would soon be clean close (adj.) the closer to the bone, the you can’t fi ght City Hall sweeter the meat See the nearer the civil a civil question deserves a civil bone, the sweeter the fl esh answer close sits my shirt, but closer my skin civility civility costs nothing See near is my shirt, but nearer is my there’s nothing lost by civility skin clad an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, little boats should stay close to shore though they be clad in silk or scarlet close (v.) a closed mouth catches no claw a goose quill is more dangerous fl ies See a shut mouth catches no fl ies than a lion’s claw love is blind; friendship closes its eyes

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when one door closes, another one color a good horse cannot be of a bad opens color closet there’s a skeleton in every comb experience is a comb that fate closet gives a man when his hair is all gone cloth cut your coat according to your come all good things must come to cloth an end clothes clothes don’t make the man all things come to an end See everything clothes make the man has an end there’s no such thing as bad weather, only all things come to those who wait the wrong clothes a bad penny always comes back See a bad cloud every cloud has a silver lining penny always turns up if there were no clouds, we shouldn’t between two stools we come to the enjoy the sun ground See between two stools one clout ne’er cast a clout till May be out falls to the ground clutch a drowning man will clutch at the bigger they come, the harder they a straw See a drowning man will catch fall See the bigger they are, the harder at a straw they fall coat cut your coat according to your Christmas comes but once a year cloth come live with me and you’ll know me cobbler the cobbler’s children go bare- coming events cast their shadows before foot See the shoemaker’s child always cream always comes to the top goes barefoot don’t cross the bridge till you come to it let the cobbler stick to his last easy come, easy go cock every cock will crow upon his ﬁ rst come, ﬁ rst served own dunghill if the mountain will not come to Moham- it’s a sad house where the hen crows med, Mohammed must go to the louder than the cock mountain the robin and the wren are God’s cock ill news comes apace See bad news travels and hen there’s many a good cock come out of a fast tattered bag it’ll all come out in the wash the young cock crows as he heard the March comes in like a lion, and goes out old one like a lamb coin much coin, much care misfortunes never come singly cold as the day lengthens, so the cold nothing comes of nothing strengthens nothing goes over the back but that comes cold hands, warm heart under the belly See what’s got over the conscience gets a lot of credit that belongs devil’s back is spent under his belly to cold feet pride comes before a fall See pride goes feed a cold and starve a fever before a fall not love is soon cold quickly come, quickly go pride feels no cold See pride feels no pain sorrow comes unsent for revenge is a dish best eaten cold take things as they come

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there are as good fi sh in the sea as ever misery loves company came out of it See there are other fi sh money loves company See money begets in the sea money things come in threes two’s company, three’s a crowd tomorrow never comes comparison comparisons are odious what goes around, comes around comply he that complies against his will what goes up must come down is of his own opinion still what’s bred in the bone will come out in conceal the best art conceals art the fl esh crime must be concealed by crime the wheel comes full circle drunkenness reveals what soberness con- when poverty comes in at the door, love ceals fl ies out of the window condemn those who cannot remember when the worst comes, the worst is going the past are condemned to repeat it See when things are at the worst they confess confess and be hanged begin to mend a fault confessed is half redressed which came fi rst, the chicken or the egg? confession confession is good for the with age comes wisdom soul the worst is yet to come confessor it’s a foolish sheep that makes you can drive out nature with a pitchfork the wolf his confessor but she keeps on coming back conquer divide and conquer comfort children are certain cares, but love conquers all uncertain comforts conscience a clear conscience can bear command he that cannot obey cannot any trouble command conscience does make cowards of us all commend all commend patience, but conscience gets a lot of credit that belongs none can endure to suffer to cold feet commission there’s a sin of omission as a guilty conscience needs no accuser well as of commission consent silence gives consent common ask advice, but use your own consist art consists in concealing art common sense See the best art conceals art a common danger causes common action consistency a foolish consistency is the common fame is seldom to blame hobgoblin of little minds an ounce of common sense is worth a constant constant dropping wears pound of theory away a stone communication evil communications a constant guest is never welcome corrupt good manners there’s nothing constant but inconstancy company the company makes the contagious courtesy is contagious feast contempt familiarity breeds contempt desert and reward seldom keep com- content a contented mind is a con- pany tinual feast good company on the road is the short- content is more than a kingdom est cut continual a contented mind is a con- a man is known by the company he keeps tinual feast

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contrary dreams go by contraries countenance a merry heart makes a cook every cook praises his own broth cheerful countenance God sends meat, but the devil sends country God made the country and cooks man made the town too many cooks spoil the broth happy is the country that has no history coolness the only thing a heated argu- in the country of the blind, the one-eyed ment ever produced is coolness man is king core believing has a core of unbeliev- a prophet is not without honor, save in his ing own country corner a new broom sweeps clean, but so many countries, so many customs an old broom knows all the corners See you can take the boy out of the country a new broom sweeps clean but you can’t take the country out of prosperity is just around the corner the boy coronet kind hearts are more than couple a deaf husband and a blind wife coronets are always a happy couple corporation corporations have neither two’s a couple, three’s a crowd, four’s too bodies to be punished nor souls to be many, and fi ve’s not allowed See two’s damned company, three’s a crowd corpse happy is the bride that the sun courage courage is fear that has said shines on, blessed is the corpse that the its prayers rain falls on See happy is the bride that courageous one courageous thought the sun shines on will put to fl ight a host of troubles corrupt evil communications corrupt course the course of true love never good manners did run smooth power corrupts, and absolute power cor- horses for courses rupts absolutely nature will have its course corruption corruption will fi nd a dozen youth will have its course See youth will alibis for its evil deeds have its fl ing cost civility costs nothing courtesy courtesy costs nothing See costly agree, for the law is costly civility costs nothing cough a dry cough is the trumpeter courtesy is contagious of death cover charity covers a multitude of love and a cough cannot be hid sins council councils of war never fi ght don’t judge a book by its cover counsel a fool may give a wise man an honest look covereth many faults counsel coverlet everybody stretches his legs night brings counsel according to the length of his coverlet count beware of an oak, it draws the cow a bellowing cow soon forgets her stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; calf creep under the thorn, it can save you better a good cow than a cow of a good from harm kind don’t count your chickens before they the cow knows not the value of her tail till are hatched she has lost it

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it’s idle to swallow the cow and choke poverty is not a crime on the tail criticism the best place for criticism is three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s in front of your mirror horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof criticism is something you can avoid by why buy a cow when milk is so cheap? See saying nothing, doing nothing, and why buy the cow when you can get the being nothing milk for free? crop good seed makes a good crop coward a bully is always a coward cross crosses are ladders that lead to conscience does make cowards of us all heaven cowards die many times before their cross the stream where it is shallowest death don’t cross the bridge till you come to it cowl the cowl does not make the we all have our cross to bear monk crow a crow doesn’t pick out the eye of crack he that would eat the kernel another crow See hawks will not pick must crack the nut See he that would out hawks’ eyes eat the fruit must climb the tree every cock will crow upon his own dung- step on a crack, break your mother’s hill back it’s a sad house where the hen crows cradle the hand that rocks the cradle louder than the cock rules the world one for the mouse, one for the crow, one crave spare and have is better than to rot, one to grow spend and crave a whistling woman and a crowing hen are crawl you have to learn to crawl before neither fi t for God nor men you can walk See we must learn to walk the young cock crows as he heard the before we can run old one creak a creaking door hangs longest crowd two’s company, three’s a crowd cream cream always comes to the top crown the end crowns the work there are more ways of killing a cat than uneasy lies the head that wears a crown choking it with cream cry don’t cry before you’re hurt create all men are created equal credit conscience gets a lot of credit it’s better to laugh than to cry that belongs to cold feet it’s no use crying over spilled milk give credit where credit is due much cry and little wool creep beware of an oak, it draws the sing before breakfast, cry before night stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the cup full cup, steady hand fl ash; creep under the thorn, it can save the last drop makes the cup run over you from harm the optimist’s cup is half full; the pessi- when the wolf comes in at the door, love mist’s cup is half empty See the glass is creeps out of the window See when either half empty or half full poverty comes in at the door, love fl ies there’s many a slip between cup and lip out of the window curantur similia similibus curantur See crime crime doesn’t pay like cures like crime must be concealed by crime cure care is no cure

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the cure may be worse than the disease they that dance must pay the piper See the remedy may be worse than the when you go to dance, take heed whom disease you take by the hand diet cures more than doctors you need more than dancing shoes to be like cures like a dancer an ounce of prevention is worth a pound dancer you need more than dancing of cure shoes to be a dancer past cure, past care danger a common danger causes com- prevention is better than cure mon action what can’t be cured must be endured the danger past and God forgotten nought curiosity curiosity killed the cat is never in danger curry a short horse is soon curried out of debt, out of danger curse curses, like chickens, come home the post of honor is the post of danger to roost dangerous delays are dangerous it’s better to light one candle than curse a goose quill is more dangerous than a the darkness lion’s claw custom other times, other customs See a little knowledge is a dangerous thing other times, other manners dark all cats are gray in the dark so many countries, so many customs the darkest cloud has a silver lining See customer the customer is always right every cloud has a silver lining cut cut your coat according to your the darkest hour is just before dawn cloth look on the bright side, or polish up the diamond cuts diamond dark one See always look on the bright don’t cut off your nose to spite your face side ﬁ sh or cut bait darkness it’s better to light one candle good company on the road is the short- than curse the darkness est cut darling better be an old man’s darling many kiss the hand they wish to see cut than a young man’s slave off dat bis dat qui cito dat See he gives twice a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed who gives quickly the tongue is not steel, but it cuts daughter admiration is the daughter of trust everybody, but cut the cards ignorance daisy it’s not spring until you can plant he that would the daughter win, must your foot upon twelve daisies with the mother ﬁ rst begin damn corporations have neither bod- like mother, like daughter ies to be punished nor souls to be a son is a son till he gets him a wife, a damned daughter’s a daughter all of her life there are lies, damned lies, and statistics dawn the darkest hour is just before you’ll be damned if you do and damned dawn if you don’t day another day, another dollar dance the devil dances in an empty an apple a day keeps the doctor away pocket as the day lengthens, so the cold he that lives in hope dances to an ill tune strengthens

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be the day weary or be the day long, at last better be dead than out of fashion See it ringeth to evensong better be out of the world than out of the better the day, the better the deed the fashion the child that is born on the Sabbath day is blessed are the dead that the rain rains on bonny and blithe and good and gay call no man happy till he is dead See call no the day is short and the work is long man happy till he dies every dog has his day dead men don’t bite fair and softly goes far in a day dead men tell no tales fi sh and guests stink after three days it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes from the day you were born till you ride let the dead bury the dead in a hearse, there’s nothing so bad but a live dog is better than a dead lion it might have been worse See nothing so never speak ill of the dead bad but it might have been worse praise no man till he is dead give a man a fi sh, and you feed him for stone-dead hath no fellow a day; show him how to fi sh, and you three may keep a secret, if two of them feed him for a lifetime are dead he who fi ghts and runs away may live to deadly the female of the species is fi ght another day deadlier than the male an hour before breakfast is worth two the deaf a deaf husband and a blind wife are rest of the day See an hour in the morn- always a happy couple ing is worth two in the evening there are none so deaf as those who will it’s all in a day’s work not hear live every day as though it were your last dear buy in the cheapest market and the longest day must have an end sell in the dearest my son is my son till he gets him a wife, experience keeps a dear school but my daughter’s my daughter all the far-fetched and dear-bought is good for days of her life See a son is a son till he ladies gets him a wife, a daughter’s a daughter gold may be bought too dear all of her life a thing you don’t want is dear at any never is a long day See never is a long price time dearth drought never bred dearth in one of these days is none of these days England Rome was not built in a day death after death the doctor save something for a rainy day better death than dishonor see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll cowards die many times before their death have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, death defi es the doctor bad luck you’ll have all the day death is the great leveler seize the day death keeps no calendar suffi cient unto the day is the evil thereof death pays all debts tomorrow is another day a dry cough is the trumpeter of death a wonder lasts but nine days every door may be shut but death’s door dead be happy while you’re living, for give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to you’re a long time dead death

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medicine can prolong life, but death will delay delays are dangerous seize the doctor, too desires are nourished by delays nothing is certain but death and taxes delight red sky at night, sailor’s delight; sleep is the brother of death red sky in the morning, sailors take there’s a remedy for everything except warning death delve when Adam delved and Eve span, debt death pays all debts who was then the gentleman? a man in debt is caught in a net Denmark something is rotten in the out of debt, out of danger state of Denmark speak not of my debts unless you mean deny deny self for self’s sake to pay them desert (n.) desert and reward seldom deceit self-deceit is the easiest of any keep company deceive appearances are deceiving desert (v.) rats desert a sinking ship what a tangled web we weave when fi rst deserve a civil question deserves a civil we practice to deceive answer deceptive appearances are deceptive none but the brave deserve the fair See appearances are deceiving one good turn deserves another deed the better the day, the better the desire desires are nourished by delays deed good health is more to be desired than corruption will fi nd a dozen alibis for its wealth See health is wealth evil deeds humble hearts have humble desires deeds, not words if you desire peace, prepare for war See if deeds are fruits, words are but leaves you want peace, prepare for war no good deed goes unpunished desperate desperate diseases must have take the will for the deed desperate remedies deep beauty is only skin deep destiny character is destiny don’t get into deep water until you learn hanging and wiving go by destiny how to swim See don’t go near the destroy whom the gods would destroy, water until you learn how to swim they fi rst make mad no tree takes so deep a root as prejudice detail the devil is in the details still waters run deep devil away goes the devil when he fi nds defeat victory has a hundred fathers and the door shut against him defeat is an orphan See success has many better the devil you know than the devil fathers, while failure is an orphan you don’t know defense the best defense is a good cards are the devil’s tools offense the devil always leaves a stink behind him defer hope deferred makes the heart the devil can cite scripture for his pur- sick pose defi le he that touches pitch shall be the devil dances in an empty pocket defi led the devil fi nds work for idle hands to do defy death defi es the doctor the devil gets up to the belfry by the dei vox populi, vox Dei See the voice of the vicar’s skirts people is the voice of God the devil is in the details

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the devil is not as black as he is painted good Americans, when they die, go to the devil looks after his own Paris the devil lurks behind the cross See the the good die young devil gets up to the belfry by the vicar’s he that lives on hope will die fasting skirts he who lives by the sword dies by the the devil makes his Christmas pies of law- sword yers’ tongues and clerks’ ﬁ ngers it’s better to die on your feet than live on the devil’s children have the devil’s luck your knees the devil was sick, the devil a saint would life’s a bitch, and then you die be; the devil was well, the devil a saint live and learn; die and forget See live and was he learn every man for himself and the devil take a man can only die once the hindmost more die of food than famine give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the never say die devil’s gold ring old habits die hard give the devil his due old soldiers never die God sends meat, but the devil sends cooks one for wind and one for crow, one to haste is from the devil die and one to grow See one for the he who sups with the devil should have a mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, long spoon one to grow an idle brain is the devil’s workshop see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll needs must when the devil drives have good luck; see a pin and let it lie, parsley seed goes nine times to the devil you’ll want a pin before you die See see set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll to the devil have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, speak of the devil and he always appears bad luck you’ll have all the day tell the truth and shame the devil we must eat a peck of dirt before we die what’s got over the devil’s back is spent whom the gods love die young under his belly you can only die once where God builds a church, the devil will you can’t shift an old tree without it build a chapel dying why should the devil have all the best young men may die, but old men must tunes? die young saint, old devil diem carpe diem See seize the day diamond diamond cuts diamond diet the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. dictionary the only place where success Quiet, and Dr. Merryman comes before work is in a dictionary diet cures more than doctors die call no man happy till he dies he that lives on hope has a slender diet See cowards die many times before their he that lives on hope will die fasting death differ tastes differ eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow difference the only difference between we die stumbling blocks and stepping-stones envy never dies is the way you use them

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different different strokes for differ- dish revenge is a dish best eaten cold ent folks welcome is the best dish on the table See diffi cult all things are easy to industry, welcome is the best cheer all things diffi cult to sloth wishes won’t wash dishes the diffi cult is done at once, the impos- dishonor better death than dishonor sible takes a little longer disillusion absence is the mother of it’s the fi rst step that is diffi cult See the disillusion fi rst step is the hardest dismount he who rides a tiger is afraid dig dig the well before you are thirsty to dismount when you are in a hole, stop digging dispose man proposes, God disposes digest cheese digests all things but disputandum de gustibus non est dispu- itself tandum See there’s no disputing about diligence diligence is the mother of tastes good luck dispute there’s no disputing about tastes dinner after dinner rest awhile, after distance distance lends enchantment supper walk a mile to the view better a dinner of herbs where love is than ditch if one sheep leaps over the ditch, a stalled ox where hate is all the rest will follow dirt poverty comes from God, but not if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall dirt into the ditch throw dirt enough, and some will stick divide divide and conquer we must eat a peck of dirt before we die a house divided against itself cannot dirty dirty water will quench fi re stand don’t throw away your dirty water until united we stand, divided we fall you get clean dividend honesty is the best policy, don’t wash your dirty linen in public though it may not pay the largest divi- disappoint blessed are they who expect dends See honesty is the best policy nothing, for they shall not be disap- divine to err is human, to forgive pointed divine discover prosperity discovers vice; do criticism is something you can avoid adversity, virtue by saying nothing, doing nothing, and discretion discretion is the better part being nothing of valor do as I say, not as I do an ounce of discretion is worth a pound do as you would be done by of wit do right and fear no man disease desperate diseases must have do unto others as you would have them desperate remedies do unto you the doctor is often more to be feared than do well and have well See never do things the disease by halves the remedy may be worse than the dis- easier said than done ease easy does it disgrace poverty is no disgrace, but it’s everybody talks about the weather, but a great inconvenience nobody does anything about it

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fools and children should never see half- medicine can prolong life, but death will done work seize the doctor, too the good that men do lives after them doer evil doers are evil dreaders handsome is as handsome does dog a barking dog never bites happy’s the wooing that’s not long a- better be the head of a dog than the tail doing of a lion if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing charity is not a bone you throw to a dog well but a bone you share with a dog if you want a thing done well, do it a dead dog tells no tales See dead men tell yourself no tales it’s dogged as does it the dog always returns to his vomit the king can do no wrong dog does not eat dog a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do a dog is a man’s best friend monkey see, monkey do the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on the more said, the less done a dog that will fetch a bone will carry a nature does nothing in vain bone never do evil that good may come of it every dog has his day never do things by halves every dog is a lion at home See every cock never put off until tomorrow what you will crow upon his own dunghill can do today every dog is allowed one bite never send a boy to do a man’s job give a dog a bad name and hang him the sooner begun, the sooner done a good dog deserves a good bone tell not all you know, nor do all you can he that would hang his dog gives out fi rst those who can, do; those who can’t, that he is mad teach if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay well begun is half done under the porch whatever man has done, man may do if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up what’s done cannot be undone with fl eas when in doubt, do nothing if you want something done, ask a busy when in Rome, do as the Romans do person a woman’s work is never done it’s a poor dog that’s not worth whistling you’ll be damned if you do and damned for if you don’t it’s easy to fi nd a stick to beat a dog you never know what you can do until it’s not the size of the dog in the fi ght, it’s you try the size of the fi ght in the dog doctor after death the doctor let sleeping dogs lie an apple a day keeps the doctor away a live dog is better than a dead lion the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, love me, love my dog and Dr. Merryman take a hair of the dog that bit you death defi es the doctor there are more ways of killing a dog than diet cures more than doctors choking it with butter See there are the doctor is often more to be feared than more ways of killing a cat than choking the disease it with cream

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there are more ways of killing a dog than sweep your own doorstep clean hanging it See there are more ways dose a dose of adversity is often as of killing a cat than choking it with needful as a dose of medicine cream doubt when in doubt, do nothing three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s down don’t hit a man when he’s down horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof he that is down need fear no fall when a dog bites a man, that is not news; prejudice is being down on what we are but when a man bites a dog, that is not up on news what goes up must come down while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a downhill business is like a car, it will third runs away with it not run by itself except downhill why keep a dog and bark yourself? downward the fi sh always stinks from you can’t teach an old dog new tricks the head downward See a fi sh stinks dogged it’s dogged as does it from the head dollar another day, another dollar dozen corruption will fi nd a dozen ali- take care of the pennies and the dollars bis for its evil deeds will take care of themselves it’s six of one and half a dozen of the done See do other door away goes the devil when he fi nds draw beauty draws with a single hair the door shut against him beware of an oak, it draws the stroke; avoid a creaking door hangs longest an ash, it counts the fl ash; creep under don’t shut the barn door after the horse the thorn, it can save you from harm is stolen whosoever draws his sword against the a door must be either shut or open prince must throw the scabbard away drive nature out of the door and it will dread a burnt child dreads the fi re return by the window See you can drive dreader evil doers are evil dreaders out nature with a pitchfork but she dream dream of a funeral and you hear keeps on coming back of a marriage every door may be shut but death’s door dreams go by contraries a golden key can open any door dreams retain the infi rmities of our char- a jackass can kick a barn door down, but it acter takes a carpenter to build one morning dreams come true an open door may tempt a saint drill no names, no pack-drill opportunity never knocks twice at any drink as you brew, so shall you drink man’s door See opportunity knocks eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow but once we die a postern door makes a thief he that drinks beer, thinks beer when one door closes, another one opens water is the only drink for a wise man when poverty comes in at the door, love you can lead a horse to water, but you fl ies out of the window can’t make him drink doorstep if every man would sweep drip constant dripping wears away a his own doorstep the city would soon stone See constant dropping wears be clean away a stone

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a dripping June sets all in tune due give credit where credit is due drive bad money drives out good give the devil his due drive gently over the stones worry is interest paid on trouble before hunger drives the wolf out of the wood it falls due needs must when the devil drives dull all work and no play makes Jack a one nail drives out another dull boy people are more easily led than driven dunghill every cock will crow upon his you can drive out nature with a pitchfork own dunghill but she keeps on coming back the sun is not less bright for shining on a drop constant dropping wears away a dunghill See the sun loses nothing by stone shining into a puddle the last drop makes the cup run over duty the fi rst duty of a soldier is obedi- little drops of water, little grains of sand, ence make a mighty ocean and a pleasant dwarf a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders land sees further of the two drought drought never bred dearth in each to each his own England eagle eagles don’t catch fl ies drown a drowning man will catch at where the carcass is, there will the eagles a straw be gathered if you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll ear fi elds have eyes and woods have never be drowned ears wine has drowned more men than the a hungry stomach has no ears sea keep your mouth shut and your ears open drunkard children, fools, and drunk- See keep your mouth shut and your ards tell the truth See children and eyes open fools speak the truth little pitchers have big ears drunken heaven protects children, sail- walls have ears ors, and drunken men drunkenness drunkenness reveals what you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s soberness conceals ear early dry a dry cough is the trumpeter of the early bird catches the worm death the early man never borrows from the a dry May and a dripping June bringeth late man all things in tune See a dripping June early ripe, early rotten See soon ripe, soon sets all in tune rotten put your trust in God, and keep your early to bed and early to rise, makes a man powder dry healthy, wealthy, and wise sow dry and set wet he comes too early who brings bad news you never miss the water till the well it’s better to be an hour too early than a runs dry minute too late duck go hunting where the ducks are late children, early orphans if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, earn a penny saved is a penny earned and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck earth the meek shall inherit the earth

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easily he who has a mind to beat a dog eavesdropper eavesdroppers hear no will easily fi nd a stick See it’s easy to good of themselves See listeners never fi nd a stick to beat a dog hear any good of themselves an old fox is not easily snared edge it’s ill jesting with edged tools people are more easily led than driven education education doesn’t come by east east, west, home’s best bumping your head against the school East is East and West is West and never the house twain shall meet genius without education is like silver in when the wind is in the east, ’tis neither the mine good for man nor beast never let your education interfere with easy all things are easy to industry, all your intelligence things diffi cult to sloth egg as good be an addled egg as an easier said than done idle bird easy come, easy go don’t kill the goose that lays the golden easy does it eggs it’s easier to tear down than to build up don’t put all your eggs in one basket it’s easy to be wise after the event don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs it’s easy to fi nd a stick to beat a dog half an egg is better than an empty shell the least said is the easiest mended See See half a loaf is better than no bread least said, soonest mended he that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens promises are like piecrust: easy made and all ill bird lays an ill egg easy broken See promises, like piecrust, which came fi rst, the chicken or the egg? are made to be broken you can’t make an omelette without self-deceit is the easiest of any breaking eggs eat appetite comes with eating you can’t unscramble eggs big fi sh eat little fi sh eight six hours’ sleep for a man, seven the cat would eat fi sh, but would not wet for a woman, and eight for a fool her feet elephant an elephant never forgets dog does not eat dog eleven rain before seven, fi ne before eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow eleven we die ell give a man an inch and he’ll take eat to live, do not live to eat an ell See give a man an inch and he’ll he that would eat the fruit must climb take a mile the tree elm every elm has its man he who does not work, neither should employee every employee tends to rise he eat to his level of incompetence the proof of the pudding is in the eating emptor caveat emptor See let the buyer revenge is a dish best eaten cold beware we must eat a peck of dirt before we die empty the devil dances in an empty whose bread I eat, his song I sing pocket you are what you eat an empty sack cannot stand upright you can’t have your cake and eat it too empty vessels make the most sound

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the glass is either half empty or half full it’s good to make a bridge of gold to a half an egg is better than an empty shell fl ying enemy See half a loaf is better than no bread lend money and you get an enemy See enchantment distance lends enchant- lend your money and lose your friend ment to the view love your enemy, but don’t put a gun in end all good things must come to an end his hand all’s well that ends well one enemy is too much a bayonet is a weapon with a worker at there’s no little enemy each end trust not a new friend nor an old enemy charity begins at home but should not end with friends like that, who needs enemies? there See charity begins at home engage when you argue with a fool, the end crowns the work make sure he isn’t similarly engaged the end justifi es the means England drought never bred dearth in everything has an end England a good beginning makes a good ending English the English are a nation of he who wills the end, wills the means shopkeepers an ill beginning makes an ill ending Englishman an Englishman’s home is it’s not the end of the world his castle See a man’s home is his castle it takes two to make a quarrel, but one enjoy gossip is vice enjoyed vicariously can end it See it takes two to make a if there were no clouds, we shouldn’t quarrel enjoy the sun the longest day must have an end enough enough is as good as a feast there’s a pot of gold at the end of the enough is enough rainbow too many chiefs and not enough Indians time ends all things a word is enough to the wise See a word to truth is truth to the end of the reckoning the wise is suffi cient a whistling girl and a crowing hen always enter a bribe will enter without knocking come to the same bad end See a whis- envy better be envied than pitied tling woman and a crowing hen are envy never dies neither fi t for God nor men equal all animals are equal, but some endure all commend patience, but none are more equal than others can endure to suffer all men are created equal he that would have eggs must endure the equality equality begins in the grave cackling of hens err to err is human, to forgive divine what can’t be cured must be endured errare humanum est errare See to err is enemy action is worry’s worst enemy human, to forgive divine the best is the enemy of the good escape little thieves are hanged, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend great ones escape every man is his own worst enemy eternal hope springs eternal in the God protect me from my friends—I can human breast protect myself from my enemies See the price of liberty is eternal vigilance save us from our friends Eve when Adam delved and Eve span, the good is the enemy of the best who was then the gentleman?

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even the best way to get even is to suffi cient unto the day is the evil thereof forget ex ex nihilo nihil fi t See nothing comes don’t get mad, get even of nothing never give a sucker an even break example example is better than precept evening an hour in the morning is a good example is the best sermon worth two in the evening exceedingly the mills of God grind evensong be the day weary or be the slowly, yet they grind exceedingly day long, at last it ringeth to evensong small event coming events cast their shadows excellent when house and land are before gone and spent, then learning is most it’s easy to be wise after the event excellent everybody everybody’s business is exception the exception proves the nobody’s business rule everybody’s queer but you and me, and self-interest is the rule, self-sacrifi ce the even you are a little queer exception what everybody says must be true there’s an exception to every rule you can’t please everybody exchange a fair exchange is no rob- everything everything has an end bery everything is good in its season excuse the absent are never without money isn’t everything fault nor the present without excuse a place for everything and everything in See he who is absent is always in the its place wrong there’s a fi rst time for everything accusing the times is but excusing our- there’s a time and place for everything selves timing is everything a bad excuse is better than none to everything there is a season he who excuses himself accuses himself winning isn’t everything, it’s the only he who is good at making excuses is sel- thing dom good at anything else evidence what the soldier said isn’t ignorance of the law is no excuse evidence excuse qui s’excuse, s’accuse See he who evil choose the lesser of two evils excuses himself accuses himself corruption will fi nd a dozen alibis for its exist if God did not exist, it would be evil deeds necessary to invent him evil be to him who thinks it expand work expands so as to fi ll the evil communications corrupt good man- time available for its completion ners expect blessed are they who expect noth- evil doers are evil dreaders ing, for they shall not be disappointed a great book is a great evil what can you expect from a pig but a idleness is the root of all evil grunt? the love of money is the root of all evil experience experience is a comb that money is the root of all evil fate gives a man when his hair is all never do evil that good may come of it gone see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil experience is the best teacher

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experience is the mother of wisdom failure success has many fathers, while experience is the teacher of fools failure is an orphan experience keeps a dear school success is never fi nal and failure is never some folks speak from experience; oth- fatal See success is never fi nal ers, from experience, don’t speak faint faint heart never won fair lady extreme extremes meet fair all’s fair in love and war extremity man’s extremity is God’s faint heart never won fair lady opportunity fair and softly goes far in a day eye beauty is in the eye of the beholder a fair exchange is no robbery the buyer needs a thousand eyes, the fair feathers make fair fowl See fi ne feath- seller wants but one ers make fi ne birds an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth fair play’s a jewel the eye is bigger than the belly fair words butter no cabbage See fi ne the eye of a master does more work than words butter no parsnips both his hands give and take is fair play the eyes are the mirrors of the soul hoist your sail when the wind is fair fi elds have eyes and woods have ears it’s always fair weather when good friends four eyes see more than two get together hawks will not pick out hawks’ eyes the joy of the heart makes the face fair in the country of the blind, the one-eyed See a merry heart makes a cheerful man is king countenance keep your eyes wide open before mar- Monday’s child is fair of face riage, half shut afterward none but the brave deserve the fair keep your mouth shut and your eyes soft and fair goes far open turnabout is fair play love is blind; friendship closes its eyes faith faith will move mountains please your eye and plague your heart fall the apple never falls far from the what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t tree grieve over as a tree falls, so shall it lie fable history is a fable agreed upon between two stools one falls to the face don’t cut off your nose to spite ground your face the bigger they are, the harder they fall the face is the index of the mind See the bread always falls buttered side down eyes are the mirrors of the soul a creaking door never falls from its hinges a good face is a letter of recommenda- See a creaking door hangs longest tion the falling out of lovers is the renewing the joy of the heart makes the face fair of love See the quarrel of lovers is the See a merry heart makes a cheerful renewal of love countenance happy is the bride that the sun shines on, Monday’s child is fair of face blessed is the corpse that the rain falls fact fact is stranger than fi ction on See happy is the bride that the sun facts are stubborn things shines on fail when all fruit fails, welcome haws hasty climbers have sudden falls

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he that is down need fear no fall the nearer the church, the farther from if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall God into the ditch stretch your arm no further than your if the sky falls, we shall catch larks sleeve will reach into every life a little rain must fall Thursday’s child has far to go let the chips fall where they may fare go farther and fare worse pride goes before a fall farther, farthest See far a reed before the wind lives on, while fashion better be out of the world than mighty oaks do fall out of the fashion a stumble may prevent a fall every man after his fashion united we stand, divided we fall fast bad news travels fast when thieves fall out, honest men come he that lives on hope will die fasting by their own he travels fastest who travels alone worry is interest paid on trouble before it’s ill speaking between a full man and it falls due a fasting fame common fame is seldom to fat a fat kitchen makes a lean will blame a green winter makes a fat churchyard everybody has his fi fteen minutes of fame laugh and grow fat familiarity familiarity breeds contempt the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings family accidents will happen in the fatal success is never fi nal and failure is best-regulated families never fatal See success is never fi nal every family has a skeleton in the closet fate experience is a comb that fate See there’s a skeleton in every closet gives a man when his hair is all gone the family that prays together stays father the child is father of the man together experience is the father of wisdom See there’s a black sheep in every family See experience is the mother of wisdom there’s a black sheep in every fl ock it’s a wise child that knows its own father famine more die of food than famine like father, like son fancy fancy passes beauty in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly success has many fathers, while failure is turns to thoughts of love an orphan a little of what you fancy does you good the wish is father to the thought far the apple never falls far from the tree fault the absent are never without fault blue are the hills that are far away nor the present without excuse See he fair and softly goes far in a day who is absent is always in the wrong far-fetched and dear-bought is good for a fault confessed is half redressed ladies faults are thick where love is thin the farthest way about is the nearest way great men have great faults home See the longest way around is the an honest look covereth many faults shortest way home wink at small faults go farther and fare worse favor fortune favors fools knowledge and wisdom are far from fortune favors the brave being one kissing goes by favor

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fear courage is fear that has said its good fences make good neighbors prayers the grass is always greener on the other the doctor is often more to be feared than side of the fence the disease festina festina lente See make haste do right and fear no man slowly fear lends wings fetch a dog that will fetch a bone will fear the Greeks bearing gifts See beware of carry a bone greeks bearing gifts far-fetched and dear-bought is good for fools rush in where angels fear to tread ladies he that is down need fear no fall fever feed a cold and starve a fever the only thing we have to fear is fear few books and friends should be few itself and good feast the company makes the feast few words are best a contented mind is a continual feast he who begins many things, fi nishes but enough is as good as a feast few feather birds of a feather flock many are called, but few are chosen together patience is a virtue which few possess— fi ne feathers make fi ne birds some have a little, others have less See feed the appetite grows on what it feeds patience is a virtue on See appetite comes with eating you win a few, you lose a few See you win don’t bite the hand that feeds you some, you lose some feed a cold and starve a fever fi ction fact is stranger than fi ction give a man a fi sh, and you feed him for truth is stranger than fi ction a day; show him how to fi sh, and you fiddle Nero fiddled while Rome feed him for a lifetime burned God never sends a mouth but he feeds there’s many a good tune played on an it See God never sends mouths but he old fi ddle sends meat fi ddler they that dance must pay the feel a man is as old as he feels, and a fi ddler woman as old as she looks fi eld fi elds have eyes and woods have pride feels no pain ears the way to be safe is never to feel secure fi eld-marshal every soldier has the See he that is too secure is not safe baton of a fi eld-marshal in his knapsack feet See foot fi erce the lion is not so fi erce as he is fell little strokes fell great oaks painted fellow stone-dead hath no fellow fi fteen everybody has his fi fteen min- fellowship a hedge between keeps fel- utes of fame lowship green See a hedge between fi ght councils of war never fi ght keeps friendship green fi ght fi re with fi re female the female of the species is he who fi ghts and runs away may live to deadlier than the male fi ght another day fence don’t take down a fence unless it’s not the size of the dog in the fi ght, it’s you are sure why it was put up the size of the fi ght in the dog

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war will cease when men refuse to fi ght fi nger the devil makes his Christmas while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a pies of lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ third runs away with it fi ngers you can’t fi ght City Hall fi ngers were made before forks fi ll little and often fi lls the purse fi nish don’t start anything you can’t work expands so as to fi ll the time avail- fi nish able for its completion he who begins many things, fi nishes but fi nal success is never fi nal few fi nd ask, and it shall be given you; seek, nice guys fi nish last and ye shall fi nd; knock, and it shall be fi re better a little fi re to warm us than a opened unto you big one to burn us the devil fi nds work for idle hands to do a burnt child dreads the fi re fi nd a penny, pick it up See see a pin and dirty water will quench fi re pick it up don’t jump from the frying pan into the fi nding is keeping fi r e a good man is hard to fi nd See good men fi ght fi re with fi re are scarce fi re is a good servant but a bad master the husband is always the last to fi nd out if you play with fi re, you get burned See the husband is always the last to much smoke, little fi re know there’s no smoke without fi re it’s easy to fi nd a stick to beat a dog three moves are as bad as a fi re keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd you should know a man seven years a use for it before you stir his fi re love will fi nd a way fi reside heated arguments do not warm opportunities look for you when you are the fi reside See the only thing a heated worth fi nding argument ever produced is coolness safe bind, safe fi nd fi rst better be fi rst in a village than scratch a Russian and you fi nd a Tartar second at Rome seek and you shall fi nd fi rst catch your hare those who hide can fi nd fi rst come, fi rst served water fi nds its own level See water seeks the fi rst duty of a soldier is obedience its own level the fi rst hundred years are the hardest winter fi nds out what summer lays up fi rst impressions are the most lasting fi nder fi nders keepers, losers weepers the fi rst seven years are the hardest fi ne fi ne feathers make fi ne birds the fi rst step is the hardest fi ne words butter no parsnips fi rst things fi rst the mills of God grind slowly, but they fi rst think, and then speak See think before grind exceedingly fi ne See the mills you speak of God grind slowly, yet they grind fi rst thrive and then wive exceedingly small fi rst try and then trust most people consider thrift a fi ne virtue if at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try again in ancestors let him who is without sin cast the fi rst rain before seven, fi ne before eleven stone

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pleasure fi rst and business after See busi- fl ag trade follows the fl ag ness before pleasure fl ash beware of an oak, it draws the safety fi rst stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; self-preservation is the fi rst law of nature creep under the thorn, it can save you shoot fi rst and ask questions afterward from harm there’s a fi rst time for everything fl attery fl attery, like perfume, should think fi rst and speak afterward See think be smelled but not swallowed before you speak imitation is the sincerest form of fl attery truth is the fi rst casualty of war fl aunt if you’ve got it, fl aunt it which came fi rst, the chicken or the fl ea big fl eas have little fl eas upon their egg? backs to bite ’em, and little fl eas have whom the gods would destroy, they fi rst lesser fl eas, and so ad infi nitum make mad if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up fi sh all fi sh are not caught with fl ies with fl eas all is fi sh that comes to the net nothing should be done in haste but grip- better a big fi sh in a little pond than a little ping a fl ea fi sh in a big pond fl esh the nearer the bone, the sweeter big fi sh eat little fi sh the fl esh the cat would eat fi sh, but would not wet the spirit is willing but the fl esh is weak her feet what’s bred in the bone will come out in fi sh and guests stink after three days the fl esh fi sh or cut bait fl ew See fl y (v.) a fi sh stinks from the head fl ight blessings brighten as they take fi sh where the fi sh are their fl ight give a man a fi sh, and you feed him for one courageous thought will put to fl ight a day; show him how to fi sh, and you a host of troubles feed him for a lifetime fl ing fl ing dirt enough, and some will the hook without bait catches no fi sh stick See throw dirt enough, and some it’s good fi shing in troubled waters will stick little fi sh are sweet youth will have its fl ing there are other fi sh in the sea fl ock birds of a feather fl ock together fi t God fi ts the back to the burden See there’s a black sheep in every fl ock God makes the back to the burden fl ower April showers bring May fl ow- if the shoe fi ts, wear it ers silence is the fi ttest reply to folly fl owers leave fragrance in the hand that a whistling woman and a crowing hen are bestows them neither fi t for God nor men fl y (n.) all fi sh are not caught with fl ies fi t ex nihilo nihil fi t See nothing comes eagles don’t catch fl ies of nothing a shut mouth catches no fl ies fi ve two’s a couple, three’s a crowd, you can catch more fl ies with honey than four’s too many, and fi ve’s not allowed with vinegar See two’s company, three’s a crowd you must lose a fl y to catch a trout See fi x if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it throw out a sprat to catch a mackerel

