This is a modern-English version of The Proverbs of Scotland, originally written by Hislop, Alexander.
It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling,
and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If
you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.
Scroll to the bottom of this page and you will find a free ePUB download link for this book.
THE PROVERBS OF SCOTLAND.
"I am of opinion, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that there is no proverb which is not true, because they are all sentences drawn from experience itself, the mother of all the sciences."
"I believe, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that there isn’t a single proverb that isn't true, because they are all statements based on experience itself, which is the source of all knowledge."
THE
Scottish Proverbs
WITH
Explanatory and Illustrative Notes
and a Glossary.
BY
ALEXANDER HISLOP.
ENTIRELY REVISED AND SUPPLEMENTED.
ALEXANDER HISLOP & COMPANY.
1868.
Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Dialect spellings and inconsistent hyphenation have been retained. The following table has been added for convenience.
Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Dialect spellings and inconsistent hyphenation have been kept as they are. The following table has been added for your convenience.
SIR WILLIAM STIRLING MAXWELL,
BART. OF KEIR, M.P.,
"One deeply versed in proverb lore,"
THE PRESENT COLLECTION OF
SCOTTISH PROVERBS
IS, BY PERMISSION,
MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.
PREFACE.
he gathering together of the Proverbs of Scotland has occupied the attention of several collectors. The earliest work on the subject which has been traced is that of Beaton, Archbishop of Glasgow, who, about the time of the Reformation, made a small collection. The definite information which we have of this work is so very slight, however, that it has been of little or no value to subsequent collectors and writers on the subject. The first collection of importance is the well-known one made by the Rev. David Fergusson, minister of Dunfermline, who was a contemporary of Archbishop Beaton. Fergusson's collection, which numbered 940 proverbs, was, all circumstances considered, a very commendable one; and it has served as a foundation to the labours of subsequent workers in the same field. The next is that of James Kelly, published in London in 1721. This volume contains nearly 3000 proverbs, and is very carefully arranged, with notes[viii] and parallel illustrations. The collection of Kelly is an able and valuable one, as he was perfectly conversant with the subject of proverbs generally; but we are compelled to agree with Motherwell, when he says that this writer's rendering of the Scottish dialect is "most barbarous;" nor do we wonder that it excited the profound contempt of Allan Ramsay, who, from his thorough knowledge of the Scottish vernacular, was openly indignant at the reputation gained by Kelly's work, and made a collection himself, which was published at Edinburgh in 1763. In a sensible but pedantic preface, which he addressed to the "Tenantry of Scotland, Farmers of the Dales, and Storemasters of the Hills," he states his reasons for issuing a work on the subject, and strongly recommends the use of proverbs, particularly among the agricultural portion of the community. After alluding to the work of Kelly as a "late large book of them, fou of errors, in a style neither Scots nor English," he goes on to say:—"As naething helps our happiness mair than to hae the mind made up with right principles, I desire you, for the thriving and pleasure of you and yours, to use your een and lend your lugs to these guid auld says, that shine with wail'd sense, and will as lang as the world wags. Gar your bairns get[ix] them by heart; let them hae a place among your family books; and may never a window-sole through the country be without them. On a spare hour, when the day is clear, behind a rick, or on the green howm, draw the treasure frae your pouch and enjoy the pleasant companion. Ye happy herds, while your hirdsels are feeding on the flowery braes, you may eithly mak yoursels maisters of the hale ware! How usefou it will prove to you (wha hae sae few opportunities of common clattering) when you forgather with your friends at kirk or market, banquet or bridal! By your proficiency, you'll be able, in a proverbial way, to keep up the soul of a conversation, that is baith blythe and usefou."
he gathering of the Proverbs of Scotland has attracted the interest of several collectors. The earliest known work on this topic is by Beaton, the Archbishop of Glasgow, who, around the time of the Reformation, made a small collection. However, the limited information we have about this work has proven to be of little value to later collectors and writers on the subject. The first significant collection is the well-known one by Rev. David Fergusson, minister of Dunfermline, who was a contemporary of Archbishop Beaton. Fergusson's collection, which included 940 proverbs, was quite commendable given the circumstances, and it laid the groundwork for the efforts of those who followed. Next is the collection by James Kelly, published in London in 1721. This volume contains nearly 3000 proverbs and is very carefully organized, with notes and parallel illustrations. Kelly's collection is skilled and valuable, as he had a solid understanding of proverbs in general; however, we must agree with Motherwell when he describes Kelly's rendering of the Scottish dialect as "most barbarous." It's no surprise that it drew the strong disdain of Allan Ramsay, who, due to his deep knowledge of the Scottish vernacular, was openly offended by the reputation of Kelly's work and published his own collection in Edinburgh in 1763. In a thoughtful, if somewhat pedantic preface addressed to the "Tenantry of Scotland, Farmers of the Dales, and Storemasters of the Hills," he explains his reasons for creating a work on the subject and strongly advocates for the use of proverbs, especially among the agricultural community. After mentioning Kelly's work as a "recent large book of them, full of errors, in a style that is neither Scots nor English," he continues: "As nothing helps our happiness more than having our minds grounded in the right principles, I urge you, for the prosperity and pleasure of you and your family, to pay attention to these good old sayings, which are full of wisdom and will endure as long as the world exists. Teach your children to memorize them; give them a spot among your family books; and may not a single window ledge across the country be without them. During your spare time, when the weather is nice, find a spot behind a haystack or on the green hill, pull out this treasure from your pocket, and enjoy this delightful company. You lucky herders, while your flocks graze on the flowery hills, you can easily master the entire collection! How useful it will be for you (who have so few chances for casual chatting) when you meet with your friends at church or market, feast or wedding! With your knowledge, you'll be able to keep the spirit of conversation lively, both cheerful and informative."
Nearly a hundred years elapsed before a new collection appeared, although, during that period, many editions of the works which we have mentioned were brought out to supply the demands of a proverb-loving public. In 1832, the collection formed by Andrew Henderson was published at Glasgow. It is based upon the previous books, and is a very extensive one, although in arrangement it is defective. This collection, which is more ample than the former ones, has the advantage of an elaborate historical and literary disquisition on the general subject, in[x] the form of an introduction by the poet Motherwell, which is allowed to be one of the most interesting and comprehensive papers on proverbs which has yet appeared.
Almost a hundred years went by before a new collection came out, even though many editions of the works we've mentioned were released during that time to meet the demands of a public that loves proverbs. In 1832, the collection compiled by Andrew Henderson was published in Glasgow. It builds on the earlier books and is quite extensive, although its organization is flawed. This collection, which is more comprehensive than the previous ones, includes a detailed historical and literary discussion on the general subject, in[x] the form of an introduction by the poet Motherwell, which is widely regarded as one of the most interesting and thorough papers on proverbs that has been published so far.
The present collection of Scottish Proverbs, the first edition of which appeared in 1862, while it is the most extensive and systematic that has yet appeared, claims to be little more than a mere mechanical compilation. It was suggested by the work of Henderson, and has been carefully collated with it, and also with the previous collections of Fergusson, Kelly, and Ramsay. Large additions have been made from various sources, such as the works of Sir Walter Scott, Galt, Hogg, and other national writers, while not a few have been picked up and registered as they fell from the lips of friends and strangers with whom the compiler came in contact.
The current collection of Scottish Proverbs, the first edition of which was published in 1862, is the most comprehensive and organized one to date. However, it mainly claims to be just a basic compilation. It was inspired by Henderson's work and has been carefully compared with it, as well as with earlier collections by Fergusson, Kelly, and Ramsay. Many new proverbs have been added from various sources, including the works of Sir Walter Scott, Galt, Hogg, and other national authors, and several have been gathered and recorded as they were shared by friends and strangers whom the compiler encountered.
Throughout the volume, a considerable number of notes are introduced. These notes the compiler had some hesitation in inserting, from a feeling that many of them were mere literal explanations or illustrations, conveying generally but a very poor idea of the deeper meaning which the proverbs themselves are capable of yielding; and also in deference to opinions which have been expressed as to the propriety of[xi] adding notes to a collection of proverbs at all, as every reader of intelligence is competent to put an individual construction upon each, suited to circumstances; while the very wide inferences and applications which can be extracted from many of them, render the adapting of a brief and satisfactory note, in many cases, an impossibility. As it is, however, little merit is claimed for them; and if they are found to be of no aid in facilitating an interpretation, they will, at least, tend to relieve the monotonous or catalogue effect, so to speak, which is apt to be felt by many readers when perusing works arranged in alphabetical order. In all cases where the compiler could adapt a quotation or parallel proverb, he did so in preference to inserting an original note. To apply a proverb from the collection, it is hoped that, after all, the notes will be found no worse than "Like a chip among parritch—little gude, little ill." A simple but comprehensive Glossary is appended, containing and explaining the meaning of the Scottish words to be found in the book.
Throughout the book, a significant number of notes are included. The compiler had some doubts about adding them, feeling that many were just straightforward explanations or examples that didn't really capture the deeper meanings the proverbs could provide. Additionally, there has been some debate about whether it’s appropriate to add notes to a collection of proverbs, as every thoughtful reader is capable of interpreting each proverb in a way that fits their own circumstances. The broad interpretations and applications that can be drawn from many of these proverbs make it challenging to create concise and helpful notes in several instances. However, little credit is taken for them; if they don’t help with understanding, at least they might break up the monotonous or catalog-like feel that many readers experience when going through works organized alphabetically. Whenever the compiler could include a quotation or related proverb, he chose to do so instead of writing an original note. It is hoped that these notes will be no worse than "Like a chip among parritch—little gude, little ill." A simple yet detailed Glossary is attached, explaining the meaning of the Scottish words found in the book.
Of course, in a work of this nature, it is impossible to prevent redundancies and repetitions; and when it is mentioned that the gathering and arrangement of the first edition of this little work occupied the leisure[xii] hours of six years, and a similar period during the preparation of the present, it will be readily understood that many of the faults are to be attributed to the length of time which elapsed during its compilation.
Of course, in a work like this, it's impossible to avoid redundancies and repetitions. When you consider that putting together the first edition of this little book took six years of spare time, and a similar timeframe was spent preparing this version, it's easy to see that many of the flaws are due to the long time it took to compile.
In conclusion, the compiler begs to state that the present edition of this little work differs very considerably from its predecessor. Upwards of 2000 additions, alterations, and corrections have been made upon it, most of which he is of opinion are improvements; so that the book is, practically speaking, a new one. He has also to thank the members of the press for the very flattering reception accorded to the first edition, and hopes that the new one will be found equally worthy of their commendation. To several private friends, and very many total strangers, he desires to express his acknowledgments for many valuable hints and important additions. As he is anxious that this collection should be as complete as possible, he will be most happy to receive any suggestion or addition which may occur to readers, and would respectfully solicit such with a view to their incorporation in a subsequent edition, should such be required.
In conclusion, the compiler would like to point out that this new edition of the book is quite different from the previous one. Over 2000 additions, changes, and corrections have been made, most of which he believes are improvements; therefore, the book is essentially new. He also wants to thank the members of the press for the very positive reception of the first edition and hopes that the new version will be just as deserving of their praise. He wishes to acknowledge several private friends and many total strangers for their valuable suggestions and important additions. He is eager for this collection to be as complete as possible and would be very happy to receive any suggestions or additions from readers, and kindly requests such contributions for their inclusion in a future edition, if needed.
Edinburgh, May 1868.
Edinburgh, May 1868.
Scottish Proverbs.
' ae oo'.
' ae oo'.
Literally, "all one wool." "A proverbial phrase, equivalent to all one, all to the same purpose."—Jamieson.
Literally, "all one wool." "A saying that means it’s all the same, serving the same purpose."—Jamieson.
A' ae oo', a' ae price.
A' ae oo', a' ae price.
A' are gude lasses, but where do the ill wives come frae?
A' are good girls, but where do the bad wives come from?
"All are good maids, but whence come the bad wives?"—Spanish.
"All are good maids, but where do the bad wives come from?"—Spanish.
A' are no friends that speak us fair.
There are no friends who speak to us kindly.
"All are not friends who smile at you."—Dutch.
"Not everyone who smiles at you is your friend."—Dutch.
A' are no thieves that dogs bark at.
A' don't bark at any thieves.
A bad wound may heal, but a bad name will kill.
A serious injury might heal, but a bad reputation can destroy.
A bairn maun creep afore it gangs.
A child must crawl before it walks.
A bald head is sune shaved.
A bald head is indeed shaved.
A bark frae a teethless dog is as gude as a bite.
A bark from a toothless dog is as good as a bite.
A bauld fae is better than a cowardly friend.
A bold friend is better than a cowardly one.
A beggar's wallet is a mile to the bottom.
A beggar's wallet is a mile deep.
Because it generally contrives to contain all he gets.
Because it usually manages to keep everything he gets.
"A begun turn is half ended," quo' the wife when she stuck the graip in the midden.
"A begun turn is half done," said the wife as she stuck the pitchfork in the midden.
A jocular beginning of work, which, if it went no further, would be long enough ere it were finished.
A playful start to work that, if it didn’t progress any further, would take a while to complete.
A beltless bairn canna lee.
A kid without a belt can’t lie.
"I suppose it means a child before it be so old as to wear belted truese, will not have the cunning to invent a lie."—Kelly.
"I guess it means that a child, before they are old enough to wear belted trousers, won't have the skill to make up a lie."—Kelly.
A bird in the hand's worth twa fleeing by.
A bird in the hand is worth two flying by.
A bit but and a bit ben maks a mim maiden at the board end.
A little bit of this and a little bit of that makes a perfect mix at the end of the table.
"A jocose reflection upon young maids when they eat almost nothing to dinner, intimating that if they had not eaten a little in the pantry or kitchen, they would eat better at the table."—Kelly.
"A humorous observation about young women when they barely eat lunch, suggesting that if they hadn't snacked a bit in the pantry or kitchen, they would enjoy their meal more at the table."—Kelly.
A bit is aften better gi'en than eaten.
A bit is often better given than eaten.
A black hen can lay a white egg.
A black hen can lay a white egg.
A black shoe maks a blythe heart.
A black shoe makes a cheerful heart.
"Whan a man's shoe is blackened and bedaub'd with industry, it will procure him such a supply as will make him cheerful."—Kelly.
"When a man's shoes are polished and covered with effort, they will bring him enough to make him happy."—Kelly.
A Blainslie lawin'—there's mair for meat than drink.
A Blainslie lawin'—there's more for food than drink.
A blate cat maks a proud mouse.
A timid cat makes a proud mouse.
When discipline is not enforced, subordinates are apt to take advantage of it.
When discipline isn't enforced, employees are likely to take advantage of the situation.
A blind man's wife needs nae painting.
A blind man's wife doesn't need painting.
A blythe heart maks a bloomin' look.
A cheerful heart makes a beautiful appearance.
A body's no broke while they hae a gude kail stock.
A body isn't broken as long as they have good kale to eat.
"When all is not lost, all can be recovered."—English.
"When everything isn't lost, everything can be recovered."—English.
A bonnie bride is sune buskit, and a short horse is sune wispit.
A pretty bride is soon dressed up, and a short horse is soon fixed up.
"For little adornment is required to set forth the bride's charms; and the smaller the horse, it is the sooner 'wispit' or cleaned."—Kelly.
"For minimal decoration is needed to highlight the bride's beauty; and the smaller the horse, the quicker it can be groomed."—Kelly.
A bonnie gryce may mak an ugly sow.
A pretty pig can turn into an ugly sow.
"Fair in the cradle may be foul in the saddle."—English.
"Looking good in the cradle might not be the same when you’re in the saddle."—English.
A borrowed len' should gae laughing hame.
A borrowed light should lead you home with a smile.
When we return an article which has been borrowed, to its owner, we should do it with a good grace.
When we return a borrowed article to its owner, we should do it gracefully.
About the moon there is a brugh: the weather will be cauld and rough.
About the moon, there's a cottage: the weather will be cold and rough.
"The halo seen round the moon, being a consequence of the humidity of the atmosphere, may well betoken wet weather."—Robert Chambers.