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fl y (v.) a bird in the hand is worth a a fool and his money are soon parted hundred fl ying See a bird in the hand is a fool at forty is a fool indeed worth two in the bush a fool may give a wise man counsel a bird never fl ew on one wing fool me once, shame on you; fool me birds of a feather fl y together See birds of twice, shame on me a feather fl ock together fools and children should never see half- if a pig had wings, it might fl y done work it’s good to make a bridge of gold to a fools ask questions that wise men cannot fl ying enemy answer time fl ies a fool’s bolt is soon shot when poverty comes in at the door, love fools build houses and wise men live in fl ies out of the window them you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over fools rush in where angels fear to tread your head, but you can keep them from fortune favors fools building a nest in your hair a man who is his own lawyer has a fool folk busy folks are always meddling for his client different strokes for different folks send a fool to market and a fool he’ll some folks speak from experience; oth- return ers, from experience, don’t speak six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a there’s nowt so queer as folk woman, and eight for a fool threatened folks live the longest See there’s no fool like an old fool threatened men live long when you argue with a fool, make sure he young folks think old folks to be fools, but isn’t similarly engaged old folks know young folks to be fools a white wall is the fool’s writing paper follow if one sheep leaps over the ditch, a wise man changes his mind, but a fool all the rest will follow never does trade follows the fl ag wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, follower a good leader is also a good fools by their own See learn from the follower mistakes of others folly anger without power is folly you can fool some of the people all of silence is the fi ttest reply to folly the time, and all of the people some of where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be the time, but you can’t fool all of the wise See ignorance is bliss people all of the time fond absence makes the heart grow young folks think old folks to be fools, fonder but old folks know young folks to food food without hospitality is medi- be fools cine foolish a foolish consistency is the hob- more die of food than famine goblin of little minds fool children and fools speak the truth it’s a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his experience is the teacher of fools confessor experience keeps a dear school, but fools penny wise and pound foolish will learn in no other See experience foot the cat would eat fi sh, but would keeps a dear school not wet her feet

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conscience gets a lot of credit that belongs he that has a wife and children has given to cold feet hostages to fortune it’s better to die on your feet than live on the wheel of fortune is forever in motion your knees forty a fool at forty is a fool indeed it’s not spring until you can plant your life begins at forty foot upon twelve daisies forward put your best foot forward put your best foot forward foul it’s an ill bird that fouls its own the shoe is on the other foot nest stand on your own two feet four a church is God between four use your head and save your feet See let walls your head save your heels four eyes see more than two footprint footprints on the sands of one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a time are not made by sitting down wedding; four for a birth forbear bear and forbear there goes more to marriage than four forbid forbidden fruit is sweet bare legs in a bed forearm forewarned is forearmed two and two make four forelock take time by the forelock two’s a couple, three’s a crowd, four’s too foretell long foretold, long last; short many, and fi ve’s not allowed See two’s notice, soon past company, three’s a crowd forewarn forewarned is forearmed fowl fair feathers make fair fowl See fi ne forget a bellowing cow soon forgets feathers make fi ne birds her calf fox don’t let the fox guard the hen- the best way to get even is to forget house the danger past and God forgotten the fox preys furthest from his hole an elephant never forgets an old fox is not easily snared forgive and forget fragrance fl owers leave fragrance in live and learn; die and forget See live and the hand that bestows them learn free the best things in life are free nobody forgets a good teacher love is free seldom seen, soon forgotten there’s no such thing as a free lunch forgive forgive and forget thought is free to err is human, to forgive divine why buy the cow when you can get the to know all is to forgive all milk for free? young men forgive, old men never See freely nothing is given so freely as youth and old age will never agree advice fork fi ngers were made before forks Friday Friday’s child is loving and giving form attack is the best form of defense friend be kind to your friends; if it See the best defense is a good offense weren’t for them, you would be a total imitation is the sincerest form of fl attery stranger fortune every man is the architect of the best of friends must part his own fortune books and friends should be few and fortune favors fools good fortune favors the brave a dog is a man’s best friend

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the enemy of my enemy is my friend it’s ill speaking between a full man and a friend in need is a friend indeed a fasting a friend to all is a friend to none Tuesday’s child is full of grace he that has a full purse never wanted a Wednesday’s child is full of woe friend the wheel comes full circle it’s always fair weather when good friends fullness out of the fullness of the heart get together the mouth speaks lend your money and lose your friend funeral dream of a funeral and you hear old friends and old wine are best of a marriage save us from our friends one funeral makes many short reckonings make long friends funny a rich man’s joke is always funny short visits make long friends further See far trust not a new friend nor an old enemy fury hell hath no fury like a woman wealth makes many friends scorned with friends like that, who needs enemies? future the future ain’t what it used to be friendship a hedge between keeps a man’s best reputation for the future is friendship green his record of the past love is blind; friendship closes its eyes gain light gains make heavy purses fright burn not your house to fright the no pain, no gain mouse away See burn not your house to nothing ventured, nothing gained scare away the mice one man’s loss is another man’s gain frog if frogs had wings, they wouldn’t politeness costs nothing and gains every- bump their tails on rocks See if a pig thing See civility costs nothing had wings, it might fl y there’s no great loss without some gain front the best place for criticism is in what you lose on the swings you gain on front of your mirror the roundabouts fruit deeds are fruits, words are but gale hoist up the sail while the gale leaves does last See hoist your sail when the forbidden fruit is sweet wind is fair he that would eat the fruit must climb gamble gambling is getting nothing for the tree something stolen fruit is sweet See stolen waters are game don’t change the rules in the sweet middle of the game the tree is known by its fruit the game is not worth the candle when all fruit fails, welcome haws it’s not whether you win or lose, but how fry don’t jump from the frying pan into you play the game the fi re lookers-on see most of the game fugit tempus fugit See time fl ies you can’t beat a man at his own game full full cup, steady hand gamekeeper an old poacher makes the the glass is either half empty or half full best gamekeeper he that has a full purse never wanted a gander what’s sauce for the goose is friend sauce for the gander

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gang the best-laid schemes of mice and when Adam delved and Eve span, who men gang aft a-gley was then the gentleman? garbage garbage in, garbage out gently drive gently over the stones garden a book is like a garden carried gently does it See easy does it in the pocket get the best way to get even is to forget if you would be happy for a week take don’t get mad, get even a wife; if you would be happy for a don’t wish too hard; you might just get month kill a pig; but if you would be what you wished for happy all your life plant a garden ill-gotten goods never thrive gasoline whiskey and gasoline don’t money gets money See money begets mix money gate a creaking gate hangs longest See a the more you get, the more you want creaking door hangs longest piss or get off the pot Gath tell it not in Gath saving is getting gather gather ye rosebuds while ye may what’s got over the devil’s back is spent a rolling stone gathers no moss under his belly where the carcass is, there will the eagles what you see is what you get be gathered when the going gets tough, the tough get gay the child that is born on the Sab- going bath day is bonny and blithe and good you can’t get blood from a stone and gay you don’t get something for nothing geese See goose you get nothing for nothing See nothing general war is too important to be left for nothing to the generals you get what you pay for what’s good for General Motors is good you never get anything for nothing See for America nothing for nothing generation from shirtsleeves to shirt- giant a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees sleeves is only three generations further of the two it takes three generations to make a gift beware of Greeks bearing gifts gentleman never look a gift horse in the mouth generous be just before you’re gener- a small gift usually gets small thanks ous gill every herring must hang by its genius genius is an inﬁ nite capacity for own gill taking pains girl boys seldom make passes at girls genius is one percent inspiration and who wear glasses ninety-nine percent perspiration one for sorrow, two for joy, three for a genius without education is like silver in girl, and four for a boy See one for sor- the mine row; two for mirth; three for a wed- gentleman a gentleman’s word is his ding; four for a birth bond See a man’s word is as good as a whistling girl and a crowing hen always his bond come to the same bad end See a whis- it takes three generations to make a tling woman and a crowing hen are gentleman neither ﬁ t for God nor men

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git them as asks, gits glitter all that glitters is not gold them as don’t ask, don’t git See ask, and glove a cat in gloves catches no mice it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall gluttony gluttony kills more than the fi nd; knock, and it shall be opened sword unto you go as Maine goes, so goes the nation give ask, and it shall be given you; seek, the best-laid schemes of mice and men oft and ye shall fi nd; knock, and it shall be go astray See the best-laid schemes of opened unto you mice and men gang aft a-gley don’t give up the ship the clock goes as it pleases the clerk everybody to whom much is given, of him don’t go near the water until you learn will much be required how to swim Friday’s child is loving and giving easy come, easy go give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to fair and softly goes far in a day death go abroad and you’ll hear news of home give a civil answer to a civil question See a go farther and fare worse civil question deserves a civil answer good Americans, when they die, go to give a loaf and beg a slice Paris give a dog a bad name and hang him he that goes a-borrowing, goes a-sorrow- give a man a fi sh, and you feed him for ing a day; show him how to fi sh, and you he that would go to sea for pleasure would feed him for a lifetime go to hell for a pastime give a man an inch and he’ll take a mile he that would learn to pray, let him go give a man enough rope and he’ll hang to sea himself he who has a tiger by the tail dare not let give and take is fair play go See he who rides a tiger is afraid to give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the dismount devil’s gold ring if anything can go wrong, it will give credit where credit is due if the mountain will not come to Moham- give me a child for the fi rst seven years med, Mohammed must go to the and he is mine for life mountain give the devil his due laws go as kings like he gives twice who gives quickly a lie can go around the world and back again it’s better to give than to receive while the truth is lacing up its boots the Lord gives and the Lord takes away love makes the world go round neither give nor take offense many go out for wool and come home never give a sucker an even break shorn nothing is given so freely as advice March comes in like a lion, and goes out glass the glass is either half empty or like a lamb half full money makes the mare go people who live in glass houses shouldn’t money makes the world go round throw stones much water goes by the mill that the glasses boys seldom make passes at miller knows not of girls who wear glasses never let the sun go down on your anger

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nothing goes over the back but that God never sends mouths but he sends comes under the belly See what’s got meat over the devil’s back is spent under God protect me from my friends—I can his belly protect myself from my enemies See pay as you go and nothing you’ll owe save us from our friends the pitcher will go to the well once too God sends meat, but the devil sends often cooks pride goes before a fall God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the quickly come, quickly go world the show must go on the gods send nuts to those who have no Thursday’s child has far to go teeth two tailors go to a man See nine tailors God takes soonest those he loves best make a man God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb what goes around, comes around if God did not exist, it would be necessary what goes up must come down to invent him when house and land are gone and spent, man proposes, God disposes then learning is most excellent man’s extremity is God’s opportunity when the going gets tough, the tough get the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceedingly small going the nearer the church, the farther from when the worst comes, the worst is going God See when things are at the worst they poverty comes from God, but not dirt begin to mend put your trust in God, and keep your when you go to dance, take heed whom powder dry you take by the hand the robin and the wren are God’s cock wisdom goes beyond strength and hen you can’t go home again take the goods the gods provide you can’t take it with you when you go See the voice of the people is the voice of you can’t take it with you God God, god all things are possible with where God builds a church, the devil will God build a chapel a church is God between four walls a whistling woman and a crowing hen are every man for himself and God for us all neither ﬁ t for God nor men God helps those who help themselves whom the gods love die young God is always on the side of the big bat- whom the gods would destroy, they ﬁ rst talions See providence is always on the make mad side of the big battalions you can’t serve God and mammon God is in the details See the devil is in the godliness cleanliness is next to godli- details ness God made the country and man made gold all that glitters is not gold the town give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the God makes the back to the burden devil’s gold ring God moves in mysterious ways gold may be bought too dear

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it’s good to make a bridge of gold to a good company on the road is the short- ﬂ ying enemy est cut there’s a pot of gold at the end of the the good die young rainbow a good dog deserves a good bone golden don’t kill the goose that lays the a good example is the best sermon golden eggs a good face is a letter of recommendation the golden age was never the present age good fences make good neighbors a golden key can open any door good health is more to be desired than silence is golden wealth See health is wealth speech is silver, but silence is golden a good horse cannot be of a bad color gone See go a good husband makes a good wife good all good things come in threes See the good is the enemy of the best things come in threes a good Jack makes a good Jill all good things come to those who wait a good leader is also a good follower all good things must come to an end good men are scarce any publicity is good publicity a good name is better than precious ointment as good be an addled egg as an idle bird a good name is sooner lost than won bad money drives out good a good reputation is more valuable than beauty is a good letter of introduction money the best defense is a good offense good riddance to bad rubbish the best is the enemy of the good the good seaman is known in bad better a good cow than a cow of a good weather kind good seed makes a good crop books and friends should be few and a good tale is not the worse for being good told twice a change is as good as a rest the good that men do lives after them the child that is born on the Sabbath day is good things come in small packages See bonny and blithe and good and gay the best things come in small packages confession is good for the soul good to forgive, best to forget See forgive diligence is the mother of good luck and forget don’t throw good money after bad good wine needs no bush enough is as good as a feast the hair of the dog is good for the bite See everything is good in its season take a hair of the dog that bit you evil communications corrupt good man- haste makes waste, and waste makes ners want, and want makes strife between a far-fetched and dear-bought is good for good man and his wife See haste makes ladies waste ﬁ re is a good servant but a bad master he who is good at making excuses is sel- good Americans, when they die, go to dom good at anything else Paris hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper a good beginning is half the battle if and an spoils many a good charter a good beginning makes a good ending if you can’t be good, be careful

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an ill agreement is better than a good there’s nothing so good for the inside of a judgment man as the outside of a horse it’s a good horse that never stumbles See a what’s good for General Motors is good stumble may prevent a fall for America it’s always fair weather when good friends you can have too much of a good thing get together you have to take the bad with the good it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any See you have to take the bitter with good the sweet it’s good fi shing in troubled waters goodness beauty is only skin-deep, but it’s good to make a bridge of gold to a goodness goes to the bone See beauty is fl ying enemy only skin-deep Jack’s as good as his master goods ill-gotten goods never thrive leave off while the play is good See quit take the goods the gods provide while you are ahead goose don’t kill the goose that lays the a liar should have a good memory golden eggs listeners never hear any good of them- every man thinks his own geese swans selves a goose quill is more dangerous than a a little absence does much good lion’s claw a little of what you fancy does you good what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for a man’s word is as good as his bond the gander a miss is as good as a mile gossip gossip is the lifeblood of society never do evil that good may come of it gossip is vice enjoyed vicariously nobody forgets a good teacher got, gotten See get a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind horse goût chacun à son goût See every man to no good deed goes unpunished his taste no news is good news govern that government is best which one good turn deserves another governs least one story is good till another is told government governments have long the road to hell is paved with good inten- arms See kings have long arms tions that government is best which governs a secret is either too good to keep or too least bad not to tell grace blushing is a sign of grace see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll grace will last, beauty will blast have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, Tuesday’s child is full of grace bad luck you’ll have all the day grain little drops of water, little grains there are as good fi sh in the sea as ever of sand, make a mighty ocean and a came out of it See there are other fi sh pleasant land in the sea grandmother don’t teach your grand- there’s good and bad in everything mother to suck eggs there’s many a good cock come out of a grasp grasp no more than the hand tattered bag will hold there’s many a good tune played on an grass the grass is always greener on the old fi ddle other side of the fence

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while the grass grows, the steed starves the grass is always greener on the other gratitude don’t overload gratitude; if side of the fence you do, she’ll kick a green winter makes a fat churchyard grave equality begins in the grave a hedge between keeps friendship green there’ll be sleeping enough in the grave grieve what the eye doesn’t see, the gray all cats are gray in the dark heart doesn’t grieve over the gray mare is the better horse grind the mill cannot grind with the grease the squeaky wheel gets the water that is past grease the mills of God grind slowly, yet they great behind every great man there is a grind exceedingly small great woman grip nothing should be done in haste death is the great leveler but gripping a ﬂ ea great boats may venture more, but little grist all is grist that comes to the mill boats should keep near shore See little ground between two stools one falls to boats should stay close to shore the ground a great book is a great evil grow absence makes the heart grow a great city, a great solitude fonder great cry but little wool See much cry and the appetite grows on what it feeds on See little wool appetite comes with eating the greater the truth, the greater the as the twig is bent, the child will grow libel See as the twig is bent, so is the tree great men have great faults inclined great minds think alike great oaks from little acorns grow great oaks from little acorns grow a growing youth has a wolf in his stom- great trees keep down little ones a half-truth is often a great lie See half the ach truth is often a whole lie ill weeds grow apace little strokes fell great oaks laugh and grow fat little thieves are hanged, but great ones money doesn’t grow on trees escape one for the mouse, one for the crow, one out of the mouths of babes and sucklings to rot, one to grow come great truths a tale grows better in the telling See a tale poverty is no disgrace, but it’s a great never loses in the telling inconvenience while the grass grows, the steed starves small sorrows speak; great ones are silent grunt what can you expect from a pig there’s no great loss without some gain but a grunt? thrift is a great revenue guard don’t let the fox guard the hen- time is a great healer house Greek beware of Greeks bearing gifts guest a constant guest is never welcome when Greek meets Greek, then comes the ﬁ sh and guests stink after three days tug of war guilty a guilty conscience needs no green far away the hills are green See accuser blue are the hills that are far away a man is innocent until proven guilty

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gun love your enemy, but don’t put a one half of the world doesn’t know how gun in his hand the other half lives stick to your guns two boys are half a boy, and three boys are gunner the cobbler to his last and the no boy at all gunner to his linstock See let the cob- well begun is half done bler stick to his last halfway don’t meet troubles halfway gustibus De gustibus non est disputandum a lie is halfway round the world before See there’s no disputing about tastes the truth has got its boots on See a gutter who repairs not his gutters lie can go around the world and back repairs his whole house again while the truth is lacing up its guy nice guys fi nish last boots habet necessitas non habet legem See hall it’s merry in hall when beards wag necessity knows no law all habit the habit does not make the monk you can’t fi ght City Hall See the cowl does not make the monk halloo don’t halloo till you are out of old habits die hard the woods See don’t shout until you are had See have out of the woods hair beauty draws with a single hair halve a trouble shared is a trouble experience is a comb that fate gives a man halved when his hair is all gone hammer the church is an anvil which take a hair of the dog that bit you has worn out many hammers you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over when all you have is a hammer, everything your head, but you can keep them from looks like a nail building a nest in your hair hand a bird in the hand is worth two half believe only half of what you see in the bush and nothing you hear cold hands, warm heart don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s the devil fi nds work for idle hands to do worth of tar don’t bite the hand that feeds you a fault confessed is half redressed the eye of a master does more work than fools and children should never see half- both his hands done work fl owers leave fragrance in the hand that the glass is either half empty or half full bestows them a good beginning is half the battle full cup, steady hand half a loaf is better than no bread grasp no more than the hand will hold the half is better than the whole the hand that rocks the cradle rules the half the truth is often a whole lie world he that has an ill name is half hanged See love your enemy, but don’t put a gun in give a dog a bad name and hang him his hand it’s six of one and half a dozen of the many hands make light work other many kiss the hand they wish to see cut keep your eyes wide open before mar- off riage, half shut afterward one hand for yourself and one for the never do things by halves ship

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one hand washes the other what has happened once can happen again time hangs heavy on idle hands worse things happen at sea when you go to dance, take heed whom happiness money can’t buy happiness you take by the hand happy be happy while you’re living, for handsome handsome is as handsome you’re a long time dead does call no man happy till he dies handy keep a thing seven years and a deaf husband and a blind wife are always it’s bound to come in handy See keep a happy couple a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd a happy is he that is happy in his children use for it happy is the bride that the sun shines hang all words are pegs to hang ideas on on happy is the country that has no history catching’s before hanging happy’s the wooing that’s not long a- confess and be hanged doing a creaking door hangs longest if you would be happy for a week take every herring must hang by its own gill a wife; if you would be happy for a give a dog a bad name and hang him month kill a pig; but if you would be give a man enough rope and he’ll hang happy all your life plant a garden himself it’s better to be happy than wise hanging and wiving go by destiny hard the bigger they are, the harder he that would hang his dog gives out fi rst they fall that he is mad don’t wish too hard; you might just get home is where you hang your hat what you wished for if you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll the fi rst hundred years are the hardest never be drowned the fi rst seven years are the hardest little thieves are hanged, but great ones the fi rst step is the hardest escape a good man is hard to fi nd See good men never speak of rope in the house of a man are scarce who has been hanged hard cases make bad law one might as well be hanged for a sheep the harder the storm, the sooner it’s over as for a lamb See the sharper the storm, the sooner there are more ways of killing a dog than it’s over hanging it See there are more ways hard words break no bones of killing a cat than choking it with hard work never hurt anybody See work cream never hurt anybody time hangs heavy on idle hands it’s hard to live in Rome and strive against ha’porth don’t spoil the ship for a the Pope See it’s ill sitting at Rome and ha’porth of tar See don’t spoil the ship striving with the Pope for half a penny’s worth of tar life is hard by the yard, but by the inch happen accidents will happen in the life’s a cinch best-regulated families old habits die hard shit happens Saturday’s child works hard for its living the unexpected always happens hare fi rst catch your hare

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if you run after two hares, you will catch haw when all fruit fails, welcome neither haws you can’t run with the hare and hunt with hawk hawks will not pick out hawks’ the hounds eyes harm beware of an oak, it draws the hay make hay while the sun shines stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; a wet May brings plenty of hay creep under the thorn, it can save you head better be the head of a dog than from harm the tail of a lion haste haste is from the devil education doesn’t come by bumping haste makes waste your head against the school house make haste slowly a fi sh stinks from the head marry in haste, repent at leisure heads I win, tails you lose more haste, less speed let your head save your heels nothing should be done in haste but a still tongue makes a wise head gripping a fl ea two heads are better than one hasty the hasty bitch bringeth forth uneasy lies the head that wears a crown blind whelps you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over hasty climbers have sudden falls your head, but you can keep them hat home is where you hang your hat from building a nest in your hair hatch don’t count your chickens you can’t put an old head on young before they are hatched shoulders hate better a dinner of herbs where heal physician, heal thyself love is than a stalled ox where hate is time heals all wounds See time is a great have hope and have healer the more you have, the more you want time will heal See time is a great healer See the more you get, the more you healer time is a great healer want health health is not valued till sick- much would have more ness comes nature will have its course health is wealth nothing venture, nothing have See noth- healthy early to bed and early to rise, ing ventured, nothing gained makes a man healthy, wealthy, and the only thing we have to fear is fear wise itself heap it takes a heap of living to make spare and have is better than spend and a house a home crave hear ask no questions and hear no lies spare well and have to spend See ask me no questions and I’ll tell use legs and have legs you no lies what you’ve never had you never miss believe only half of what you see and a willful man must have his way nothing you hear you can have too much of a good thing children should be seen and not heard you can’t have it both ways dream of a funeral and you hear of a you can’t have your cake and eat it too marriage you can’t lose what you never had hear all, see all say nowt

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listeners never hear any good of them- God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the selves world see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil heaven helps those who help themselves there are none so deaf as those who will See God helps those who help them- not hear selves the young cock crows as he heard the heaven protects children, sailors, and old one drunken men hearse from the day you were born till hell is full of good meanings, but heaven is you ride in a hearse, there’s nothing full of good works See the road to hell so bad but it might have been worse is paved with good intentions See nothing so bad but it might have marriages are made in heaven been worse there’s a season and a time for every heart absence makes the heart grow purpose under the heaven See to every- fonder thing there is a season cold hands, warm heart heavy every horse thinks its own pack faint heart never won fair lady heaviest a heavy purse makes a light heart a heavy purse makes a light heart home is where the heart is light gains make heavy purses hope deferred makes the heart sick a light purse makes a heavy heart time hangs heavy on idle hands humble hearts have humble desires hedge a hedge between keeps friend- if it were not for hope, the heart would ship green break heed when you go to dance, take heed it’s a poor heart that never rejoices whom you take by the hand kind hearts are more than coronets heel let your head save your heels the larger the body, the bigger the heart heir walnuts and pears you plant for a light purse makes a heavy heart your heirs a merry heart makes a cheerful counte- hell hell hath no fury like a woman nance scorned nothing is impossible to a willing heart he that would go to sea for pleasure would out of the fullness of the heart the mouth go to hell for a pastime speaks old maids lead apes in hell please your eye and plague your heart the road to hell is paved with good inten- the way to a man’s heart is through his tions stomach war is hell what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t help every little helps grieve over God helps those who help themselves heat if you can’t stand the heat, get out help you to salt, help you to sorrow of the kitchen a mouse may help a lion the only thing a heated argument ever hen he that would have eggs must produced is coolness endure the cackling of hens heaven crosses are ladders that lead to it’s a sad house where the hen crows heaven louder than the cock

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the robin and the wren are God’s cock historian history doesn’t repeat itself— and hen historians do See history repeats itself a whistling woman and a crowing hen are history happy is the country that has neither fi t for God nor men no history hence it’ll all be the same a hundred history is a fable agreed upon years hence See it’ll all be the same in a history repeats itself hundred years hit don’t hit a man when he’s down henhouse don’t let the fox guard the hitch hitch your wagon to a star henhouse hobgoblin a foolish consistency is the herb better a dinner of herbs where hobgoblin of little minds love is than a stalled ox where hate is hoist hoist your sail when the wind hero no man is a hero to his valet is fair herring every herring must hang by its hold grasp no more than the hand will own gill hold hole hesitate he who hesitates is lost the fox preys furthest from his hole hide don’t hide your light under a bushel the hole calls the thief if wind blows on you through a hole, say love and a cough cannot be hid your prayers and mind your soul those who hide can fi nd money burns a hole in the pocket you can run, but you can’t hide the mouse that has but one hole is quickly high the higher the monkey climbs the taken more he shows his tail when you are in a hole, stop digging the higher the tree, the sweeter the plum you can’t put a square peg in a round the highest branch is not the safest roost hole imitation is the highest form of fl attery home charity begins at home See imitation is the sincerest form of curses, like chickens, come home to fl attery roost a stream never rises higher than its source east, west, home’s best See a stream cannot rise above its every dog is a lion at home See every cock source will crow upon his own dunghill hill blue are the hills that are far away go abroad and you’ll hear news of home himself every man for himself and God home is home, be it ever so homely for us all home is where the heart is every man for himself and the devil take home is where you hang your hat the hindmost it takes a heap of living to make a house hinder meat and mass never hindered a home man the longest way around is the shortest hindmost every man for himself and way home the devil take the hindmost a man’s home is his castle hinge a creaking door never falls from many go out for wool and come home its hinges See a creaking door hangs shorn longest men make houses, women make homes hire the laborer is worthy of his hire there’s no place like home

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you can’t go home again hopefully it’s better to travel hopefully homely home is home, be it ever so than to arrive homely horn three things are not to be trusted: Homer Homer sometimes nods a cow’s horn, a dog’s tooth, and a honest an honest look covereth many horse’s hoof faults toot your own horn lest the same be an honest man’s word is as good as his never tooted bond See a man’s word is as good as horse better be the head of an ass than his bond the tail of a horse See better be the head honest men marry quickly, wise men not of a dog than the tail of a lion at all don’t put the cart before the horse when thieves fall out, honest men come don’t shut the barn door after the horse by their own is stolen honesty beauty and honesty seldom don’t swap horses in midstream agree every horse thinks its own pack heaviest honesty is more praised than practiced for want of a nail the shoe was lost, for honesty is the best policy want of a shoe the horse was lost, and honesty pays for want of a horse the rider was lost honey where bees are, there is honey give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to you can catch more ﬂ ies with honey than death with vinegar a good horse cannot be of a bad color honor honors change manners the gray mare is the better horse the post of honor is the post of danger a horse can’t pull while kicking a prophet is not without honor, save in his horses for courses own country if two ride on a horse, one must ride there’s honor among thieves behind hoof three things are not to be trusted: if wishes were horses, beggars would ride a cow’s horn, a dog’s tooth, and a it’s a good horse that never stumbles See a horse’s hoof stumble may prevent a fall hook the hook without bait catches the man who is born in a stable is not a no ﬁ sh horse hope he that lives in hope dances to an a man without a religion is a horse with- ill tune out a bridle he that lives on hope will die fasting never look a gift horse in the mouth hope and have a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind horse hope deferred makes the heart sick a short horse is soon curried hope for the best and prepare for the there’s nothing so good for the inside of a worst man as the outside of a horse hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s hope springs eternal in the human breast horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof if it were not for hope, the heart would while the grass grows, the horse starves break See while the grass grows, the steed while there’s life there’s hope starves

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the willing horse carries the load fools build houses and wise men live in you can lead a horse to water, but you them can’t make him drink a house divided against itself cannot stand zeal without knowledge is a runaway the house shows the owner horse a house without books is like a room horseback set a beggar on horseback, without windows and he’ll ride to the devil it’s a sad house where the hen crows hospitality food without hospitality is louder than the cock medicine it takes a heap of living to make a house host one courageous thought will put a home to fl ight a host of troubles learning is better than house or land hostage he that has a wife and children men make houses, women make homes has given hostages to fortune never speak of rope in the house of a man hot hot love is soon cold who has been hanged a little pot is soon hot people who live in glass houses shouldn’t strike while the iron is hot throw stones hound you can’t run with the hare and when house and land are gone and spent, hunt with the hounds then learning is most excellent hour better three hours too soon than a who repairs not his gutters repairs his minute too late See it’s better to be an whole house hour too early than a minute too late how it’s not what you say, but how you the darkest hour is just before dawn say it a fool can ask more questions in an hour human hope springs eternal in the than a wise man can answer in seven human breast years See fools ask questions that wise to err is human, to forgive divine men cannot answer humanum humanum est errare See to err an hour in the morning is worth two in is human, to forgive divine the evening humble humble hearts have humble it’s better to be an hour too early than a desires minute too late hundred a bird in the hand is worth a lose an hour in the morning, chase it all hundred fl ying See a bird in the hand is day worth two in the bush one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth the buyer has need of a hundred eyes, the two after seller of but one See the buyer needs a six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a thousand eyes, the seller wants but one woman, and eight for a fool the fi rst hundred years are the hardest house the back door robs the house See it’ll all be the same in a hundred years a postern door makes a thief victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is better one house spoiled than two an orphan See success has many fathers, burn not your house to scare away the while failure is an orphan mice hunger hunger drives the wolf out of education doesn’t come by bumping your the wood head against the school house hunger is the best sauce

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hungry a hungry man is an angry man prejudice is the child of ignorance a hungry stomach has no ears ill he that has an ill name is half hanged hunt go hunting where the ducks are See give a dog a bad name and hang him you can’t run with the hare and hunt with he that lives in hope dances to an ill tune the hounds an ill agreement is better than a good hurry always in a hurry, always behind judgment hurry no man’s cattle an ill beginning makes an ill ending hurt don’t cry before you’re hurt an ill bird lays an ill egg sticks and stones may break my bones, but ill doers are ill dreaders See evil doers are words will never hurt me evil dreaders the truth hurts ill-gotten goods never thrive what you don’t know can’t hurt you an ill master makes an ill servant See like work never hurt anybody master, like man husband a deaf husband and a blind ill news comes apace See bad news travels wife are always a happy couple fast a good husband makes a good wife ill weeds grow apace the husband is always the last to know it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest I I today, you tomorrow See today you, it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any tomorrow me good ice the rich man has his ice in the sum- it’s ill jesting with edged tools mer and the poor man gets his in the it’s ill sitting at Rome and striving with winter the Pope trust not one night’s ice it’s ill speaking between a full man and idea all words are pegs to hang ideas a fasting on it’s ill striving against the stream See strive idle as good be an addled egg as an not against the stream idle bird it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes the devil fi nds work for idle hands to do never speak ill of the dead an idle brain is the devil’s workshop imitation imitation is the sincerest idle people have the least leisure form of fl attery an idle youth, a needy age imp talk about the devil and his imps it’s idle to swallow the cow and choke will appear See talk of the devil and he’s on the tail sure to appear time hangs heavy on idle hands important war is too important to be idleness idleness is the root of all evil left to the generals if if and an spoils many a good charter impossible the diffi cult is done at once, if ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d the impossible takes a little longer be no work for tinkers nothing is impossible to a willing heart ignorance admiration is the daughter impression fi rst impressions are the of ignorance most lasting ignorance is a voluntary misfortune improve anger improves nothing but ignorance is bliss the arch of a cat’s back ignorance of the law is no excuse in garbage in, garbage out

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in for a penny, in for a pound inside there’s nothing so good for the when the wine is in, the wit is out inside of a man as the outside of a inch give a man an inch and he’ll take horse a mile inspiration genius is one percent inspi- life is hard by the yard, but by the inch ration and ninety-nine percent per- life’s a cinch spiration incline as the twig is bent, so is the tree intelligence never let your education inclined interfere with your intelligence incompetence every employee tends nobody ever went broke underestimat- to rise to his level of incompetence ing the intelligence of the American inconstancy there’s nothing constant people but inconstancy intention the road to hell is paved with inconvenience poverty is no disgrace, good intentions but it’s a great inconvenience interest interest will not lie indeed a friend in need is a friend self-interest is the rule, self-sacrifi ce the indeed exception index the face is the index of the mind worry is interest paid on trouble before See the eyes are the mirrors of the it falls due soul interfere never let your education Indian too many chiefs and not enough interfere with your intelligence Indians introduction beauty is a good letter of indispensable nobody is indispensable introduction industry all things are easy to industry, invent if God did not exist, it would be all things diffi cult to sloth necessary to invent him necessity sharpens industry invention necessity is the mother of infallible nobody is infallible invention infi nite genius is an infi nite capacity for iron iron not used soon rusts See the taking pains used key is always bright infi nitum big fl eas have little fl eas strike while the iron is hot upon their backs to bite ’em, and island no man is an island little fl eas have lesser fl eas, and so ad Jack, jack all work and no play makes infi nitum Jack a dull boy infi rmity dreams retain the infi rmities every Jack has his Jill of our character a good Jack makes a good Jill inherit the meek shall inherit the earth a jack of all trades is master of none inheritance beauty is no inheritance Jack’s as good as his master injure the rotten apple injures its jackass a jackass can kick a barn door neighbor See the rotten apple spoils down, but it takes a carpenter to build the barrel one injury neglect will kill an injury sooner jam jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, than revenge but never jam today innocent a man is innocent until proven jest it’s ill jesting with edged tools guilty many a true word is spoken in jest

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jester jesters do oft prove prophets great trees keep down little ones jewel fair play’s a jewel hope keeps the heart from breaking See if Jill every Jack has his Jill it were not for hope, the heart would a good Jack makes a good Jill break jingle when a man’s single, his pockets keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd will jingle a use for it job if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth keep no more cats than will catch mice doing well See if a thing’s worth doing, keep your eyes wide open before mar- it’s worth doing well riage, half shut afterward never send a boy to do a man’s job keep your mouth shut and your eyes join if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em open joke a rich man’s joke is always funny keep your shop and your shop will keep journey a journey of a thousand miles you begins with one step a man is known by the company he keeps Jove Jove but laughs at lover’s perjury one sword keeps another in its scabbard joy the joy of the heart makes the face put your trust in God, and keep your fair See a merry heart makes a cheerful powder dry countenance a secret is either too good to keep or too no joy without annoy bad not to tell one for sorrow, two for joy, three for a truth keeps to the bottom of her well See girl, and four for a boy See one for sor- truth lies at the bottom of a well row; two for mirth; three for a wed- why keep a dog and bark yourself? ding; four for a birth you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over a thing of beauty is a joy forever your head, but you can keep them from judge don’t judge a book by its cover building a nest in your hair don’t judge a man until you have walked a keeper fi nders keepers, losers weepers mile in his boots kernel he that would eat the kernel judge not according to appearances must crack the nut See he that would judge not, that ye be not judged eat the fruit must climb the tree nobody should be judge in his own cause kettle the pot calls the kettle black judgment an ill agreement is better key a golden key can open any door than a good judgment sloth is the key to poverty See sloth is the jump don’t jump from the frying pan mother of poverty into the fi re the used key is always bright June a dripping June sets all in tune kick don’t overload gratitude; if you just be just before you’re generous do, she’ll kick justice justice is blind a horse can’t pull while kicking justify the end justifi es the means a jackass can kick a barn door down, but it keep death keeps no calendar takes a carpenter to build one fi nding is keeping kill care killed the cat great boats may venture more, but little curiosity killed the cat boats should keep near shore See little don’t kill the goose that lays the golden boats should stay close to shore eggs

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gluttony kills more than the sword kitten wanton kittens make sober cats if you would be happy for a week take knapsack every soldier has the baton of a wife; if you would be happy for a a fi eld-marshal in his knapsack month kill a pig; but if you would be knee it’s better to die on your feet than happy all your life plant a garden live on your knees it’s not work that kills, but worry knife fi ngers were made before knives it’s the pace that kills and forks See fi ngers were made before killing no murder forks neglect will kill an injury sooner than knock a bribe will enter without revenge knocking there are more ways of killing a cat than ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye choking it with cream shall fi nd; knock, and it shall be opened kind (adj.) be kind to your friends; if unto you it weren’t for them, you would be a opportunity knocks but once total stranger opportunity never knocks for persons not kind hearts are more than coronets worth a rap kind (n.) better a good cow than a cow know better the devil you know than of a good kind the devil you don’t know it takes all kinds of people to make a by learning to obey, you will know how world to command See he that cannot obey king a cat can look at a king cannot command in the country of the blind, the one-eyed come live with me and you’ll know me man is king the good seaman is known in bad weather the king can do no wrong the husband is always the last to know kings have long arms it’s a wise child that knows its own father laws go as kings like it’s not what you know, but who you punctuality is the politeness of kings know kingdom content is more than a king- it takes one to know one dom know thyself for want of a nail the kingdom was lost See a man is known by the company he keeps for want of a nail the shoe was lost, for necessity knows no law want of a shoe the horse was lost, and a new broom sweeps clean, but an old for want of a horse the rider was lost broom knows all the corners See a new kirtle near is my kirtle, but nearer is my broom sweeps clean smock See near is my shirt, but nearer one half of the world doesn’t know how is my skin the other half lives kiss kissing goes by favor pay what you owe and you’ll know what many kiss the hand they wish to see cut you own off tell not all you know, nor do all you can kitchen a fat kitchen makes a lean will thinking is very far from knowing if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the those who know don’t speak; those who kitchen speak don’t know