"The halo around the moon, due to the moisture in the atmosphere, can indicate rainy weather."—Robert Chambers.
A bow o'erbent will weaken.
A bent bow will weaken.
Abundance o' law breaks nae law.
Abundance of laws breaks no laws.
A careless watch invites the thief.
A lax watch invites the thief.
A' cats are grey in the dark.
A' cats are grey in the dark.
A clean synd's better than a dirty dry.
A clean synd is better than a dirty dry.
"A clean thing's kindly," quo' the wife when she turned her sark after a month's wear.
"A clean thing is nice," said the wife as she turned her shirt after wearing it for a month.
A close mouth catches nae flees.
A closed mouth catches no flies.
"A shut mouth keeps me out of strife."—Portuguese.
"A closed mouth keeps me out of trouble."—Portuguese.
A cock's aye crouse on his ain midden-head.
A rooster's always bold on its own dung heap.
"A cock is valiant on his own dunghill."—Danish.
"A rooster is brave on his own territory."—Danish.
A' complain o' want o' siller, but nane o' want o' sense.
A complain about a lack of money, but none about a lack of sense.
A coward's fear maks a brave man braver.
A coward's fear makes a brave person even braver.
A crackit bell will never mend.
A cracked bell will never ring properly.
A' cracks mauna be trew'd.
A' cracks may be true'd.
All that is heard must not be believed.
All that you hear shouldn't always be trusted.
A crafty man's ne'er at peace.
A clever person is never at peace.
A' craiks a' bears.
A' craiks a' bears.
"Craik," to complain: great complainers wish to make others believe that their own lot is a very hard one.
"Craik," to complain: great complainers want to make others think that their situation is really tough.
A crammed kyte maks a crazy carcase.
A packed kite makes a wild carcass.
"A full belly sets a man jigging."—French.
"A full belly gets a man moving."—French.
A craw will no wash white.
A crow won’t turn white.
A crooked man should sow beans, and a woad man peas.
A dishonest man should plant beans, and a good man should plant peas.
"The one agrees to be thick sown, the other thin."—Kelly.
"The one agrees to be densely planted, the other sparsely."—Kelly.
A crookit stick will throw a crookit shadow.
A bent stick will cast a bent shadow.
A croonin cow, a crawin hen, and a whistlin maid, were ne'er very chancy.
A crooning cow, a cawing hen, and a whistling maid were never very risky.
"The two first are reckoned ominous, but the reflection is on the third, in whom whistling is unbecoming."—Kelly.
"The first two are considered bad luck, but the focus is on the third, in whom whistling is inappropriate."—Kelly.
A cuddy's gallop's sune done.
A cuddle's gallop is soon done.
A cumbersome cur is hated in company.
A clumsy mutt is disliked in a crowd.
A daft nurse maks a wise wean.
A crazy nurse makes a smart kid.
A day to come seems langer than a year that's gane.[17]
A day to come feels longer than a year that's gone.[17]
A dear ship lies lang in the harbour.
A beloved ship rests quietly in the harbor.
A dink maiden aft maks a dirty wife.
A dumb girl behind makes a messy wife.
A "dink," neat or trim, maiden often forgets her "dinkness" after marriage.
A "dink," neat or trim, a young woman often forgets her "dinkness" after getting married.
A dish o' married love grows sune cauld.
A dish of married love quickly gets cold.
A dog's life—muckle ease, muckle hunger.
A dog's life—lots of ease, lots of hunger.
"We have dogs' days, hunger and aise, through the blue month."—Irish. The "blue month" being the interval between the failure of the old crop of potatoes and the coming on of the new one, commonly the month of July.
"We have the dog days, hunger, and restlessness during the blue month."—Irish. The "blue month" refers to the time between the old potato crop failing and the new one appearing, typically in July.
A dog winna yowl if ye fell him wi' a bane.
A dog won’t howl if you hit him with a bone.
"Pelt a dog with bones, and you will not offend him."—Italian.
"Pelt a dog with bones, and you won’t upset him."—Italian.
A doucer man ne'er brak warld's bread.
A gentle man never broke the world's bread.
A saying expressive of unqualified respect.
A phrase that shows complete respect.
A drap and a bite's but a sma' requite.
A drink and a bite is just a small reward.
Used to induce a friend to sit down to dinner or tea, meaning that such is but a poor requital of the friend's past services.
Used to encourage a friend to join for dinner or tea, suggesting that this is just a small way to repay the friend's previous kindnesses.
A dreigh drink is better than a dry sermon.
A dull drink is better than a boring sermon.
A drink is shorter than a tale.
A drink is quicker than a story.
An excuse for drinking during the telling of a story.
An excuse to drink while sharing a story.
A drudger gets a darg, and a drucken wife the drucken penny.
A worker earns his pay, and a drunken wife gets the drunken coin.
A willing labourer gets a day's work, and people fond of drink, however poor they are, contrive to get it some way or other.
A willing worker manages to get a day's pay, and even those who love to drink, no matter how broke they are, find a way to get it somehow.
A dry summer ne'er made a dear peck.
A dry summer never made a valuable bushel.
"Drought never bred dearth."—English.
"Drought never caused scarcity."—English.
A dumb man hauds a'.
A foolish man holds everything.
That is, figuratively, makes no disclosures.
That is, figuratively, shows nothing.
A dumb man ne'er got land.
A dumb man never got land.
A dumb man wins nae law.
A dumb person wins no law.
A loquacious advocate is more likely to gain his case than a taciturn one.
A talkative lawyer is more likely to win their case than a silent one.
Ae beggar's wae that anither by the gate gae.
Ae beggar's wae that anither by the gate gae.
He is sorry that another beggar should overtake him while pursuing his calling. This feeling is not strictly confined to the begging fraternity.
He feels bad that another beggar catches up with him while he's doing his thing. This feeling isn't just limited to the begging crowd.
Ae fine thing needs twa to set it aff.
A fine thing needs two to show it off.
Ae gude friend is worth mony relations.
A good friend is worth many relatives.
Ae gude turn deserves anither.
A good turn deserves another.
Ae gude turn may meet anither, an' it were at the brig o' London.
Ae gude turn may meet another, and it were at the bridge of London.
Meaning that a favour done may be returned at a time when least expected, and perhaps when very much required.
Meaning that a favor done might come back to you at a time you least expect, and maybe when you really need it.
Ae half o' the warld disna ken how the ither half lives.
Half of the world doesn't know how the other half lives.
Ae hand winna wash the ither for nought.
A hand won't wash the other for nothing.
Ae hour in the morning is worth twa at night.
An hour in the morning is worth two at night.
Ae hour's cauld will drive oot seven years' heat.
A cold hour will chase away seven years' warmth.
Ae lawsuit breeds twenty.
A lawsuit breeds twenty.
Ae man may tak a horse to the water, but twenty winna gar him drink.
A man can take a horse to water, but twenty can’t make it drink.
"'Reuben Butler! he hasna in his pouch the value o' the auld black coat he wears—but it doesna signify.' And, as he spoke, he (the Laird of Dumbiedikes) shut successively, and with vehemence, the drawers of his treasury. 'A fair[19] offer, Jeannie, is nae cause o' feud—ae man may bring a horse to the water, but twenty wunna gar him drink. And as for wasting my substance on other folks' joes——'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Reuben Butler! He doesn’t have the worth of the old black coat he wears in his pocket—but it doesn’t matter.' And as he said this, he (the Laird of Dumbiedikes) forcefully shut the drawers of his treasury one after another. 'A fair offer, Jeannie, is no reason for a feud—one man can lead a horse to water, but twenty can’t make him drink. And as for wasting my resources on other people's flattery——'"—Heart of Midlothian.
Ae man may steal a horse where anither daurna look ower the hedge.
A man might steal a horse when another doesn't look over the fence.
A man with a bad character is liable to be blamed for any misdeed which may be done; while a person who is not open to suspicion may commit depredation without challenge.
A man with a bad reputation is likely to be blamed for any wrongdoing, while someone who isn't suspected can get away with misconduct without question.
Ae man's meat is anither man's poison.
A man's food is another man's poison.
Ae scabbit sheep will smit a hirsel.
Ae scabbit sheep will smit a hirsel.
One bad character may pollute a whole company.
One bad character can ruin an entire group.
Ae scone o' that baking's enough.
A scone of that baking is enough.
Ae shook o' that stook's enough.
Ae shook o' that stook's enough.
One specimen of a bad article is sufficient.
One example of a bad article is enough.
Ae swallow disna mak a summer.
A single swallow doesn't make a summer.
Ae word before is worth twa behint.
Ae word before is worth two behind.
Ae year a nurse and seven years a daw.
Ae year a nurse and seven years a daw.
Does this very old proverb mean, that if a woman nurses for one year, it takes seven years to recover from the effects of it? Ray has a very ungallant note on the English version of this: "Because, feeding well and doing little, she becomes liquorish, and gets a habit of idleness."
Does this very old proverb mean that if a woman breastfeeds for one year, it takes seven years to recover from the effects of it? Ray has a rather unkind comment on the English version of this: "Because, eating well and doing little, she becomes indulgent and develops a habit of laziness."
A' fails that fools think.
A' fails that fools believe.
A fa'ing maister maks a standin' man.
A failing master makes a standing man.
A fair maid tocherless will get mair wooers than husbands.
A pretty girl without a dowry will get more suitors than husbands.
A' fellows, Jock and the laird.
A' guys, Jock and the owner of the estate.
"Spoken when unworthy fellows intrude themselves into the company of their betters."—Kelly.
"Spoken when unworthy people try to insert themselves into the company of those who are better."—Kelly.
A fey man and a cursour fearna the deil.
A magical man and a hasty creature fear the devil.
Meaning literally, that a predestined man and a war-horse (or stallion, as the word "cursour" more immediately implies) fear not the devil.
Meaning literally, that a destined man and a war horse (or stallion, as the word "cursour" more directly implies) do not fear the devil.
Affront your friend in daffin', and tine him in earnest.
Affront your friend in joking, and challenge him seriously.
Affront him not in jest, lest you lose him in earnest.
Don't mock him in fun, or you might end up losing him for real.
A fidging mare should be weel girded.
A fidgety mare should be well secured.
"A thief does not always steal, but always be on your guard against him."—Russian.
"A thief doesn't always steal, but always be on your guard against one."—Russian.
A findsilly bairn gars his faither be hang'd.
A silly child makes his father get hanged.
A fisherman's walk—twa steps and overboard.
A fisherman's walk—two steps and into the water.
A fleyer wad aye hae a follower.
A flyer would always have a follower.
This proverb illustrates a song of Allan Ramsay's, after an ode by Horace, referring to a girl running out of the room, in the hope that her lover would follow her.
This saying refers to a song by Allan Ramsay, inspired by an ode by Horace, about a girl who rushes out of the room, hoping her lover will chase after her.
A fool and his money are sune parted.
A fool and his money are soon separated.
A fool at forty will ne'er be wise.
A fool at forty will never be wise.
A fool is happier thinking weel o' himself, than a wise man is o' others thinking weel o' him.
A fool is happier believing good things about himself than a wise man is about others thinking good things about him.
A fool may earn money, but it taks a wise man to keep it.
A fool can make money, but it takes a wise person to hold onto it.
A fool may gie a wise man a counsel.
A fool might give a wise person some advice.
"'Fair and softly gangs far,' said Meiklehose; 'and if a fule may gie a wise man a counsel, I wad hae him think twice or he mells with Knockdunder.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Slow and steady wins the race,' Meiklehose said; 'and if a fool can give advice to a wise man, I would have him think twice before he tangles with Knockdunder.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
A fool may speer mair questions than a wise man can answer.
A fool might ask more questions than a wise person can answer.
A fool's bolt is sune shot.
A fool's arrow is already shot.
A fool winna gie his toy for the Tower o' London.
A fool won't give up his toy for the Tower of London.
A foul foot maks a fu' wame.
A dirty foot makes a full stomach.
"Industry will be sure of a maintenance. A man that carefully goes about his business will have foul feet."—Kelly.
"Industry will ensure proper maintenance. A man who diligently attends to his work will have dirty feet." —Kelly.
A foul hand maks a clean hearthstane.
A dirty hand makes a clean fireplace.
A friend at court is worth a penny in the purse.
A friend at court is worth a penny in the wallet.
Kelly's note on this proverb is not favourable to the court usances of his time (1721). "A purse seems to be the only friend at court, for, without that, there is nothing there but neglect and empty promises."
Kelly's comment on this proverb isn't positive about the court customs of his time (1721). "A purse appears to be the only ally at court, because without it, there's nothing but neglect and broken promises."
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A friend who helps you when you really need it is a true friend.
A friend to a' is a friend to nane.
A friend to everyone is a friend to no one.
"Everybody's friend is nobody's friend."—Spanish.
"Everyone's friend is no one's friend."—Spanish.
A friend's dinner's sune dished.
A friend's dinner has begun.
That is, a true friend is easily served, and will not readily take offence.
A true friend is easy to please and won't get offended easily.
A friend's ne'er ken't till he's needed.
A friend isn't known until they're needed.
Aft counting keeps friends lang thegither.
Aft counting keeps friends long together.
"Short accounts make long friends."—English.
"Brief stories create lasting friendships."—English.
After a sort, as Costlet served the king.
After a while, Costlet served the king.
"One Captain Costlet, boasting much of his loyalty, was asked how he served the king when he was a captain in Cromwell's army, answered, 'After a sort.' Spoken when a thing is done slightly."—Kelly.
"Captain Costlet, who loved to brag about his loyalty, was asked how he served the king while he was a captain in Cromwell's army. He replied, 'In a way.' This was said when something was done half-heartedly."—Kelly.
After a storm comes a calm.
After a storm, things settle down.
After clouds comes fair weather.
After clouds comes sunshine.
After dinner sit a while, after supper walk a mile.
After dinner, relax for a bit; after supper, take a walk.
This advice is unfitted for the dining practices of the present day; but when our ancestors breakfasted at six, dined at eleven, and supped at four or five, the counsel may have been good enough.
This advice isn't suitable for today's dining habits; however, when our ancestors had breakfast at six, lunch at eleven, and dinner around four or five, it might have been reasonable.
After joy comes annoy.
After joy comes frustration.
After Lammas, corn ripens by day and night.
After Lammas, corn ripens around the clock.
After that comes a cow to be shod.
After that, a cow arrives to be fitted with shoes.
After words come weird: fair fa' them that ca' me "Madam."
After words come weird: well done to those who can call me "Madam."
After libel comes proof: let those who speak ill of me look to themselves.
After the slander comes the evidence: let those who speak badly of me be careful.
After you is gude manners.
After you is good manners.
"Spoken when our betters offer to serve us first."—Kelly.
"Spoken when those in higher positions offer to serve us first."—Kelly.
Aft ettle, whiles hit.
Afterthought, while it's happening.
Often try, occasionally succeed.
Try often, succeed sometimes.
Aft times the cautioner pays the debt.
Aft times the cautioner pays the debt.
A fu' cup is ill to carry.
A full cup is hard to carry.
A fu' heart is aye kind.
A full heart is always kind.
A fu' heart never lee'd.
A full heart never lied.
Intimating that the truth generally comes out under the impulse of the feelings.
Hinting that the truth usually comes out driven by emotions.
A fu' man and a hungry horse aye mak haste hame.
A full man and a hungry horse always hurry home.
A fu' man's a true man.
A full man is a real man.
A man under the influence of drink, if he speak at all, speaks truth, and often more of that than is pleasant.
A man who has been drinking, if he talks at all, speaks the truth, and often more of it than is comfortable.
A fu' purse maks a haverin merchant.
A full purse makes a talkative merchant.
A man with a full purse engaged in commercial transactions is apt to "haver," or gossip freely.
A man with a lot of money who is involved in business deals tends to "chatter" or gossip easily.
A fu' purse never lacks friends.
A full purse always has friends.
A fu' sack can bear a clout on the side.
A full sack can have a patch on the side.
A man in prosperous circumstances can afford to listen to the envious remarks of those who have not been so fortunate.