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to know all is to forgive all laird new lairds make new laws See new the tree is known by its fruit lords, new laws the wearer best knows where the shoe lamb God tempers the wind to the pinches shorn lamb what you don’t know can’t hurt you March comes in like a lion and goes out who knows most, speaks least like a lamb years know more than books one might as well be hanged for a sheep you never know a man until you live as for a lamb with him land every land has its own law you never know what you can do until in the land of the blind, the one-eyed are you try kings See in the country of the blind, young folks think old folks to be fools, but the one-eyed man is king old folks know young folks to be fools learning is better than house or land you should know a man seven years little drops of water, little grains of sand, before you stir his ﬁ re make a mighty ocean and a pleasant land knowledge experience is the mother talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy of knowledge See experience is the land See talk is cheap mother of wisdom when house and land are gone and spent, knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much then learning is most excellent used until they are seasoned who has land has war knowledge and wisdom are far from you buy land, you buy stones; you buy being one meat, you buy bones knowledge is power lane it’s a long lane that has no turning a little knowledge is a dangerous thing See it’s a long road that has no turning zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse large honesty is the best policy, though known See know it may not pay the largest dividends See laborat qui non laborat non manducet See honesty is the best policy he who does not work, neither should the larger the body, the bigger the heart he eat lark if the sky falls, we shall catch larks laborer the laborer is worthy of his hire last (adj.) he who laughs last, laughs lace a lie can go around the world and longest back again while the truth is lacing up the husband is always the last to know its boots it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s ladder crosses are ladders that lead to back heaven last but not least he who would climb the ladder must the last drop makes the cup run over begin at the bottom live every day as though it were your last lady faint heart never won fair lady nice guys ﬁ nish last far-fetched and dear-bought is good for patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel ladies a pitcher that goes to the well too often is the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings broken at last See the pitcher will go to laid See lay the well once too often

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there are no birds in last year’s nest ignorance of the law is no excuse last (n.) let the cobbler stick to his last laws go as kings like last (v.) fi rst impressions are the most necessity knows no law lasting new lords, new laws grace will last, beauty will blast nobody is above the law hoist up the sail while the gale does last one law for the rich and another for the See hoist your sail when the wind is poor fair possession is nine points of the law long foretold, long last; short notice, self-preservation is the fi rst law of nature soon past a wise lawyer never goes to law himself man’s work lasts till set of sun; woman’s lawbreaker lawmakers should not be work is never done See a woman’s work lawbreakers is never done lawmaker lawmakers should not be a wonder lasts but nine days lawbreakers late better late than never lawyer the devil makes his Christmas pies the early man never borrows from the of lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers late man a man who is his own lawyer has a fool it’s better to be an hour too early than a for his client minute too late a wise lawyer never goes to law himself it’s never too late to learn lay all lay loads on the willing horse See it’s never too late to mend the willing horse carries the load it’s too late to shut the stable door after the best-laid schemes of mice and men the horse has bolted See don’t shut the gang aft a-gley barn door after the horse is stolen don’t kill the goose that lays the golden late children, early orphans eggs shoot fi rst, ask questions later See shoot see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll fi rst and ask questions afterward have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, laugh he who laughs last, laughs lon- bad luck you’ll have all the day gest lead all roads lead to Rome it’s better to laugh than to cry crosses are ladders that lead to heaven Jove but laughs at lover’s perjury if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall laugh and grow fat into the ditch laugh and the world laughs with you, old maids lead apes in hell weep and you weep alone one lie leads to another laugh before breakfast, cry before sunset people are more easily led than driven See sing before breakfast, cry before you can lead a horse to water, but you night can’t make him drink let them laugh that win leader a good leader is also a good love laughs at locksmiths follower laughter laughter is the best medicine leaf deeds are fruits, words are but law agree, for the law is costly leaves every land has its own law leak little leaks sink the ship hard cases make bad law lean a fat kitchen makes a lean will

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leap if one sheep leaps over the ditch, war is too important to be left to the all the rest will follow generals look before you leap when in doubt, leave it out See when in learn by learning to obey, you will doubt, do nothing know how to command See he that can- led See lead not obey cannot command left See leave don’t go near the water until you learn leg everybody stretches his legs accord- how to swim ing to the length of his coverlet experience keeps a dear school, but fools there goes more to marriage than four will learn in no other See experience bare legs in a bed keeps a dear school use legs and have legs he that would learn to pray, let him go legem necessitas non habet legem See to sea necessity knows no law in politics a man must learn to rise above leisure the busiest men have the most principle leisure it’s never too late to learn idle people have the least leisure learn from the mistakes of others marry in haste, repent at leisure learning is better than house or land there’s luck in leisure a little learning is a dangerous thing See a lend distance lends enchantment to the little knowledge is a dangerous thing view live and learn fear lends wings nobody is born learned; bishops are made lend your money and lose your friend of men lender neither a borrower nor a lender an old dog will learn no tricks See you be can’t teach an old dog new tricks length everybody stretches his legs there’s no royal road to learning according to the length of his coverlet wear your learning like your watch, in a length begets loathing private pocket lengthen as the day lengthens, so the we must learn to walk before we can run cold strengthens when house and land are gone and spent, lente festina lente See make haste slowly then learning is most excellent leopard the leopard can’t change its spots least idle people have the least leisure less less is more last but not least more haste, less speed least said, soonest mended the more said, the less done that government is best which governs of two evils choose the less See choose the least lesser of two evils who knows most, speaks least patience is a virtue which few possess— leave the devil always leaves a stink some have a little, others have less See behind him patience is a virtue leave no stone unturned lesser big fl eas have little fl eas upon leave off while the play is good See quit their backs to bite ’em, and little fl eas while you are ahead have lesser fl eas, and so ad infi nitum leave well enough alone choose the lesser of two evils

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let he who has a tiger by the tail dare interest will not lie not let go See he who rides a tiger is let sleeping dogs lie afraid to dismount see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll let bygones be bygones have good luck; see a pin and let it lie, let sleeping dogs lie you’ll want a pin before you die See let well alone See leave well enough alone see a pin and pick it up, all the day live and let live you’ll have good luck; see a pin and let never let the sun go down on your anger it lay, bad luck you’ll have all the day never let your education interfere with a traveler may lie with authority your intelligence truth lies at the bottom of a well spare at the spigot, and let out the uneasy lies the head that wears a crown bunghole life art is long and life is short letter beauty is a good letter of intro- the best things in life are free duction bread is the staff of life a good face is a letter of recommendation a cat has nine lives level every employee tends to rise to give me a child for the fi rst seven years his level of incompetence and he is mine for life water seeks its own level if you would be happy for a week take leveler death is the great leveler a wife; if you would be happy for a liar a liar is not believed when he tells month kill a pig; but if you would be happy all your life plant a garden the truth into every life a little rain must fall a liar is worse than a thief life begins at forty a liar should have a good memory life is hard by the yard, but by the inch show me a liar and I will show you a life’s a cinch thief life is just a bowl of cherries libel the greater the truth, the greater life is no bed of roses the libel life isn’t all beer and skittles liberty liberty is not licence life is short and sweet the price of liberty is eternal vigilance life is short and time is swift lick if you can’t lick ’em, join ’em See if life is too short you can’t beat ’em, join ’em life is what you make it lie (n.) ask me no questions and I’ll tell life’s a bitch, and then you die you no lies medicine can prolong life, but death will half the truth is often a whole lie seize the doctor, too a lie can go around the world and back again a son is a son till he gets him a wife, a while the truth is lacing up its boots daughter’s a daughter all of her life one lie leads to another variety is the spice of life there are lies, damned lies, and statistics while there’s life there’s hope lie (v.) as a tree falls, so shall it lie lifeblood gossip is the lifeblood of as you make your bed, so you must lie society in it lifetime give a man a fi sh, and you feed if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up him for a day; show him how to fi sh, with fl eas and you feed him for a lifetime

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lift a rising tide lifts all boats every dog is a lion at home See every cock light (adj.) a heavy purse makes a light will crow upon his own dunghill heart a goose quill is more dangerous than a light come, light go See easy come, easy go lion’s claw light gains make heavy purses the lion is not so fi erce as he is painted a light purse makes a heavy heart a live dog is better than a dead lion many hands make light work a man is a lion in his own cause small things affect light minds See little march comes in like a lion, and goes out things please little minds like a lamb light (n.) all arts are brothers, each is a a mouse may help a lion light to the other lip loose lips sink ships don’t hide your light under a bushel there’s many a slip between cup and lip light (v.) it’s better to light one candle liquor talk is cheap, but it takes money than curse the darkness to buy liquor See talk is cheap lightly in the spring a young man’s listener listeners never hear any good fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love of themselves lightning lightning never strikes twice little better a big fi sh in a little pond in the same place than a little fi sh in a big pond like (adj.) like attracts like better a little fi re to warm us than a big like breeds like one to burn us like cures like big fi sh eat little fi sh like father, like son big fl eas have little fl eas upon their backs like master, like man to bite ’em, and little fl eas have lesser like mother, like daughter fl eas, and so ad infi nitum like people, like priest birds in their little nests agree like (v.) if you don’t like it, you can everybody’s queer but you and me, and lump it even you are a little queer if you don’t like the heat, get out of the every little helps kitchen See if you can’t stand the heat, a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of get out of the kitchen little minds limit the sky’s the limit great oaks from little acorns grow line every cloud has a silver lining great trees keep down little ones linen don’t wash your dirty linen in into every life a little rain must fall public it’s better to light one little candle than never choose your women or linen by curse the darkness See it’s better to candlelight light one candle than curse the dark- link a chain is no stronger than its ness weakest link life is too short to be little See life is too linstock the cobbler to his last and the short gunner to his linstock See let the cob- a little absence does much good bler stick to his last little and often fi lls the purse lion better be the head of a dog than the little birds that can sing and won’t sing tail of a lion must be made to sing

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little boats should stay close to shore it’s better to die on your feet than live on little drops of water, little grains of sand, your knees make a mighty ocean and a pleasant it’s hard to live in Rome and strive against land the Pope See it’s ill sitting at Rome and little fi sh are sweet striving with the Pope a little knowledge is a dangerous thing it takes a heap of living to make a house little leaks sink the ship a home a little of what you fancy does you good live and learn little pitchers have big ears live and let live a little pot is soon hot live every day as though it were your last little strokes fell great oaks a living dog is better than a dead lion See a little thieves are hanged, but great ones live dog is better than a dead lion escape man does not live by bread alone little things please little minds one half of the world doesn’t know how love me little, love me long the other half lives many a little makes a mickle people who live in glass houses shouldn’t much cry and little wool throw stones much smoke, little fi re a reed before the wind lives on, while paper bleeds little mighty oaks do fall patience is a virtue which few possess— saturday’s child works hard for its living some have a little, others have less See they that live longest see most patience is a virtue threatened men live long there’s no little enemy you must take two bears to live with live (adj.) a live dog is better than a you—bear and forbear See bear and dead lion forbear live (v.) be happy while you’re living, you never know a man until you live for you’re a long time dead with him brave men lived before Agamemnon load the willing horse carries the load can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em loaf give a loaf and beg a slice come live with me and you’ll know me half a loaf is better than no bread eat to live, do not live to eat a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed fools build houses and wise men live in loathe length begets loathing them location location, location, location the good that men do lives after them locksmith love laughs at locksmiths he lives long who lives well lonely one seldom meets a lonely lie See he that lives in hope dances to an ill tune one lie leads to another he that lives on hope will die fasting long art is long and life is short he who fi ghts and runs away may live to be happy while you’re living, for you’re a fi ght another day long time dead he who lives by the sword dies by the be not idle and you shall not be longing sword See an idle youth, a needy age if you want to live and thrive, let the spi- be the day weary or be the day long, at last der run alive it ringeth to evensong

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a creaking door hangs longest look after the pennies and the dollars will the day is short and the work is long look after themselves See take care of the difﬁ cult is done at once, the impos- the pennies and the dollars will take sible takes a little longer care of themselves happy’s the wooing that’s not long a- look before you leap doing a man is as old as he feels, and a woman as he lives long who lives well old as she looks he that waits for dead men’s shoes may go never look a gift horse in the mouth a long time barefoot See it’s ill waiting opportunities look for you when you are for dead men’s shoes worth ﬁ nding he who laughs last, laughs longest when all you have is a hammer, everything he who sups with the devil should have a looks like a nail long spoon looker lookers-on see most of the it’s a long road that has no turning game kings have long arms loose loose lips sink ships the longest day must have an end lord everybody loves a lord the longest journey begins with a single the Lord gives and the Lord takes away step See a journey of a thousand miles the Lord moves in mysterious ways See begins with one step God moves in mysterious ways the longest way around is the shortest new lords, new laws way home lordship lordships change manners See long foretold, long last; short notice, honors change manners soon past lose a bleating sheep loses a bite love me little, love me long business neglected is business lost never is a long time catch not at shadows and lose the sub- old sins cast long shadows stance short reckonings make long friends the cow knows not the value of her tail till short visits make long friends she has lost it a stern chase is a long chase for want of a nail the shoe was lost, for they that live longest see most want of a shoe the horse was lost, and threatened men live long for want of a horse the rider was lost longa ars longa, vita brevis See art is long a good name is sooner lost than won and life is short heads I win, tails you lose look always look on the bright side he who hesitates is lost the art of being a parent consists of sleep- it’s better to lose the battle and win the ing when the baby isn’t looking war a cat can look at a king it’s not whether you win or lose, but how the devil looks after his own you play the game an honest look covereth many faults lend your money and lose your friend if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, lose an hour in the morning, chase it all and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck day look out for number one See take care of the sun loses nothing by shining into a number one puddle

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a tale never loses in the telling love begets love there’s nothing lost by civility love conquers all time lost cannot be recalled love is blind; friendship closes its eyes ’tis better to have loved and lost, than love is free never to have loved at all love laughs at locksmiths what you lose on the swings you gain on love makes the world go round the roundabouts love me little, love me long you can’t lose what you never had love me, love my dog you must lose a fl y to catch a trout See the love of money is the root of all evil throw out a sprat to catch a mackerel love will fi nd a way you snooze, you lose love your enemy, but don’t put a gun in you win some, you lose some his hand loser fi nders keepers, losers weepers love your neighbor as yourself the winners laugh, the losers weep See let lucky at cards, unlucky in love them laugh that win misery loves company loss one man’s loss is another man’s money loves company See money begets gain money there’s no great loss without some gain one cannot love and be wise lost See lose pity is akin to love lot one bad apple spoils the lot See the praise the child, and you make love to rotten apple spoils the barrel the mother lottery marriage is a lottery the quarrel of lovers is the renewal of loud actions speak louder than words love the more you stir a stink, the louder it ’tis better to have loved and lost, than smells See the more you stir it, the never to have loved at all worse it stinks when poverty comes in at the door, love louse sue a beggar and catch a louse fl ies out of the window love all’s fair in love and war whom the gods love die young better a dinner of herbs where love is than lover Jove but laughs at lover’s perjury a stalled ox where hate is the quarrel of lovers is the renewal of the course of true love never did run love smooth luck better luck next time everybody loves a lord the devil’s children have the devil’s luck faults are thick where love is thin diligence is the mother of good luck Friday’s child is loving and giving see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll God takes soonest those he loves best have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, hot love is soon cold bad luck you’ll have all the day in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly there’s luck in leisure turns to thoughts of love there’s luck in odd numbers it’s best to be off with the old love before lucky it’s better to be born lucky than you are on with the new rich love and a cough cannot be hid lucky at cards, unlucky in love

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third time lucky See the third time is the life is what you make it charm little birds that can sing and won’t sing lump if you don’t like it, you can lump must be made to sing it love makes the world go round lunch there’s no such thing as a free make haste slowly lunch make hay while the sun shines mackerel throw out a sprat to catch a manners make the man mackerel marriages are made in heaven mad don’t get mad, get even men make houses, women make homes he that would hang his dog gives out fi rst might makes right that he is mad money makes a man whom the gods would destroy, they fi rst money makes money See money begets make mad money made see make money makes the mare go maid old maids lead apes in hell money makes the world go round Maine as Maine goes, so goes the neither take offense nor make offense See nation neither give nor take offense majority it’s better to be right than in nine tailors make a man the majority one lie makes many See one lie leads to another make as you make your bed, so you one swallow does not make a summer must lie in it opportunity makes a thief clothes don’t make the man peace makes plenty clothes make the man poets are born, not made the company makes the feast a postern door makes a thief conscience does make cowards of us all practice makes perfect the cowl does not make the monk praise the child, and you make love to don’t make the same mistake twice the mother fi ngers were made before forks promises are like piecrust: easy made and fi rst catch your rabbit and then make your easy broken See promises, like piecrust, stew See fi rst catch your hare are made to be broken from nothing, nothing is made See nothing revolutions are not made with rose water comes of nothing rules are made to be broken haste makes waste short visits make long friends he who is good at making excuses is sel- success makes success as money makes dom good at anything else money See success breeds success if you don’t make mistakes you don’t the tailor makes the man make anything two and two and makes four it takes all kinds of people to make a two wrongs don’t make a right world you can lead a horse to water, but you it takes money to make money can’t make him drink it takes two to make a bargain you can’t make an omelette without it takes two to make a quarrel breaking eggs

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you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s every man is the architect of his own ear fortune you can’t make bricks without straw every man must skin his own skunk male the female of the species is dead- every man thinks his own geese swans lier than the male every man to his taste mammon you can’t serve God and every man to his trade mammon a fool may give a wise man counsel man all men are created equal fools ask questions that wise men cannot behind every great man there is a great answer woman give a man a ﬁ sh, and you feed him for the best-laid schemes of mice and men a day; show him how to ﬁ sh, and you gang aft a-gley feed him for a lifetime the best of men are but men at best give a man an inch and he’ll take a mile better be an old man’s darling than a give a man enough rope and he’ll hang young man’s slave himself a blind man’s wife needs no paint God made the country and man made brave men lived before Agamemnon the town the busiest men have the most leisure good men are scarce call a man a thief and he will steal the good that men do lives after them call no man happy till he dies great men have great faults the child is father of the man haste makes waste, and waste makes clothes don’t make the man want, and want makes strife between a clothes make the man good man and his wife See haste makes dead men don’t bite waste dead men tell no tales a hungry man is an angry man a dog is a man’s best friend hurry no man’s cattle don’t hit a man when he’s down in politics a man must learn to rise above don’t judge a man until you have walked a principle mile in his boots in the country of the blind, the one-eyed do right and fear no man man is king a drowning man will catch at a straw in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly the early man never borrows from the turns to thoughts of love late man it’s ill speaking between a full man and early to bed and early to rise, makes a man a fasting healthy, wealthy, and wise it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes every elm has its man like master, like man every man after his fashion a man can only die once every man for himself and God for us man does not live by bread alone all a man in debt is caught in a net every man for himself and the devil take a man is a lion in his own cause the hindmost a man is as old as he feels, and a woman as every man has his price old as she looks every man is his own worst enemy a man is innocent until proven guilty

388

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a man is known by the company he keeps one man’s loss is another man’s gain man is the measure of all things one man’s meat is another man’s poison manners make the man one man’s trash is another man’s treasure man proposes, God disposes one volunteer is worth two pressed men a man’s best reputation for the future is patience is a virtue, catch it if you can: his record of the past seldom in a woman and never in a man man’s extremity is God’s opportunity See patience is a virtue a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do praise no man till he is dead a man’s home is his castle the rich man has his ice in the summer and a man’s word is as good as his bond the poor man gets his in the winter man’s work lasts till set of sun; woman’s a rich man’s joke is always funny work is never done See a woman’s work six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a is never done woman, and eight for a fool the man who is born in a stable is not a so many men, so many opinions horse the style is the man a man who is his own lawyer has a fool the tailor makes the man for his client there’s a tide in the affairs of man a man without a religion is a horse with- there’s nothing so good for the inside of a out a bridle man as the outside of a horse a man wrapped up in himself makes a very threatened men live long small bundle time and tide wait for no man meat and mass never hindered man war will cease when men refuse to ﬁ ght men are blind in their own cause the way to a man’s heart is through his men are from Mars, women are from stomach Venus whatever man has done, man may do men make houses, women make homes when a dog bites a man, that is not news; but money makes a man when a man bites a dog, that is news never send a boy to do a man’s job when a man’s single, his pockets will never speak of rope in the house of a man jingle who has been hanged a whistling woman and a crowing hen are nine tailors make a man neither ﬁ t for God nor men nobody is born learned; bishops are made a willful man must have his way of men a wise man changes his mind, but a fool no man can call again yesterday See yester- never does day will not be called again a wise man is never less alone than when no man can serve two masters alone no man is above the law, and no man is wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, below it See nobody is above the law fools by their own See learn from the no man is a hero to his valet mistakes of others no man is an island you can’t be all things to all men no man is necessary See nobody is indis- you can’t beat a man at his own game pensable you never know a man until you live no moon, no man with him

389

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a young man married is a young man March March comes in like a lion, and marred goes out like a lamb young men may die, but old men must March winds and April showers always die bring May fl owers See April showers you should know a man seven years bring May fl owers before you stir his fi re mare the gray mare is the better horse manducet qui non laborat non manducet money makes the mare go See he who does not work, neither nothing so bold as a blind mare should he eat market buy in the cheapest market and manner evil communications corrupt sell in the dearest good manners send a fool to market and a fool he’ll honors change manners return manners make the man marriage dream of a funeral and you other times, other manners hear of a marriage many he who begins many things, fi n- keep your eyes wide open before mar- ishes but few riage, half shut afterward many a little makes a mickle marriage is a lottery many are called, but few are chosen marriages are made in heaven many a true word is spoken in jest there goes more to marriage than four many drops of water make an ocean See bare legs in a bed little drops of water, little grains of marry honest men marry quickly, wise sand, make a mighty ocean and a pleas- men not all ant land marry in haste, repent at leisure many go out for wool and come home marry in May, rue for aye shorn never marry for money, but marry where many hands make light work money is many kiss the hand they wish to see cut a young man married is a young man off marred one funeral makes many Mars men are from Mars, women are one lie makes many See one lie leads to from Venus another martyr the blood of the martyrs is the so many countries, so many customs seed of the church so many men, so many opinions mass meat and mass never hindered man there’s many a slip between cup and lip master the eye of a master does more too many chiefs and not enough Indians work than both his hands too many cooks spoil the broth fi re is a good servant but a bad master two’s a couple, three’s a crowd, four’s too a jack of all trades is master of none many, and fi ve’s not allowed See two’s Jack’s as good as his master company, three’s a crowd like master, like man mar a young man married is a young no man can serve two masters man marred may gather ye rosebuds while ye may march an army marches on its stom- he that will not when he may, when he ach will he may have nay

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young men may die, but old men must don’t meet troubles halfway die East is East and West is West and never the May April showers bring May fl owers twain shall meet marry in May, rue for aye extremes meet May chickens come cheeping one seldom meets a lonely lie See one lie ne’er cast a clout till May be out leads to another a wet May brings plenty of hay when Greek meets Greek, then comes the me today you, tomorrow me tug of war mean hell is full of good meanings, même plus ça change, plus c’est la même but heaven is full of good works See chose See the more things change, the the road to hell is paved with good more they stay the same intentions memory a liar should have a good silence means consent See silence gives memory consent men See man speak not of my debts unless you mean mend it’s never too late to mend to pay them least said, soonest mended means the end justifi es the means when things are at the worst they begin he who wills the end, wills the means to mend measure man is the measure of all mention never mention a rope in the things house of a man who has been hanged there’s measure in all things See Never speak of rope in the house of meat the closer to the bone, the sweeter a man who has been hanged the meat See the nearer the bone, the merry eat, drink, and be merry, for sweeter the fl esh tomorrow we die God never sends mouths but he sends it’s merry in hall when beards wag all meat a merry heart makes a cheerful coun- God sends meat, but the devil sends cooks tenance meat and mass never hindered man the more the merrier one man’s meat is another man’s poison merryman the best doctors are Dr. you buy land, you buy stones; you buy Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman meat, you buy bones messenger don’t shoot the messenger meddle busy folks are always meddling mice See mouse medicine a dose of adversity is often as mickle many a little makes a mickle needful as a dose of medicine middle don’t change horses in the mid- food without hospitality is medicine dle of the stream See don’t swap horses laughter is the best medicine in midstream medicine can prolong life, but death will don’t change the rules in the middle of seize the doctor, too the game meek the meek shall inherit the earth midge the mother of mischief is no big- meet be nice to people on your way ger than a midge’s wing up because you’ll meet them on your midnight one hour’s sleep before mid- way down night is worth two after

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midstream don’t swap horses in mid- he who has a mind to beat a dog will easily stream fi nd a stick See it’s easy to fi nd a stick might might makes right to beat a dog mighty a cock is mighty in his own if wind blows on you through a hole, say backyard See every cock will crow your prayers and mind your soul upon his own dunghill little things please little minds little drops of water, little grains of sand, a mind is a terrible thing to waste make a mighty ocean and a pleasant mind unemployed is mind unenjoyed land mind your own business the pen is mightier than the sword out of sight, out of mind a reed before the wind lives on, while travel broadens the mind mighty oaks do fall a wise man changes his mind, but a fool mile after dinner rest awhile, after sup- never does per walk a mile mine (n.) genius without education is cheerful company shortens the miles See like silver in the mine good company on the road is the short- mine (pron.) what’s yours is mine, and est cut what’s mine is my own give a man an inch and he’ll take a mile minute everybody has his fi fteen min- don’t judge a man until you have walked a utes of fame mile in his boots it’s better to be an hour too early than a a journey of a thousand miles begins with minute too late one step there’s a sucker born every minute a miss is as good as a mile miracle the age of miracles is past milk it’s no use crying over spilled mirror the best place for criticism is in milk front of your mirror why buy a cow when milk is so cheap? See the eyes are the mirrors of the soul why buy the cow when you can get the mirth one for sorrow; two for mirth; milk for free? three for a wedding; four for a birth mill all is grist that comes to the mill mischief the mother of mischief is no the mill cannot grind with the water that bigger than a midge’s wing is past misery misery loves company the mills of God grind slowly, yet they misery makes strange bedfellows See grind exceedingly small adversity makes strange bedfellows much water goes by the mill that the misfortune ignorance is a voluntary miller know not of misfortune mind calamity is the touchstone of a misfortunes never come singly brave mind miss a miss is as good as a mile a contented mind is a continual feast a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed the face is the index of the mind See the what you’ve never had you never miss eyes are the mirrors of the soul you never miss the water till the well a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of runs dry little minds mistake don’t make the same mistake great minds think alike twice

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if you don’t make mistakes you don’t talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy make anything land See talk is cheap learn from the mistakes of others talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy mix never mix business with pleasure liquor See talk is cheap oil and water do not mix time is money whiskey and gasoline don’t mix you pays your money and you takes your moderation moderation in all things choice moeurs autres temps, autres moeurs See monk the cowl does not make the other times, other manners monk Mohammed if the mountain will not monkey the higher the monkey climbs come to Mohammed, Mohammed the more he shows his tail must go to the mountain if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys moment seize the moment See seize monkey see, monkey do the day softly, softly, catchee monkey Monday Monday’s child is fair of face month if you would be happy for a week money bad money drives out good take a wife; if you would be happy for both poverty and prosperity come from a month kill a pig; but if you would be spending money—prosperity from happy all your life plant a garden spending it wisely moon no moon, no man don’t throw good money after bad more content is more than a kingdom a fool and his money are soon parted grasp no more than the hand will hold a good reputation is more valuable than half is more than the whole See the half is money better than the whole it takes money to make money less is more lend your money and lose your friend more haste, less speed the love of money is the root of all evil the more said, the less done money begets money the more the merrier money burns a hole in the pocket the more things change, the more they money can’t buy happiness stay the same money doesn’t grow on trees the more you get, the more you want money has no smell the more you stir it, the worse it stinks money isn’t everything much would have more money is power there are more ways of killing a cat than money is round and rolls away choking it with cream money is the root of all evil there’s more than one way to skin a cat money makes a man years know more than books money makes the mare go morning an hour in the morning is money makes the world go round worth two in the evening money talks lose an hour in the morning, chase it all never marry for money, but marry where day money is morning dreams come true success makes success as money makes red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in money See success breeds success the morning, sailors take warning

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mortuis de mortuis nil nisi bonum See when the cat’s away, the mice will play never speak ill of the dead mouth God never sends mouths but he moss a rolling stone gathers no moss sends meat most they that live longest see most keep your mouth shut and your eyes who knows most, speaks least open mother absence is the mother of disil- never look a gift horse in the mouth lusion out of the fullness of the heart the mouth diligence is the mother of good luck speaks experience is the mother of wisdom out of the mouths of babes and sucklings he that would the daughter win, must come great truths with the mother fi rst begin a shut mouth catches no fl ies idleness is the mother of all the vices See mouthful the sheep that bleats loses a idleness is the root of all evil mouthful See a bleating sheep loses a like mother, like daughter bite a mother can take care of ten children, move faith will move mountains but sometimes ten children can’t take god moves in a mysterious way care of one mother three moves are as bad as a fi re the mother of mischief is no bigger than a much birth is much but breeding more midge’s wing everybody to whom much is given, of him necessity is the mother of invention will much be required praise the child, and you make love to much coin, much care the mother much cry and little wool sloth is the mother of poverty much smoke, little fi re step on a crack, break your mother’s back much water goes by the mill that the motion the wheel of fortune is forever miller knows not of in motion much would have more motor what’s good for General Motors one enemy is too much is good for America you can have too much of a good thing mountain faith will move mountains muck where there’s muck there’s brass if the mountain will not come to Moham- muckle many a mickle makes a muckle med, Mohammed must go to the See many a little makes a mickle mountain multitude charity covers a multitude mouse the best-laid schemes of mice of sins and men gang aft a-gley murder killing no murder burn not your house to scare away the murder will out mice music he that lives in hope dances a cat in gloves catches no mice without music See he that lives in hope keep no more cats than will catch mice dances to an ill tune a mouse may help a lion music hath charms to soothe the savage the mouse that has but one hole is quickly breast taken must needs must when the devil drives one for the mouse, one for the crow, one what must be, must be See what will be, to rot, one to grow will be

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young men may die, but old men must die near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin mysterious God moves in mysterious necessary if God did not exist, it would ways be necessary to invent him nail for want of a nail the shoe was no man is necessary See nobody is indis- lost, for want of a shoe the horse was pensable lost, and for want of a horse the rider necessitas necessitas non habet legem See was lost necessity knows no law one nail drives out another necessity make a virtue of necessity when all you have is a hammer, everything necessity is the mother of invention looks like a nail necessity knows no law name give a dog a bad name and hang necessity sharpens industry him needs must when necessity drives See a good name is better than precious oint- needs must when the devil drives ment need a blind man’s wife needs no paint a good name is sooner lost than won the buyer needs a thousand eyes, the no names, no pack-drill seller wants but one a rose by any other name would smell a friend in need is a friend indeed as sweet a full cup needs a steady hand See full cup, sticks and stones may break my bones, but steady hand names will never hurt me good wine needs no bush what’s in a name? a guilty conscience needs no accuser nation as Maine goes, so goes the need makes the old wife trot nation needs must when the devil drives the English are a nation of shopkeepers with friends like that, who needs ene- nature nature abhors a vacuum mies? nature does nothing in vain you need more than dancing shoes to be nature passes nurture a dancer nature will have its course needful a dose of adversity is often as nurture passes nature needful as a dose of medicine self-preservation is the ﬁ rst law of nature needy an idle youth, a needy age you can drive out nature with a pitchfork neglect business neglected is business but she keeps on coming back lost nay he that will not when he may, when neglect will kill an injury sooner than he will he may have nay revenge near the farthest way about is the near- neighbor good fences make good est way home See the longest way neighbors around is the shortest way home love your neighbor as yourself great boats may venture more, but little the rotten apple injures its neighbor See boats should keep near shore See little the rotten apple spoils the barrel boats should stay close to shore Nero Nero fiddled while Rome the nearer the bone, the sweeter the ﬂ esh burned the nearer the church, the farther from nest birds in their little nests agree God it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest

395

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there are no birds in last year’s nest no news is good news you can’t keep the birds from fl ying over when a dog bites a man, that is not news; your head, but you can keep them from but when a man bites a dog, that is building a nest in your hair news net all is fi sh that comes to the net nice be nice to people on your way in vain the net is spread in the sight of up because you’ll meet them on your the bird way down a man in debt is caught in a net nice guys fi nish last never better late than never night all cats are black at night See all envy never dies cats are gray in the dark never do things by halves at night all cats are gray See all cats are never is a long time gray in the dark never say die the longest night will have an end See the never say never longest day must have an end never trouble trouble till trouble troubles night brings counsel you red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in never work with children or animals the morning, sailors take warning nought is never in danger sing before breakfast, cry before night tomorrow never comes trust not one night’s ice true blue will never stain nihil ex nihilo nihil fi t See nothing comes what you’ve never had you never miss of nothing wonders will never cease! nihilo ex nihilo nihil fi t See nothing you can’t lose what you never had comes of nothing youth and old age will never agree nil de mortuis nil nisi bonum See never new always something new out of speak ill of the dead Africa nine a cat has nine lives everything old is new again nine tailors make a man it’s best to be off with the old love before parsley seed goes nine times to the devil you are on with the new possession is nine points of the law a new broom sweeps clean a stitch in time saves nine a new day, a new dollar See another day, a wonder lasts but nine days another dollar ninety-nine genius is one percent inspi- new lords, new laws ration and ninety-nine percent perspi- there’s nothing new under the sun ration tomorrow is a new day See tomorrow is nisi de mortuis nil nisi bonum See never another day speak ill of the dead trust not a new friend nor an old enemy no beauty is no inheritance what’s new cannot be true leave no stone unturned you can’t put new wine in old bottles no joy without annoy you can’t teach an old dog new tricks no man can call again yesterday See yester- news bad news travels fast day will not be called again go abroad and you’ll hear news of home no moon, no man he comes too early who brings bad news no names, no pack-drill

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no news is good news one of these days is none of these days no pain, no gain there are none so blind as those who will no penny, no paternoster not see praise no man till he is dead there are none so deaf as those who will there’s no accounting for tastes not hear there’s no disputing about tastes too much of a good thing is worse than there’s no fool like an old fool none at all See you can have too much there’s no great loss without some gain of a good thing there’s no little enemy two is company but three is none See there’s no peace for the wicked two’s company, three’s a crowd there’s no place like home north the north wind doth blow and we there’s no pleasure without pain shall have snow there’s no rest for the weary nose don’t cut off your nose to spite there’s no rose without a thorn your face there’s no royal road to learning nothing believe only half of what you there’s no smoke without ﬁ re see and nothing you hear there’s no such thing as a free lunch civility costs nothing there’s no such thing as bad weather, only criticism is something you can avoid by the wrong clothes saying nothing, doing nothing, and there’s no time like the present being nothing nobody everybody’s business is nobody’s gambling is getting nothing for something business nature does nothing in vain it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any nothing comes of nothing good nothing for nothing nobody forgets a good teacher nothing is certain but the unforeseen nobody is above the law nothing succeeds like success nobody is indispensable nothing ventured, nothing gained nobody is infallible pay as you go and nothing you’ll owe nobody is perfect something is better than nothing those who please everybody please nobody the sun loses nothing by shining into a See you can’t please everybody puddle you can’t beat somebody with nobody there’s nothing lost by civility nod Homer sometimes nods there’s nothing new under the sun a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind horse we have nothing to fear but fear itself See the noise an empty barrel makes the most only thing we have to fear is fear itself noise See empty vessels make the most when in doubt, do nothing sound you don’t get something for nothing non non olet See money has no smell notice long foretold, long last; short none a friend to all is a friend to none notice, soon past half a loaf is better than none See half a loaf nought nought is never in danger is better than no bread nourish desires are nourished by delays a jack of all trades is master of none nowt there’s nowt so queer as folk none but the brave deserve the fair number take care of number one

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there’s luck in odd numbers old better be an old man’s darling than there’s safety in numbers a young man’s slave nurture nature passes nurture everything old is new again nurture passes nature it’s best to be off with the old love before nut the gods send nuts to those who you are on with the new have no teeth a man is as old as he feels, and a woman as he that would eat the kernel must crack old as she looks the nut See he that would eat the fruit need makes the old wife trot must climb the tree never too old to learn See it’s never too oak beware of an oak, it draws the late to learn stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; a new broom sweeps clean, but an old creep under the thorn, it can save you broom knows all the corners See a new from harm broom sweeps clean great oaks from little acorns grow an old fox is not easily snared little strokes fell great oaks old friends and old wine are best a reed before the wind lives on, while old habits die hard mighty oaks do fall old maids lead apes in hell obedience the fi rst duty of a soldier is an old poacher makes the best gamekeeper obedience old sins cast long shadows obey he that cannot obey cannot com- old soldiers never die mand spare when you’re young and spend when obey orders, if you break owners you’re old obvious the obvious choice is usually a there’s many a good tune played on an quick regret old fi ddle ocean little drops of water, little grains there’s no fool like an old fool of sand, make a mighty ocean and a trust not a new friend nor an old enemy pleasant land you can’t catch old birds with chaff odd there’s luck in odd numbers you can’t put an old head on young odious comparisons are odious shoulders off it’s best to be off with the old love you can’t put new wine in old bottles before you are on with the new you can’t shift an old tree without it dying offender offenders never pardon you can’t teach an old dog new tricks offense the best defense is a good a young barber and an old physician offense the young cock crows as he heard the neither give nor take offense old one often little and often fi lls the purse young folks think old folks to be fools, but the pitcher will go to the well once too old folks know young folks to be fools often young men forgive, old men never See oil oil and water do not mix youth and old age will never agree the squeaky wheel gets the oil See the young men may die, but old men must die squeaky wheel gets the grease young saint, old devil ointment a good name is better than youth and old age will never agree precious ointment older the older the wiser

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olet non olet See money has no smell if one sheep leaps over the ditch, all the omelette you can’t make an omelette rest will follow without breaking eggs if two ride on a horse, one must ride omission there’s a sin of omission as behind well as of commission in the country of the blind, the one-eyed omnia amor vincit omnia See love con- man is king quers all it’s six of one and half a dozen of the on it’s best to be off with the old love other before you are on with the new it takes one to know one once Christmas comes but once a year it takes two to make a quarrel, but one the difﬁ cult is done at once, the impos- can end it See it takes two to make a sible takes a little longer quarrel fool me once, shame on you; fool me a journey of a thousand miles begins with twice, shame on me one step a man can only die once knowledge and wisdom are far from once a priest, always a priest being one once a thief, always a thief the mouse that has but one hole is quickly once bitten, twice shy taken once burned, twice shy one bad apple spoils the lot See the rotten one cannot be in two places at once apple spoils the barrel opportunity knocks but once one business begets another the pitcher will go to the well once too one enemy is too much often one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a what has happened once can happen again wedding; four for a birth you can only die once one for the mouse, one for the crow, one you’re only young once to rot, one to grow one all arts are one, all branches on one one funeral makes many tree See all arts are brothers, each is a one good turn deserves another light to the other one hand for yourself and one for the better one house spoiled than two ship a bird never ﬂ ew on one wing one hand washes the other the buyer needs a thousand eyes, the one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth seller wants but one two after the coward dies a thousand deaths, the one law for the rich and another for the brave but one See cowards die many poor times before their death one lie leads to another every dog is allowed one bite one man’s loss is another man’s gain every one after his fashion See every man one man’s meat is another man’s poison after his fashion one man’s trash is another man’s treasure from the sublime to the ridiculous is only one nail drives out another one step one of these days is none of these days genius is one percent inspiration and one picture is worth ten thousand words ninety-nine percent perspiration one step at a time