A man in good financial situations can afford to pay attention to the jealous comments of those who haven’t been as lucky.
A fu' wame maks a straught back.
A full woman makes a straight back.
A full stomach makes a man walk erectly.
A full stomach makes a person walk upright.
A gaun fit's aye getting, were it but a thorn or a broken tae.
A shoe always gets worn out, even if it's just a thorn or a broken toe.
"A man of industry will certainly get a living; though the proverb is often applied to those who went abroad and got a mischief, when they might safely have stayed at home."—Kelly.
"A hardworking man will definitely earn a living; although the saying is often used for those who went away and got into trouble when they could have just stayed home."—Kelly.
A gentle horse should be sindle spurr'd.
A gentle horse should be lightly spurred.
A gi'en game was ne'er won.
A given game was never won.
A voluntary concession may be no tribute to the skill of the opponent.
A voluntary concession might not reflect the opponent's skill.
A gi'en horse shouldna be looked i' the mouth.
A given horse shouldn't be looked in the mouth.
A gi'en piece is soon eaten.
A given piece is quickly eaten.
A gowk at Yule 'll no be bright at Beltane.
A fool at Christmas won’t be smart by May Day.
He that is a fool at Christmas will not be wise in May.
A fool at Christmas won’t be wise by May.
A great rooser was ne'er a gude rider.
A great rooster was never a good rider.
A great boaster is rarely a great performer.
A big talker is hardly ever a big achiever.
A greedy e'e ne'er got a fu' wame.
A greedy eye never got a full belly.
A greedy e'e ne'er got a gude pennyworth.
A greedy eye never got a good deal.
This and the preceding proverb signify that a covetous or greedy man is never satisfied.
This and the previous proverb mean that a greedy person is never satisfied.
A green wound is half hale.
A green wound is half healed.
A green Yule maks a fat kirkyard.
A green Christmas means a rich graveyard.
"Ance I wrought a simmer wi' auld Will Winnet, the bedral, and howkit mair graves than ane in my day; but I left him in winter, for it was unco cauld wark; and then it cam a green Yule, and the folk died thick and fast."—The Antiquary.
"Once I spent a summer with old Will Winnet, the grave digger, and dug more than one grave in my time; but I left him in winter, because it was really cold work; and then came a warm Christmas, and people started dying quickly."—The Antiquary.
A groat is ill saved that shames its master.
A groat is poorly kept if it brings shame to its owner.
A grunting horse and a graneing wife seldom fail their master.
A grunting horse and a complaining wife rarely let their master down.
People that are constantly in the habit of complaining how ill they are, generally contrive to live as long as their neighbours.
People who are always complaining about how sick they are tend to live just as long as their neighbors.
A gude beginning maks a gude ending.
A good beginning makes a good ending.
A gude calf is better than a calf o' a gude kind.
A good calf is better than a calf of a good breed.
The one is good already, while it is possible that the other may turn out bad.
The one is already good, while the other might end up bad.
A gude cause maks a strong arm.
A good cause makes a strong effort.
A gude conscience is the best divinity.
A good conscience is the greatest virtue.
A gude day's darg may be done wi' a dirty spade.
A good day's work can be done with a dirty spade.
A gude dog ne'er barkit about a bane.
A good dog never barks about a bone.
A gude face needs nae band, and an ill ane deserves nane.
A good face needs no decoration, and a bad one deserves none.
A gude fellow is a costly name.
A good friend is a valuable title.
A gude fellow ne'er tint but at an ill fellow's hand.
A good person never loses except at the hands of a bad person.
A gude green turf is a gude gudemother.
A good green lawn is a good grandmother.
A mother-in-law is best in the churchyard.
A mother-in-law is best in the graveyard.
A gude grieve is better than an ill worker.
A good employee is better than a bad one.
A gude ingle maks a roomy fireside.
A good fire makes a cozy living room.
A gude lawyer may be an ill neighbour.
A good lawyer can be a bad neighbor.
A gude man maks a gude wife.
A good man makes a good wife.
A gude name is sooner tint than won.
A good name is lost more easily than it is gained.
"Good repute is like the cypress; once cut, it never puts forth leaf again."—Italian.
"Good reputation is like the cypress; once it's cut, it never grows back."—Italian.
A gude pawn never shamed its master.
A good pawn never embarrassed its master.
"It is no shame for a man to borrow on a good pawn; though I think it would be more for his honour to be trusted without one."—Kelly.
"It’s not shameful for a man to take out a loan on a good pawn; even so, I believe it would be more honorable for him to be trusted without needing one."—Kelly.
A gude paymaster ne'er wants hands to work.
A good payer never lacks for people to work.
A gude steel is worth a penny.
A good steel is worth a penny.
A gude tale's no the waur o' being twice tauld.
A good story is not worse for being told twice.
"It's very true the curates read aye the same words ower again; and if they be right words, what for no?—a gude tale's no the waur o' being twice tauld, I trow; and a body has aye the better chance to understand it."—Old Mortality.
"It's true that the ministers repeat the same words over and over again; and if they are the right words, why not? A good story doesn't lose anything by being told twice, I believe; and a person has a better chance of understanding it."—Old Mortality.
A gude tongue's a gude safeguard.
A good tongue is a good protection.
A gude wife and health is a man's best wealth.
A good wife and good health are a man's greatest treasures.
A gude word is as easy said as an ill ane.
A kind word is just as easy to say as a bad one.
A gude year winna mak him, nor an ill year mar him.
A good year won’t make him, nor will a bad year ruin him.
"A beggar will ne'er be a bankrupt."—English.
"A beggar will never be bankrupt."—English.
A guilty conscience self accuses.
A guilty conscience self-blames.
A hairy man's a geary man, but a hairy wife's a witch.
A man with hair is considered manly, but a woman with hair is seen as a witch.
A half burn'd peat is easily kindled.
A partially burned piece of peat lights easily.
A hanfu' o' trade is worth a gowpen o' gold.
A hanfu of trade is worth a handful of gold.
Literally, the knowledge of a trade is worth a handful of gold.
Knowing a trade is literally worth its weight in gold.
A hantle cry Murder! and are aye upmost.
A handful cry Murder! and are always the loudest.
Many that are least hurt cry loudest
Many who are hurt the least complain the most.
A hasty man is never lusty.
A rushed person is never passionate.
A hasty man never wanted wae.
A hurried person never wanted for war.
A hearty hand to gie a hungry meltith.
A warm hand to give to a hungry person.
A hen that lays thereout should hae a white nest-egg.
A hen that lays from there should have a white nest egg.
Some attractions should be provided at home for those who are not naturally attached to it.
Some attractions should be available at home for those who aren't naturally drawn to it.
A' his buz shakes nae barley.
A' his buzz shakes no barley.
All his talking does no good, or, vice versa, all his stormy temper does no harm.
All his talking doesn’t help, or, on the flip side, all his anger doesn’t hurt.
A hook is weel tint to catch a salmon.
A hook is well designed to catch a salmon.
"Throw sprats to catch whales."—Spanish.
"Offer small rewards for big gains."—Spanish.
A horn spoon hauds nae poison.
A horn spoon holds no poison.
The humble rank indicated by the horn spoon is one in which simplicity and contentment are so general that no poisoning need be feared. "No hemlock is drunk out of earthenware."—Latin.
The lowly status represented by the horn spoon reflects a level of simplicity and satisfaction so widespread that there's no concern for negativity. "No one drinks hemlock from earthenware."—Latin.
A horse broken and a wife to break, is a horse made and a wife to make.
A horse that's trained and a wife to support is a horse ready to go and a wife who's there to uplift.
A horse wi' four feet may snapper.
A horse with four legs can kick.
Snapper, to stumble. Even the best of men may err.
Snapper, to trip up. Even the best people can make mistakes.
A houndless hunter and a gunless gunner aye see routh o' game.
A hunter without a dog and a shooter without a gun always see plenty of game.
Applied to those who are always boasting of what they can do, when they know that there is no fear of their powers being tested.
Applied to those who are always bragging about what they can do, knowing that there’s no risk of their abilities being challenged.
A house built and a garden to grow never brought what they cost.
A house built and a garden to grow never brought back what they cost.
A house fu' o' folk, and a pouch wi' three fardens i' the corner o't, dinna sort weel thegither.
A house full of people and a pouch with three farthings in the corner don't go well together.
Poverty and a desire to keep up appearances do not "sort weel."
Poverty and the need to maintain appearances don't go well together.
A house in a hastrie is downright wastrie.
A house in a hurry is downright wasteful.
A house wi' a reek and a wife wi' a reard will mak a man rin to the door.
A house with smoke and a wife with a loud voice will make a man run to the door.
"Smoke, a dripping roof, and a scolding wife, are enough to drive a man out of his life."—Spanish.
"Smoke, a leaking roof, and a nagging wife are enough to push a man out of his life."—Spanish.
A hungry louse bites sair.
A hungry louse bites hard.
"Spoken when the needy are importunate in their cravings, or exacting."—Kelly.
"Spoken when the needy are insistent in their desires, or demanding."—Kelly.
A hungry man has aye a lazy cook.
A hungry man always has a lazy cook.
A hungry man's an angry man.
A hungry man is an angry man.
A hungry man smells meat far.
A hungry man can smell meat from far away.
A hungry stomach is aye craving.
A hungry stomach is always craving.
A hungry wame has nae lugs.
A hungry stomach has no ears.
A hungry man is deaf to reason.
A hungry person disregards reason.
A' I got frae him I could put in my e'e, and see nane the waur for't.
A' I got from him I could fit in my eye, and see no worse for it.
A satirical way of expressing that some service has been allowed to go unrewarded.
A sarcastic way of saying that some service hasn't been appreciated.
A' ills are gude untried.
A' ills are good untried.
Air day or late day, the fox's hide finds aye the slaying knife.
Air day or late day, the fox's hide always finds the killing knife.
Sooner or later justice overtakes evil-doers.
Sooner or later, justice catches up with wrongdoers.
A Januar' haddock, a Februar' bannock, and a March pint o' ale.
A January haddock, a February bannock, and a March pint of ale.
"This semi-metrical proverb expresses the season at which the haddock and some other articles of aliment are supposed to be at their best. This, however, as far as the haddock is concerned, would appear questionable, as there is an almost universal notion that the young of this fish at least are best after a little of May has gone. It is said in the Mearns,—
"This semi-metrical proverb indicates the time of year when haddock and some other types of food are believed to be at their peak. However, regarding haddock, this idea seems debatable, as there's a widespread belief that the young of this fish are at their best shortly after May begins. It's said in the Mearns,—
Formerly, brewers made ale only twice a year,—the summer ale in March, and the winter in October.
Previously, brewers made ale just twice a year—the summer ale in March and the winter in October.
A Kelso convoy—a step and a half ower the door-stane.
A Kelso convoy—a step and a half over the doorstep.
"Ye ken in this country ilka gentleman is wussed to be sae civil as to see the corpse aff his ain grounds. Ye needna gang higher than the loan-head—it's no expected your honour suld leave the land—it's just a Kelso convoy, a step and a half ower the door-stane."—The Antiquary.
"You know in this country every gentleman is supposed to be polite enough to see the body off his own land. You don't need to go any further than the loan-head—it's not expected that you should leave the land—it's just a Kelso convoy, a step and a half over the doorstep."—The Antiquary.
A kiss and a drink o' water mak but a wersh breakfast.
A kiss and a sip of water make for a pretty bland breakfast.
Spoken disapprovingly of those who marry for love, without due regard to means.
Spoken disapprovingly about those who marry for love without considering their financial situation.
A landward lad is aye laithfu'.
A country boy is always shy.
A country or rustic lad is always bashful.
A country or rural guy is always shy.
A lang gather'd dam soon runs out.
A long gathering of water soon runs dry.
A lang tongue has a short hand.
A long tongue has a short hand.
"They who are lavish in their promises, are often short in their performances."—Kelly.
"People who are generous with their promises often fall short in delivering."—Kelly.
A lass that has mony wooers aft wails the warst.
A girl with many suitors often chooses the worst one.
A laughing-faced lad often maks a lither servant.
A carefree kid often makes a lazy servant.
A layin' hen is better than a standin' mill.
A laying hen is better than a standing mill.
A standing mill is profitless, whereas a laying hen is not.
A standing mill doesn’t earn any money, while a laying hen does.
A leaky ship needs muckle pumping.
A leaky ship needs a lot of pumping.
A leal heart never lied.
A loyal heart never lied.
Ale-sellers shouldna be tale-tellers.
Ale-sellers shouldn't be storytellers.
They hear everybody's story, but prudence demands that they should keep it to themselves.
They listen to everyone's story, but it's wise to keep it to themselves.
A liar should hae a gude memory.
A liar should have a good memory.
A light-heeled mother maks a heavy-heeled dochter.
A light-heeled mother makes a heavy-heeled daughter.
A light purse maks a heavy heart.
A slim wallet makes for a heavy heart.
Alike every day maks a clout on Sunday.
Alike every day makes a cloth on Sunday.
A little wit ser's a lucky man.
A little wit serves a lucky man.
A loving heart and a leal within, are better than gowd or gentle kin.
A loving heart and loyalty inside are better than gold or noble family.
A lucky man needs little counsel.
A lucky person doesn't need much advice.
A maid aft seen and a gown aft worn, are disesteemed and held in scorn.
A maid who has been seen and a dress that has been worn are looked down upon and held in contempt.
"Amaist" and "Very near" hae aye been great liars.
"Amaist" and "Very near" have always been great liars.
Amaist was ne'er a man's life.
Amaist was never a man's life.
A man at five may be a fool at fifteen.
A guy at five might be a fool at fifteen.
A man at forty is either a fool or a physician.
A man at forty is either clueless or a doctor.
A man canna bear a' his ain kin about on his back.
A man can't carry all his own people on his back.
A man canna wive and thrive the same year.
A man can't marry and prosper in the same year.
Amang you be 't, priest's bairns: I am but a priest's oe.
Amidst you all, priest's children: I am just a priest's child.
A man has nae mair gudes than he gets gude o'.
A man has no more goods than he makes good use of.
A man is a lion for his ain cause.
A man is a lion for his own cause.
"No man so zealous for, or assiduous in, a man's business as himself."—Kelly.
"No one is as eager or dedicated to a person's work as that person themselves."—Kelly.
A man maun spoil ere he spin.
A man must waste before he can earn.
A man may be kind, yet gie little o' his gear.
A man can be kind, but still share very little of his belongings.
A man may haud his tongue in an ill time.
A man can hold his tongue at a bad time.
A man may keep silent at a time or under circumstances where it is an injury to himself.
A man might stay quiet at a moment or in situations where it harms him.
A man may lose his ain for lack o' craving.[31]
A man can lose his own for not having the desire.[31]
A man may see his friend in need, that wouldna see his pow bleed.
A man might see his friend in need, who wouldn’t see his power fade.
That is, a friend may be willing to do anything, even to fight for him, except, and as is too generally the case, to give him pecuniary assistance.
That is, a friend may be ready to do anything, even to fight for him, except, and as is often the case, to provide him with financial support.
A man may speer the gate he kens fu' weel.
A man may ask about the gate he knows very well.
A man may spit in his neive and do but little.
A man can spit in his hand and not accomplish much.
He may make a great show of working, but still do very little.
He might put on a big act of being busy, but still do very little.
A man may woo where he will, but maun wed where his weird is.
A man can flirt wherever he wants, but he has to marry where his fate takes him.
A man o' mony trades may beg his bread on Sunday.
A jack-of-all-trades can ask for handouts on Sunday.
"Jack of all trades, master of none."—English.
"Jack of all trades, master of none."—English.
A man o' straw is worth a woman o' gold.
A man of straw is worth a woman of gold.
"It seems that the men contrived these proverbs, they run so much in their favours."—Kelly.
"It looks like the men made up these proverbs because they benefit them so much."—Kelly.
A man o' words, and no o' deeds, is like a garden fu' o' weeds.
A man of words, but not of actions, is like a garden full of weeds.
A man's aye crouse in his ain cause.
A man's always confident in his own cause.
A man's hat in his hand ne'er did him ony harm.