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one story is good till another is told so many men, so many opinions one swallow does not make a summer opportunity man’s extremity is God’s one sword keeps another in its scabbard opportunity one thief robs another opportunities look for you when you are one volunteer is worth two pressed men worth fi nding one wedding brings another opportunity knocks but once one year’s seeding makes seven years’ opportunity makes a thief weeding opportunity never knocks for persons not take care of number one worth a rap there’s more than one way to skin a cat take opportunity by the forelock See take trust not one night’s ice time by the forelock two can keep a secret if one is dead See opposite opposites attract three may keep a secret, if two of them optimist the optimist’s cup is half full; are dead the pessimist’s cup is half empty See two eyes see more than one See four eyes the glass is either half empty or half see more than two full two heads are better than one order obey orders, if you break own- when one door closes, another one opens ers only avoidance is the only remedy orphan late children, early orphans the only thing we have to fear is fear success has many fathers, while failure is itself an orphan winning isn’t everything, it’s the only other do unto others as you would have thing them do unto you you can only die once the grass is always greener on the other you’re only young once side of the fence open ask, and it shall be given you; it’s six of one and half a dozen of the seek, and ye shall fi nd; knock, and it other shall be opened unto you learn from the mistakes of others a door must be either shut or open one half of the world doesn’t know how a golden key can open any door the other half lives keep your eyes wide open before mar- one hand washes the other riage, half shut afterward other times, other manners keep your mouth shut and your eyes a rose by any other name would smell open as sweet open confession is good for the soul See the shoe is on the other foot confession is good for the soul there are other fi sh in the sea an open door may tempt a saint ounce an ounce of common sense is when one door closes, another one opens worth a pound of theory opera the opera ain’t over till the fat an ounce of discretion is worth a pound lady sings of wit opinion he that complies against his an ounce of practice is worth a pound of will is of his own opinion still precept

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an ounce of prevention is worth a pound if every man would sweep his own door- of cure step the city would soon be clean out better be out of the world than out it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest of the fashion a man who is his own lawyer has a fool garbage in, garbage out for his client murder will out men are blind in their own cause out of debt, out of danger mind your own business out of sight, out of mind nobody should be judge in his own cause truth will out paddle your own canoe when the wine is in, the wit is out pay what you owe and you’ll know what outside there’s nothing so good for you own the inside of a man as the outside of a prophet is not without honor, save in his a horse own country over it’s not over till it’s over stand on your own two feet the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings to each his own the sharper the storm, the sooner it’s toot your own horn lest the same be over never tooted overload don’t overload gratitude; if travel east and travel west, a man’s own you do, she’ll kick home is still the best See east, west, owe pay as you go and nothing you’ll home’s best owe virtue is its own reward pay what you owe and you’ll know what water seeks its own level you own what’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is own a bawling cow soon forgets her my own own calf See a bellowing cow soon when thieves fall out, honest men come forgets her calf by their own the devil looks after his own wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, every cock will crow upon his own dung- fools by their own See learn from the hill mistakes of others every country has its own customs See so you can’t beat a man at his own game many countries, so many customs owner the house shows the owner every herring must hang by its own gill obey orders, if you break owners every horse thinks its own pack heaviest ox beauty draws more than oxen See every land has its own law beauty draws with a single hair every man is his own worst enemy better a dinner of herbs where love is than every man is the architect of his own a stalled ox where hate is fortune pace it’s the pace that kills every man must skin his own skunk pack every horse thinks its own pack every man thinks his own geese swans heaviest every tub must stand on its own bottom no names, no pack-drill he that complies against his will is of his package the best things come in small own opinion still packages

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paddle paddle your own canoe the mill cannot grind with the water that padlock wedlock is a padlock is past pain genius is an infi nite capacity for past cure, past care taking pains things past cannot be recalled no pain, no gain those who cannot remember the past are pride feels no pain condemned to repeat it there’s no pleasure without pain what’s past is prologue paint a blind man’s wife needs no paint a word spoken is past recalling the devil is not as black as he is painted pastime he that would go to sea for the lion is not so fi erce as he is painted pleasure would go to hell for a pas- pan don’t jump from the frying pan time into the fi re paternoster no penny, no paternoster if ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d path the path of true love never runs be no work for tinkers smooth See the course of true love paper paper bleeds little never did run smooth paper does not blush patience all commend patience, but a white wall is the fool’s writing paper none can endure to suffer pardon never ask pardon before you patience is a remedy for every sorrow are accused patience is a virtue offenders never pardon patriotism patriotism is the last refuge parent the art of being a parent con- of a scoundrel sists of sleeping when the baby isn’t pattern parents are patterns looking pave the road to hell is paved with good caution is the parent of safety intentions parents are patterns pay crime doesn’t pay Paris good Americans, when they die, death pays all debts go to Paris he who pays the piper calls the tune parsley parsley seed goes nine times to honesty is the best policy, though it may the devil not pay the largest dividends See hon- parsnip fi ne words butter no parsnips esty is the best policy part the best of friends must part honesty pays discretion is the better part of valor if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys a fool and his money are soon parted pay as you go and nothing you’ll owe if you’re not part of the solution, you’re pay beforehand was never well served part of the problem pay what you owe and you’ll know what pass boys seldom make passes at girls you own who wear glasses speak not of my debts unless you mean fancy passes beauty to pay them nature passes nurture they that dance must pay the piper nurture passes nature the third time pays for all See the third this, too, shall pass time is the charm past the age of miracles is past worry is interest paid on trouble before the danger past and God forgotten it falls due

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you get what you pay for people are more easily led than driven you pays your money and you takes your people who live in glass houses shouldn’t choice throw stones peace if you want peace, prepare for the voice of the people is the voice of war God nothing can bring you peace but yourself where there’s no vision, the people per- peace makes plenty ish there’s no peace for the wicked the world is a stage and all the people in it peanut if you pay peanuts, you get actors See all the world’s a stage monkeys you can fool some of the people all of pear walnuts and pears you plant for the time, and all of the people some of your heirs the time, but you can’t fool all of the pearl don’t cast your pearls before swine people all of the time peck we must eat a peck of dirt before percent genius is one percent inspiration we die and ninety-nine percent perspiration peg all words are pegs to hang ideas on perfect nobody is perfect you can’t put a square peg in a round practice makes perfect hole perfection trifl es make perfection, and pen the pen is mightier than the sword perfection is no trifl e penny a bad penny always turns up perfume fl attery, like perfume, should don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s be smelled but not swallowed worth of tar perish he who lives by the sword shall fi nd a penny, pick it up See see a pin and perish by the sword See he who lives by pick it up the sword dies by the sword in for a penny, in for a pound where there’s no vision, the people per- no penny, no paternoster ish a penny saved is a penny earned perjury Jove but laughs at lover’s per- penny wise and pound foolish jury take care of the pennies and the dollars perpetual a contented mind is a per- will take care of themselves petual feast See a contented mind is a people be nice to people on your way continual feast up because you’ll meet them on your person if you want something done, ask way down a busy person idle people have the least leisure opportunity never knocks for persons not it takes all kinds of people to make a worth a rap world pessimist the optimist’s cup is half full; like people, like priest the pessimist’s cup is half empty See the like priest, like people See like people, glass is either half empty or half full like priest physician physician, heal thyself most people consider thrift a fi ne virtue the three doctors Diet, Quiet, and Tem- in ancestors perance are the best physicians See the nobody ever went broke underestimating best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, the intelligence of the American people and Dr. Merryman

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a young barber and an old physician pitch he that touches pitch shall be pianist don’t shoot the pianist, he’s defi led doing his best pitcher little pitchers have big ears pick even a blind pig occasionally picks the pitcher will go to the well once too up an acorn often hawks will not pick out hawks’ eyes pitchfork you can drive out nature see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll with a pitchfork but she keeps on com- have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, ing back bad luck you’ll have all the day pity better be envied than pitied pickle hunger is the best pickle See pity is akin to love hunger is the best sauce place the best place for criticism is in picture every picture tells a story front of your mirror one picture is worth ten thousand words lightning never strikes twice in the same pie the devil makes his Christmas pies place of lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers one cannot be in two places at once piecrust promises, like piecrust, are the only place where success comes before made to be broken work is in a dictionary pig even a blind pig occasionally picks a place for everything and everything in up an acorn its place if a pig had wings, it might fl y there’s a time and place for everything if you would be happy for a week take there’s no place like home a wife; if you would be happy for a plague please your eye and plague your month kill a pig; but if you would be heart happy all your life plant a garden plant if you would be happy for a week pigs are pigs take a wife; if you would be happy for what can you expect from a pig but a a month kill a pig; but if you would be grunt? happy all your life plant a garden the young pig grunts like the old sow See it’s not spring until you can plant your the young cock crows as he heard the foot upon twelve daisies old one walnuts and pears you plant for your pilot in a calm sea every man is a pilot heirs pin it’s a sin to steal a pin plaster patience is a plaster for all sores see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll See patience is a remedy for every have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, sorrow bad luck you’ll have all the day play all work and no play makes Jack pinch the wearer best knows where the a dull boy shoe pinches don’t play with edged tools See it’s ill jest- pint you can’t get a quart into a pint ing with edged tools pot fair play’s a jewel piper he who pays the piper calls the tune give and take is fair play See they that dance must pay the piper if you play with fi re, you get burned they that dance must pay the piper it’s not whether you win or lose, but how piss piss or get off the pot you play the game

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leave off while the play is good See quite when a man’s single, his pockets will while you are ahead jingle there’s many a good tune played on an poet poets are born, not made old fi ddle point possession is nine points of the law those who play at bowls must look out poison one man’s meat is another man’s for rubbers poison turnabout is fair play policy honesty is the best policy when the cat’s away, the mice will play polish look on the bright side, or polish work before play up the dark one See always look on the player lookers-on see more than play- bright side ers See lookers-on see most of the politeness politeness costs nothing and game gains everything See civility costs noth- pleasant little drops of water, little ing grains of sand, make a mighty ocean punctuality is the politeness of kings and a pleasant land politics in politics a man must learn to please the clock goes as it pleases the rise above principle clerk politics makes strange bedfellows little things please little minds pond better a big fi sh in a little pond please your eye and plague your heart than a little fi sh in a big pond you can’t please everybody poor better be a poor man’s darling than pleasure business before pleasure a rich man’s slave See better be an old he that would go to sea for pleasure would man’s darling than a young man’s slave go to hell for a pastime it’s a poor dog that’s not worth whistling never mix business with pleasure for stolen pleasures are sweetest See stolen it’s a poor heart that never rejoices waters are sweet one law for the rich and another for the there’s no pleasure without pain poor plenty peace makes plenty the rich get richer and the poor get a wet May brings plenty of hay poorer plum the higher the tree, the sweeter the rich man has his ice in the summer and the plum the poor man gets his in the winter plus plus ça change, plus c’est la même pope it’s ill sitting at Rome and striving chose See the more things change, the with the Pope more they stay the same populi vox populi, vox Dei See the voice of poacher an old poacher makes the best the people is the voice of God gamekeeper porch if you can’t run with the big pocket a book is like a garden carried dogs, stay under the porch in the pocket port any port in a storm the devil dances in an empty pocket possess patience is a virtue which few money burns a hole in the pocket possess—some have a little, others shrouds have no pockets have less See patience is a virtue wear your learning like your watch, in a possession possession is nine points private pocket of the law

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possible all’s for the best in the best of power anger without power is folly all possible worlds art is power all things are possible with God knowledge is power post the post of honor is the post of money is power danger power corrupts, and absolute power cor- postern a postern door makes a thief rupts absolutely pot if ifs and ans were pots and pans, practice honesty is more praised than there’d be no work for tinkers practiced a little pot is soon hot an ounce of practice is worth a pound of piss or get off the pot precept the pot calls the kettle black practice makes perfect there’s a pot of gold at the end of the practice what you preach rainbow what a tangled web we weave when ﬁ rst a watched pot never boils we practice to deceive you can’t get a quart into a pint pot praise every cook praises his own pound in for a penny, in for a pound broth an ounce of common sense is worth a honesty is more praised than practiced pound of theory praise no man till he is dead an ounce of discretion is worth a pound praise the bridge that carries you over of wit praise the child, and you make love to an ounce of practice is worth a pound of the mother precept self-praise is no recommendation an ounce of prevention is worth a pound pray the family that prays together stays of cure together penny wise and pound foolish he that would learn to pray, let him go take care of the pence and the pounds will to sea take care of themselves See take care of prayer courage is fear that has said its the pennies and the dollars will take prayers care of themselves if wind blows on you through a hole, say pour it never rains but it pours your prayers and mind your soul poverty both poverty and prosper- preach practice what you preach ity come from spending money— preacher a preacher’s son is often bad See prosperity from spending it wisely clergymen’s sons always turn out badly poverty comes from God, but not precept example is better than precept dirt an ounce of practice is worth a pound of poverty is no disgrace, but it’s a great precept inconvenience precious a good name is better than poverty is not a crime precious ointment sloth is the mother of poverty prejudice no tree takes so deep a root when poverty comes in at the door, love as prejudice ﬂ ies out of the window prejudice is being down on what we are powder put your trust in God, and not up on keep your powder dry prejudice is the child of ignorance

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prepare hope for the best and prepare produce the only thing a heated argu- for the worst ment ever produced is coolness if you want peace, prepare for war prologue what’s past is prologue present the absent are never without prolong medicine can prolong life, but fault nor the present without excuse See death will seize the doctor, too he who is absent is always in the wrong promise promises, like piecrust, are the golden age was never the present age made to be broken there’s no time like the present the streets of hell are paved with promises preservation self-preservation is the See the road to hell is paved with good ﬁ rst law of nature intentions preserve alcohol will preserve anything proof the proof of the pudding is in but a secret the eating press one volunteer is worth two prophet jesters do oft prove prophets pressed men a prophet is not without honor, save in his prevent a stumble may prevent a fall own country prevention an ounce of prevention is propose man proposes, God disposes worth a pound of cure prosper cheaters never prosper prevention is better than cure ill-gotten goods seldom prosper See ill- prey the fox preys furthest from his gotten goods never thrive hole prosperity both poverty and prosperity price every man has his price come from spending money—pros- the price of liberty is eternal vigilance perity from spending it wisely a thing you don’t want is dear at any prosperity discovers vice; adversity, vir- price tue pride pride feels no pain prosperity is just around the corner pride goes before a fall protect God protect me from my priest like people, like priest friends—I can protect myself from my once a priest, always a priest enemies See save us from our friends prince punctuality is the politeness of heaven protects children, sailors, and princes See punctuality is the polite- drunken men ness of kings prove the exception proves the rule whosoever draws his sword against the jesters do oft prove prophets prince must throw the scabbard away a man is innocent until proven guilty principle in politics a man must learn provide take the goods the gods pro- to rise above principle vide prison stone walls do not a prison providence providence is always on the make side of the big battalions private wear your learning like your public don’t wash your dirty linen in watch, in a private pocket public problem if you’re not part of the solu- publicity any publicity is good public- tion, you’re part of the problem ity procrastination procrastination is the pudding the proof of the pudding is in thief of time the eating

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puddle better a big fi sh in a little pud- you can’t put a square peg in a round dle than a little fi sh in a big puddle See hole better a big fi sh in a little pond than a you can’t put new wine in old bottles little fi sh in a big pond quack if it looks like a duck, walks like a the sun loses nothing by shining into a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck puddle quarrel a bad workman quarrels with pull a horse can’t pull while kicking his tools punctuality punctuality is the polite- it takes two to make a quarrel ness of kings the quarrel of lovers is the renewal of punctuality is the soul of business love punish corporations have neither bod- quart you can’t get a quart into a pint ies to be punished nor souls to be pot damned queer everybody’s queer but you and pure to the pure all things are pure me, and even you are a little queer purpose the devil can cite scripture for there’s nowt so queer as folk his purpose quench dirty water will quench fi re there’s a season and a time for every question ask a silly question and you purpose under the heaven See to every- get a silly answer thing there is a season ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no purse a fat kitchen makes a lean purse lies See a fat kitchen makes a lean will a civil question deserves a civil answer a heavy purse makes a light heart fools ask questions that wise men cannot he that has a full purse never wanted a answer friend shoot fi rst and ask questions afterward light gains make heavy purses there are two sides to every question a light purse makes a heavy heart quick the obvious choice is usually a little and often fi lls the purse quick regret you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s quick ripe, quick rotten See soon ripe, ear soon rotten put don’t put all your eggs in one quickly he gives twice who gives basket quickly don’t put the cart before the horse the mouse that has but one hole is quickly don’t take down a fence unless you are taken sure why it was put up quickly come, quickly go never put off until tomorrow what you quiet the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. can do today Quiet, and Dr. Merryman put fi rst things fi rst See fi rst things fi rst quill a goose quill is more dangerous put your best foot forward than a lion’s claw what you put off and what you put on, quit quit while you are ahead never change till May be gone See ne’er a winner never quits, and a quitter never cast a clout till May be out wins you can’t put an old head on young quitter a winner never quits, and a shoulders quitter never wins

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quote the devil can quote scripture to reckon short reckonings make long his own advantage See the devil can cite friends scripture for his purpose truth is truth to the end of the reckoning rabbit fi rst catch your rabbit and then recommendation a good face is a letter make your stew See fi rst catch your hare of recommendation race the race is not to the swift, nor the self-praise is no recommendation battle to the strong record a man’s best reputation for the slow and steady wins the race future is his record of the past rain blessed are the dead that the rain red red sky at night, sailor’s delight; rains on red sky in the morning, sailors take dig a well before it rains See dig the well warning before you are thirsty redress a fault confessed is half happy is the bride that the sun shines on, redressed blessed is the corpse that the rain falls reed a reed before the wind lives on, on See happy is the bride that the sun while mighty oaks do fall shines on refuge patriotism is the last refuge of a happy is the bride that the sun shines on, scoundrel sorry is the bride that the rain rains refuse war will cease when men refuse on See happy is the bride that the sun to fi ght shines on regret the obvious choice is usually a into every life a little rain must fall quick regret it never rains but it pours regulate accidents will happen in the rain before seven, fi ne before eleven best-regulated families save something for a rainy day rejoice it’s a poor heart that never rainbow there’s a pot of gold at the end rejoices of the rainbow religion a man without a religion is a raise it takes a village to raise a child horse without a bridle rap opportunity never knocks for per- remedy avoidance is the only remedy sons not worth a rap desperate diseases must have desperate rat rats desert a sinking ship remedies reach stretch your arm no further than patience is a remedy for every sorrow your sleeve will reach the remedy may be worse than the disease reap as you sow, so shall you reap there’s a remedy for everything except they that sow the wind shall reap the death whirlwind remember those who cannot remember reason there’s reason in all things the past are condemned to repeat it recall things past cannot be recalled renew the falling out of lovers is the time lost cannot be recalled renewing of love See the quarrel of lov- a word spoken is past recalling ers is the renewal of love receive it’s better to give than to renewal the quarrel of lovers is the receive renewal of love receiver if there were no receivers, repair who repairs not his gutters there would be no thieves repairs his whole house

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repeat history repeats itself revolution revolutions are not made those who cannot remember the past are with rose water condemned to repeat it reward desert and reward seldom keep repent marry in haste, repent at lei- company sure virtue is its own reward reply silence is the ﬁ ttest reply to folly rich better be a poor man’s darling than reputation a good reputation is more a rich man’s slave See better be an old valuable than money man’s darling than a young man’s slave a man’s best reputation for the future is it’s better to be born lucky than rich his record of the past one law for the rich and another for the require everybody to whom much is poor given, of him will much be required riches have wings respond many are called, but few the rich get richer and the poor get respond See many are called, but few poorer are chosen the rich man has his ice in the summer and the poor man gets his in the winter rest after dinner rest awhile, after sup- a rich man’s joke is always funny per walk a mile riddance good riddance to bad rubbish a change is as good as a rest ride from the day you were born till there’s no rest for the weary you ride in a hearse, there’s nothing there’s no rest for the wicked See there’s so bad but it might have been worse no peace for the wicked See nothing so bad but it might have retain dreams retain the inﬁ rmities of been worse our character give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to return the dog always returns to his death vomit he who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount drive nature out of the door and it will if two ride on a horse, one must ride return by the window See you can drive behind out nature with a pitchfork but she if wishes were horses, beggars would keeps on coming back ride send a fool to market and a fool he’ll set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride return to the devil the tongue always returns to the sore there’s no such thing as a free ride See tooth there’s no such thing as a free lunch reveal drunkenness reveals what sober- rider for want of a nail the shoe was ness conceals lost, for want of a shoe the horse was revenge neglect will kill an injury lost, and for want of a horse the rider sooner than revenge was lost revenge is a dish best eaten cold time is the rider that breaks youth revenge is sweet ridiculous from the sublime to the revenue thrift is a great revenue ridiculous is only one step review he who would write and can’t right the customer is always right write can surely review do right and fear no man

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god’s in his heaven; all’s right with the robin the robin and the wren are God’s world cock and hen if you want something done right, do it Robin Hood Robin Hood could brave yourself See if you want a thing done all weathers but a thaw wind well, do it yourself rock (n.) if frogs had wings, they it’ll all come right in the wash See it’ll all wouldn’t bump their tails on rocks See come out in the wash if a pig had wings, it might fl y it’s better to be right than in the majority who won’t be ruled by the rudder must might makes right be ruled by the rock two wrongs don’t make a right rock (v.) don’t rock the boat ring be the day weary or be the day the hand that rocks the cradle rules the long, at last it ringeth to evensong world give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the rod spare the rod and spoil the child devil’s gold ring roll an apple doesn’t roll far from the ripe soon ripe, soon rotten tree See the apple never falls far from rise cream always rises to the top See the tree cream always comes to the top money is round and rolls away early to bed and early to rise, makes a man a rolling stone gathers no moss healthy, wealthy, and wise Roman when in Rome, do as the every employee tends to rise to his level Romans do of incompetence Rome all roads lead to Rome he who fi ghts and runs away may live to better be fi rst in a village than second at fi ght another day, but he that is in battle Rome slain will never rise to fi ght again See he it’s ill sitting at Rome and striving with who fi ghts and runs away may live to the Pope fi ght another day Nero fi ddled while Rome burned in politics a man must learn to rise above Rome was not built in a day principle when in Rome, do as the Romans do a rising tide lifts all boats room a house without books is like a a stream cannot rise above its source room without windows river you can’t step twice into the same there’s always room at the top river roost curses, like chickens, come home road all roads lead to Rome to roost good company on the road is the short- the highest branch is not the safest est cut roost it’s a long road that has no turning root idleness is the root of all evil the road to hell is paved with good inten- the love of money is the root of all evil tions money is the root of all evil there’s no royal road to learning no tree takes so deep a root as prejudice rob the back door robs the house See a rope give a man enough rope and he’ll postern door makes a thief hang himself one thief robs another never speak of rope in the house of a man robbery a fair exchange is no robbery who has been hanged

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rose life is no bed of roses there’s an exception to every rule revolutions are not made with rose water who won’t be ruled by the rudder must a rose by any other name would smell be ruled by the rock as sweet run blood is thicker than water, but a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose sometimes it runs mighty thin See there’s no rose without a thorn blood is thicker than water rosebud gather ye rosebuds while ye business is like a car, it will not run by may itself except downhill rot one for the mouse, one for the the course of true love never did run crow, one to rot, one to grow smooth rotten the rotten apple spoils the bar- great minds run in the same channels See rel great minds think alike small choice in rotten apples he who fi ghts and runs away may live to something is rotten in the state of Den- fi ght another day mark if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay soon ripe, soon rotten under the porch rough you have to take the rough with if you run after two hares, you will catch the smooth neither round love makes the world go round the last drop makes the cup run over money is round and rolls away still waters run deep money makes the world go round we must learn to walk before we can run you can’t put a square peg in a round while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a hole third runs away with it roundabout what you lose on the the world runs on wheels swings you gain on the roundabouts you can run, but you can’t hide royal there’s no royal road to learning you can’t run with the hare and hunt with rubber those who play at bowls must the hounds look out for rubbers you never miss the water till the well rubbish good riddance to bad rubbish runs dry ruby wisdom is better than rubies rush don’t rush the cattle See hurry no rudder who won’t be ruled by the rud- man’s cattle der must be ruled by the rock fools rush in where angels fear to tread rue marry in May, rue for aye Russian scratch a Russian and you fi nd rule divide and rule See divide and a Tartar conquer rust better to wear out than to rust don’t change the rules in the middle of out the game Sabbath the child that is born on the the exception proves the rule Sabbath day is bonny and blithe and the hand that rocks the cradle rules the good and gay world sack an empty sack cannot stand rules are made to be broken upright self-interest is the rule, self-sacrifi ce the sacrifi ce self-interest is the rule, self- exception sacrifi ce the exception

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sad it’s a sad heart that never rejoices sand footprints on the sands of time are See it’s a poor heart that never rejoices not made by sitting down it’s a sad house where the hen crows little drops of water, little grains of sand, louder than the cock make a mighty ocean and a pleasant safe better safe than sorry land he that is too secure is not safe sapienti verbum sapienti sat est See a word the highest branch is not the safest to the wise is suffi cient roost sarà che sarà, sarà See what will be, it’s better to be on the safe side will be safe bind, safe fi nd sat verbum sapienti sat est See a word to safety caution is the parent of safety the wise is suffi cient safety fi rst Saturday Saturday’s child works hard there’s safety in numbers for its living said See say sauce hunger is the best sauce sail hoist your sail when the wind is what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for fair the gander sailor heaven protects children, sailors, savage music hath charms to soothe and drunken men the savage breast red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in save beware of an oak, it draws the the morning, sailors take warning stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; saint the devil was sick, the devil a saint creep under the thorn, it can save you would be; the devil was well, the devil from harm a saint was he let your head save your heels an open door may tempt a saint a penny saved is a penny earned young saint, old devil save at the spigot and waste at the bung sake deny self for self’s sake See spare at the spigot, and let out the salt help you to salt, help you to sor- bunghole row save something for a rainy day same don’t make the same mistake save us from our friends twice saving is getting great minds run in the same channels See a stitch in time saves nine great minds think alike say courage is fear that has said its it’ll all be the same in a hundred years prayers lightning never strikes twice in the same criticism is something you can avoid by place saying nothing, doing nothing, and the more things change, the more they being nothing stay the same do as I say, not as I do toot your own horn lest the same be easier said than done never tooted if wind blows on you through a hole, say you can’t be in two places at the same your prayers and mind your soul time See one cannot be in two places it’s not what you say, but how you say it at once least said, soonest mended you can’t step twice into the same river the more said, the less done

413

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never say die wine has drowned more men than the sea never say never worse things happen at sea there’s many a true word said in jest See seaman the good seaman is known in many a true word is spoken in jest bad weather what everybody says must be true season everything is good in its season what the soldier said isn’t evidence knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much who says A must say B used until they are seasoned scabbard one sword keeps another in to everything there is a season its scabbard second better be fi rst in a village than whosoever draws his sword against the second at Rome prince must throw the scabbard away second thoughts are best scarce good men are scarce secret alcohol will preserve anything scare burn not your house to scare but a secret away the mice a secret is either too good to keep or too scarlet an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a bad not to tell varlet, though they be clad in silk or a secret’s a secret until it’s told scarlet three may keep a secret, if two of them scheme the best-laid schemes of mice are dead and men gang aft a-gley secure he that is too secure is not safe school education doesn’t come by bump- see believe only half of what you see ing your head against the school house and nothing you hear experience keeps a dear school children should be seen and not heard never tell tales out of school a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees further scorn hell hath no fury like a woman of the two scorned four eyes see more than two scoundrel patriotism is the last refuge hear all, see all, say nowt of a scoundrel lookers-on see most of the game scramble scrambled eggs can’t be many kiss the hand they wish to see cut unscrambled See you can’t unscramble off eggs monkey see, monkey do scratch scratch a Russian and you fi nd see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll a Tartar have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch bad luck you’ll have all the day yours seeing is believing scripture the devil can cite scripture see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil for his purpose seldom seen, soon forgotten sea he that would go to sea for pleasure there are none so blind as those who will would go to hell for a pastime not see he that would learn to pray, let him go they that live longest see most to sea what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t in a calm sea every man is a pilot grieve over there are other fi sh in the sea what you see is what you get

414

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seed the blood of the martyrs is the servant fi re is a good servant but a bad seed of the church master good seed makes a good crop serve any stick will serve to beat a dog one year’s seeding makes seven years’ with See it’s easy to fi nd a stick to beat weeding a dog parsley seed goes nine times to the devil fi rst come, fi rst served seek ask, and it shall be given you; if you would be well served, serve yourself seek, and ye shall fi nd; knock, and it no man can serve two masters shall be opened unto you pay beforehand was never well served seek and you shall fi nd revenge is a dish best served cold See water seeks its own level revenge is a dish best eaten cold seem be what you would seem to be they also serve who only stand and wait seen See see you can’t serve God and mammon seize medicine can prolong life, but youth must be served death will seize the doctor, too set don’t set a wolf to watch the sheep seize the day See don’t let the fox guard the hen- self deny self for self’s sake house self-deceit is the easiest of any a dripping June sets all in tune self-interest is the rule, self-sacrifi ce the man’s work lasts till set of sun; woman’s exception work is never done See a woman’s work self-praise is no recommendation is never done self-preservation is the fi rst law of nature set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride sell buy in the cheapest market and sell to the devil in the dearest set a thief to catch a thief never sell America short sow dry and set wet seller the buyer needs a thousand eyes, seven the fi rst seven years are the hard- the seller wants but one est send God never sends mouths but he a fool can ask more questions in an hour sends meat than a wise man can answer in seven God sends meat, but the devil sends years See fools ask questions that wise cooks men cannot answer the gods send nuts to those who have no give me a child for the fi rst seven years teeth and he is mine for life never send a boy to do a man’s job keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd send a fool to market and a fool he’ll a use for it return one year’s seeding makes seven years’ sense ask advice, but use your own weeding common sense rain before seven, fi ne before eleven an ounce of common sense is worth a six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a pound of theory woman, and eight for a fool sermon a good example is the best you should know a man seven years sermon before you stir his fi re

415

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shadow catch not at shadows and lose sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, the substance sailors take warning coming events cast their shadows before shift you can’t shift an old tree without old sins cast long shadows it dying shallow cross the stream where it is shine happy is the bride that the sun shallowest shines on shame fool me once, shame on you; make hay while the sun shines fool me twice, shame on me the sun loses nothing by shining into a tell the truth and shame the devil puddle share charity is not a bone you throw ship don’t give up the ship to a dog but a bone you share with a don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s dog worth of tar a secret shared is no secret See a secret’s a little leaks sink the ship secret until it’s told loose lips sink ships share and share alike one hand for yourself and one for the a trouble shared is a trouble halved ship sharp the sharper the storm, the sooner rats desert a sinking ship shirk it’s over sin, sorrow, and work are the things that men can’t shirk the sweetest wine makes the sharpest shirt near is my shirt, but nearer is vinegar See from the sweetest wine, the my skin tartest vinegar shirtsleeve from shirtsleeves to shirt- sharpen necessity sharpens industry sleeves is only three generations shear god tempers the wind to the shit shit happens shorn lamb shit or get off the pot See piss or get off many go out for wool and come home the pot shorn shoe for want of a nail the shoe was sheep a bleating sheep loses a bite lost, for want of a shoe the horse was don’t set a wolf to watch the sheep See lost, and for want of a horse the rider don’t let the fox guard the henhouse was lost if one sheep leaps over the ditch, all the if the shoe ﬁ ts, wear it rest will follow it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes it’s a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his the shoe is on the other foot confessor the wearer best knows where the shoe one might as well be hanged for a sheep pinches as for a lamb you need more than dancing shoes to be there’s a black sheep in every ﬂ ock a dancer shell half an egg is better than an empty shoemaker the shoemaker’s child shell See half a loaf is better than no always goes barefoot bread shoot action without thought is like shepherd red sky at night, shepherd’s shooting without aim delight; red sky in the morning, shep- don’t shoot the messenger herd’s warning See red sky at night, Don’t shoot the pianist, he’s doing his best

416

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a fool’s bolt is soon shot straws show which way the wind blows shoot fi rst and ask questions afterward shower April showers bring May fl ow- shop keep your shop and your shop will ers keep you shroud shrouds have no pockets shopkeeper the English are a nation of shut away goes the devil when he fi nds shopkeepers the door shut against him shore little boats should stay close to don’t shut the barn door after the horse shore is stolen shorn See shear a door must be either shut or open short art is long and life is short every door may be shut but death’s door the day is short and the work is long keep your eyes wide open before mar- good company on the road is the short- riage, half shut afterward est cut keep your mouth shut and your eyes open life is short and sweet a shut mouth catches no fl ies life is short and time is swift when one door shuts, another opens See life is too short when one door closes, another one the longest way around is the shortest opens way home shy once bitten, twice shy long foretold, long last; short notice, once burned, twice shy soon past sick the devil was sick, the devil a saint never sell America short would be; the devil was well, the devil a short horse is soon curried a saint was he short reckonings make long friends hope deferred makes the heart sick short visits make long friends sickness health is not valued till sick- shorten cheerful company shortens the ness comes miles See good company on the road is side always look on the bright side the shortest cut bread always falls buttered side down shoulder a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders the grass is always greener on the other sees further of the two side of the fence you can’t put an old head on young it’s better to be on the safe side shoulders providence is always on the side of the big shout don’t shout until you are out of battalions the woods there are two sides to every question show give a man a fi sh, and you feed sight in vain the net is spread in the him for a day; show him how to fi sh, sight of the bird and you feed him for a lifetime out of sight, out of mind the higher the monkey climbs the more he sign blushing is a sign of grace shows his tail silence silence gives consent the house shows the owner silence is golden if you can’t bite, never show your teeth silence is the fi ttest reply to folly show me a liar and I will show you a speech is silver, but silence is golden thief silent small sorrows speak; great ones the show must go on are silent

417

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there’s a time to speak and a time to be singly misfortunes never come singly silent sink little leaks sink the ship silk an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, loose lips sink ships though they be clad in silk or scarlet rats desert a sinking ship you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s sinner a young saint, an old sinner See ear young saint, old devil silly ask a silly question and you get a sit after dinner sit awhile, after supper silly answer walk a mile See after dinner rest awhile, silver every cloud has a silver lining after supper walk a mile genius without education is like silver in close sits my shirt, but closer my skin the mine See near is my shirt, but nearer is my speech is silver, but silence is golden skin similarly when you argue with a fool, footprints on the sands of time are not make sure he isn’t similarly engaged made by sitting down similia similia similibus curantur See like it’s as cheap sitting as standing cures like it’s ill sitting at Rome and striving with similibus similia similibus curantur See the Pope like cures like when two ride one horse, one must sit behind See if two ride on a horse, one sin charity covers a multitude of sins must ride behind it’s a sin to steal a pin six it’s six of one and half a dozen of let him who is without sin cast the fi rst the other stone six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a old sins cast long shadows woman, and eight for a fool sin, sorrow, and work are the things that size it’s not the size of the dog in the men can’t shirk fi ght, it’s the size of the fi ght in the there’s a sin of omission as well as of dog commission skeleton there’s a skeleton in every sincere imitation is the sincerest form closet of fl attery skin beauty is only skin deep sing America is a tune: it must be sung every man must skin his own skunk together near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin little birds that can sing and won’t sing there’s more than one way to skin a cat must be made to sing skirts the devil gets up to the belfry by the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings the vicar’s skirts sing before breakfast, cry before night skittle life isn’t all beer and skittles whose bread I eat, his song I sing skunk every man must skin his own single beauty draws with a single hair skunk the longest journey begins with a single sky if the sky falls, we shall catch larks step See a journey of a thousand miles red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in begins with one step the morning, sailors take warning when a man’s single, his pockets will the sky’s the limit jingle slain See slay

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slave better be an old man’s darling small choice in rotten apples than a young man’s slave a small gift usually gets small thanks slay he who fi ghts and runs away may small is beautiful live to fi ght another day, but he that is small leaks sink big ships See little leaks in battle slain will never rise to fi ght sink the ship again See he who fi ghts and runs away small sorrows speak; great ones are silent may live to fi ght another day small things affect light minds See little sleep the art of being a parent con- things please little minds sists of sleeping when the baby isn’t wink at small faults looking smell fi sh and visitors smell in three let sleeping dogs lie days See fi sh and guests stink after one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth three days two after fl attery, like perfume, should be smelled six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a but not swallowed woman, and eight for a fool money has no smell sleep is the brother of death a rose by any other name would smell there’ll be sleeping enough in the grave as sweet sleeve stretch your arm no further than smock near is my kirtle, but nearer your sleeve will reach is my smock See near is my shirt, but slender he that lives on hope has a nearer is my skin smoke slender diet See he that lives on hope love and smoke cannot be hidden See love and a cough cannot be hid will die fasting much smoke, little fi re slice give a loaf and beg a slice there’s no smoke without fi re a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed smooth the course of true love never slip a slip of the lip will sink a ship See did run smooth loose lips sink ships you have to take the rough with the there’s many a slip between cup and lip smooth sloth all things are easy to industry, all snare an old fox is not easily snared things diffi cult to sloth snooze you snooze, you lose sloth is the mother of poverty snow the north wind doth blow and we slow slow and steady wins the race shall have snow slow but sure so so many countries, so many customs slowly make haste slowly so many men, so many opinions the mills of God grind slowly, yet they sober wanton kittens make sober cats grind exceedingly small soberness drunkenness reveals what small the best things come in small soberness conceals packages society gossip is the lifeblood of society it’s a small world soft soft and fair goes far a man wrapped up in himself makes a very a soft answer turns away wrath small bundle softly fair and softly goes far in a day the mills of God grind slowly, yet they softly, softly, catchee monkey grind exceedingly small speak softly and carry a big stick

419

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soldier every soldier has the baton of a the sooner begun, the sooner done ﬁ eld-marshal in his knapsack sooner said than done See easier said than the ﬁ rst duty of a soldier is obedience done old soldiers never die soon ripe, soon rotten soldiers and travelers may lie in authority soothe music hath charms to soothe See a traveler may lie with authority the savage breast what the soldier said isn’t evidence sore patience is a plaster for all sores See solitude a great city, a great solitude patience is a remedy for every sorrow solution if you’re not part of the solu- the tongue always returns to the sore tion, you’re part of the problem tooth some you can fool some of the people sorrow help you to salt, help you to all of the time, and all of the people sorrow some of the time, but you can’t fool all he that goes a-borrowing, goes a-sor- of the people all of the time rowing you win some, you lose some one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a somebody you can’t beat somebody wedding; four for a birth with nobody patience is a remedy for every sorrow something gambling is getting nothing sin, sorrow, and work are the things that for something men can’t shirk save something for a rainy day small sorrows speak; great ones are silent something is better than nothing sorrow comes unsent for something is rotten in the state of Den- sorry better safe than sorry mark happy is the bride that the sun shines on, you don’t get something for nothing sorry is the bride that the rain rains son clergymen’s sons always turn out on See happy is the bride that the sun badly shines on like father, like son sort it takes all sorts to make a world a son is a son till he gets him a wife, a See it takes all kinds of people to make daughter’s a daughter all of her life a world song whose bread I eat, his song I sing soul brevity is the soul of wit songless a believer is a songless bird confession is good for the soul in a cage corporations have neither bodies to be soon bad news always comes too soon punished nor souls to be damned See he comes too early who brings bad the eyes are the mirrors of the soul news if wind blows on you through a hole, say better three hours too soon than a minute your prayers and mind your soul too late See it’s better to be an hour too punctuality is the soul of business early than a minute too late sound empty vessels make the most God takes soonest those he loves best sound least said, soonest mended source a stream cannot rise above its seldom seen, soon forgotten source the sharper the storm, the sooner it’s sow (n.) you can’t make a silk purse out over of a sow’s ear