A man's hat in his hand never did him any harm.
A man's mind is a mirk mirror.
A man's mind is a dark mirror.
A man's weel or wae as he thinks himsel sae.
A man's well-being or misfortune is as he thinks of himself.
A man was ance hang'd for leaving his drink.
A man was once hung for abandoning his drink.
"It took its rise from the villain that assassinated the Prince of Orange. Spoken when men proffer to go away before their drink be out."—Kelly.
"It came about from the villain who killed the Prince of Orange. It's said when people offer to leave before finishing their drink."—Kelly.
A man wi' ae ee, can see mair than you wi' your twa.[32]
A man with one eye can see more than you with your two.[32]
A master's ee maks a fat horse.
A master's hand makes a strong horse.
"No eye like the master's eye."—English.
"No eye compares to the master's eye."—English.
A mear's shoe will fit a horse.
A mare's shoe will fit a horse.
"Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."—English.
"Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."—English.
A Merse mist alang the Tweed, in a harvest morning's gude indeed.
A soft mist along the Tweed on a good harvest morning is truly delightful.
"Because it generally precedes a fine, warm, and breezy harvest-day—excellent for the winnowing and in-bringing of the precious grain."—G. Henderson.
"Because it usually comes before a beautiful, warm, and breezy harvest day—perfect for separating and gathering in the valuable grain."—G. Henderson.
A midge is as big as a mountain, amaist.
A midge is almost as big as a mountain.
The latitude afforded in the meaning of the word "almost," furnishes the point in this and several other proverbs.
The flexibility in the meaning of the word "almost" highlights the essence in this and several other proverbs.
A mind that's scrimpit ne'er wants care.
A mind that's frugal never wants for worry.
And go down easily with your money part.
If that's true, what does your gear matter? "A stingy mind never wants any care."
A misty morning may be a clear day.
A foggy morning can turn into a bright day.
A morning's sleep is worth a fauld o' sheep to a hudderin dudderin daw.
A morning's sleep is worth a fold of sheep to a shivering bird.
"A reflection upon lazy, sleepy drabs, who prefer nothing to soaking in their bed in the morning."—Kelly.
"A reflection on lazy, sleepy people who would rather just stay in bed in the morning."—Kelly.
A mouthfu' o' meat may be a tounfu' o' shame.
A mouthful of meat may be a ton of shame.
"That is, if it be stolen—intimating that a little thing picked will procure a great disgrace."—Kelly.
"That is, if it gets stolen—suggesting that a small theft can lead to a significant disgrace."—Kelly.
A muckle mouth has aye gude luck for its meat.
A big mouth always has good luck with its food.
A muffled cat was ne'er a gude hunter.
A quiet cat was never a good hunter.
An Aberdeen man ne'er stands to the word that hurts him.[33]
An Aberdeen man never backs down from a word that hurts him.[33]
A nag wi' a wame and a mare wi' nane are no a gude pair.
A horse with a belly and a mare with none are not a good match.
An air winter maks a sair winter.
An open winter makes for a harsh winter.
A naked man maun rin.
A naked man must run.
A man that is destitute must exert himself.
A man who is without resources needs to put in effort.
An auld dog bites sicker.
An old dog bites harder.
An auld horse may dee ere the grass grow.
An old horse may die before the grass grows.
"While the grass is growing the steed is starving."—German.
"While the grass is growing, the horse is starving."—German.
An auld knave's nae bairn.
An old rogue's no child.
"An old fox needs learn no new tricks."—English.
"An old fox doesn't need to learn new tricks."—English.
An auld man's a bedfu' o' banes.
An old man's a bundle of bones.
An auld mason maks a gude barrowman.
An old mason makes a good wheelbarrow user.
An auld pock is aye skailing.
An old bag is always spilling.
An auld pock needs muckle clouting.
An old bag needs a lot of hitting.
Old things, generally, are often in need of repair.
Old things often need repairs.
An auld tout on a new horn is little minded.
An old dog with a new trick is not very smart.
An old story or complaint receives little attention even although it may be told in a different form.
An old story or complaint gets little attention even if it’s presented in a new way.
Ance awa, aye awa.
Gone now, yes gone.
When people once go away from home for a time, there is always a feeling among those left that the bond which binds them to home is weakened, and very little persuasion is required to take them away again.
When people leave home for a while, those who stay behind often feel that their connection to home is weakened, and it doesn't take much to convince them to leave again.
Ance is nae custom.
Tradition is not common.
Ance paid, never craved.
Paid off, never desired.
Ance Provost, aye My Lord.
Ance Provost, yes My Lord.
Ance wud, and aye waur.[34]
Once would, and I wore.
Ance wud, never wise.
Once would, never wise.
A person once "wud," or deranged, is always suspected of being so, in the event of anything strange taking place.
A person once considered "crazy" or unstable is always suspected of being that way if anything unusual happens.
Ane at a time is gude fishing.
Ane at a time is good fishing.
An eating horse ne'er foundered.
A well-fed horse never stumbles.
An excuse for taking a hearty meal, meaning that plenty of food will injure neither man nor beast.
An excuse for having a big meal, which means that a lot of food won't harm either people or animals.
Ane beats the bush, and anither grips the bird.
Ane beats the bush, and anither grips the bird.
Ane does the skaith, anither gets the scorn.
Ane does the damage, another gets the blame.
Ane gets sma' thanks for tineing his ain.
Ane gets small thanks for timing his own.
Ane is no sae soon healed as hurt.
A wound doesn't heal as quickly as it takes to get hurt.
An elbuck dirl will lang play thirl.
An elbuck dirl will long play thirl.
Ane may like a haggis weel enough that wouldna like the bag bladded on his chafts.
A man might like haggis well enough that wouldn’t want the bag blown on his cheeks.
Ane may like the kirk weel enough, and no aye be riding on the rigging o't.
Ane might like the church just fine, and not always be messing around with it.
Ane would like to be lo'ed, but wha would mool in wi' a moudiewort?
Ane would like to be loved, but who would mess around with a mole?
The three preceding proverbs mean, that although a man may be very fond of his relations, property, and what not, still there are certain extremes to be avoided, for if even approached, they verge into the ridiculous.
The three previous proverbs mean that even though someone may be very attached to their family, possessions, and so on, there are still certain limits to be kept in mind, because if even approached, they can become ridiculous.
Ane may think that daurna speak.
Ane might think that daurna speaks.
Ane never tines by doing gude.
Ane never fails by doing good.
Ane o' the court, but nane o' the council.
A member of the court, but not a part of the council.
Meaning that although your presence and advice may on certain occasions be requested, it is only for form's sake.
Meaning that even though people may ask for your presence and advice sometimes, it’s really just for show.
Ane's ain hearth is gowd's worth.
Ane's own hearth is worth its weight in gold.
A new pair o' breeks will cast down an auld coat.
A new pair of pants will overshadow an old coat.
A new article of dress will make the others look much more worn than they really are. The acquisition of a new friend may tend to lower our esteem for those of longer standing.
A new piece of clothing will make the others seem much more worn than they actually are. Getting a new friend may lead us to think less of those we’ve known for a longer time.
Anger's mair hurtfu' than the wrang that caused it.
Anger hurts more than the wrong that caused it.
Anger's short-lived in a gude man.
Anger's brief in a good person.
An honest man's word's his bond.
A truthful person's word is their promise.
An idle brain is the deil's workshop.
An idle mind is the devil's playground.
"He that labours is tempted by one devil; he that is idle by a thousand."—Italian.
"He who works is tempted by one devil; he who is lazy is tempted by a thousand."—Italian.
An ilka-day braw maks a Sabbath-day daw.
An everyday fight makes a Sunday struggle.
He that wears his best at all times will have nothing to suit extraordinary occasions.
Someone who always wears their best will have nothing appropriate for special occasions.
An ill cook should hae a gude cleaver.
An unskilled cook should have a good cleaver.
An ill cow may hae a gude calf.
An unhealthy cow may have a good calf.
An ill custom is like a gude bannock—better broken than kept.
An bad habit is like a good bread roll—it's better to break it than to hold on to it.
An ill lesson is easy learned.