420

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sow (v.) as you sow, so shall you reap think before you speak sow dry and set wet think much, speak little, and write less they that sow the wind shall reap the those who know don’t speak; those who whirlwind speak don’t know spade call a spade a spade who knows most, speaks least span See spin a word spoken is past recalling spare spare and have is better than species the female of the species is spend and crave deadlier than the male spare at the spigot, and let out the bunghole speculate if you don’t speculate, you spare the rod and spoil the child can’t accumulate spare well and have to spend speech speech is silver, but silence is spare when you’re young and spend when golden you’re old speed more haste, less speed speak actions speak louder than words spend both poverty and prosperity children and fools speak the truth come from spending money—pros- everybody speaks well of the bridge that perity from spending it wisely carries him over See praise the bridge spare and have is better than spend and that carries you over crave it’s ill speaking between a full man and spare well and have to spend a fasting spare when you’re young and spend when many a true word is spoken in jest you’re old never speak ill of the dead what’s got over the devil’s back is spent never speak of rope in the house of a man under his belly who has been hanged when house and land are gone and spent, nobody believes a liar when he speaks the then learning is most excellent truth See a liar is not believed when he spice variety is the spice of life tells the truth spider if you want to live and thrive, let out of the fullness of the heart the mouth the spider run alive speaks spigot spare at the spigot, and let out see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil the bunghole small sorrows speak; great ones are silent spill it’s no use crying over spilled milk some folks speak from experience; spin when Adam delved and Eve span, others, from experience, don’t speak who was then the gentleman? speak not of my debts unless you mean spirit the spirit is willing but the ﬂ esh to pay them is weak speak of the devil and he always appears spite don’t cut off your nose to spite speak softly and carry a big stick your face speak the truth and shame the devil See spoil better one house spoiled than tell the truth and shame the devil two there’s a time to speak and a time to be don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s silent worth of tar think all you speak, but speak not all you if and an spoils many a good charter think the rotten apple spoils the barrel

421

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spare the rod and spoil the child it’s as cheap sitting as standing too many cooks spoil the broth stand on your own two feet to the victor belong the spoils they also serve who only stand and wait spoken See speak united we stand, divided we fall spoon he who sups with the devil star hitch your wagon to a star should have a long spoon start don’t start anything you can’t ﬁ nish spot the leopard can’t change its spots starve feed a cold and starve a fever sprat throw out a sprat to catch a while the grass grows, the steed starves mackerel state something is rotten in the state spread in vain the net is spread in the of Denmark sight of the bird statistics there are lies, damned lies, spring hope springs eternal in the and statistics human breast stay the family that prays together stays in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly together turns to thoughts of love if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay it’s not spring until you can plant your under the porch foot upon twelve daisies little boats should stay close to shore one swallow makes not a spring, nor one the more things change, the more they woodchuck a winter See one swallow stay the same does not make a summer steady full cup, steady hand square you can’t put a square peg in a slow and steady wins the race round hole steal call a man a thief and he will steal squeaky the squeaky wheel gets the oil don’t shut the barn door after the horse See the squeaky wheel gets the grease is stolen stable it’s too late to shut the stable it’s a sin to steal a pin door after the horse has bolted See stolen fruit is sweet See forbidden fruit don’t shut the barn door after the is sweet horse is stolen stolen waters are sweet the man who is born in a stable is not a steed while the grass grows, the steed horse starves staff bread is the staff of life steel the tongue is not steel, but it cuts stage all the world’s a stage step the ﬁ rst step is the hardest stain true blue will never stain from the sublime to the ridiculous is only stall better a dinner of herbs where one step love is than a stalled ox where hate is a journey of a thousand miles begins with stand an empty sack cannot stand one step upright one step at a time every tub must stand on its own bottom the only difference between stumbling a house divided against itself cannot blocks and stepping-stones is the way stand you use them if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the step on a crack, break your mother’s back kitchen you can’t step twice into the same river

422

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stern a stern chase is a long chase people who live in glass houses shouldn’t stew fi rst catch your rabbit and then throw stones make your stew See fi rst catch your hare a rolling stone gathers no moss stick (n.) it’s easy to fi nd a stick to sticks and stones may break my bones, but beat a dog words will never hurt me speak softly and carry a big stick stone-dead hath no fellow sticks and stones may break my bones, but stone walls do not a prison make names will never hurt me you buy land, you buy stones; you buy stick (v.) let the cobbler stick to his meat, you buy bones last you can’t get blood from a stone stick to your guns stool between two stools one falls to throw dirt enough, and some will stick the ground still a still tongue makes a wise head stop when you are in a hole, stop digging still waters run deep storm after a storm comes a calm the vicar of Bray will be vicar of Bray still any port in a storm stink (n.) the devil always leaves a stink the sharper the storm, the sooner it’s over behind him story every picture tells a story stink (v.) fi sh and guests stink after one story is good till another is told three days strange adversity makes strange bed- a fi sh stinks from the head fellows the more you stir it, the worse it stinks fact is stranger than fi ction stir the more you stir it, the worse it politics makes strange bedfellows stinks truth is stranger than fi ction you should know a man seven years stranger be kind to your friends; if it before you stir his fi re weren’t for them, you would be a total stitch a stitch in time saves nine stranger stolen See steal straw a drowning man will catch at a stomach an army marches on its straw stomach it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s a growing youth has a wolf in his stomach back a hungry stomach has no ears straws show which way the wind blows the way to a man’s heart is through his you can’t make bricks without straw stomach stream cross the stream where it is stone constant dropping wears away shallowest a stone don’t change horses in the middle of drive gently over the stones the stream See don’t swap horses in leave no stone unturned midstream let him who is without sin cast the fi rst a stream cannot rise above its source stone strive not against the stream the only difference between stumbling street the streets of hell are paved with blocks and stepping-stones is the way promises See the road to hell is paved you use them with good intentions

423

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strength union is strength substance catch not at shadows and wisdom goes beyond strength lose the substance strengthen as the day lengthens, so the substitute in war there is no substitute cold strengthens for victory stretch everybody stretches his legs succeed if at fi rst you don’t succeed, according to the length of his coverlet try, try again stretch your arm no further than your nothing succeeds like success sleeve will reach success nothing succeeds like success strife haste makes waste, and waste the only place where success comes before makes want, and want makes strife work is in a dictionary between a good man and his wife See success breeds success haste makes waste success has many fathers, while failure is strike lightning never strikes twice in an orphan the same place success is never fi nal strike while the iron is hot you can’t argue with success strive it’s ill sitting at Rome and striv- such there’s no such thing as a free ing with the Pope lunch strive not against the stream there’s no such thing as bad weather, only stroke beware of an oak, it draws the the wrong clothes stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; suck don’t teach your grandmother to creep under the thorn, it can save you suck eggs from harm sucker never give a sucker an even break different strokes for different folks there’s a sucker born every minute little strokes fell great oaks suckling out of the mouths of babes strong a chain is no stronger than its and sucklings come great truths weakest link sudden hasty climbers have sudden falls the race is not to the swift, nor the battle sue sue a beggar and catch a louse to the strong suffer all commend patience, but none stubborn facts are stubborn things can endure to suffer stuff stuff a cold and starve a fever See suffi cient suffi cient unto the day is the feed a cold and starve a fever evil thereof stumble the only difference between a word to the wise is suffi cient stumbling blocks and stepping-stones summer one swallow does not make a is the way you use them summer a stumble may prevent a fall the rich man has his ice in the summer and you can’t build a church with stumbling the poor man gets his in the winter blocks winter fi nds out what summer lays up stupid silence is the best answer to the you never know a man until you bed stupid See silence is the fi ttest reply with him a winter and summer See to folly you never know a man until you live style the style is the man with him sublime from the sublime to the ridicu- sun happy is the bride that the sun lous is only one step shines on

424

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if there were no clouds, we shouldn’t a new broom sweeps clean enjoy the sun sweep your own doorstep clean make hay while the sun shines sweet forbidden fruit is sweet man’s work lasts till set of sun; woman’s from the sweetest wine, the tartest vin- work is never done See a woman’s work egar is never done the higher the tree, the sweeter the plum never let the sun go down on your anger life is short and sweet the sun loses nothing by shining into a little fi sh are sweet puddle the nearer the bone, the sweeter the fl esh there’s nothing new under the sun no sweat, no sweet See no pain, no gain sung See sing revenge is sweet sunset laugh before breakfast, cry a rose by any other name would smell before sunset See sing before breakfast, as sweet cry before night stolen waters are sweet sup he who sups with the devil should you have to take the bitter with the have a long spoon sweet supper after dinner rest awhile, after swift life is short and time is swift supper walk a mile the race is not to the swift, nor the battle hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper to the strong if you sing before breakfast, you’ll cry swim don’t go near the water until you before supper See sing before breakfast, learn how to swim cry before night swine don’t cast your pearls before sure slow but sure swine slow but sure wins the race See slow and swing what you lose on the swings you steady wins the race gain on the roundabouts talk of the devil and he’s sure to appear sword gluttony kills more than the suspicion Caesar’s wife must be above sword suspicion he who lives by the sword dies by the swallow (n.) one swallow does not sword make a summer one sword keeps another in its scabbard swallow (v.) fl attery, like perfume, the pen is mightier than the sword should be smelled but not swallowed whosoever draws his sword against the it’s idle to swallow the cow and choke prince must throw the scabbard away on the tail table welcome is the best dish on the swan every man thinks his own geese table See welcome is the best cheer swans tail better be the head of a dog than the swap don’t swap horses in midstream tail of a lion sweat no sweat, no sweet See no pain, the cow knows not the value of her tail till no gain she has lost it sweep blind chance sweeps the world heads I win, tails you lose along he who has a tiger by the tail dare not let if every man would sweep his own door- go See he who rides a tiger is afraid to step the city would soon be clean dismount

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the higher the monkey climbs the more he take care of number one shows his tail take care of the pennies and the dollars if frogs had wings, they wouldn’t bump will take care of themselves their tails on rocks See if a pig had take the goods the gods provide wings, it might fl y take the will for the deed it’s idle to swallow the cow and choke take things as they come on the tail take time by the forelock tailor nine tailors make a man when you go to dance, take heed whom the tailor makes the man you take by the hand take blessings brighten as they take you can take a horse to the water, but you their fl ight can’t make him drink See you can lead the devil takes care of his own See the a horse to water, but you can’t make devil looks after his own him drink don’t take down a fence unless you are you can take the boy out of the country sure why it was put up but you can’t take the country out of every man for himself and the devil take the boy the hindmost you can’t take it with you genius is an infi nite capacity for taking you have to take the bitter with the sweet pains you have to take the rough with the give and take is fair play smooth give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the you must take two bears to live with devil’s gold ring you—bear and forbear See bear and God takes soonest those he loves best forbear it takes a heap of living to make a house you pays your money and you takes your a home choice it takes all kinds of people to make a tale dead men tell no tales world a good tale is not the worse for being it takes a thief to catch a thief See set a told twice thief to catch a thief never tell tales out of school it takes a village to raise a child a tale never loses in the telling it takes money to make money talk don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk it takes one to know one the walk it takes three generations to make a everybody talks about the weather, but gentleman nobody does anything about it it takes two to make a bargain money talks it takes two to make a quarrel talk is cheap it takes two to tango talk of the devil and he’s sure to appear the Lord gives and the Lord takes away See speak of the devil and he always a mother can take care of ten children, appears but sometimes ten children can’t take tangle what a tangled web we weave care of one mother when fi rst we practice to deceive the mouse that has but one hole is quickly tango it takes two to tango taken tar don’t spoil the ship for half a pen- neither give nor take offense ny’s worth of tar 426

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tart from the sweetest wine, the tartest you can’t tell a book by its cover See don’t vinegar judge a book by its cover Tartar scratch a Russian and you fi nd temper God tempers the wind to the a Tartar shorn lamb taste every man to his taste temperance the three doctors Diet, tastes differ Quiet, and Temperance are the best there’s no accounting for tastes physicians See the best doctors are Dr. there’s no disputing about tastes Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman tatter there’s many a good cock come temps autres temps, autres moeurs See out of a tattered bag other times, other manners tax nothing is certain but death and tempt an open door may tempt a saint taxes tempus tempus fugit See time fl ies teach don’t teach your grandmother ten genius is ten percent inspiration to suck eggs and ninety percent perspiration See those who can, do; those who can’t, genius is one percent inspiration and teach ninety-nine percent perspiration you can’t teach an old dog new tricks a mother can take care of ten children, teacher experience is the best teacher but sometimes ten children can’t take experience is the teacher of fools care of one mother nobody forgets a good teacher one picture is worth ten thousand words tear don’t tear down a wall unless you a volunteer is worth ten pressed men See are sure why it was put up See don’t one volunteer is worth two pressed take down a fence unless you are sure men why it was put up tenth possession is nine-tenths of the it’s easier to tear down than to build up law See possession is nine points of teeth See tooth the law tell ask me no questions and I’ll tell terrible a mind is a terrible thing to you no lies waste blood will tell thanks a small gift usually gets small dead men tell no tales thanks a good tale is not the worse for being thaw Robin Hood could brave all weath- told twice ers but a thaw wind a liar is not believed when he tells the themselves God helps those who help truth themselves never tell tales out of school theory an ounce of common sense is one story is good till another is told worth a pound of theory a secret is either too good to keep or too thereof suffi cient unto the day is the bad not to tell evil thereof a secret’s a secret until it’s told thick blood is thicker than water a tale never loses in the telling faults are thick where love is thin tell it not in Gath thief call a man a thief and he will steal tell not all you know, nor do all you can the hole calls the thief tell the truth and shame the devil if there were no receivers, there would time will tell be no thieves 427

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a liar is worse than a thief there’s no such thing as bad weather, only little thieves are hanged, but great ones the wrong clothes escape a thing of beauty is a joy forever once a thief, always a thief things come in threes one thief robs another things past cannot be recalled opportunity makes a thief a thing you don’t want is dear at any a postern door makes a thief price procrastination is the thief of time three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s set a thief to catch a thief horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof show me a liar and I will show you a when things are at the worst they begin thief to mend there’s honor among thieves winning isn’t everything, it’s the only when thieves fall out, honest men come thing by their own worse things happen at sea thin blood is thicker than water, but the worth of a thing is what it will bring sometimes it runs mighty thin See you can have too much of a good thing blood is thicker than water you can’t be all things to all men faults are thick where love is thin think every man thinks his own geese thing all good things must come to an swans end evil be to him who thinks it all things will pass See this, too, shall great minds think alike pass he that drinks beer, thinks beer the best things come in small packages think all you speak, but speak not all you the best things in life are free think fi rst things fi rst think before you speak give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the thinking is very far from knowing devil’s gold ring think much, speak little, and write less he who begins many things, fi nishes but young folks think old folks to be fools, few but old folks know young folks to be if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing fools well third the third time is the charm if you want a thing done well, do it while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a yourself third runs away with it little things please little minds thirsty dig the well before you are a mind is a terrible thing to waste thirsty the more things change, the more they thorn beware of an oak, it draws the stay the same stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; never do things by halves creep under the thorn, it can save you the only thing we have to fear is fear from harm itself there’s no rose without a thorn sin, sorrow, and work are the things that thought action without thought is like men can’t shirk shooting without aim take things as they come in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly there’s no such thing as a free lunch turns to thoughts of love 428

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one courageous thought will put to fl ight thrift most people consider thrift a fi ne a host of troubles virtue in ancestors second thoughts are best thrift is a great revenue thought is free thrive fi rst thrive and then wive the wish is father to the thought he that will thrive must fi rst ask his wife thousand the buyer needs a thousand if you want to live and thrive, let the spi- eyes, the seller wants but one der run alive the coward dies a thousand deaths, the ill-gotten goods never thrive brave but one See cowards die many throw charity is not a bone you throw to times before their death a dog but a bone you share with a dog a journey of a thousand miles begins with don’t throw away your dirty water until one step you get clean one picture is worth ten thousand words don’t throw good money after bad thread the thread breaks where it is don’t throw out the baby with the bath- weakest water threaten threatened men live long don’t throw pearls to swine See don’t cast three better three hours too soon than your pearls before swine a minute too late See it’s better to be an people who live in glass houses shouldn’t hour too early than a minute too late throw stones fi sh and guests stink after three days throw dirt enough, and some will stick from shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves is only throw out a sprat to catch a mackerel three generations whosoever draws his sword against the it takes three generations to make a prince must throw the scabbard away gentleman Thursday Thursday’s child has far to go one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a thyself know thyself wedding; four for a birth physician, heal thyself one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth tide a rising tide lifts all boats three after See one hour’s sleep before there’s a tide in the affairs of man midnight is worth two after time and tide wait for no man things come in threes tiger he who rides a tiger is afraid to the three doctors Diet, Quiet, and Tem- dismount perance are the best physicians See the timber knowledge and timber shouldn’t best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, be much used until they are seasoned and Dr. Merryman time accusing the times is but excusing three may keep a secret, if two of them ourselves are dead be happy while you’re living, for you’re a three moves are as bad as a fi re long time dead three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s better luck next time horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof cowards die many times before their death three times a bridesmaid, never a bride footprints on the sands of time are not See always a bridesmaid, never a bride made by sitting down two boys are half a boy, and three boys are he that waits for dead men’s shoes may go no boy at all a long time barefoot See it’s ill waiting two’s company, three’s a crowd for dead men’s shoes 429

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life is short and time is swift today never put off until tomorrow moving three times is as bad as a fi re See what you can do today three moves are as bad as a fi re today is yesterday’s tomorrow never is a long time today you, tomorrow me one step at a time together the family that prays together other times, other manners stays together parsley seed goes nine times to the devil told See tell procrastination is the thief of time tomorrow eat, drink, and be merry, for a stitch in time saves nine tomorrow we die take time by the forelock jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but there’s a fi rst time for everything never jam today there’s a season and a time for every never put off until tomorrow what you purpose under the heaven See to every- can do today thing there is a season today is yesterday’s tomorrow there’s a time and place for everything today you, tomorrow me there’s a time to speak and a time to be tomorrow is another day silent tomorrow never comes there’s no time like the present tongue the devil makes his Christmas the third time is the charm pies of lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ three times a bridesmaid, never a bride fi ngers See always a bridesmaid, never a bride a still tongue makes a wise head time and tide wait for no man the tongue always returns to the sore tooth time ends all things the tongue is not steel, but it cuts time fl ies too one enemy is too much time hangs heavy on idle hands you can have too much of a good thing time is a great healer tool a bad workman quarrels with his time is money tools time is the rider that breaks youth cards are the devil’s tools time lost cannot be recalled it’s ill jesting with edged tools times change, and we with time toot toot your own horn lest the same time will tell be never tooted time works wonders tooth an eye for an eye, and a tooth timing is everything for a tooth work expands so as to fi ll the time avail- the gods send nuts to those who have no able for its completion teeth you can fool some of the people all of if you can’t bite, never show your the time, and all of the people some of teeth the time, but you can’t fool all of the three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s people all of the time horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof you can’t be in two places at the same time the tongue always returns to the sore See one cannot be in two places at once tooth tinker if ifs and ans were pots and pans, top cream always comes to the top there’d be no work for tinkers there’s always room at the top

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total be kind to your friends; if it great trees keep down little ones weren’t for them, you would be a total he that would eat the fruit must climb stranger the tree touch he that touches pitch shall be the higher the tree, the sweeter the plum defi led money doesn’t grow on trees touchstone calamity is the touchstone no tree takes so deep a root as prejudice of a brave mind the tree is known by its fruit tough when the going gets tough, the you can’t shift an old tree without it tough get going dying town God made the country and man trick there are tricks in every trade made the town you can’t teach an old dog new tricks trade every man to his trade trifl e trifl es make perfection, and per- a jack of all trades is master of none fection is no trifl e there are tricks in every trade trot need makes the old wife trot trade follows the fl ag trouble a clear conscience can bear any two of a trade never agree trouble transplant old trees can’t be trans- don’t meet troubles halfway planted See you can’t shift an old tree he that has a choice has trouble without it dying it’s good fi shing in troubled waters trash one man’s trash is another man’s never trouble trouble till trouble troubles treasure you travel an army travels on its stomach one courageous thought will put to fl ight See an army marches on its stomach a host of troubles bad news travels fast troubles never come singly See misfor- he travels fastest who travels alone tunes never come singly it’s better to travel hopefully than to a trouble shared is a trouble halved arrive worry is interest paid on trouble before travel broadens the mind it falls due travel east and travel west, a man’s own trout you must lose a fl y to catch a home is still the best See east, west, trout See throw out a sprat to catch a home’s best mackerel traveler a traveler may lie with author- true the course of true love never did ity run smooth tread fools rush in where angels fear many a true word is spoken in jest to tread morning dreams come true treasure one man’s trash is another true blue will never stain man’s treasure what everybody says must be true tree all arts are one, all branches on one what’s new cannot be true tree See all arts are brothers, each is a trumpeter a dry cough is the trumpeter light to the other of death the apple never falls far from the tree trust fi rst try and then trust as a tree falls, so shall it lie put your trust in God, and keep your as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined powder dry

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three things are not to be trusted: a cow’s clergymen’s sons always turn out badly horn, a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof even a worm will turn trust everybody, but cut the cards in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly trust not a new friend nor an old enemy turns to thoughts of love trust not one night’s ice it’s a long road that has no turning truth beauty is truth, truth beauty one good turn deserves another children and fools speak the truth a soft answer turns away wrath the greater the truth, the greater the the tongue ever turns to the aching tooth libel See the tongue always returns to the half the truth is often a whole lie sore tooth a liar is not believed when he tells the turnabout turnabout is fair play truth turnip you can’t get blood from a turnip a lie can go around the world and back again See you can’t get blood from a stone while the truth is lacing up its boots twain East is East and West is West and out of the mouths of babes and sucklings never the twain shall meet come great truths twelve it’s not spring until you can tell the truth and shame the devil plant your foot upon twelve daisies there’s truth in wine twice don’t make the same mistake the truth hurts twice truth is stranger than fi ction fool me once, shame on you; fool me truth is the fi rst casualty of war twice, shame on me truth is truth to the end of the reckoning a good tale is not the worse for being truth lies at the bottom of a well told twice truth will out he gives twice who gives quickly try fi rst try and then trust lightning never strikes twice in the same if at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try again place you never know what you can do until once bitten, twice shy you try once burned, twice shy tub every tub must stand on its own opportunity never knocks twice at any bottom man’s door See opportunity knocks Tuesday Tuesday’s child is full of grace but once tug when Greek meets Greek, then think twice before you speak See think comes the tug of war before you speak tune America is a tune: it must be sung you can’t step twice into the same river together twig as the twig is bent, so is the tree a dripping June sets all in tune inclined he that lives in hope dances to an ill tune two better one house spoiled than two he who pays the piper calls the tune between two stools one falls to the ground there’s many a good tune played on an a bird in the hand is worth two in the old fi ddle bush why should the devil have all the best choose the lesser of two evils tunes? a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees further turn a bad penny always turns up of the two

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four eyes see more than two uneasy uneasy lies the head that wears an hour in the morning is worth two in a crown the evening unemployed mind unemployed is mind if two ride on a horse, one must ride unenjoyed behind unenjoyed mind unemployed is mind if you run after two hares, you will catch unenjoyed neither unexpected the unexpected always it takes two to make a bargain happens it takes two to make a quarrel unforeseen nothing is certain but the no man can serve two masters unforeseen one cannot be in two places at once union union is strength one for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a unite united we stand, divided we fall wedding; four for a birth unity in unity there is strength See one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth union is strength two after unlikely pigs may fl y, but they are very stand on your own two feet unlikely birds See if a pig had wings, it there are two sides to every question might fl y three may keep a secret, if two of them unlucky lucky at cards, unlucky in love are dead unpunished no good deed goes unpun- two and two make four ished two boys are half a boy, and three boys are unscramble you can’t unscramble eggs no boy at all unsent sorrow comes unsent for two heads are better than one unto do unto others as you would have two of a trade never agree them do unto you two’s company, three’s a crowd render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s two tailors go to a man See nine tailors up prejudice is being down on what we make a man are not up on two wrongs don’t make a right what goes up must come down while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a upright an empty sack cannot stand third runs away with it upright you must take two bears to live with use ask advice, but use your own com- you—bear and forbear See bear and mon sense forbear it’s no use crying over spilled milk it takes two to tango keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd one volunteer is worth two pressed men a use for it unbelieving believing has a core of knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much unbelieving used until they are seasoned uncertain children are certain cares, the only difference between stumbling but uncertain comforts blocks and stepping-stones is the way underestimate nobody ever went you use them broke underestimating the intelligence use brains not brawn See wisdom goes of the American people beyond strength undo what’s done cannot be undone the used key is always bright

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use legs and have legs view distance lends enchantment to the use your head and save your feet See let view your head save your heels vigilance the price of liberty is eternal vacuum nature abhors a vacuum vigilance vain in vain the net is spread in the sight village better be fi rst in a village than of the bird second at Rome nature does nothing in vain it takes a village to raise a child valet no man is a hero to his valet vincit amor vincit omnia See love con- valor discretion is the better part of valor quers all valuable a good reputation is more vinegar from the sweetest wine, the valuable than money tartest vinegar value the cow knows not the value of oil and vinegar will not mix See oil and her tail till she has lost it water do not mix health is not valued till sickness comes you can catch more fl ies with honey than variety variety is the spice of life with vinegar varlet an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, vino in vino veritas See there’s truth in though they be clad in silk or scarlet wine venture great boats may venture more, virtue make a virtue of necessity but little boats should keep near shore most people consider thrift a fi ne virtue See little boats should stay close to shore in ancestors nothing ventured, nothing gained patience is a virtue Venus men are from Mars, women are prosperity discovers vice; adversity, virtue from Venus virtue is its own reward verbum verbum sapienti sat est See a word vision where there’s no vision, the peo- to the wise is suffi cient ple perish veritas in vino veritas See there’s truth visit short visits make long friends in wine visitor fi sh and visitors smell in three vessel empty vessels make the most days See fi sh and guests stink after sound three days vicar the devil gets up to the belfry by vita ars longa, vita brevis See art is long the vicar’s skirts and life is short the vicar of Bray will be vicar of Bray still voice the voice of the people is the vicariously gossip is vice enjoyed vicar- voice of God iously voluntary ignorance is a voluntary mis- vice gossip is vice enjoyed vicariously fortune idleness is the mother of all the vices See volunteer one volunteer is worth two idleness is the root of all evil pressed men prosperity discovers vice; adversity, virtue vomit the dog always returns to his victor to the victor belong the spoils vomit victory in war there is no substitute vox vox populi, vox Dei See the voice of for victory the people is the voice of God victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is wag it’s merry in hall when beards an orphan See success has many fathers, wag all while failure is an orphan wagon hitch your wagon to a star

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wait all things come to those who wait you’ll want a pin before you die See see it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll they also serve who only stand and wait have good luck; see a pin and let it lay, time and tide wait for no man bad luck you’ll have all the day walk after dinner rest awhile, after sup- a thing you don’t want is dear at any per walk a mile price don’t judge a man until you have walked a waste not, want not mile in his boots willful waste makes woeful want don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk the wanton wanton kittens make sober cats walk war all’s fair in love and war if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, councils of war never fi ght and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck if you want peace, prepare for war we must learn to walk before we can run in war there is no substitute for victory wall a church is God between four walls it’s better to lose the battle and win the don’t tear down a wall unless you are war sure why it was put up See don’t take truth is the fi rst casualty of war down a fence unless you are sure why war is hell it was put up war is too important to be left to the stone walls do not a prison make generals walls have ears war will cease when men refuse to fi ght the weakest go to the wall when Greek meets Greek, then comes the a white wall is the fool’s writing paper tug of war walnut walnuts and pears you plant for who has land has war your heirs warm better a little fi re to warm us want for want of a nail the shoe was than a big one to burn us lost, for want of a shoe the horse was cold hands, warm heart lost, and for want of a horse the rider heated arguments do not warm the fi re- was lost side See the only thing a heated argu- haste makes waste, and waste makes ment ever produced is coolness want, and want makes strife between a warn red sky at night, sailor’s delight; good man and his wife See haste makes red sky in the morning, sailors take waste warning he that has a full purse never wanted a wash don’t wash your dirty linen in friend public if you want a thing done well, do it it’ll all come out in the wash yourself one hand washes the other if you want peace, prepare for war wishes won’t wash dishes if you want something done, ask a busy waste haste makes waste person a mind is a terrible thing to waste if you want to live and thrive, let the spi- save at the spigot and waste at the bung der run alive See spare at the spigot, and let out the the more you get, the more you want bunghole see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll waste not, want not have good luck; see a pin and let it lie, willful waste makes woeful want

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watch don’t set a wolf to watch the there’s more than one way to skin a cat sheep See don’t let the fox guard the the way to a man’s heart is through his henhouse stomach a watched pot never boils the way to be safe is never to feel secure wear your learning like your watch, in a See he that is too secure is not safe private pocket where there’s a will there’s a way water blood is thicker than water a willful man must have his way dirty water will quench fi re you can’t have it both ways don’t go near the water until you learn weak a chain is no stronger than its how to swim weakest link don’t throw away your dirty water until the spirit is willing but the fl esh is weak you get clean the thread breaks where it is weakest fi re and water are good servants but bad the weakest go to the wall masters See fi re is a good servant but a wealth health is wealth bad master wealth makes many friends it’s good fi shing in troubled waters wisdom is better than wealth See wisdom little drops of water, little grains of sand, is better than rubies make a mighty ocean and a pleasant wealthy early to bed and early to rise, land makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise the mill cannot grind with the water that weapon a bayonet is a weapon with a is past worker at each end much water goes by the mill that the wear better to wear out than to rust out miller knows not of boys seldom make passes for girls who oil and water do not mix wear glasses revolutions are not made with rose water the church is an anvil which has worn out still waters run deep many hammers stolen waters are sweet constant dropping wears away a stone water is the only drink for a wise man if the shoe fi ts, wear it water seeks its own level uneasy lies the head that wears a crown you can lead a horse to water, but you wear your learning like your watch, in a can’t make him drink private pocket you never miss the water till the well wearer the wearer best knows where runs dry the shoe pinches way be nice to people on your way weary be the day weary or be the day up because you’ll meet them on your long, at last it ringeth to evensong way down there’s no rest for the weary the best way to get even is to forget weather everybody talks about the God moves in a mysterious way weather, but nobody does anything the longest way around is the shortest about it way home the good seaman is known in bad weather love will fi nd a way it’s always fair weather when good friends straws show which way the wind blows get together there are more ways of killing a cat than Robin Hood could brave all weathers but choking it with cream a thaw wind

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there’s no such thing as bad weather, only if you want a thing done well, do it your- the wrong clothes self weave what a tangled web we weave if you would be well served, serve your- when fi rst we practice to deceive self web what a tangled web we weave it’s as well to know which way the wind when fi rst we practice to deceive blows See straws show which way the wedding one for sorrow; two for wind blows mirth leave well enough alone three for a wedding; four for a birth pay beforehand was never well served one wedding brings another spare well and have to spend wedlock wedlock is a padlock speak well of the dead See never speak ill Wednesday Wednesday’s child is full of the dead of woe well begun is half done weed ill weeds grow apace well (n.) dig the well before you are one year’s seeding makes seven years’ thirsty weeding the pitcher will go to the well once too week if you would be happy for a often week take a wife; if you would be truth lies at the bottom of a well happy for a month kill a pig; but if you never miss the water till the well you would be happy all your life plant runs dry a garden west east, west, home’s best weep laugh and the world laughs with East is East and West is West and never the you, weep and you weep alone twain shall meet the winners laugh, the losers weep See let wet them laugh that win the cat would eat fi sh, but would weeper fi nders keepers, losers weep- not wet her feet ers sow dry and set wet welcome a constant guest is never wel- a wet May brings plenty of hay come what it’s not what you know, but who welcome is the best cheer you know when all fruit fails, welcome haws it’s not what you say, but how you say it well (adj., adv.) all’s well that ends what’s in a name? well what will be, will be the devil was sick, the devil a saint would what you see is what you get be; the devil was well, the devil a saint wheel the squeaky wheel gets the grease was he the wheel comes full circle everybody speaks well of the bridge that the wheel of fortune is forever in motion carries him over See praise the bridge the world runs on wheels that carries you over whelp the hasty bitch bringeth forth he lives long who lives well blind whelps hope well and have well See hope and wherefore every why has its wherefore have whirlwind they that sow the wind shall if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing reap the whirlwind well whiskey whiskey and gasoline don’t mix

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whistle it’s a poor dog that’s not worth he that will not when he may, when he whistling for will he may have nay a whistling woman and a crowing hen are he who wills the end, wills the means neither fi t for God nor men nothing is impossible to a willing heart white a white wall is the fool’s writing the spirit is willing but the fl esh is weak paper take the will for the deed who it’s not what you know, but who there are none so blind as those who will you know not see whole the half is better than the whole there are none so deaf as those who will half the truth is often a whole lie not hear you can’t please the whole world and what will be, will be his wife See you can’t please everywhere there’s a will there’s a way body the willing horse carries the load why every why has its wherefore willful a willful man must have his way wicked there’s no peace for the wicked willful waste makes woeful want there’s no rest for the wicked See there’s win cheaters never win and winners no rest for the weary never cheat See cheaters never prosper wide keep your eyes wide open before faint heart never won fair lady marriage, half shut afterward a good name is sooner lost than won wife a blind man’s wife needs no paint heads I win, tails you lose Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion he that would the daughter win, must a deaf husband and a blind wife are always with the mother fi rst begin a happy couple it’s better to lose the battle and win the war a good husband makes a good wife it’s not whether you win or lose, but how haste makes waste, and waste makes you play the game want, and want makes strife between a let them laugh that win good man and his wife See haste makes light winnings make heavy purses See light waste gains make heavy purses he that has a wife and children has given nothing venture, nothing win See nothing hostages to fortune ventured, nothing gained he that will thrive must fi rst ask his wife slow and steady wins the race if you would be happy for a week take a winner never quits, and a quitter never a wife; if you would be happy for a wins month kill a pig; but if you would be winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing happy all your life plant a garden you can’t win ’em all need makes the old wife trot you win some, you lose some a son is a son till he gets him a wife, a wind God tempers the wind to the daughter’s a daughter all of her life shorn lamb you can’t please the whole world and his hoist your sail when the wind is fair wife See you can’t please everybody if wind blows on you through a hole, say will a fat kitchen makes a lean will your prayers and mind your soul he that complies against his will is of his it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any own opinion still good

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March winds and April showers always wink a nod’s as good as a wink to a bring May fl owers See April showers blind horse bring May fl owers wink at small faults the north wind doth blow and we shall winner cheaters never win and win- have snow ners never cheat See cheaters never one for wind and one for crow, one to prosper die and one to grow See one for the a winner never quits, and a quitter never mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, wins one to grow the winners laugh, the losers weep See let a reed before the wind lives on, while them laugh that win mighty oaks do fall winter a green winter makes a fat Robin Hood could brave all weathers but churchyard a thaw wind one swallow makes not a spring, nor one straws show which way the wind blows woodchuck a winter See one swallow they that sow the wind shall reap the does not make a summer whirlwind the rich man has his ice in the summer and when the wind is in the east, ’tis neither the poor man gets his in the winter good for man nor beast winter fi nds out what summer lays up window drive nature out of the door you never know a man until you bed with and it will return by the window him a winter and summer See you never See you can drive out nature with a know a man until you live with him pitchfork but she keeps on coming wisdom experience is the mother of back wisdom the eyes are the windows of the soul See from the mouths of babes come words of the eyes are the mirrors of the soul wisdom See out of the mouths of babes a house without books is like a room and sucklings come great truths without windows knowledge and wisdom are far from when poverty comes in at the door, love being one fl ies out of the window wisdom goes beyond strength wine from the sweetest wine, the tart- wisdom is better than rubies est vinegar with age comes wisdom good wine needs no bush wise early to bed and early to rise, old friends and old wine are best makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise there’s truth in wine a fool may give a wise man counsel when the wine is in, the wit is out fools ask questions that wise men cannot wine has drowned more men than the sea answer you can’t put new wine in old bottles fools build houses and wise men live in wing a bird never fl ew on one wing them fear lends wings honest men marry quickly, wise men not if a pig had wings, it might fl y at all the mother of mischief is no bigger than a it’s a wise child that knows its own father midge’s wing it’s better to be happy than wise riches have wings it’s easy to be wise after the event

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one cannot love and be wise when the wolf comes in at the door, love penny wise and pound foolish creeps out of the window See when a still tongue makes a wise head poverty comes in at the door, love fl ies water is the only drink for a wise man out of the window where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be woman behind every great man there is wise See ignorance is bliss a great woman a wise lawyer never goes to law himself hell hath no fury like a woman scorned a wise man changes his mind, but a fool a man is as old as he feels, and a woman as never does old as she looks a wise man is never less alone than when men are from Mars, women are from alone Venus wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, men make houses, women make homes fools by their own See learn from the never choose your women or linen by mistakes of others candlelight a word to the wise is suffi cient patience is a virtue, catch it if you can: wisely both poverty and prosperity seldom in a woman and never in a man come from spending money—pros- See patience is a virtue perity from spending it wisely six hours’ sleep for a man, seven for a wiser the older the wiser woman, and eight for a fool wish don’t wish too hard a whistling woman and a crowing hen are you might just get what you wished for neither fi t for God nor men he who would wish to thrive, must let a woman’s work is never done spiders run alive See if you want to live won See win and thrive, let the spider run alive wonder time works wonders if wishes were horses, beggars would a wonder lasts but nine days ride wonders will never cease! wishes won’t wash dishes woo happy’s the wooing that’s not long the wish is father to the thought a-doing wit brevity is the soul of wit wood don’t shout until you are out of an ounce of discretion is worth a pound the woods of wit fi elds have eyes and woods have ears when the wine is in, the wit is out hunger drives the wolf out of the wood wive fi rst thrive and then wive touch wood hanging and wiving go by destiny woodchuck one swallow makes not a woe Wednesday’s child is full of woe spring, nor one woodchuck a winter woeful willful waste makes woeful want See one swallow does not make a wolf don’t set a wolf to watch the summer sheep See don’t let the fox guard the wool many go out for wool and come henhouse home shorn a growing youth has a wolf in his stom- much cry and little wool ach word actions speak louder than words hunger drives the wolf out of the wood all words are pegs to hang ideas on it’s a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his deeds, not words confessor deeds are fruits, words are but leaves

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few words are best time works wonders fi ne words butter no parsnips a woman’s work is never done from the mouths of babes come words of work before play wisdom See out of the mouths of babes work expands so as to fi ll the time avail- and sucklings come great truths able for its completion hard words break no bones work never hurt anybody a man’s word is as good as his bond worker a bayonet is a weapon with a many a true word is spoken in jest worker at each end one picture is worth ten thousand workman a bad workman quarrels with words his tools sticks and stones may break my bones, but workshop an idle brain is the devil’s words will never hurt me See sticks and workshop stones may break my bones but names world all’s for the best in the best of all will never hurt me possible worlds a word spoken is past recalling all the world’s a stage a word to the wise is suffi cient better be out of the world than out of work all work and no play makes Jack the fashion a dull boy blind chance sweeps the world along a change of work is a rest See a change is God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the as good as a rest world the day is short and the work is long the hand that rocks the cradle rules the the devil fi nds work for idle hands to do world the end crowns the work it’s a small world the eye of a master does more work than it’s not the end of the world both his hands it takes all kinds of people to make a world fools and children should never see half- laugh and the world laughs with you, done work weep and you weep alone hell is full of good meanings, but heaven is a lie can go around the world and back again full of good works See the road to hell while the truth is lacing up its boots is paved with good intentions love makes the world go round he who does not work, neither should money makes the world go round he eat one half of the world doesn’t know how if ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d the other half lives be no work for tinkers the world runs on wheels it’s all in a day’s work you can’t please the whole world and his it’s not work that kills, but worry wife See you can’t please everybody many hands make light work worm the early bird catches the worm never work with children or animals even a worm will turn the only place where success comes before worn See wear work is in a dictionary worry action is worry’s worst enemy Saturday’s child works hard for its living don’t swallow the cow and worry with sin, sorrow, and work are the things that the tail See it’s idle to swallow the cow men can’t shirk and choke on the tail

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it’s not work that kills, but worry worthy the laborer is worthy of his hire worry is interest paid on trouble before wound time heals all wounds See time is it falls due a great healer worse go farther and fare worse wrap a man wrapped up in himself a liar is worse than a thief makes a very small bundle more haste, worse speed See more haste, wrath hell knows no wrath like a less speed woman scorned See hell hath no fury the more you stir it, the worse it stinks like a woman scorned nothing so bad but it might have been let not the sun go down on your wrath See worse never let the sun go down on your anger the remedy may be worse than the dis- a soft answer turns away wrath ease wren the robin and the wren are God’s too much of a good thing is worse than cock and hen none at all See you can have too much write he who would write and can’t of a good thing write can surely review worse things happen at sea think much, speak little, and write less worst action is worry’s worst enemy a white wall is the fool’s writing paper every man is his own worst enemy wrong he who is absent is always in hope for the best and prepare for the the wrong worst if anything can go wrong, it will the king can do no wrong an old fool is the worst fool See there’s no there’s no such thing as bad weather, only fool like an old fool the wrong clothes when things are at the worst they begin two wrongs don’t make a right to mend yard life is hard by the yard, but by the the worst is yet to come inch life’s a cinch worth a bird in the hand is worth two year Christmas comes but once a year in the bush the fi rst hundred years are the hardest don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s the fi rst seven years are the hardest worth of tar a fool can ask more questions in an hour the game is not worth the candle than a wise man can answer in seven an hour in the morning is worth two in years See fools ask questions that wise the evening men cannot answer if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing it’ll all be the same in a hundred years well keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd it’s a poor dog that’s not worth whistling a use for it for one year’s seeding makes seven years’ one picture is worth ten thousand words weeding one volunteer is worth two pressed men there are no birds in last year’s nest opportunities look for you when you are years know more than books worth fi nding you should know a man seven years opportunity never knocks for persons not before you stir his fi re worth a rap yesterday today is yesterday’s tomorrow the worth of a thing is what it will bring yesterday will not be called again

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yet the best is yet to be a young man married is a young man the worst is yet to come marred you today you, tomorrow me young men forgive, old men never See young better be an old man’s darling youth and old age will never agree than a young man’s slave young men may die, but old men must die the good die young a young physician fattens the churchyard in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly See a young barber and an old physician turns to thoughts of love young saint, old devil spare when you’re young and spend when you’re only young once you’re old yours what’s yours is mine, and what’s whom the gods love die young mine is my own you can’t put an old head on young youth a growing youth has a wolf in his shoulders stomach a young barber and an old physician an idle youth, a needy age the young cock crows as he heard the youth and old age will never agree old one zeal zeal without knowledge is a run- young folks think old folks to be fools, away horse but old folks know young folks to be fools

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In this index the proverbs are grouped animals, but under its metaphorical together under thematic headings. Note themes of defamation and reputation. that these headings relate to the meaning Similarly, “It never rains but it pours” of the proverb, not the words it contains. is under misfortune, not weather. The “Give a dog a bad name and hang him” is themes are listed at the beginning for not about dogs, so it is not listed under quick reference.

absence authority (See also power) acceptance bad people (See also wrongdoing) accumulation bad things (See also good and bad) action (See also saying and doing) barriers administration beauty adversity beginning (See also raw material) advice behavior Africa belief age betrayal aggression birds See animals agriculture See gardening birthplace alcohol See drinking bluntness ambition boasting America boldness (See also courage) anger books animals borrowing (See also debt) anticipation bribery anxiety See worry business apology buying and selling appearance calendar appreciation calm arguing See conﬂ ict capture armed forces carefulness arts caution associates certainty See uncertainty

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chance days change (See also reform) death (See also premature death) changelessness debt (See also borrowing) character deceit See lies charity deception cheerfulness defamation children (See also parents and children) delay (See also lateness; procrastination) choice (See also indecision) desire (See also getting what you want) Christianity See religion despair church See religion destiny circumstance destruction class deterioration clothes See dress determination coercion difference coincidence diffi culty commerce See business diligence See industry common sense discipline company (See also associates) discontent complaining discretion (See also tact) compromise disgrace concealment disillusion conciseness disloyalty confession disobedience confl ict disrespect See respect conformity distance conscience disunity consequence downfall contentment (See also happiness; satis- drawbacks (See also good and bad) faction) dreams conviviality dress cooperation drinking corruption (See also bribery) earliness (See also promptness) courage easiness courtesy eating courtship eavesdropping cowardice education credit effi ciency crime See wrongdoing effort crisis embarrassment criticism ending curiosity See questions endurance customs enemies danger (See also risk) England

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entertaining future envy gambling equality gardening escape generosity (See also giving) evil See bad things genius See intellect exaggeration getting what you want example giving (See also generosity) excellence giving up excess God (See also providence; religion) exchange good and bad (See also drawbacks) excuses good intentions exercise good things (See also good and bad) expectation gossip (See also rumors) expediency gratitude experience great and small (See also greatness; size; expertise small things) exploitation greatness extravagance (See also spending) greed extremes guidance failure guilt fairness gullibility fame habit familiarity happiness family (See also heredity; parents and harm children) harmony fate See destiny haste fear health feelings help festivals heredity fi ction hesitation See delay fi nding hierarchy fi rst impressions hindsight fl attery hints food See eating history foolishness home foresight honesty (See also truth) forethought hope (See also optimism) forgetting hospitality See entertaining forgiveness human nature freedom humility (See also meekness) friends hunger frugality (See also thrift) hygiene futility hypocrisy

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ideas lying See lies idleness marriage ignorance meaning illusion mediocrity imitation meekness impatience See patience memory imperfection men (See also men and women) impossibility men and women (See also men; women) improbability merit improvement merrymaking inaction misfortune incompetence mistakes incompleteness moderation indecision (See also choice) modesty independence See self-reliance money (See also payment; spending; industry wealth) ineffi ciency months See calendar infl exibility mortality infl uence music inheritance names innovation nature (See also human nature) integrity necessity intellect neglect interference news jocularity nobility judgment noise kindness noninterference knowledge numbers lateness obedience laughter See cheerfulness; jocularity objectivity law observation laziness See idleness obstinacy leadership offense learning See education; knowledge old age See age lending opinion lies opportunity life oppression living within your means optimism (See also hope) logic options loss (See also winning and losing) order love overambitiousness loyalty overconfi dence luck overreaction

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parents and children (See also children; reciprocity family; heredity) reconciliation past (See also history) recreation patience reform payment regret peace religion (See also God) perfection relocation perseverance remedies persistence repetition pessimism replacement pity See sympathy reputation plans resistance pleasing people resourcefulness pleasure respect politics response positive thinking responsibility possession rest possibility retaliation (See also revenge) poverty retribution power revenge (See also retaliation) praise revolution prediction reward prejudice risk (See also danger) premature death rulers preparation rules present rumors (See also gossip) pride ruthlessness privacy sacrifi ce problems safety See security problem-solving sailing procrastination satisfaction professions saying and doing promises seasons See calendar promotion secrecy promptness (See also earliness) security property self-centeredness providence (See also God) self-harm public opinion self-help publicity self-interest punctuality See promptness selfi shness See self-interest punishment self-knowledge quarreling See confl ict selfl essness questions self-preservation raw material self-reliance

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selling See buying and selling thrift (See also frugality) sharing tidiness sickness time silence timeliness similarity tolerance size (See also great and small; small towns things) transience skepticism travel sleep treachery (See also betrayal) slowness trees small things (See also great and small; triviality size) trouble social interaction truth (See also honesty) society uncertainty soldiers See armed forces unfairness solitude unity sorrow upbringing spare time usefulness speech See talking value spending (See also extravagance) vice sportsmanship victory (See also winning and losing) storytelling violence strangeness virtue strength waiting stress (See also worry) war style warning subjectivity waste success ways and means suffering weakness suitability wealth (See also money) superstition weather surprise willingness surrender See giving up winning and losing (See also victory; sycophancy loss) sympathy wisdom tact (See also discretion) wishes See desire tactics women (See also men and women) taking no notice words (See also talking; writing) talent work (See also industry) talking (See also saying and doing; workers words) worry taste worthlessness temptation writing thoroughness wrongdoing threats youth See age; children; premature death 449

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absence the devil was well, the devil a saint was absence is the mother of disillusion; he; a dose of adversity is often as needful absence makes the heart grow fonder; as a dose of medicine; a friend in need is he who is absent is always in the wrong; a friend indeed; God makes the back to a little absence does much good; out of the burden; the good seaman is known in sight, out of mind; when the cat’s away, bad weather; life is no bed of roses; life the mice will play isn’t all beer and skittles; life’s a bitch, and then you die; man’s extremity is God’s acceptance opportunity; prosperity discovers vice; if you don’t like it, you can lump it; it’s all adversity, virtue; the sharper the storm, in a day’s work; what can’t be cured must the sooner it’s over; this, too, shall pass; be endured we must eat a peck of dirt before we die

accumulation advice if you don’t speculate, you can’t accumu- ask advice, but use your own common late; little and often fi lls the purse; little sense; don’t teach your grandmother to drops of water, little grains of sand, make suck eggs; a fool may give a wise man a mighty ocean and a pleasant land; little counsel; nothing is given so freely as leaks sink the ship; little strokes fell great advice oaks; many a little makes a mickle Africa action (See also saying and doing) always something new out of Africa action is worry’s worst enemy; action without thought is like shooting without age aim; fi sh or cut bait; footprints on the age before beauty; better be an old man’s sands of time are not made by sitting darling than a young man’s slave; a creak- down; it’s better to light one candle than ing door hangs longest; don’t teach your curse the darkness; piss or get off the pot; grandmother to suck eggs; a fool at forty shoot fi rst and ask questions afterward; is a fool indeed; the gods send nuts to the tree is known by its fruit; the used key those who have no teeth; a growing youth is always bright has a wolf in his stomach; an idle youth, a needy age; it’s never too late to learn; administration knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much business is like a car, it will not run by used until they are seasoned; late chil- itself except downhill; that government is dren, early orphans; life begins at forty; a best which governs least; too many chiefs man is as old as he feels, and a woman as and not enough Indians; you can’t fi ght old as she looks; never send a boy to do a City Hall man’s job; the older the wiser; old friends and old wine are best; old soldiers never adversity die; spare when you’re young and spend adversity makes strange bedfellows; when you’re old; there’s many a good crosses are ladders that lead to heaven; the tune played on an old fi ddle; there’s no devil was sick, the devil a saint would be; fool like an old fool; they that live longest

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see most; time is the rider that breaks the intelligence of the American people; youth; wanton kittens make sober cats; what’s good for General Motors is good with age comes wisdom; you can’t catch for America old birds with chaff; you can’t put an old head on young shoulders; you can’t shift anger an old tree without it dying; you can’t anger improves nothing but the arch of a teach an old dog new tricks; a young cat’s back; anger without power is folly; barber and an old physician; young folks don’t get mad, get even; hell hath no fury think old folks to be fools, but old folks like a woman scorned; a hungry man is an know young folks to be fools; young men angry man; a little pot is soon hot; never let may die, but old men must die; young the sun go down on your anger; the only saint, old devil; you’re only young once; thing a heated argument ever produced is youth and old age will never agree; youth coolness; a soft answer turns away wrath must be served; youth will have its fl ing animals aggression a cat has nine lives; a dog is a man’s best the best defense is a good offense; a bully friend; an elephant never forgets; if you is always a coward; if you can’t bite, never want to live and thrive, let the spider show your teeth run alive; never work with children or animals; one for sorrow; two for mirth; agriculture See gardening three for a wedding; four for a birth; the robin and the wren are God’s cock and alcohol See drinking hen; there’s nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse; three ambition things are not to be trusted: a cow’s horn, every soldier has the baton of a fi eld- a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof marshal in his knapsack; hasty climbers have sudden falls; he who would climb anticipation the ladder must begin at the bottom; the don’t count your chickens before they are higher the monkey climbs the more he hatched; don’t cross the bridge till you shows his tail; the higher the tree, the come to it; don’t cry before you’re hurt; sweeter the plum; hitch your wagon to a don’t meet troubles halfway; don’t shout star; humble hearts have humble desires; until you are out of the woods; don’t many go out for wool and come home throw away your dirty water until you shorn; the sky’s the limit; there’s always get clean; fi rst catch your hare; it’s not room at the top over till it’s over; let them laugh that win; never trouble trouble till trouble troubles America you; the opera ain’t over till the fat lady America is a tune: it must be sung sings; suffi cient unto the day is the evil together; the business of America is busi- thereof; worry is interest paid on trouble ness; good Americans, when they die, before it falls due go to Paris; never sell America short; nobody ever went broke underestimating anxiety See worry

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apology armed forces he who excuses himself accuses him- an army marches on its stomach; every self; never ask pardon before you are soldier has the baton of a fi eld-marshal accused in his knapsack; the fi rst duty of a soldier is obedience; old soldiers never die; war appearance will cease when men refuse to fi ght all that glitters is not gold; an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though they be clad in arts silk or scarlet; appearances are deceiving; all arts are brothers, each is a light to the beauty and honesty seldom agree; beauty is other; art is long and life is short; art is only skin-deep; the best art conceals art; be power; the best art conceals art what you would seem to be; a blind man’s wife needs no paint; blushing is a sign of associates grace; clothes don’t make the man; clothes adversity makes strange bedfellows; birds make the man; the cowl does not make of a feather fl ock together; Caesar’s wife the monk; don’t judge a book by its cover; must be above suspicion; evil communi- fancy passes beauty; fi ne feathers make cations corrupt good manners; he that fi ne birds; a good face is a letter of recom- touches pitch shall be defi led; he who mendation; a good horse cannot be of a bad sups with the devil should have a long color; handsome is as handsome does; an spoon; hitch your wagon to a star; if you honest look covereth many faults; if it looks lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks fl eas; it’s not what you know, but who you like a duck, it’s a duck; judge not accord- know; like attracts like; love me, love my ing to appearances; the lion is not so fi erce dog; a man is known by the company he as he is painted; a man is as old as he feels, keeps; politics makes strange bedfellows; and a woman as old as she looks; a merry the rotten apple spoils the barrel; the sun heart makes a cheerful countenance; never loses nothing by shining into a puddle; choose your women or linen by candle- water seeks its own level; when you go light; the proof of the pudding is in the to dance, take heed whom you take by eating; there’s many a good cock come out the hand of a tattered bag; the tree is known by its fruit; what you see is what you get authority (See also power) divide and conquer; kings have long arms; appreciation that government is best which governs blessings brighten as they take their fl ight; least; too many chiefs and not enough the cow knows not the value of her tail Indians; when the cat’s away, the mice will till she has lost it; don’t cast your pearls play; you can’t fi ght City Hall before swine; health is not valued till sickness comes; if there were no clouds, we bad people (See also wrongdoing) shouldn’t enjoy the sun; you never miss a bad penny always turns up; the devil can the water till the well runs dry cite scripture for his purpose; the devil looks after his own; the devil’s children arguing See confl ict have the devil’s luck; don’t let the fox

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guard the henhouse; an ill bird lays an ill beginning (See also raw material) egg; there’s a black sheep in every fl ock; the fi rst step is the hardest; a good begin- when you go to dance, take heed whom ning is half the battle; a good beginning you take by the hand makes a good ending; great oaks from little acorns grow; he who begins many bad things (See also good and bad) things, fi nishes but few; he who would cards are the devil’s tools; choose the climb the ladder must begin at the bot- lesser of two evils; the devil always tom; hope is a good breakfast but a bad leaves a stink behind him; evil be to supper; an ill beginning makes an ill end- him who thinks it; he that touches pitch ing; a journey of a thousand miles begins shall be defi led; ill weeds grow apace; with one step; the mother of mischief is the love of money is the root of all evil; no bigger than a midge’s wing; the sooner money is the root of all evil; one year’s begun, the sooner done; a stream cannot seeding makes seven years’ weeding; rise above its source; there’s a fi rst time pigs are pigs; the rotten apple spoils for everything; well begun is half done; the barrel; the sharper the storm, the what’s past is prologue sooner it’s over; shit happens; small choice in rotten apples; there’s a skel- behavior eton in every closet; you can’t keep the as you sow, so shall you reap; boys will birds from fl ying over your head, but be boys; Caesar’s wife must be above you can keep them from building a nest suspicion; handsome is as handsome does; in your hair honors change manners; if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like barriers a duck, it’s a duck; what can you expect don’t take down a fence unless you are from a pig but a grunt?; when in Rome, sure why it was put up; good fences make do as the Romans do; young saint, old good neighbors; a hedge between keeps devil friendship green belief beauty believe only half of what you see and age before beauty; beauty and honesty nothing you hear; a believer is a song- seldom agree; beauty draws with a single less bird in a cage; believing has a core hair; beauty is a good letter of introduc- of unbelieving; the danger past and God tion; beauty is but a blossom; beauty forgotten; faith will move mountains; see- is in the eye of the beholder; beauty ing is believing is no inheritance; beauty is only skin- deep; beauty is truth, truth beauty; boys betrayal seldom make passes at girls who wear dead men tell no tales; little birds that can glasses; fancy passes beauty; grace will sing and won’t sing must be made to sing; last, beauty will blast; Monday’s child is never tell tales out of school; no names, fair of face; please your eye and plague no pack-drill your heart; small is beautiful; a thing of beauty is a joy forever birds See animals

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birthplace business the man who is born in a stable is not a business before pleasure; business is busi- horse; you can take the boy out of the ness; business is like a car, it will not country but you can’t take the country run by itself except downhill; business out of the boy neglected is business lost; the business of America is business; buy in the cheapest bluntness market and sell in the dearest; corpora- call a spade a spade; children and fools tions have neither bodies to be punished speak the truth; hard words break no nor souls to be damned ; the customer is bones; out of the mouths of babes and always right; from shirtsleeves to shirt- sucklings come great truths; tell the truth sleeves is only three generations; if you and shame the devil; truth will out don’t speculate, you can’t accumulate; keep your shop and your shop will keep boasting you; let the buyer beware; never mix don’t hide your light under a bushel; don’t business with pleasure; no penny, no talk the talk if you can’t walk the walk; paternoster; one business begets another; every cook praises his own broth; if you’ve pay beforehand was never well served; got it, ﬂ aunt it; much cry and little wool; punctuality is the soul of business; there self-praise is no recommendation; toot your are tricks in every trade; there’s no such own horn lest the same be never tooted thing as a free lunch; trade follows the ﬂ ag; what’s good for General Motors is boldness (See also courage) good for America adventures are to the adventurous; a cat in gloves catches no mice; faint heart never buying and selling won fair lady; nothing so bold as a blind the buyer needs a thousand eyes, the seller mare; nothing ventured, nothing gained wants but one; buy in the cheapest market and sell in the dearest; the customer is books always right; let the buyer beware; loca- a book is like a garden carried in the pocket; tion, location, location; a thing you don’t books and friends should be few and good; want is dear at any price; the worth of a a great book is a great evil; a house without thing is what it will bring; you buy land, books is like a room without windows you buy stones; you buy meat, you buy bones; you get what you pay for borrowing (See also debt) the early man never borrows from the calendar late man; he that goes a-borrowing, goes a dripping June sets all in tune; as the a-sorrowing; neither a borrower nor a day lengthens, so the cold strengthens; lender be in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love; it’s not spring bribery until you can plant your foot upon twelve a bribe will enter without knocking; daisies; March comes in like a lion, and every man has his price; a golden key can goes out like a lamb; marry in May, rue open any door for aye; may chickens come cheeping;

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ne’er cast a clout till May be out; no his hand; once bitten, twice shy; once moon, no man burned, twice shy; put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry; safe bind, calm safe fi nd; second thoughts are best; safety after a storm comes a calm; in a calm sea fi rst; save something for a rainy day; three every man is a pilot; music hath charms things are not to be trusted: a cow’s horn, to soothe the savage breast; nothing can a dog’s tooth, and a horse’s hoof; trust bring you peace but yourself everybody, but cut the cards; trust not a new friend nor an old enemy; trust not capture one night’s ice; when you go to dance, catching’s before hanging; in vain the net take heed whom you take by the hand is spread in the sight of the bird; an old poacher makes the best gamekeeper; set a certainty See uncertainty thief to catch a thief; softly, softly, catchee monkey chance accidents will happen in the best-regu- carefulness lated families; blind chance sweeps the fair and softly goes far in a day; haste world along; even a blind pig occasionally makes waste; the longest way around picks up an acorn; lightning never strikes is the shortest way home; make haste twice in the same place; marriage is a lot- slowly; more haste, less speed; one step tery; you pays your money and you takes at a time; slow and steady wins the race; your choice slow but sure change (See also reform) caution a change is as good as a rest; don’t better safe than sorry; beware of Greeks change the rules in the middle of the bearing gifts; caution is the parent of game; don’t jump from the frying pan safety; discretion is the better part of into the fi re; don’t swap horses in mid- valor; don’t burn your bridges behind stream; from the sweetest wine, the tart- you; don’t go near the water until you est vinegar; the more things change, the learn how to swim; don’t put all your more they stay the same; a new broom eggs in one basket; easy does it; fi rst try sweeps clean; new lords, new laws; one and then trust; a fool’s bolt is soon shot; nail drives out another; other times, full cup, steady hand; he who fi ghts and other manners; the shoe is on the other runs away may live to fi ght another day; foot; there are no birds in last year’s he who sups with the devil should have nest; there’s nothing constant but incon- a long spoon; if and an spoils many a stancy; times change, and we with time; good charter; if you can’t be good, be variety is the spice of life; the wheel of careful; it’s better to be on the safe side; fortune is forever in motion; a wise man let the buyer beware; little boats should changes his mind, but a fool never does; stay close to shore; a live dog is better the world runs on wheels; you can’t step than a dead lion; look before you leap; twice into the same river; young saint, love your enemy, but don’t put a gun in old devil

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changelessness the country but you can’t take the country as a tree falls, so shall it lie; the more out of the boy things change, the more they stay the same; once a priest, always a priest; once charity a thief, always a thief; there’s nothing charity begins at home; charity covers a constant but inconstancy; there’s nothing multitude of sins; charity is not a bone new under the sun; what’s done cannot be you throw to a dog but a bone you share undone; you can drive out nature with a with a dog; give a man a fi sh, and you feed pitchfork but she keeps on coming back; him for a day; show him how to fi sh, and you can take the boy out of the country you feed him for a lifetime but you can’t take the country out of the boy; you can’t unscramble eggs cheerfulness it’s better to laugh than to cry; laugh and character grow fat; laugh and the world laughs with an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though you, weep and you weep alone; laughter is they be clad in silk or scarlet; the apple the best medicine; a merry heart makes a never falls far from the tree; as the twig cheerful countenance; sing before break- is bent, so is the tree inclined; beauty is fast, cry before night only skin-deep; better a good cow than a cow of a good kind; be what you would children (See also parents and children) seem to be; character is destiny; the child boys will be boys; children and fools speak is father of the man; great men have great the truth; children are certain cares, but faults; the higher the monkey climbs the uncertain comforts; children should be more he shows his tail; if it looks like a seen and not heard; the child that is born duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe duck, it’s a duck; it takes one to know one; and good and gay; Friday’s child is loving kind hearts are more than coronets; the and giving; late children, early orphans; leopard can’t change its spots; like father, little pitchers have big ears; May chickens like son; like mother, like daughter; the come cheeping; Monday’s child is fair of man who is born in a stable is not a horse; face; never work with children or animals; nature passes nurture; once a thief, always no moon, no man; out of the mouths of a thief; the proof of the pudding is in the babes and sucklings come great truths; eating; a rose by any other name would praise the child, and you make love to the smell as sweet; a rose is a rose is a rose is a mother; Saturday’s child works hard for its rose; scratch a Russian and you fi nd a Tar- living; spare the rod and spoil the child; tar; still waters run deep; the style is the Thursday’s child has far to go; Tuesday’s man; there’s many a good cock come out child is full of grace; Wednesday’s child is of a tattered bag; there’s nowt so queer full of woe as folk; what can you expect from a pig but a grunt?; what’s bred in the bone will choice (See also indecision) come out in the fl esh; you can drive out choose the lesser of two evils; a door must nature with a pitchfork but she keeps on be either shut or open; fi sh or cut bait; he coming back; you can take the boy out of that has a choice has trouble; no man can

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serve two masters; the obvious choice coincidence is usually a quick regret; one cannot be great minds think alike; it’s a small world; in two places at once; piss or get off the jesters do oft prove prophets; speak of the pot; small choice in rotten apples; you devil and he always appears can’t have it both ways; you can’t have your cake and eat it too; you can’t run commerce See business with the hare and hunt with the hounds; you can’t serve God and mammon; you’ll common sense be damned if you do and damned if you ask advice, but use your own common don’t; you pays your money and you takes sense; never let your education interfere your choice with your intelligence; one cannot love and be wise; an ounce of common sense Christianity See religion is worth a pound of theory; an ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit church See religion company (See also associates) circumstance the company makes the feast; good com- circumstances alter cases; cut your coat pany on the road is the shortest cut; according to your cloth; everybody laugh and the world laughs with you, stretches his legs according to the length weep and you weep alone; misery loves of his coverlet; the shoe is on the other company; the more the merrier; there’s foot; stretch your arm no further than safety in numbers; two’s company, three’s your sleeve will reach; the vicar of Bray a crowd will be vicar of Bray still complaining

class everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it; every horse fi ne feathers make fi ne birds; it takes three thinks its own pack heaviest; it’s better to generations to make a gentleman; one half light one candle than curse the darkness; of the world doesn’t know how the other the squeaky wheel gets the grease half lives; when Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman? compromise agree, for the law is costly; give and take clothes See dress is fair play; an ill agreement is better than a good judgment; it’s better to lose the coercion battle and win the war he that complies against his will is of his own opinion still; little birds that can sing concealment and won’t sing must be made to sing; the best art conceals art; crime must be one volunteer is worth two pressed men; concealed by crime; an honest look cov- people are more easily led than driven; ereth many faults; murder will out; those you can lead a horse to water, but you who hide can fi nd; truth will out; you can can’t make him drink run, but you can’t hide

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conciseness so you must lie in it; as you sow, so shall brevity is the soul of wit; few words are you reap; for want of a nail the shoe was best; few words are best; a great book is a lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, great evil; length begets loathing and for want of a horse the rider was lost; garbage in, garbage out; good seed makes a confession good crop; he that drinks beer, thinks beer; confess and be hanged; confession is if you play with fi re, you get burned; let the good for the soul; a fault confessed is chips fall where they may; nothing comes half redressed; he who excuses himself of nothing; one lie leads to another; one accuses himself year’s seeding makes seven years’ weeding; they that dance must pay the piper; they confl ict that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind; all’s fair in love and war; it’s ill sitting at who says A must say B; who won’t be ruled Rome and striving with the Pope; it takes by the rudder must be ruled by the rock two to make a quarrel; the only thing a heated argument ever produced is cool- contentment (See also happiness; sat- ness; the quarrel of lovers is the renewal isfaction) of love; two of a trade never agree; when be happy while you’re living, for you’re Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug a long time dead; a contented mind is a of war; when thieves fall out, honest continual feast; content is more than a men come by their own; when you argue kingdom; God’s in his heaven; all’s right with a fool, make sure he isn’t similarly with the world; what you’ve never had engaged; while two dogs are fi ghting for you never miss a bone, a third runs away with it; who has land has war; you can’t fi ght City Hall conviviality the company makes the feast; good com- conformity pany on the road is the shortest cut; it’s don’t rock the boat ; if you can’t beat ’em, always fair weather when good friends get join ’em; it’s better to be right than in the together; it’s merry in hall when beards majority; strive not against the stream; wag all; the more the merrier when in Rome, do as the Romans do cooperation conscience a chain is no stronger than its weakest link; a dear conscience can bear any trouble; a common danger causes common action; conscience does make cowards of us all; a dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees further conscience gets a lot of credit that belongs of the two; it takes two to make a bargain; to cold feet; do right and fear no man; it takes two to tango; one hand washes the evil doers are evil dreaders; a guilty con- other; union is strength; united we stand, science needs no accuser; let him who is divided we fall; you scratch my back and without sin cast the fi rst stone I’ll scratch yours

consequence corruption (See also bribery) as you bake, so shall you brew; as you brew, corruption will ﬁ nd a dozen alibis for its so shall you drink; as you make your bed, evil deeds; evil communications corrupt

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good manners; a fi sh stinks from the head; credit he that touches pitch shall be defi led; give credit where credit is due; give the kissing goes by favor; the more you stir devil his due; success has many fathers, it, the worse it stinks; power corrupts, while failure is an orphan and absolute power corrupts absolutely; the rotten apple spoils the barrel; set a crime See wrongdoing beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride to the devil; something is rotten in the state of crisis Denmark calamity is the touchstone of a brave mind; Nero fi ddled while Rome burned; when courage the going gets tough, the tough get going brave men lived before Agamemnon; courage is fear that has said its prayers; criticism faint heart never won fair lady; fortune the best place for criticism is in front of favors the brave; none but the brave your mirror; the biter is sometimes bit; deserve the fair; one courageous thought criticism is something you can avoid by will put to fl ight a host of troubles; the saying nothing, doing nothing, and being only thing we have to fear is fear itself nothing; don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his boots; don’t shoot courtesy the pianist, he’s doing his best; faults are be nice to people on your way up because thick where love is thin; he who is absent you’ll meet them on your way down; civil- is always in the wrong; he who would ity costs nothing; a civil question deserves a write and can’t write can surely review; if civil answer; courtesy is contagious; honors every man would sweep his own doorstep change manners; manners make the man; the city would soon be clean; if the shoe nice guys fi nish last; punctuality is the fi ts, wear it; judge not, that ye be not politeness of kings; there’s nothing lost by judged; let him who is without sin cast civility; you can catch more fl ies with honey the fi rst stone; people who live in glass than with vinegar houses shouldn’t throw stones; physician, heal thyself; the pot calls the kettle black; courtship sweep your own doorstep clean faint heart never won fair lady; happy’s the wooing that’s not long a-doing; he that curiosity See questions would the daughter win, must with the mother fi rst begin; marry in haste, repent at customs leisure; none but the brave deserve the fair every land has its own law; other times, other manners; so many countries, so cowardice many customs; when in Rome, do as the a bully is always a coward; conscience Romans do does make cowards of us all; conscience gets a lot of credit that belongs to cold danger (See also risk) feet; cowards die many times before their a common danger causes common action; death fi re is a good servant but a bad master; he

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that is too secure is not safe; he that would men than the sea; you can only die once; learn to pray, let him go to sea; he who you can’t take it with you; young men may rides a tiger is afraid to dismount; the die, but old men must die highest branch is not the safest roost; if you play with fi re, you get burned; it’s ill debt (See also borrowing) jesting with edged tools; the post of honor be just before you’re generous; death pays is the post of danger; uneasy lies the head all debts; a man in debt is caught in a net; that wears a crown out of debt, out of danger; pay as you go and nothing you’ll owe; short reckonings days make long friends; speak not of my debts the better the day, the better the deed; unless you mean to pay them the child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe and good and deceit See lies gay; Friday’s child is loving and giving; Monday’s child is fair of face; Saturday’s deception child works hard for its living; Thurs- fool me once, shame on you; fool me day’s child has far to go; Tuesday’s child twice, shame on me; there are tricks in is full of grace; Wednesday’s child is full every trade; you can fool some of the peo- of woe ple all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of death (See also premature death) the people all of the time; you can’t catch as a tree falls, so shall it lie ; better death old birds with chaff than dishonor; blessed are the dead that the rain rains on; dead men don’t bite; defamation dead men tell no tales; death defi es the call a man a thief and he will steal; give doctor; death is the great leveler; death a dog a bad name and hang him; he that keeps no calendar; death pays all debts; would hang his dog gives out fi rst that he equality begins in the grave; every bul- is mad; never speak ill of the dead; throw let has its billet; every door may be shut dirt enough, and some will stick but death’s door; good Americans, when they die, go to Paris; the good that men delay (See also lateness; procrastination) do lives after them; if you’re born to be delays are dangerous; desires are nourished hanged, then you’ll never be drowned; it’s by delays; he who hesitates is lost; hope better to die on your feet than live on your deferred makes the heart sick; revenge is a knees; it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes; dish best eaten cold; there’s luck in leisure; let the dead bury the dead; a live dog is while the grass grows, the steed starves better than a dead lion; a man can only die once; medicine can prolong life, but death desire (See also getting what you want) will seize the doctor, too; never speak appetite comes with eating; desires are ill of the dead; one funeral makes many; nourished by delays; don’t wish too hard; shrouds have no pockets; stone-dead hath humble hearts have humble desires; you no fellow; there’s a remedy for everything might just get what you wished for; if except death; wine has drowned more wishes were horses, beggars would ride;

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wishes won’t wash dishes; the wish is twain shall meet; every land has its own father to the thought law; extremes meet; horses for courses; it takes all kinds of people to make a despair world; oil and water do not mix; oppo- the darkest hour is just before dawn; if it sites attract; so many countries, so many were not for hope, the heart would break customs; so many men, so many opinions; tastes differ; variety is the spice of life destiny character is destiny; every bullet has its diffi culty billet; God moves in mysterious ways; all things are easy to industry, all things hanging and wiving go by destiny; if diffi cult to sloth ; the diffi cult is done at you’re born to be hanged, then you’ll once, the impossible takes a little longer; never be drowned; man proposes, God easier said than done; the fi rst hundred disposes; marriages are made in heaven; years are the hardest; life is hard by the what goes up must come down; what yard, but by the inch life’s a cinch will be, will be; whom the gods would destroy, they fi rst make mad diligence See industry

destruction discipline it’s easier to tear down than to build up; a spare the rod and spoil the child; when jackass can kick a barn door down, but it the cat’s away, the mice will play; who takes a carpenter to build one; whom the won’t be ruled by the rudder must be gods would destroy, they ﬁ rst make mad ruled by the rock

deterioration discontent don’t jump from the frying pan into the go farther and fare worse; the golden age ﬁ re; rats desert a sinking ship; when you was never the present age; the grass is are in a hole, stop digging; the worst is always greener on the other side of the yet to come fence

determination discretion (See also tact) he who wills the end, wills the means; it’s don’t wash your dirty linen in public; dogged as does it; it’s not the size of the fi elds have eyes and woods have ears; hear dog in the fi ght, it’s the size of the fi ght in all, see all, say nowt; loose lips sink ships; the dog; nothing is impossible to a willing never tell tales out of school; no names, heart; the show must go on; when the no pack-drill; tell it not in Gath; tell not going gets tough, the tough get going; all you know, nor do all you can; think all where there’s a will there’s a way; a will- you speak, but speak not all you think; ful man must have his way think before you speak; walls have ears

difference disgrace different strokes for different folks; East better death than dishonor; it’s an ill bird is East and West is West and never the that fouls its own nest; poverty is no

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disgrace, but it’s a great inconvenience; must endure the cackling of hens; no joy there’s a black sheep in every fl ock; there’s without annoy; no pain, no gain; there’s a skeleton in every closet no pleasure without pain; there’s no rose without a thorn; you have to take the bit- disillusion ter with the sweet; you have to take the absence is the mother of disillusion; rough with the smooth blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed dreams dream of a funeral and you hear of a mar- disloyalty riage; dreams go by contraries; dreams rats desert a sinking ship; save us from our retain the infi rmities of our character; friends; with friends like that, who needs morning dreams come true enemies? dress disobedience an ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though forbidden fruit is sweet; rules are made they be clad in silk or scarlet; better be to be broken out of the world than out of the fashion; clothes don’t make the man; clothes make disrespect See respect the man; fi ne feathers make fi ne birds; ne’er cast a clout till May be out; nine distance tailors make a man; pride feels no pain; blue are the hills that are far away; dis- the tailor makes the man; there’s no such tance lends enchantment to the view thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes disunity divide and conquer; a house divided drinking against itself cannot stand; united we alcohol will preserve anything but a secret; stand, divided we fall drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals; he that drinks beer, thinks beer; take downfall a hair of the dog that bit you; there’s truth be nice to people on your way up because in wine; water is the only drink for a wise you’ll meet them on your way down; the man; when the wine is in, the wit is out; bigger they are, the harder they fall; from whiskey and gasoline don’t mix; wine has the sublime to the ridiculous is only one drowned more men than the sea step; give a man enough rope and he’ll hang himself; hasty climbers have sudden earliness (See also promptness) falls; he that is down need fear no fall; the early bird catches the worm; the early pride goes before a fall; what goes up man never borrows from the late man; must come down early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise; fi rst come, drawbacks (See also good and bad) fi rst served; an hour in the morning is the cat would eat fi sh, but would not worth two in the evening; it’s better to be wet her feet; he that would have eggs an hour too early than a minute too late;

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one hour’s sleep before midnight is worth him for a day; give me a child for the two after; soon ripe, soon rotten fi rst seven years and he is mine for life; show him how to fi sh, and you feed easiness him for a lifetime; it’s never too late to all things are easy to industry, all things learn; learning is better than house or diffi cult to sloth; cross the stream where land; never let your education interfere it is shallowest; easy come, easy go; life with your intelligence; nobody is born is hard by the yard, but by the inch life’s learned; nobody forgets a good teacher; a cinch an ounce of practice is worth a pound of precept; there’s no royal road to eating learning; those who can, do; those who after dinner rest awhile, after supper walk can’t, teach; wear your learning like your a mile; an apple a day keeps the doctor watch, in a private pocket; when house away; an army marches on its stomach; and land are gone and spent, then learn- the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, ing is most excellent and Dr. Merryman; bread is the staff of life; cheese digests all things but itself; diet effi ciency cures more than doctors; eat to live, do not he travels fastest who travels alone; an live to eat; a fat kitchen makes a lean will; hour in the morning is worth two in the feed a cold and starve a fever; fi ngers were evening; if you want something done, ask made before forks; food without hospital- a busy person; keep no more cats than ity is medicine; gluttony kills more than will catch mice; let your head save your the sword; God never sends mouths but heels; time is money he sends meat; God sends meat, but the devil sends cooks; help you to salt, help effort you to sorrow; hunger is the best sauce; a he that would eat the fruit must climb the hungry stomach has no ears; man does not tree; if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth live by bread alone; meat and mass never doing well; no pain, no gain; the only place hindered man; more die of food than fam- where success comes before work is in a ine; the way to a man’s heart is through his dictionary; put your best foot forward; you stomach; welcome is the best cheer; you never know what you can do until you try are what you eat embarrassment eavesdropping blushing is a sign of grace; paper does walls have ears; fi elds have eyes and woods not blush have ears; listeners never hear any good of themselves; little pitchers have big ears ending all good things must come to an end; all’s education well that ends well; the best of friends education doesn’t come by bumping your must part; be the day weary or be the day head against the schoolhouse; genius long, at last it ringeth to evensong; the end without education is like silver in the crowns the work; everything has an end; mine; give a man a fi sh, and you feed a good beginning makes a good ending;

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he who laughs last, laughs longest; hope equality is a good breakfast but a bad supper; an ill all animals are equal, but some are more beginning makes an ill ending; it’s not over equal than others; all men are created till it’s over; let them laugh that win; the equal; a cat can look at a king; death is the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings; the great leveler; equality begins in the grave; pitcher will go to the well once too often; Jack’s as good as his master; what’s sauce the sooner begun, the sooner done; this, for the goose is sauce for the gander; too, shall pass; time ends all things when Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman? endurance bear and forbear; be the day weary or be escape the day long, at last it ringeth to evensong; don’t burn your bridges behind you; you a clear conscience can bear any trouble; can run, but you can’t hide the ﬁ rst seven years are the hardest; God makes the back to the burden; the longest evil See bad things day must have an end; it’s a long road that has no turning; what can’t be cured must exaggeration be endured old sins cast long shadows; a tale never loses in the telling enemies the enemy of my enemy is my friend; it’s example good to make a bridge of gold to a ﬂ ying courtesy is contagious; do as I say, not as I enemy; love your enemy, but don’t put a do; evil communications corrupt good man- gun in his hand; one enemy is too much; ners; example is better than precept; a good there’s no little enemy; trust not a new example is the best sermon; a good husband friend nor an old enemy makes a good wife; a good Jack makes a good Jill; if one sheep leaps over the ditch, England all the rest will follow; like master, like man; drought never bred dearth in England; the like people, like priest; parents are patterns; English are a nation of shopkeepers; an people are more easily led than driven; the Englishman’s home is his castle young cock crows as he heard the old one

entertaining excellence the company makes the feast; a constant cream always comes to the top; the good guest is never welcome; ﬁ sh and guests is the enemy of the best; if a thing’s worth stink after three days; food without hospi- doing, it’s worth doing well tality is medicine; the more the merrier; welcome is the best cheer excess many are called, but few are chosen; it’s envy the last straw that breaks the camel’s back; better be envied than pitied; envy never the last drop makes the cup run over; the dies; the grass is always greener on the other pitcher will go to the well once too often; side of the fence you can have too much of a good thing

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exchange of wisdom; experience is the teacher of a fair exchange is no robbery; give and fools; experience keeps a dear school; take is fair play learn from the mistakes of others; live and learn; the older the wiser; an old fox excuses is not easily snared; an old poacher makes a bad excuse is better than none; a bad the best gamekeeper; once bitten, twice workman quarrels with his tools; accusing shy; once burned, twice shy; an ounce the times is but excusing ourselves; cor- of practice is worth a pound of precept; ruption will fi nd a dozen alibis for its evil practice makes perfect; set a thief to catch deeds; he who excuses himself accuses a thief; some folks speak from experience; himself; he who is good at making excuses others, from experience, don’t speak; they is seldom good at anything else; ignorance that live longest see most; those who can- of the law is no excuse; it’s easy to fi nd a not remember the past are condemned to stick to beat a dog; killing no murder repeat it; a traveler may lie with authority; years know more than books; you can’t exercise catch old birds with chaff after dinner rest awhile, after supper walk a mile; there’s nothing so good for the expertise inside of a man as the outside of a horse every man to his trade; the good seaman is known in bad weather; horses for courses; expectation a jack of all trades is master of none; let blessed are they who expect nothing, for the cobbler stick to his last; never send they shall not be disappointed; everybody a boy to do a man’s job; you can’t beat a to whom much is given, of him will much man at his own game; you need more than be required; it’s better to travel hopefully dancing shoes to be a dancer than to arrive; it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes exploitation don’t overload gratitude; if you do, she’ll expediency kick; give a man an inch and he’ll take a the end justifi es the means; if you can’t mile; it’s good fi shing in troubled waters; beat ’em, join ’em; it’s better to lose the nobody ever went broke underestimating battle and win the war; it’s good to make the intelligence of the American people; a bridge of gold to a fl ying enemy; killing the willing horse carries the load no murder; make a virtue of necessity extravagance (See also spending) experience Christmas comes but once a year; penny a burnt child dreads the fi re; don’t judge wise and pound foolish; spare at the a man until you have walked a mile in his spigot, and let out the bunghole; willful boots; don’t make the same mistake twice; waste makes woeful want don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs; experience is a comb that fate gives a extremes man when his hair is all gone; experience is East is East and West is West and never the the best teacher; experience is the mother twain shall meet; extremes meet; from

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the sweetest wine, the tartest vinegar; to shirtsleeves is only three generations; opposites attract he that has a wife and children has given hostages to fortune; he travels fastest who failure travels alone; love me, love my dog; a if anything can go wrong, it will; an ill mother can take care of ten children, but beginning makes an ill ending; a miss is as sometimes ten children can’t take care of good as a mile; rats desert a sinking ship; one mother; near is my shirt, but nearer is success has many fathers, while failure is my skin; the shoemaker’s child always goes an orphan; when one door closes, another barefoot; there’s a black sheep in every one opens ﬂ ock; there’s a skeleton in every closet

fairness fate See destiny all’s fair in love and war; be just before you’re generous; a fair exchange is no fear robbery; fair play’s a jewel; give and take courage is fear that has said its prayers; is fair play; give credit where credit is fear lends wings; the only thing we have due; give the devil his due; never give to fear is fear itself a sucker an even break; share and share alike; there are two sides to every ques- feelings tion; turnabout is fair play; what’s sauce the eyes are the mirrors of the soul; out for the goose is sauce for the gander of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks fame brave men lived before Agamemnon; festivals everybody has his ﬁ fteen minutes of fame; the better the day, the better the deed; every dog has his day Christmas comes but once a year

familiarity fi ction better the devil you know than the devil fact is stranger than fi ction; history is a you don’t know; come live with me and fable agreed upon; truth is stranger than you’ll know me; familiarity breeds confi ction tempt; no man is a hero to his valet; a prophet is not without honor, save in his fi nding own country; you never know a man until fi nders keepers, losers weepers; fi nding you live with him; you should know a man is keeping seven years before you stir his fi re fi rst impressions family (See also heredity; parents and beauty is a good letter of introduction; children) fi rst impressions are the most lasting better a good cow than a cow of a good kind; blood is thicker than water; char- fl attery ity begins at home; the family that prays fl attery, like perfume, should be smelled together stays together; from shirtsleeves but not swallowed; imitation is the sincer-

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est form of fl attery; praise the child, and look before you leap; think before you you make love to the mother; a rich man’s speak; a word spoken is past recalling joke is always funny; you can catch more fl ies with honey than with vinegar forgetting a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf; food See eating the best way to get even is to forget; an elephant never forgets; forgive and forget; foolishness out of sight, out of mind; seldom seen, ask a silly question and you get a silly soon forgotten answer; children and fools speak the truth; empty vessels make the most sound; expe- forgiveness rience is the teacher of fools; a fool and his charity covers a multitude of sins; every money are soon parted; a fool at forty is a dog is allowed one bite; forgive and for- fool indeed; fools ask questions that wise get; let bygones be bygones; never let the men cannot answer; fools rush in where sun go down on your anger; offenders angels fear to tread; fortune favors fools; never pardon; to err is human, to forgive little things please little minds; monkey divine; to know all is to forgive all; wink see, monkey do; never give a sucker an at small faults even break; send a fool to market and a fool he’ll return; silence is the fi ttest reply freedom to folly; six hours’ sleep for a man, seven give a man enough rope and he’ll hang for a woman, and eight for a fool; there’s himself; liberty is not licence; the price no fool like an old fool; when the wine is of liberty is eternal vigilance; stone walls in, the wit is out; when you argue with a do not a prison make; that government is fool, make sure he isn’t similarly engaged; best which governs least a white wall is the fool’s writing paper; whom the gods would destroy, they fi rst friends make mad; a wise man changes his mind, be kind to your friends; books and friends but a fool never does; young folks think should be few and good; a friend to all is old folks to be fools, but old folks know a friend to none; if it weren’t for them, young folks to be fools you would be a total stranger; the best of friends must part; a dog is a man’s best foresight friend; a friend in need is a friend indeed; nothing is certain but the unforeseen; an a hedge between keeps friendship green; ounce of prevention is worth a pound of he that has a full purse never wanted a cure; prevention is better than cure; a friend; it’s always fair weather when good stitch in time saves nine; the unexpected friends get together; lend your money and always happens; who repairs not his gut- lose your friend; love is blind; friendship ters repairs his whole house closes its eyes; old friends and old wine are best; save us from our friends; short forethought reckonings make long friends; short visits action without thought is like shooting make long friends; trust not a new friend without aim; let your head save your heels; nor an old enemy; wealth makes many

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friends; with friends like that, who needs mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, one enemies? to grow; one year’s seeding makes seven years’ weeding; parsley seed goes nine frugality (See also thrift) times to the devil; sow dry and set wet don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s worth of tar; penny wise and pound fool- generosity (See also giving) ish; spare at the spigot, and let out the be just before you’re generous; Friday’s bunghole child is loving and giving; give a loaf and beg a slice; give a man an inch and he’ll futility take a mile; the larger the body, the big- in vain the net is spread in the sight ger the heart; nothing is given so freely of the bird; it’s ill sitting at Rome and as advice striving with the Pope; it’s no use crying over spilled milk; a nod’s as good as a genius See intellect wink to a blind horse; the only thing a heated argument ever produced is cool- getting what you want ness; strive not against the stream; sue a all fi sh are not caught with fl ies; ask, and it beggar and catch a louse; you can’t beat shall be given you; seek, and ye shall fi nd; a man at his own game; you can’t fi ght knock, and it shall be opened unto you; City Hall the cat would eat fi sh, but would not wet her feet; faint heart never won fair lady; future he that would eat the fruit must climb the the best is yet to be; coming events cast tree; he that would have eggs must endure their shadows before; the future ain’t what the cackling of hens; hope and have; if the it used to be; the golden age was never the mountain will not come to Mohammed, present age; never is a long time; never say Mohammed must go to the mountain; never; one of these days is none of these none but the brave deserve the fair; no days; prosperity is just around the corner; pain, no gain; nothing ventured, nothing time will tell; today is yesterday’s tomor- gained; seek and you shall fi nd; wishes row; today you, tomorrow me; tomorrow won’t wash dishes is another day; tomorrow never comes; the worst is yet to come giving (See also generosity) fl owers leave fragrance in the hand that gambling bestows them; give a thing, and take a cards are the devil’s tools; gambling is thing, to wear the devil’s gold ring; he getting nothing for something; lucky at gives twice who gives quickly; it’s better cards, unlucky in love to give than to receive; a small gift usually gets small thanks gardening if you would be happy for a week take a giving up wife; if you would be happy for a month don’t give up the ship; the game is not kill a pig; but if you would be happy worth the candle; if you can’t beat ’em, all your life plant a garden; one for the join ’em; never say die

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God (See also providence; religion) vicariously; never tell tales out of school; all things are possible with God; every see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil; a man for himself and God for us all; God tale never loses in the telling; what the helps those who help themselves; God soldier said isn’t evidence makes the back to the burden; God moves in mysterious ways; God never sends gratitude mouths but he sends meat; God tempers beggars can’t be choosers; don’t bite the the wind to the shorn lamb; the Lord hand that feeds you; don’t overload grati- gives and the Lord takes away; man pro- tude; if you do, she’ll kick; never look a poses, God disposes ; man’s extremity is gift horse in the mouth; praise the bridge God’s opportunity; put your trust in God, that carries you over; a small gift usually and keep your powder dry gets small thanks

good and bad (See also drawbacks) great and small (See also greatness; April showers bring May fl owers; bad size; small things) money drives out good; every cloud has a better a big fi sh in a little pond than a silver lining; if there were no clouds, we little fi sh in a big pond; better be the shouldn’t enjoy the sun; there’s good and head of a dog than the tail of a lion; big bad in everything; there’s no rose without fi sh eat little fi sh; big fl eas have little fl eas a thorn; where God builds a church, the upon their backs to bite ’em, and little devil will build a chapel; you buy land, fl eas have lesser fl eas, and so ad infi nitum; you buy stones; you buy meat, you buy big is beautiful; the dogs bark, but the bones; you have to take the bitter with caravan goes on; eagles don’t catch fl ies; the sweet; you have to take the rough with great trees keep down little ones; if you the smooth can’t run with the big dogs, stay under the good intentions porch; little thieves are hanged, but great never do evil that good may come of it; ones escape; a mouse may help a lion; the road to hell is paved with good inten- a reed before the wind lives on, while tions; take the will for the deed mighty oaks do fall; too many chiefs and not enough Indians; when the cat’s away, good things (See also good and bad) the mice will play the age of miracles is past; all good things must come to an end; the best things in greatness life are free; a little of what you fancy behind every great man there is a great does you good; what’s good for General woman; calamity is the touchstone of a Motors is good for America; you can have brave mind; eagles don’t catch fl ies; from too much of a good thing the sublime to the ridiculous is only one step; full cup, steady hand; great men have gossip (See also rumors) great faults; the highest branch is not the bad news travels fast; a dog that will fetch safest roost; the post of honor is the post a bone will carry a bone; gossip is the of danger; the sun loses nothing by shining lifeblood of society; gossip is vice enjoyed into a puddle

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greed happy for a week take a wife; if you would don’t kill the goose that lays the golden be happy for a month kill a pig; but if you eggs; the eye is bigger than the belly; glut- would be happy all your life plant a gar- tony kills more than the sword; grasp no den; it’s a poor heart that never rejoices; more than the hand will hold; the love of it’s better to be happy than wise; life is just money is the root of all evil; the more you a bowl of cherries; a merry heart makes get, the more you want; much would have a cheerful countenance; money can’t buy more; where the carcass is, there will the happiness; no joy without annoy; sing eagles be gathered; you can’t have your before breakfast, cry before night cake and eat it too harm guidance dead men don’t bite; hard words break in a calm sea every man is a pilot; a man no bones; sticks and stones may break my without a religion is a horse without a bones, but names will never hurt me; the bridle; people are more easily led than tongue is not steel, but it cuts; you can’t driven; who won’t be ruled by the rudder unscramble eggs must be ruled by the rock harmony guilt birds in their little nests agree; a deaf conscience does make cowards of us all; a husband and a blind wife are always a guilty conscience needs no accuser; if the happy couple; good fences make good shoe fi ts, wear it; let him who is without neighbors sin cast the fi rst stone; a man is innocent until proven guilty haste always in a hurry, always behind; a fool’s gullibility bolt is soon shot; fools rush in where angels a fool and his money are soon parted; fear to tread; happy’s the wooing that’s not fool me once, shame on you; fool me long a-doing; haste is from the devil; haste twice, shame on me; never give a sucker makes waste; the hasty bitch bringeth forth an even break; there’s a sucker born every blind whelps; hasty climbers have sudden minute; you can fool some of the people falls; it’s the pace that kills; marry in haste, all of the time, and all of the people some repent at leisure; more haste, less speed; of the time, but you can’t fool all of the nothing should be done in haste but grip- people all of the time ping a fl ea; the obvious choice is usually a quick regret; shoot fi rst and ask questions habit afterward old habits die hard; once a priest, always a priest; you can’t teach an old dog new health tricks after death the doctor; after dinner rest awhile, after supper walk a mile; an apple a happiness day keeps the doctor away; the best doctors call no man happy till he dies; a heavy are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman; purse makes a light heart; if you would be a creaking door hangs longest; death defi es

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the doctor; diet cures more than doctors; hindsight the doctor is often more to be feared than blessings brighten as they take their fl ight; the disease; early to bed and early to rise, the cow knows not the value of her tail makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise; till she has lost it; don’t shut the barn feed a cold and starve a fever; gluttony kills door after the horse is stolen; health is not more than the sword; health is not valued valued till sickness comes; it’s easy to be till sickness comes; health is wealth; if wind wise after the event; you never miss the blows on you through a hole, say your water till the well runs dry prayers and mind your soul; laugh and grow fat; laughter is the best medicine; a little of hints what you fancy does you good; one funeral a nod’s as good as a wink to a blind horse; makes many; there’s nothing so good for straws show which way the wind blows; a the inside of a man as the outside of a horse; word to the wise is suffi cient use legs and have legs history help happy is the country that has no history; four eyes see more than two; if you’re not history is a fable agreed upon; history part of the solution, you’re part of the repeats itself problem; many hands make light work; a mouse may help a lion; praise the bridge home that carries you over; they also serve who only stand and wait; too many cooks spoil east, west, home’s best; every cock will the broth; two boys are half a boy, and crow upon his own dunghill; home is three boys are no boy at all; two heads are home, be it ever so homely; home is where better than one; you can’t beat somebody the heart is; home is where you hang your with nobody hat; the house shows the owner; it takes a heap of living to make a house a home; heredity a man’s home is his castle; men make the apple never falls far from the tree; houses, women make homes; there’s no beauty is no inheritance; birth is much place like home but breeding more; blood will tell; like father, like son; like mother, like daugh- honesty (See also truth) ter; nature passes nurture; what’s bred in beauty and honesty seldom agree; cheat- the bone will come out in the fl esh ers never prosper; children and fools speak the truth; confession is good for the hesitation See delay soul; honesty is more praised than practiced; honesty is the best policy; honesty hierarchy pays; a liar is not believed when he tells big fl eas have little fl eas upon their backs the truth; tell the truth and shame the to bite ’em, and little fl eas have lesser devil; there’s truth in wine fl eas, and so ad infi nitum; if two ride on a horse, one must ride behind; in hope (See also optimism) the country of the blind, the one-eyed a drowning man will catch at a straw; he man is king that lives in hope dances to an ill tune; he

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that lives on hope will die fasting; hope was he; do as I say, not as I do; many kiss and have; hope deferred makes the heart the hand they wish to see cut off; the sick; hope is a good breakfast but a bad nearer the church, the farther from God supper; if it were not for hope, the heart would break; it’s better to travel hopefully ideas than to arrive; it’s not over till it’s over; all words are pegs to hang ideas on; one never say die; the opera ain’t over till the story is good till another is told; an ounce fat lady sings; where there’s no vision, the of common sense is worth a pound of people perish; while there’s life there’s theory; thinking is very far from knowing hope; the wish is father to the thought idleness hospitality See entertaining all things are easy to industry, all things diffi cult to sloth; as good be an addled human nature egg as an idle bird; better to wear out the best of men are but men at best; hope than to rust out; the devil fi nds work for springs eternal in the human breast; self- idle hands to do; footprints on the sands preservation is the fi rst law of nature; sin, of time are not made by sitting down; he sorrow, and work are the things that men who does not work, neither should he can’t shirk; to err is human, to forgive eat; an idle brain is the devil’s workshop; divine idleness is the root of all evil; idle people have the least leisure; an idle youth, a humility (See also meekness) needy age; mind unemployed is mind the meek shall inherit the earth; soft unenjoyed; sloth is the mother of pov- and fair goes far; softly, softly, catchee erty; time hangs heavy on idle hands; you monkee snooze, you lose

hunger ignorance an empty sack cannot stand upright; a admiration is the daughter of ignorance; growing youth has a wolf in his stomach; the husband is always the last to know; hunger drives the wolf out of the wood; if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall hunger is the best sauce; a hungry man is an into the ditch; ignorance is a voluntary angry man; a hungry stomach has no ears; misfortune; ignorance is bliss; ignorance it’s ill speaking between a full man and a of the law is no excuse; much water goes fasting; more die of food than famine by the mill that the miller knows not of; nothing so bold as a blind mare; one hygiene half of the world doesn’t know how the cleanliness is next to godliness; poverty other half lives; prejudice is being down comes from God, but not dirt; we must on what we are not up on; prejudice is eat a peck of dirt before we die the child of ignorance; a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed; those who know don’t hypocrisy speak; those who speak don’t know; what the devil was sick, the devil a saint would the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t be; the devil was well, the devil a saint grieve over; what you don’t know can’t

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hurt you; zeal without knowledge is a improvement runaway horse after a storm comes a calm; the best is yet to be; better luck next time; the dark- illusion est hour is just before dawn; everybody admiration is the daughter of ignorance; talks about the weather, but nobody does blue are the hills that are far away; catch anything about it; it’s a long road that has not at the shadow and lose the substance; no turning; it’s never too late to mend; distance lends enchantment to the view; prosperity is just around the corner; a ris- the golden age was never the present age; ing tide lifts all boats; when things are at self-deceit is the easiest of any; there’s a the worst they begin to mend pot of gold at the end of the rainbow inaction imitation care is no cure; councils of war never as Maine goes, so goes the nation; imitation ﬁ ght; lookers-on see most of the game; is the sincerest form of ﬂ attery; like breeds they also serve who only stand and wait; like; like master, like man; like people, like when in doubt, do nothing priest; monkey see, monkey do incompetence a bad workman quarrels with his tools; impatience See patience every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence; he who would write imperfection and can’t write can surely review; if you nobody is perfect; there’s good and bad pay peanuts, you get monkeys; those who in everything can, do; those who can’t, teach; war is too important to be left to the generals impossibility

the diffi cult is done at once, the impos- incompleteness sible takes a little longer; there’s a pot of a bird never fl ew on one wing; fools and gold at the end of the rainbow; you can’t children should never see half-done work get a quart into a pint pot; you can’t get blood from a stone; you can’t make a indecision (See also choice) silk purse out of a sow’s ear; you can’t between two stools one falls to the make bricks without straw; you can’t put ground; councils of war never fi ght; he a square peg in a round hole; you can’t who hesitates is lost; if you run after two unscramble eggs hares, you will catch neither; when in doubt, do nothing improbability the age of miracles is past; if a pig had independence See self-reliance wings, it might fl y; if ifs and ans were pots and pans, there’d be no work for industry tinkers; if the sky falls, we shall catch all things are easy to industry, all things larks; if wishes were horses, beggars diffi cult to sloth; the busiest men have the would ride most leisure; diligence is the mother of

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good luck; footprints on the sands of time think all you speak, but speak not all you are not made by sitting down; genius is think; true blue will never stain an infi nite capacity for taking pains; if you want something done, ask a busy person; intellect necessity sharpens industry; where bees genius is an infi nite capacity for taking are, there is honey; where there’s muck pains; genius is one percent inspiration there’s brass and ninety-nine percent perspiration; genius without education is like silver ineffi ciency in the mine; a mind is a terrible thing always in a hurry, always behind; a horse to waste; mind unemployed is mind can’t pull while kicking; more haste, less unenjoyed speed interference infl exibility busy folks are always meddling; the more a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of you stir it, the worse it stinks; you should little minds; a wise man changes his mind, know a man seven years before you stir but a fool never does his fi re

infl uence jocularity art is power; as Maine goes, so goes the it’s better to laugh than to cry; jesters do nation; beauty draws with a single hair; oft prove prophets; many a true word is behind every great man there is a great spoken in jest; an ounce of discretion is woman; give me a child for the fi rst seven worth a pound of wit years and he is mine for life; a golden key can open any door; the hand that rocks judgment the cradle rules the world; hitch your comparisons are odious; don’t judge a wagon to a star; it’s not what you know, man until you have walked a mile in his but who you know; money talks boots; judge not, that ye be not judged; the proof of the pudding is in the eating; inheritance there’s good and bad in everything a fat kitchen makes a lean will; most people consider thrift a fi ne virtue in kindness ancestors be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down; cold innovation hands, warm heart; don’t hit a man when everything old is new again; there’s noth- he’s down; God tempers the wind to the ing new under the sun; what’s new cannot shorn lamb; kind hearts are more than be true; you can’t put new wine in old coronets; the larger the body, the bigger bottles the heart; nice guys fi nish last

integrity knowledge it’s better to be right than in the major- knowledge and timber shouldn’t be much ity; a man’s word is as good as his bond; used until they are seasoned; knowledge

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and wisdom are far from being one; leadership knowledge is power; let the cobbler stick a fi sh stinks from the head; a good leader to his last; little birds that can sing and is also a good follower; he that cannot won’t sing must be made to sing; a little obey cannot command; if one sheep leaps knowledge is a dangerous thing; an ounce over the ditch, all the rest will follow; war of discretion is worth a pound of wit; is too important to be left to the generals thinking is very far from knowing; those who know don’t speak; those who speak learning See education; knowledge don’t know; who knows most, speaks least; you can’t put an old head on young lending shoulders lend your money and lose your friend; neither a borrower nor a lender be lateness after death the doctor; better late than lies never; don’t shut the barn door after the ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no horse is stolen; experience is a comb that lies; half the truth is often a whole lie; fate gives a man when his hair is all gone; jove but laughs at lover’s perjury; a liar it’s better to be an hour too early than a is not believed when he tells the truth; minute too late; while the grass grows, a liar is worse than a thief; a liar should the steed starves have a good memory; a lie can go around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots; one lie leads to laughter See cheerfulness; jocularity another; show me a liar and I will show law you a thief; there are lies, damned lies, and statistics; what a tangled web we agree, for the law is costly; the devil makes weave when fi rst we practice to deceive his Christmas pies of lawyers’ tongues and clerks’ fi ngers; every land has its own life law; hard cases make bad law; ignorance all the world’s a stage; the fi rst hundred of the law is no excuse; an ill agreement years are the hardest; he lives long who is better than a good judgment; justice is lives well; life begins at forty; life is hard blind; the king can do no wrong; lawmak- by the yard, but by the inch life’s a cinch; ers should not be lawbreakers; laws go as life is just a bowl of cherries; life is no bed kings like; a man is innocent until proven of roses; life isn’t all beer and skittles; life guilty; a man who is his own lawyer has a is short and sweet; life is short and time is fool for his client; new lords, new laws; swift; life is too short; life is what you make nobody is above the law; one law for the it; life’s a bitch, and then you die; a live dog rich and another for the poor; possession is better than a dead lion; man does not live is nine points of the law; sue a beggar and by bread alone; while there’s life there’s catch a louse; when in Rome, do as the hope; the world runs on wheels Romans do; a wise lawyer never goes to law himself living within your means cut your coat according to your cloth; laziness See idleness everybody stretches his legs according to

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the length of his coverlet; stretch your at cards, unlucky in love; one cannot love arm no further than your sleeve will and be wise; pity is akin to love; the quar- reach rel of lovers is the renewal of love; there are other fi sh in the sea; ’tis better to have logic loved and lost, than never to have loved every why hath its wherefore; there’s rea- at all; when poverty comes in at the door, son in all things; two and two make four; love fl ies out of the window who says A must say B loyalty loss See also winning and losing dog does not eat dog; a dog is a man’s best blessings brighten as they take their fl ight; friend; hawks will not pick out hawks’ the cow knows not the value of her tail till eyes; it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest; she has lost it; don’t throw good money no man can serve two masters; there’s after bad; easy come, easy go; fi nders honor among thieves; whose bread I eat, keepers, losers weepers; good riddance to his song I sing; you can’t run with the hare bad rubbish; the Lord gives and the Lord and hunt with the hounds takes away; quickly come, quickly go; a slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed; there are luck other fi sh in the sea; ’tis better to have better luck next time; a cat has nine lives; loved and lost, than never to have loved at the devil looks after his own; the devil’s all; what you’ve never had you never miss; children have the devil’s luck; diligence you can’t lose what you never had; you is the mother of good luck; every dog never miss the water till the well runs dry has his day; fortune favors fools; fortune favors the brave; it’s better to be born love lucky than rich; lucky at cards, unlucky absence makes the heart grow fonder; in love; opportunities look for you when all’s fair in love and war; better a dinner you are worth fi nding; opportunity never of herbs where love is than a stalled ox knocks for persons not worth a rap; where hate is; cold hands, warm heart; the providence is always on the side of the big course of true love never did run smooth; battalions; see a pin and pick it up, all the Friday’s child is loving and giving; home is day you’ll have good luck; see a pin and where the heart is; hot love is soon cold; let it lay, bad luck you’ll have all the day; in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly take the goods the gods provide; there’s turns to thoughts of love; it’s best to be luck in odd numbers; the third time is the off with the old love before you are on charm; touch wood; the wheel of fortune with the new; jove but laughs at lover’s is forever in motion perjury; love and a cough cannot be hid; love begets love; love conquers all; love lying See lies is blind; love is blind; friendship closes its eyes; love is free; love laughs at lock- marriage smiths; love makes the world go round; always a bridesmaid, never a bride; bet- love me little, love me long; love me, ter be an old man’s darling than a young love my dog; love will fi nd a way; lucky man’s slave; better one house spoiled

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than two; a deaf husband and a blind wife men (See also men and women) are always a happy couple; every Jack boys will be boys; the way to a man’s has his Jill; fi rst thrive and then wive; a heart is through his stomach good husband makes a good wife; a good Jack makes a good Jill; the gray mare is men and women (See also men; women) the better horse; hanging and wiving go behind every great man there is a great by destiny; happy is the bride that the woman; can’t live with ’em, can’t live sun shines on; happy’s the wooing that’s without ’em; every Jack has his Jill; the not long a-doing; he that has a wife and female of the species is deadlier than children has given hostages to fortune; the male; a good husband makes a good he that will thrive must fi rst ask his wife; wife; a good Jack makes a good Jill; the honest men marry quickly, wise men not gray mare is the better horse; it’s a sad at all; the husband is always the last to house where the hen crows louder than know; keep your eyes wide open before the cock; a man is as old as he feels, and a marriage, half shut afterward; marriage is woman as old as she looks; men are from a lottery; marriages are made in heaven; Mars, women are from Venus; men make marry in haste, repent at leisure; marry in houses, women make homes; six hours’ May, rue for aye; never marry for money, sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and but marry where money is; old maids lead eight for a fool; a son is a son till he gets apes in hell; one wedding brings another; him a wife, a daughter’s a daughter all of there goes more to marriage than four her life bare legs in a bed; wedlock is a padlock; when a man’s single, his pockets will merit jingle; why buy the cow when you can get desert and reward seldom keep company; the milk for free?; a young man married give credit where credit is due; it’s a is a young man marred poor dog that’s not worth whistling for; opportunities look for you when you are meaning worth fi nding every picture tells a story; one picture is worth ten thousand words merrymaking the company makes the feast; eat, drink, mediocrity and be merry, for tomorrow we die; it’s in the country of the blind, the one-eyed merry in hall when beards wag all; laugh man is king; a jack of all trades is master and grow fat; the more the merrier of none misfortune meekness (See also humility) accidents will happen in the best-regulated even a worm will turn; the meek shall families; bad news travels fast; the best-laid inherit the earth schemes of mice and men gang aft a-gley; bread always falls buttered side down; help memory you to salt, help you to sorrow; if anything an elephant never forgets; a liar should can go wrong, it will; into every life a little have a good memory rain must fall; it never rains but it pours;

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it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any heavy heart; little and often ﬁ lls the purse; good; it’s no use crying over spilled milk; the love of money is the root of all evil; lightning never strikes twice in the same money begets money; money can’t buy place; many go out for wool and come happiness; money doesn’t grow on trees; home shorn; marry in May, rue for aye; money has no smell; money isn’t every- misfortunes never come singly; one man’s thing; money is power; money is round loss is another man’s gain; shit happens; and rolls away; money is the root of all worse things happen at sea evil; money makes the mare go; money makes the world go round; money talks; mistakes never marry for money, but marry where accidents will happen in the best-regulated money is; riches have wings; save some- families; don’t make the same mistake thing for a rainy day; saving is getting; twice; Homer sometimes nods; if you don’t shrouds have no pockets; take care of the make mistakes you don’t make anything; pennies and the dollars will take care of learn from the mistakes of others; a miss themselves; time is money; where there’s is as good as a mile; nobody is infallible; a muck there’s brass; you can’t serve God stumble may prevent a fall; there’s many a and mammon; you can’t take it with you slip between cup and lip; those who cannot remember the past are condemned to months See calendar repeat it; to err is human, to forgive divine mortality moderation art is long and life is short; be happy enough is as good as a feast; enough is while you’re living, for you’re a long enough; the half is better than the whole; time dead; eat, drink, and be merry, for less is more; love me little, love me long; tomorrow we die; every door may be moderation in all things; tell not all you shut but death’s door; gather ye rosebuds know, nor do all you can; there’s measure while ye may; life is short and sweet; life in all things is short and time is swift; life is too short; life’s a bitch, and then you die; live every modesty day as though it were your last; medicine don’t hide your light under a bushel; it’s can prolong life, but death will seize the all in a day’s work; wear your learning like doctor, too; old soldiers never die; young your watch, in a private pocket men may die, but old men must die

money (See also payment; spending; music wealth) music hath charms to soothe the savage another day, another dollar; bad money breast; why should the devil have all the drives out good; the best things in life are best tunes? free; don’t throw good money after bad; a fool and his money are soon parted; a names golden key can open any door; a heavy a rose by any other name would smell as purse makes a light heart; it takes money sweet; a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose; to make money; a light purse makes a what’s in a name?

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nature (See also human nature) nobility God made the country and man made the everybody loves a lord; it takes three town; it’s not spring until you can plant generations to make a gentleman; kind your foot upon twelve daisies; nature hearts are more than coronets; when abhors a vacuum; nature does nothing in Adam delved and Eve span, who was then vain; nature will have its course; self-pres- the gentleman? ervation is the fi rst law of nature; you can drive out nature with a pitchfork but she noise keeps on coming back a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf; much cry and little wool; the squeaky necessity wheel gets the grease any port in a storm; beggars can’t be choosers; desperate diseases must have noninterference desperate remedies; dirty water will don’t rock the boat; if it ain’t broke, quench fi re; hunger drives the wolf out of don’t fi x it; leave well enough alone; let the wood; if the mountain will not come sleeping dogs lie; let the cobbler stick to to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to his last; mind your own business; never the mountain; make a virtue of necessity; trouble trouble till trouble troubles you; a man’s got to do what a man’s got to when in doubt, do nothing do; necessity is the mother of invention; numbers necessity knows no law; necessity sharp- there’s luck in odd numbers; things come ens industry; need makes the old wife in threes; the third time is the charm trot; needs must when the devil drives; when all fruit fails, welcome haws; when obedience all you have is a hammer, everything looks the fi rst duty of a soldier is obedience; a like a nail; you can’t make an omelette good leader is also a good follower; he without breaking eggs that cannot obey cannot command; obey orders, if you break owners neglect a mother can take care of ten children, objectivity but sometimes ten children can’t take care justice is blind; lookers-on see most of of one mother; one year’s seeding makes the game seven years’ weeding; the shoemaker’s child always goes barefoot; there’s a sin of observation omission as well as of commission the eye of a master does more work than both his hands; four eyes see more than news two; keep your mouth shut and your eyes bad news travels fast; don’t shoot the mes- open; lookers-on see most of the game; senger; go abroad and you’ll hear news of seeing is believing home; he comes too early who brings bad news ; no news is good news; when a dog obstinacy bites a man, that is not news; but when a little birds that can sing and won’t sing man bites a dog, that is news must be made to sing; stick to your guns;

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there are none so blind as those who will are other fi sh in the sea; there’s a tide in not see; there are none so deaf as those the affairs of man; there’s no time like the who will not hear; a willful man must present; time and tide wait for no man; have his way; you can lead a horse to when one door closes, another one opens; water, but you can’t make him drink; you when the cat’s away, the mice will play; can’t get blood from a stone while two dogs are fi ghting for a bone, a third runs away with it; you can lead a offense horse to water, but you can’t make him the greater the truth, the greater the libel; drink; you’re only young once hell hath no fury like a woman scorned; neither give nor take offense oppression the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the old age See age church; it’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees opinion he that complies against his will is of his optimism (See also hope) own opinion still; so many men, so many all’s for the best in the best of all possible opinions; thinking is very far from know- worlds; always look on the bright side; ing; thought is free; a wise man changes his mind, but a fool never does another day, another dollar; April showers bring May fl owers; the best is yet to opportunity be; the darkest hour is just before dawn; all is fi sh that comes to the net; all is grist don’t count your chickens before they are that comes to the mill; a bleating sheep hatched; every cloud has a silver lining; the loses a bite; business neglected is business glass is either half empty or half full; God’s lost; Christmas comes but once a year; in his heaven; all’s right with the world; eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow hope for the best and prepare for the we die; every dog has his day; gather ye worst; hope springs eternal in the human rosebuds while ye may; the gods send breast; it’s an ill wind that blows nobody nuts to those who have no teeth; he that any good; nothing so bad but it might have will not when he may, when he will he been worse ; prosperity is just around the may have nay; hoist your sail when the corner; there’s no great loss without some wind is fair; the hole calls the thief; it’s gain; tomorrow is another day good fi shing in troubled waters; life is short and time is swift; make hay while options the sun shines; the mill cannot grind don’t put all your eggs in one basket; the with the water that is past; opportunities mouse that has but one hole is quickly look for you when you are worth fi nding; taken; there are other fi sh in the sea opportunity knocks but once; opportunity never knocks for persons not worth order a rap; peace makes plenty; a postern door don’t put the cart before the horse; fi rst makes a thief; seize the day; strike while catch your hare; fi rst things fi rst; last but the iron is hot; take the goods the gods not least; which came fi rst, the chicken provide; take time by the forelock; there or the egg?

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overambitiousness past (See also history) cut your coat according to your cloth; the future ain’t what it used to be; the don’t bite off more than you can chew; golden age was never the present age; don’t go near the water until you learn it’s no use crying over spilled milk; let how to swim; don’t start anything you bygones be bygones; let the dead bury can’t fi nish; everybody stretches his legs the dead; the mill cannot grind with the according to the length of his coverlet; water that is past; old sins cast long shad- grasp no more than the hand will hold; he ows; other times, other manners; there who begins many things, fi nishes but few; are no birds in last year’s nest; things past stretch your arm no further than your cannot be recalled; those who cannot sleeve will reach remember the past are condemned to repeat it; what’s done cannot be undone; overconfi dence what’s past is prologue; yesterday will not don’t count your chickens before they be called again; you can’t go home again are hatched; don’t shout until you are out of the woods; he that is too secure is patience not safe; let them laugh that win; a little all commend patience, but none can knowledge is a dangerous thing; there’s endure to suffer; all things come to those many a slip between cup and lip who wait; bear and forbear; desires are nourished by delays; fi rst things fi rst; overreaction hurry no man’s cattle; the longest way burn not your house to scare away the around is the shortest way home; noth- mice; don’t throw out the baby with the ing should be done in haste but gripping bathwater a fl ea; one step at a time; patience is a remedy for every sorrow; patience is a parents and children (See also chil- virtue; revenge is a dish best eaten cold; dren; family; heredity) Rome was not built in a day; slow and the art of being a parent consists of sleep- steady wins the race; softly, softly, catchee ing when the baby isn’t looking; children monkey; there’s luck in leisure; they also are certain cares, but uncertain comforts; serve who only stand and wait; a watched happy is he that is happy in his children; pot never boils; we must learn to walk he that has a wife and children has given before we can run hostages to fortune; he that would the daughter win, must with the mother fi rst patriotism begin; it’s a wise child that knows its patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel own father; late children, early orphans; a mother can take care of ten children, payment but sometimes ten children can’t take he who pays the piper calls the tune; if care of one mother; parents are patterns; you pay peanuts, you get monkeys; the praise the child, and you make love to laborer is worthy of his hire; no penny, the mother; a son is a son till he gets him no paternoster; nothing for nothing; pay a wife, a daughter’s a daughter all of her as you go and nothing you’ll owe; pay life; the tree is known by its fruit beforehand was never well served; pay

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what you owe and you’ll know what you pity See sympathy own; render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s; there’s no such thing as a free plans lunch; they that dance must pay the piper; the best-laid schemes of mice and men whose bread I eat, his song I sing; you gang aft a-gley; man proposes, God dis- don’t get something for nothing; you get poses what you pay for pleasing people peace you can’t be all things to all men; you if you want peace, prepare for war; one can’t please everybody; you’ll be damned sword keeps another in its scabbard; if you do and damned if you don’t peace makes plenty; war will cease when men refuse to fi ght pleasure forbidden fruit is sweet; stolen waters are perfection sweet; there’s no pleasure without pain; the best is the enemy of the good; God’s they that dance must pay the piper in his heaven; all’s right with the world; trifl es make perfection, and perfection politics is no trifl e in politics a man must learn to rise above principle; politics makes strange bedfel- perseverance lows if at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try again; it’s dogged as does it; it’s idle to swallow positive thinking the cow and choke on the tail; the race it’s better to laugh than to cry; the only is not to the swift, nor the battle to the difference between stumbling blocks strong; Rome was not built in a day; a and stepping-stones is the way you use stern chase is a long chase; the third time them is the charm; the vicar of Bray will be possession vicar of Bray still; a winner never quits, a bird in the hand is worth two in the and a quitter never wins bush; fi nders keepers, losers weepers; fi nding is keeping; nought is never in persistence danger; pay what you owe and you’ll constant dropping wears away a stone; know what you own; possession is nine don’t give up the ship; little strokes fell points of the law; what you’ve never had great oaks; never say die; the pitcher will you never miss; you can’t lose what you go to the well once too often; the squeaky never had wheel gets the grease; the tongue always returns to the sore tooth possibility all things are possible with God; nothing pessimism is impossible to a willing heart; whatever the glass is either half empty or half full; man has done, man may do; what has hap- the worst is yet to come pened once can happen again

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poverty told, long last; short notice, soon past; better a dinner of herbs where love is than nothing is certain but the unforeseen; one a stalled ox where hate is; both poverty and swallow does not make a summer; straws prosperity come from spending money— show which way the wind blows; the prosperity from spending it wisely; an unexpected always happens empty sack cannot stand upright; from shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves is only three prejudice generations; a light purse makes a heavy no tree takes so deep a root as prejudice; heart; one law for the rich and another prejudice is being down on what we are not for the poor; poverty comes from God, up on; prejudice is the child of ignorance but not dirt; poverty is no disgrace, but it’s a great inconvenience; poverty is not premature death a crime; the rich get richer and the poor get poorer; the rich man has his ice in the God takes soonest those he loves best; the summer and the poor man gets his in the good die young; whom the gods love die winter; sloth is the mother of poverty; sue young; young men may die, but old men a beggar and catch a louse; when poverty must die comes in at the door, love fl ies out of the window; willful waste makes woeful want preparation dig the well before you are thirsty; don’t power go near the water until you learn how to anger without power is folly; better be swim; the early man never borrows from fi rst in a village than second at Rome; the late man; forewarned is forearmed; big fi sh eat little fi sh; he who pays the hope for the best and prepare for the piper calls the tune; the highest branch worst; if you want peace, prepare for is not the safest roost; in the country of war; nothing is certain but the unfore- the blind, the one-eyed man is king; it’s seen; one sword keeps another in its ill sitting at Rome and striving with the scabbard; put your trust in God, and keep Pope; kings have long arms; knowledge your powder dry; speak softly and carry is power; love conquers all; a man’s home a big stick is his castle; might makes right; money is power; power corrupts, and absolute present power corrupts absolutely; providence is eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow always on the side of the big battalions; we die; gather ye rosebuds while ye may; uneasy lies the head that wears a crown the golden age was never the present age; praise jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but give credit where credit is due; imitation never jam today; seize the day; there’s no is the sincerest form of fl attery; praise the time like the present; today is yesterday’s bridge that carries you over tomorrow

prediction pride coming events cast their shadows before; nobody is indispensable; pride feels no jesters do oft prove prophets; long fore- pain; pride goes before a fall

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privacy there are tricks in every trade; those who good fences make good neighbors; a can, do; those who can’t, teach; two of a hedge between keeps friendship green; a trade never agree man’s home is his castle promises problems jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but the course of true love never did run never jam today; a man’s word is as good smooth; drive gently over the stones; as his bond; promises, like piecrust, are every horse thinks its own pack heaviest; made to be broken one courageous thought will put to ﬂ ight a host of troubles; the only difference promotion between stumbling blocks and stepping- be nice to people on your way up because stones is the way you use them; those who you’ll meet them on your way down; play at bowls must look out for rubbers; a every employee tends to rise to his level trouble shared is a trouble halved of incompetence; the higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail; it’s ill problem-solving waiting for dead men’s shoes avoidance is the only remedy; care is no cure; everybody talks about the weather, promptness (See also earliness) but nobody does anything about it; if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part he gives twice who gives quickly; punctual- of the problem; it’ll all come out in the ity is the politeness of kings; punctuality wash; take things as they come; two heads is the soul of business; shoot ﬁ rst and ask are better than one; when all you have is a questions afterward; short reckonings make hammer, everything looks like a nail long friends; a stitch in time saves nine

procrastination property delays are dangerous; never put off until fools build houses and wise men live in tomorrow what you can do today; one them; learning is better than house or of these days is none of these days; pro- land; men make houses, women make crastination is the thief of time; there’s no homes; when house and land are gone and time like the present; today is yesterday’s spent, then learning is most excellent; tomorrow; tomorrow never comes who has land has war

professions providence (See also God) clergymen’s sons always turn out badly; heaven protects children, sailors, and the devil makes his Christmas pies of law- drunken men; providence is always on the yers’ tongues and clerks’ ﬁ ngers; every side of the big battalions; take the goods man to his trade; he who would write the gods provide; whom the gods would and can’t write can surely review; let the destroy, they ﬁ rst make mad cobbler stick to his last; medicine can prolong life, but death will seize the doc- public opinion tor, too; once a priest, always a priest; the the voice of the people is the voice of shoemaker’s child always goes barefoot; God; what everybody says must be true

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publicity recreation any publicity is good publicity; good wine all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; needs no bush the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman; business before plea- punctuality See promptness sure; never mix business with pleasure; work before play punishment catching’s before hanging; confess and reform be hanged; crime doesn’t pay; kings have it’s never too late to mend; the leopard long arms; little thieves are hanged, but can’t change its spots; an old poacher great ones escape; no names, no pack- makes the best gamekeeper drill; spare the rod and spoil the child regret quarreling See conﬂ ict marry in haste, repent at leisure; the obvious choice is usually a quick regret; things questions past cannot be recalled; what’s done can- ask a silly question and you get a silly not be undone answer; ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies; a civil question deserves religion (See also God) a civil answer; curiosity killed the cat; a believer is a songless bird in a cage; fools ask questions that wise men cannot the better the day, the better the deed; answer the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church; the church is an anvil which raw material has worn out many hammers; a church garbage in, garbage out; good seed makes is God between four walls; clergymen’s a good crop; an ill bird lays an ill egg; you sons always turn out badly; courage is can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear; fear that has said its prayers; the danger you can’t make bricks without straw past and God forgotten; the devil can cite scripture for his purpose; the devil reciprocity gets up to the belfry by the vicar’s skirts; do as you would be done by; dog does faith will move mountains; the family not eat dog; do unto others as you would that prays together stays together; if God have them do unto you; hawks will not did not exist, it would be necessary to pick out hawks’ eyes; love begets love; invent him; like people, like priest; man’s one good turn deserves another; one hand extremity is God’s opportunity; a man washes the other; you don’t get some- without a religion is a horse without a thing for nothing; you scratch my back bridle; meat and mass never hindered and I’ll scratch yours man; the nearer the church, the farther from God; no penny, no paternoster; reconciliation why should the devil have all the best never let the sun go down on your anger; tunes?; you can’t build a church with the quarrel of lovers is the renewal of stumbling blocks; you can’t serve God love and mammon

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relocation he is mad; a liar is not believed when he three moves are as bad as a fi re; you can’t tells the truth; the lion is not so fi erce as shift an old tree without it dying he is painted; a man’s best reputation for the future is his record of the past; praise remedies no man till he is dead desperate diseases must have desperate remedies; fi ght fi re with fi re; like cures resistance like; music hath charms to soothe the a horse can’t pull while kicking; it’s better savage breast; an ounce of prevention is to die on your feet than live on your knees worth a pound of cure; patience is a remedy for every sorrow; prevention is better resourcefulness than cure; the remedy may be worse than love laughs at locksmiths; love will fi nd the disease; take a hair of the dog that a way; man is the measure of all things; bit you; there’s a remedy for everything necessity is the mother of invention except death; time is a great healer; what can’t be cured must be endured respect familiarity breeds contempt; from the repetition sublime to the ridiculous is only one step; a good tale is not the worse for being told love your enemy, but don’t put a gun in his twice; history repeats itself; the more hand; love your neighbor as yourself; no things change, the more they stay the man is a hero to his valet; a prophet is not same; practice makes perfect; there’s noth- without honor, save in his own country ing new under the sun; those who cannot remember the past are condemned to response repeat it; the tongue always returns to the ask a silly question and you get a silly sore tooth; what has happened once can answer; a civil question deserves a civil happen again; the wheel comes full circle answer; silence is the fi ttest reply to folly; a soft answer turns away wrath replacement one nail drives out another; one story is responsibility good till another is told as you make your bed, so you must lie in it; corporations have neither bodies reputation to be punished nor souls to be damned; Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion; everybody’s business is nobody’s business; call a man a thief and he will steal; com- every herring must hang by its own gill; mon fame is seldom to blame; the devil every man is his own worst enemy; every is not as black as he is painted; give a dog man is the architect of his own fortune; if a bad name and hang him; a good name every man would sweep his own doorstep is better than precious ointment; a good the city would soon be clean; it takes two name is sooner lost than won; a good to tango; liberty is not licence; life is what reputation is more valuable than money; you make it; success has many fathers, the good that men do lives after them; he while failure is an orphan; they that dance that would hang his dog gives out fi rst that must pay the piper

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rest if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys; the the best doctors are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, laborer is worthy of his hire; the meek and Dr. Merryman; a change is as good shall inherit the earth; no good deed goes as a rest; it’s as cheap sitting as standing; unpunished; none but the brave deserve there’s no peace for the wicked; there’s the fair; virtue is its own reward no rest for the weary risk (See also danger) retaliation (See also revenge) adventures are to the adventurous; a bird the biter is sometimes bit; even a worm in the hand is worth two in the bush; will turn; an eye for an eye, and a tooth don’t go near the water until you learn for a tooth; he who laughs last, laughs how to swim; don’t put all your eggs longest; judge not, that ye be not judged; in one basket; the game is not worth people who live in glass houses shouldn’t the candle; if you don’t speculate, you throw stones; two wrongs don’t make a can’t accumulate; little boats should stay right; whosoever draws his sword against close to shore; nothing ventured, noth- the prince must throw the scabbard away ing gained; nought is never in danger

rulers retribution Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion; curses, like chickens, come home to the king can do no wrong; kings have long roost; ill-gotten goods never thrive; the arms; Nero ﬁ ddled while Rome burned; mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind uneasy lies the head that wears a crown; exceedingly small; what goes around, whosoever draws his sword against the comes around prince must throw the scabbard away

revenge (See also retaliation) rules the best way to get even is to forget; every land has its own law; the exception blood will have blood; don’t cut off your proves the rule; necessity knows no law; nose to spite your face; don’t get mad, new lords, new laws; rules are made to be get even; hell hath no fury like a woman broken; there’s an exception to every rule; scorned; neglect will kill an injury sooner when in Rome, do as the Romans do than revenge; revenge is a dish best eaten cold; revenge is sweet rumors (See also gossip) common fame is seldom to blame; a revolution lie can go around the world and back revolutions are not made with rose water; again while the truth is lacing up its whosoever draws his sword against the boots; there’s no smoke without ﬁ re; prince must throw the scabbard away what everybody says must be true; what the soldier said isn’t evidence reward desert and reward seldom keep company; ruthlessness good Americans, when they die, go to a cat in gloves catches no mice; nice guys Paris; a good dog deserves a good bone; ﬁ nish last; you can’t make an omelette the higher the tree, the sweeter the plum; without breaking eggs

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sacrifi ce birds that can sing and won’t sing must gold may be bought too dear; throw out a be made to sing; love and a cough cannot sprat to catch a mackerel; you can’t make be hid; never tell tales out of school; no an omelette without breaking eggs names, no pack-drill; a secret is either too good to keep or too bad not to tell; safety See security a secret’s a secret until it’s told; there’s a skeleton in every closet; three may keep sailing a secret, if two of them are dead; walls the good seaman is known in bad weather; have ears he that would go to sea for pleasure would go to hell for a pastime; he that would security learn to pray, let him go to sea; one hand caution is the parent of safety; don’t put for yourself and one for the ship all your eggs in one basket; he that is too secure is not safe; the mouse that has but satisfaction one hole is quickly taken; one hand for the best is the enemy of the good; enough yourself and one for the ship; safe bind, safe is as good as a feast; go farther and fare fi nd; safety fi rst; there’s safety in numbers worse; the good is the enemy of the best; half a loaf is better than no bread; if it self-centeredness ain’t broke, don’t fi x it; leave well enough every horse thinks its own pack heaviest; a alone; something is better than nothing man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle saying and doing actions speak louder than words; all com- self-harm mend patience, but none can endure to don’t cut off your nose to spite your face; suffer; a barking dog never bites; deeds, every man is his own worst enemy not words; deeds are fruits, words are but leaves; do as I say, not as I do; don’t talk the self-help talk if you can’t walk the walk; easier said every man is the architect of his own than done; example is better than precept; fortune; God helps those who help them- fi ne words butter no parsnips; honesty is selves; if you want a thing done well, do more praised than practiced; the more it yourself; if you would be well served, said, the less done; much cry and little serve yourself; life is what you make it; wool; much smoke, little fi re; practice put your trust in God, and keep your what you preach; the road to hell is paved powder dry with good intentions; talk is cheap; threatened men live long self-interest every man for himself and the devil take seasons See calendar the hindmost; interest will not lie; a man is a lion in his own cause; near is my shirt, secrecy but nearer is my skin; self-interest is the alcohol will preserve anything but a secret; rule, self-sacrifi ce the exception; take fi elds have eyes and woods have ears; little care of number one

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selfi shness See self-interest and a cough cannot be hid; may chickens come cheeping self-knowledge the best place for criticism is in front of silence your mirror; it takes one to know one; children should be seen and not heard; know thyself; physician, heal thyself; the keep your mouth shut and your eyes pot calls the kettle black; sweep your own open; least said, soonest mended; little doorstep clean; the wearer best knows birds that can sing and won’t sing must where the shoe pinches; a wise man is be made to sing; no news is good news; a never less alone than when alone shut mouth catches no fl ies; silence gives consent; silence is golden; silence is the selfl essness fi ttest reply to folly; speech is silver, but deny self for self’s sake; self-interest is the silence is golden; a still tongue makes a rule, self-sacrifi ce the exception wise head; still waters run deep; there is a time to speak and a time to be silent; self-preservation think before you speak; those who know every man for himself and God for us all; don’t speak; those who speak don’t know; every man for himself and the devil take who knows most, speaks least; a word the hindmost; one hand for yourself and spoken is past recalling one for the ship; self-preservation is the fi rst law of nature similarity all cats are gray in the dark; the apple self-reliance never falls far from the tree; birds of every man must skin his own skunk; every a feather fl ock together; diamond cuts tub must stand on its own bottom; God diamond; the enemy of my enemy is my helps those who help themselves; he trav- friend; extremes meet; fi ght fi re with fi re; els fastest who travels alone; nothing can great minds think alike; it’s six of one and bring you peace but yourself; paddle your half a dozen of the other; like attracts like; own canoe; stand on your own two feet like breeds like; like cures like; like father, like son; like mother, like daughter; pigs selling See buying and selling are pigs; take a hair of the dog that bit you; water seeks its own level; the wheel sharing comes full circle; when Greek meets share and share alike; turnabout is fair Greek, then comes the tug of war play; what’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is my own size (See also great and small; small things) sickness better a little fi re to warm us than a big a creaking door hangs longest; the doc- one to burn us; big fi sh eat little fi sh; the tor is often more to be feared than the bigger they are, the harder they fall; big disease; a dry cough is the trumpeter of is beautiful; great oaks from little acorns death; feed a cold and starve a fever; a grow; it’s not the size of the dog in the green winter makes a fat churchyard; love fi ght, it’s the size of the fi ght in the dog;

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the larger the body, the bigger the heart; a make a mighty ocean and a pleasant land; little pot is soon hot; the nearer the bone, little fi sh are sweet; little leaks sink the the sweeter the fl esh; providence is always ship; little strokes fell great oaks; many on the side of the big battalions; the weak- a little makes a mickle; the mother of est go to the wall; you can’t get a quart mischief is no bigger than a midge’s into a pint pot wing; a short horse is soon curried; a small gift usually gets small thanks; small skepticism is beautiful; straws show which way the believe only half of what you see and wind blows; trifl es make perfection, and nothing you hear; believing has a core of perfection is no trifl e unbelieving; seeing is believing; what’s new cannot be true social interaction be nice to people on your way up because sleep you’ll meet them on your way down; early to bed and early to rise, makes a man different strokes for different folks; do as healthy, wealthy, and wise; night brings you would be done by; dog does not eat counsel; one hour’s sleep before midnight dog; do unto others as you would have is worth two after; six hours’ sleep for a them do unto you; fair and softly goes far man, seven for a woman, and eight for a in a day; gossip is the lifeblood of society; fool; sleep is the brother of death; there’ll hawks will not pick out hawks’ eyes; love be sleeping enough in the grave your neighbor as yourself; two’s company, three’s a crowd; you can catch more fl ies slowness with honey than with vinegar fair and softly goes far in a day; life is hard by the yard, but by the inch life’s a cinch; society make haste slowly; the mills of God grind if every man would sweep his own door- slowly, yet they grind exceedingly small; step the city would soon be clean; it takes one step at a time; slow and steady wins a village to raise a child; love makes the the race; slow but sure world go round; no man is an island; one half of the world doesn’t know how the small things (See also great and small; other half lives size) the best things come in small packages; soldiers See armed forces the devil is in the details; a drowning man will catch at a straw; every little solitude helps; for want of a nail the shoe was a great city, a great solitude; he travels lost, for want of a shoe the horse was fastest who travels alone; laugh and the lost, and for want of a horse the rider world laughs with you, weep and you was lost; it’s a sin to steal a pin; it’s bet- weep alone; no man is an island ter to light one candle than curse the darkness; little and often fi lls the purse; sorrow little boats should stay close to shore; a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf; it’s a little drops of water, little grains of sand, poor heart that never rejoices; laugh and the

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world laughs with you, weep and you weep always on the side of the big battalions; alone; a light purse makes a heavy heart; the race is not to the swift, nor the battle misery loves company; no joy without to the strong; the weakest go to the wall; annoy; patience is a remedy for every sor- wisdom goes beyond strength row; sin, sorrow, and work are the things that men can’t shirk; sing before breakfast, stress (See also worry) cry before night; small sorrows speak; great care killed the cat; if you can’t stand ones are silent; sorrow comes unsent for; the heat, get out of the kitchen; it’s not Wednesday’s child is full of woe work that kills, but worry; it’s the pace that kills; when the going gets tough, the spare time tough get going the busiest men have the most leisure; idle people have the least leisure style it’s not what you say, but how you say it; speech See talking the style is the man

spending (See also extravagance) subjectivity both poverty and prosperity come from beauty is in the eye of the beholder; every spending money—prosperity from spend- man thinks his own geese swans; love is ing it wisely; don’t throw good money blind; love is blind; friendship closes its after bad; easy come, easy go; a fool and his money are soon parted; money burns eyes; a man who is his own lawyer has a a hole in the pocket; money is round and fool for his client; men are blind in their rolls away; riches have wings; spare and own cause; nobody should be judge in his have is better than spend and crave; spare own cause well and have to spend; spare when you’re young and spend when you’re old success every dog has his day; a good beginning sportsmanship makes a good ending; he that will thrive it’s not whether you win or lose, but how must fi rst ask his wife; it’s better to travel you play the game; don’t hit a man when hopefully than to arrive; let them laugh he’s down; fair play’s a jewel that win; nothing succeeds like success; one business begets another; the only storytelling place where success comes before work a good tale is not the worse for being told is in a dictionary; success breeds success; twice; a tale never loses in the telling success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan; success is never fi nal; you can’t strangeness argue with success everybody’s queer but you and me, and even you are a little queer; fact is stranger than fi ction; truth is stranger than fi ction suffering crosses are ladders that lead to heaven; strength no pain, no gain; pride feels no pain; the a chain is no stronger than its weakest sharper the storm, the sooner it’s over; link; might makes right; providence is there’s no pleasure without pain; we all

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have our cross to bear; the wearer best tact (See also discretion) knows where the shoe pinches least said, soonest mended; never speak of rope in the house of a man who has suitability been hanged; an ounce of discretion is every Jack has his Jill; horses for courses; worth a pound of wit; a soft answer turns if the shoe ﬁ ts, wear it; never send a boy away wrath; speak not of my debts unless to do a man’s job; there’s a time and place you mean to pay them; there’s a time to for everything; to everything there is a speak and a time to be silent; think all season; what’s sauce for the goose is sauce you speak, but speak not all you think; for the gander; you can’t put a square peg think before you speak; think much, speak in a round hole little, and write less

superstition tactics dream of a funeral and you hear of a mar- all fi sh are not caught with fl ies; the fox riage; help you to salt, help you to sorrow; preys furthest from his hole; he who fi ghts if you want to live and thrive, let the spi- and runs away may live to fi ght another der run alive; marry in May, rue for aye; day; quit while you are ahead; soft and fair morning dreams come true; no moon, no goes far; softly, softly, catchee monkey; man; one for sorrow; two for mirth; three take things as they come for a wedding; four for a birth; see a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll have good taking no notice luck; see a pin and let it lay, bad luck you’ll have all the day; step on a crack, break a deaf husband and a blind wife are always your mother’s back; there’s luck in odd a happy couple; the dogs bark, but the numbers; things come in threes; the third caravan goes on; a hungry stomach has time is the charm; touch wood; a wet May no ears; love is blind; friendship closes its brings plenty of hay eyes; Nero fi ddled while Rome burned; see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil; surprise there are none so blind as those who will nothing is certain but the unforeseen; the not see; there are none so deaf as those unexpected always happens; wonders will who will not hear never cease! talent surrender See giving up everybody to whom much is given, of sycophancy him will much be required; good men are everybody loves a lord; he that has a full scarce; poets are born, not made purse never wanted a friend; a rich man’s joke is always funny; wealth makes many talking (See also saying and doing; friends words) a bleating sheep loses a bite; empty vessels sympathy make the most sound; it’s merry in hall better be envied than pitied; misery loves when beards wag all; loose lips sink ships; company; pity is akin to love; a trouble out of the fullness of the heart the mouth shared is a trouble halved speaks; some folks speak from experience;

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others, from experience, don’t speak; a fi ne virtue in ancestors; a penny saved speech is silver, but silence is golden; is a penny earned; saving is getting; see a think before you speak; those who know pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll have don’t speak; those who speak don’t know; good luck; see a pin and let it lay, bad luck a word spoken is past recalling you’ll have all the day; spare and have is better than spend and crave; spare well taste and have to spend; spare when you’re every man after his fashion; every man to young and spend when you’re old; take his taste; far-fetched and dear-bought is care of the pennies and the dollars will good for ladies; one man’s meat is another take care of themselves; thrift is a great man’s poison; one man’s trash is another revenue; waste not, want not man’s treasure; tastes differ; there’s no accounting for tastes; there’s no disputing tidiness about tastes; to each his own the house shows the owner; a place for everything and everything in its place; see temptation a pin and pick it up, all the day you’ll have away goes the devil when he fi nds the good luck; see a pin and let it lay, bad luck door shut against him; the devil dances in you’ll have all the day an empty pocket; don’t let the fox guard the henhouse; forbidden fruit is sweet; the time hole calls the thief; the hook without bait the clock goes as it pleases the clerk; the catches no fi sh; an open door may tempt day is short and the work is long; life is a saint; opportunity makes a thief; stolen short and time is swift; lose an hour in waters are sweet the morning, chase it all day; patience is a remedy for every sorrow; take time by thoroughness the forelock; time fl ies; time hangs heavy don’t spoil the ship for half a penny’s on idle hands; time is a great healer; time worth of tar; in for a penny, in for a pound; is money; time lost cannot be recalled; it’s idle to swallow the cow and choke on time works wonders; work expands so as the tail; leave no stone unturned; the lon- to fi ll the time available for its comple- gest way around is the shortest way home; tion; yesterday will not be called again never do things by halves; one might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb timeliness everything is good in its season; there’s a threats time and place for everything; timing is a barking dog never bites; if you can’t everything; to everything there is a sea- bite, never show your teeth; speak softly son; who repairs not his gutters repairs and carry a big stick; threatened men his whole house live long tolerance thrift (See also frugality) bear and forbear; give and take is fair keep a thing seven years and you’ll fi nd play; it takes all kinds of people to make a use for it; most people consider thrift a world; judge not, that ye be not judged;

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live and let live; love your neighbor as come to it; don’t shout until you are out yourself; to know all is to forgive all of the woods; if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem; let towns sleeping dogs lie; the mother of mischief God made the country and man made the is no bigger than a midge’s wing; never town; a great city, a great solitude trouble trouble till trouble troubles you; when you are in a hole, stop digging transience beauty is but a blossom; the day is short truth (See also honesty) and the work is long; hot love is soon cold; beauty is truth, truth beauty; fact is stranger life is short and time is swift; the longest than fi ction; facts are stubborn things; the day must have an end; quickly come, greater the truth, the greater the libel; quickly go; this, too, shall pass; time fl ies; a half the truth is often a whole lie; a liar is wonder lasts but nine days not believed when he tells the truth; a lie can go around the world and back again travel while the truth is lacing up its boots; many go abroad and you’ll hear news of home; a true word is spoken in jest; out of the good company on the road is the shortest mouths of babes and sucklings come great cut; a rolling stone gathers no moss; Thurs- truths; tell the truth and shame the devil; day’s child has far to go; travel broadens the there’s truth in wine; the truth hurts; truth mind; a traveler may lie with authority is stranger than fi ction; truth is the fi rst casualty of war; truth is truth to the end of treachery (See also betrayal) the reckoning; truth lies at the bottom of beware of Greeks bearing gifts; it’s a fool- a well; truth will out; what everybody says ish sheep that makes the wolf his confes- must be true sor; save us from our friends; with friends like that, who needs enemies? uncertainty nothing is certain but death and taxes; trees nothing is certain but the unforeseen; beware of an oak, it draws the stroke; when in doubt, do nothing avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; creep under the thorn, it can save you from unfairness harm; every elm has its man; walnuts and don’t change the rules in the middle of the pears you plant for your heirs game; kissing goes by favor; might makes right; one law for the rich and another for triviality the poor; providence is always on the side it’s not the end of the world; Jove but of the big battalions; what’s yours is mine, laughs at lover’s perjury; little things and what’s mine is my own please little minds; wink at small faults unity trouble America is a tune: it must be sung after a storm comes a calm; any port in together; union is strength; united we a storm; don’t cross the bridge till you stand, divided we fall

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upbringing that men do lives after them; he lives as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined; long who lives well; if you can’t be birth is much but breeding more; it takes good, be careful; let him who is without a village to raise a child; nature passes sin cast the ﬁ rst stone; nobody is per- nurture; nurture passes nature; spare the fect; prosperity discovers vice; adversity, rod and spoil the child virtue; to the pure all things are pure; virtue is its own reward usefulness

all is fi sh that comes to the net; all is grist waiting that comes to the mill; fi re is a good ser- it’s ill waiting for dead men’s shoes; they vant but a bad master; keep a thing seven also serve who only stand and wait; while years and you’ll fi nd a use for it the grass grows, the steed starves value bad money drives out good; it’s a poor war dog that’s not worth whistling for; one a bayonet is a weapon with a worker at man’s trash is another man’s treasure; a each end; truth is the fi rst casualty of war; thing you don’t want is dear at any price; war is hell; war is too important to be left the worth of a thing is what it will bring; to the generals; war will cease when men you get what you pay for refuse to fi ght

vice warning gossip is vice enjoyed vicariously; pros- coming events cast their shadows before; perity discovers vice; adversity, virtue the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on; forewarned is forearmed; a prophet is not victory (See also winning and losing) without honor, save in his own country; divide and conquer; he who laughs last, threatened men live long laughs longest; in war there is no substitute for victory; it’s better to lose the battle and waste win the war; let them laugh that win; the don’t cast your pearls before swine; don’t race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the throw good money after bad; haste makes strong; slow and steady wins the race; to waste; a mind is a terrible thing to waste; the victor belong the spoils; winning isn’t mind unemployed is mind unenjoyed; everything, it’s the only thing waste not, want not; willful waste makes woeful want violence he who lives by the sword dies by the ways and means sword; revolutions are not made with all roads lead to Rome; easy does it; ﬁ sh rose water where the ﬁ sh are; give a man enough rope and he’ll hang himself; go hunting virtue where the ducks are; he who wills the do right and fear no man; the good die end, wills the means; set a thief to catch young; good men are scarce; the good a thief; softly, softly, catchee monkey;

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there are more ways of killing a cat than weather choking it with cream; there’s more than as the day lengthens, so the cold strength- one way to skin a cat; throw out a sprat ens; avoid an ash, it counts the fl ash; beware to catch a mackerel; where there’s a will of an oak, it draws the stroke; blessed are there’s a way; you can catch more fl ies the dead that the rain rains on; creep under with honey than with vinegar the thorn, it can save you from harm; a dripping June sets all in tune; drought never weakness bred dearth in England; a green winter a chain is no stronger than its weakest makes a fat churchyard; happy is the bride link; if you can’t run with the big dogs, that the sun shines on; long foretold, long stay under the porch; if you can’t stand last; March comes in like a lion, and goes the heat, get out of the kitchen; the spirit out like a lamb; ne’er cast a clout till May be is willing but the fl esh is weak; the thread out; the north wind doth blow and we shall breaks where it is weakest; the weakest go have snow; rain before seven, fi ne before to the wall eleven; red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, sailors take warning; wealth (See also money) Robin Hood could brave all weathers but a better a dinner of herbs where love is thaw wind; short notice, soon past; there’s than a stalled ox where hate is; both pov- no such thing as bad weather, only the erty and prosperity come from spend- wrong clothes; a wet May brings plenty of ing money—prosperity from spending hay; when the wind is in the east, ’tis nei- it wisely; early to bed and early to rise, ther good for man nor beast; winter fi nds makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise; out what summer lays up give a beggar a horse and he’ll ride it to death; gold may be bought too willingness dear; a heavy purse makes a light heart; one volunteer is worth two pressed men; he that has a full purse never wanted the spirit is willing but the fl esh is weak; a friend; if you don’t speculate, you the willing horse carries the load can’t accumulate; it’s better to be born lucky than rich; light gains make heavy purses; money is power; money makes winning and losing (See also victory; loss) a man; money talks; much coin, much heads I win, tails you lose; it’s an ill wind care; never marry for money, but marry that blows nobody any good; it’s not where money is; one law for the rich and whether you win or lose, but how you another for the poor; prosperity discov- play the game; nice guys fi nish last; one ers vice; adversity, virtue; the rich get man’s loss is another man’s gain; there’s richer and the poor get poorer; the rich no great loss without some gain; what man has his ice in the summer and the you lose on the swings you gain on the poor man gets his in the winter; a rich roundabouts; a winner never quits, and a man’s joke is always funny; set a beggar quitter never wins; winning isn’t every- on horseback, and he’ll ride to the devil; thing, it’s the only thing; you can’t beat wealth makes many friends; when a man’s a man at his own game; you can’t beat single, his pockets will jingle; where bees somebody with nobody; you can’t win are, there is honey ’em all; you win some, you lose some

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wisdom out than to rust out; business before plea- early to bed and early to rise, makes a sure; ﬁ rst thrive and then wive; fools and man healthy, wealthy, and wise; experi- children should never see half-done work; ence is the mother of wisdom; it’s better genius is one percent inspiration and ninety- to be happy than wise; knowledge and nine percent perspiration; he who does not wisdom are far from being one; the older work, neither should he eat; it’s all in a day’s the wiser; an old fox is not easily snared; work; it’s not work that kills, but worry; out of the mouths of babes and sucklings many hands make light work; Saturday’s come great truths; a still tongue makes a child works hard for its living; a short horse wise head; wisdom goes beyond strength; is soon curried; sin, sorrow, and work are wisdom is better than rubies; a wise man the things that men can’t shirk; a woman’s changes his mind, but a fool never does; work is never done; work before play; work with age comes wisdom; you can’t put an expands so as to ﬁ ll the time available for its old head on young shoulders completion; work never hurt anybody

wishes See desire workers a bad workman quarrels with his tools; a women (See also men and women) bayonet is a weapon with a worker at each behind every great man there is a great end; every employee tends to rise to his woman; far-fetched and dear-bought is level of incompetence; if you pay peanuts, good for ladies; the female of the species you get monkeys; if you want a thing done is deadlier than the male; the gray mare is well, do it yourself; if you would be well the better horse; the hand that rocks the served, serve yourself; keep no more cats cradle rules the world; hell hath no fury than will catch mice; the laborer is worthy like a woman scorned; he that will thrive of his hire; like master, like man; pay before- must fi rst ask his wife; he that would the hand was never well served; too many daughter win, must with the mother fi rst chiefs and not enough Indians; two boys are begin; a whistling woman and a crowing half a boy, and three boys are no boy at all; hen are neither fi t for God nor men; a why keep a dog and bark yourself? woman’s work is never done worry action is worry’s worst enemy; care is words (See also talking; writing) no cure; care killed the cat; don’t meet all words are pegs to hang ideas on; hard troubles halfway; it’ll all be the same in words break no bones; it’s not what you a hundred years; it’s not work that kills, say, but how you say it; one picture is but worry; one courageous thought will worth ten thousand words; sticks and put to fl ight a host of troubles; past cure, stones may break my bones, but names past care; suffi cient unto the day is the evil will never hurt me; the tongue is not thereof; worry is interest paid on trouble steel, but it cuts before it falls due

work (See also industry) worthlessness all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; garbage in, garbage out; good riddance to another day, another dollar; better to wear bad rubbish; ill weeds grow apace; it’s a

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poor dog that’s not worth whistling for; workshop; idleness is the root of all evil; opportunity never knocks for persons not if there were no receivers, there would worth a rap; you can’t make a silk purse be no thieves; ill-gotten goods never out of a sow’s ear thrive; it’s a sin to steal a pin; lawmakers should not be lawbreakers; little thieves writing are hanged, but great ones escape; a man a goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s is innocent until proven guilty; murder claw; he who would write and can’t write will out; never ask pardon before you can surely review; paper bleeds little; paper are accused; never do evil that good may does not blush; the pen is mightier than the come of it; offenders never pardon; an sword; poets are born, not made; a white old poacher makes the best gamekeeper; wall is the fool’s writing paper old sins cast long shadows; once a thief, always a thief; one thief robs another; a wrongdoing postern door makes a thief; set a thief to catching’s before hanging; charity covers catch a thief; sin, sorrow, and work are a multitude of sins; cheaters never pros- the things that men can’t shirk; a slice off per; crime doesn’t pay; crime must be a cut loaf isn’t missed; stolen waters are concealed by crime; curses, like chickens, sweet; there’s a sin of omission as well come home to roost; the devil dances in as of commission; there’s honor among an empty pocket; the devil ﬁ nds work for thieves; two wrongs don’t make a right; idle hands to do; the devil gets up to the what’s got over the devil’s back is spent belfry by the vicar’s skirts; the dog always under his belly; when thieves fall out, returns to his vomit; every dog is allowed honest men come by their own one bite; evil doers are evil dreaders; the fox preys furthest from his hole; the hole youth See age; children; premature calls the thief; an idle brain is the devil’s death

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Bertram, A., and R. A. Spears, eds. NTC’s Dictionary of Proverbs and Clichés. Lincolnwood, Ill.: NTC Publishing Group, 1993. Fergusson, R., and J. Law. The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs. 2nd edition. London: Penguin Books, 2000. Flavell, L., and R. Flavell. Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins. London: Kyle Cathie, 2004. Knowles, E. The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase, Saying, and Quotation. Oxford: Oxford Uni- versity Press, 1997. Mieder, W., S. A. Kingsbury, and K. B. Harder, eds. A Dictionary of American Proverbs. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989. Pickering, D. Cassell’s Dictionary of Proverbs. 2nd edition. London: Cassell, 2001. Ridout, R., and C. Witting. English Proverbs Explained. London: Pan Books, 1995. Simpson, J., and J. Speake. The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. 5th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. Titelman, G. Random House Dictionary of America’s Popular Proverbs and Sayings. 2nd edition. New York: Random House, 2000. Wilson, F. P. The Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford Uni- versity Press, 1970.

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