A bad lesson is easy to learn.
An ill life maks an ill death.
An unhealthy life leads to an unhealthy death.
An ill plea should be weel pled.
An unfortunate argument should be well presented.
An ill servant ne'er made a gude maister.
An untrustworthy servant never made a good master.
An ill shearer ne'er got a gude heuk.
An unskilled shearer never got a good cut.
But I fear it doesn't come quickly at all; "The corn is suffering," and yes, we hear 'The sickle is bad:'
The saying goes, 'A poor shearer never A good hook had.
An ill turn is soon done.
An unkind act is quickly carried out.
An ill wife and a new-kindled candle should hae their heads hadden down.
An ill wife and a newly lit candle should have their heads kept down.
"But both must be done with care, caution, and discretion; otherwise you may put the candle out and make the wife worse."—Kelly.
"But both need to be handled with care, caution, and discretion; otherwise, you might blow the candle out and make the wife even worse."—Kelly.
An ill-willy cow should hae short horns.
An ill-natured cow should have short horns.
"It were a pity that a man of ill-nature should have much authority, for he'll be sure to abuse it."—Kelly.
"It’s a shame when a disagreeable person has a lot of power, because they’re guaranteed to misuse it."—Kelly.
An ill-won penny will cast down a pound.
An unearned penny can ruin a pound.
An inch breaks nae squares.
An inch doesn't break squares.
"A little difference ought not to occasion any contests among good neighbours."—Kelly.
"A small difference shouldn't spark any disputes among good neighbors."—Kelly.
An inch o' a nag is worth a span o' an aiver.
An inch of a horse is worth a span of a hayrack.
"A little man, if smart and stout, is much preferable to an unwieldy lubber, though much bigger."—Kelly.
"A clever and strong little guy is way better than a big clumsy oaf." —Kelly.
An inch o' gude luck is worth a faddom o' forecast.
An inch of good luck is worth a fathom of prediction.
A nod frae a lord is a breakfast for a fool.
A nod from a lord is a meal for a fool.
A nod o' honest men's eneugh.
A nod from honest men is enough.
A nod's as gude's a wink to a blind horse.
A nod is just as good as a wink to a blind horse.
An olite mother maks a dawdie dochter.
An affectionate mother makes a lazy daughter.
An only dochter is either a deil or a daw.
An only daughter is either a devil or a fool.
An ounce o' mither-wit is worth a pound o' clergy.
An ounce of common sense is worth a pound of advice from the church.
An ounce o' wit is worth a pound o' lear.
An ounce of wit is worth a pound of learning.
"An ounce of mother-wit is worth a pound of school-wit."—German.
"An ounce of common sense is worth a pound of book smarts."—German.
An unlucky fish taks bad bait.
An unfortunate fish takes bad bait.
An ye loe me look in my dish.
An ye love me, look in my dish.
A delicate request for a second supply of soup.
A polite ask for another serving of soup.
A' owers are ill, but ower the water and ower the hill.
A' owers are sick, but over the water and over the hill.
Over high, over low, over rough, over nice,
"You're either too hot or too cold."
A' owers spills.
A' owers spills.
A party pot ne'er plays even.
A party pot never plays fair.
An interested or prejudiced individual cannot be an impartial judge of both sides of a question.
An interested or biased person can't be an unbiased judge of both sides of an issue.
A penny hain'd's a penny clear, and a preen a-day's a groat a-year.
A penny saved is a penny earned, and a small expense each day adds up to a lot over the year.
A penny hain'd's a penny gained.
A penny saved is a penny earned.
A penny in my purse will gar me drink when my friends winna.
A penny in my pocket will get me a drink when my friends won't.
A penny in the purse is a gude friend.
A penny in your pocket is a good friend.
A penny in the purse is better than a crown awa.
A penny in your pocket is better than a crown far away.
A pennyweight o' love is worth a pound o' law.
A small amount of love is worth much more than a lot of rules.
A pickle's no miss'd in a mickle.
A pickle isn't missed in a bunch.
A poll parrot thinks weel o' itsel.
A poll parrot thinks highly of itself.
A poor man is fain o' little.
A poor man is happy with little.
A poor man's debt maks muckle din.
A poor man's debt makes a lot of noise.
A pound o' care winna pay an ounce o' debt.
A pound of worry won't pay an ounce of debt.
Care here means sorrow, or trouble of mind, and must not be associated with care in the sense of frugality or economy, which has paid many an ounce of debt.
Care here refers to sorrow or mental distress, and should not be confused with care in the sense of frugality or economy, which has settled many debts.
A pound o' woo' is as heavy as a pound o' lead.[38]
A pound of wool is as heavy as a pound of lead.[38]
A primsie damsel maks a daidlin' dame.
A pretty girl makes a charming woman.
A proud heart in a poor breast has muckle dolour to dree.
A proud heart in a poor person has a lot of suffering to endure.
A proud mind and an empty purse gree ill thegither.
A proud mind and an empty wallet don’t go well together.
"A true proverb! and the worst is, they meet often."—Kelly.
"A true saying! And the worst part is, they come together often."—Kelly.
A raggit coat was ne'er a mote in a man's marriage.
A ragged coat was never a problem in a man's marriage.
A raggit cowte may be a gude gelding.
A ragged coat might be a good gelding.
An uncouth, unpromising colt may turn out a fine horse. An ignorant, dull boy may ultimately prove a very clever man.
An awkward, unpromising colt can grow up to be a great horse. A clueless, dull boy can eventually become a very smart man.
To create a noble river; So, you may gently occupy a throne,
For all their chitchat.
A reckless house maks mony thieves.
A careless house attracts money thieves.
A red nose maks a raggit back.
A red nose makes a rabbit's back.
A reeky house and a girnin' wife, will lead a man a fashious life.
A stinky house and a complaining wife will make a man’s life quite troublesome.
A reproof is nae poison.
A reprimand is not poison.
"No, indeed! but a wholesome medicine, which whosoever refuseth is brutish!"—Kelly.
"No, really! It’s a beneficial remedy that anyone who rejects is foolish!"—Kelly.
A rich man has mair cousins than his faither had kin.
A wealthy man has more cousins than his father had relatives.
A rich man's wooing's no lang doing.
A rich man’s courtship doesn’t take much time.
As a carl riches he wretches.
As a rich man, he is miserable.
"Wretch, a covetous or niggardly person."—Jamieson. As a man becomes rich he also becomes more parsimonious.
"Wretch, a greedy or stingy person."—Jamieson. As a person gets richer, they also tend to become more frugal.
A safe conscience maks a sound sleep.
A clear conscience makes for a good night's sleep.
A saft aiver was ne'er a gude horse.
A soft river was never a good horse.
As brisk as bottled ale.
As refreshing as bottled beer.
As broken a ship's come to land.
As damaged as a ship that has come to shore.
"'I fear,' said Morton, 'there is very little chance, my good friend Cuddie, of our getting back to our old occupation.' 'Hout, stir; hout, stir,' replied Cuddie, 'it's aye gude to keep up a hardy heart—as broken a ship's come to land.'"—Old Mortality.
"'I'm afraid,' said Morton, 'there's not much chance, my good friend Cuddie, of us returning to our old work.' 'Come on, my friend; come on,' replied Cuddie, 'it's always good to keep a brave heart—no matter how battered a ship has come to shore.'"—Old Mortality.
A's but lip-wit that wants experience.
A's but lip-wit that wants experience.
A scabbed horse is gude enough for a sca'd squire.
A horse with scars is good enough for a scared squire.
A sca'ded cat dreads cauld water.
A scared cat fears cold water.
As canker'd as a cow wi' ae horn.
As sickly as a cow with one horn.
"As proud as a hen with one chick."—English.
"As proud as a hen with one chick."—English.
A scar'd head is eith to bleed.
A scarred head is easy to bleed.
A scar'd head is soon broken.
A scared head is easily broken.
A reputation already questionable is easily lost altogether.
A reputation that is already shaky can be easily lost.
As coarse as Nancie's harn sark,—three threads out o' the pound.
As rough as Nancie's old shirt,—three threads to the pound.
A Scotch mist will weet an Englishman to the skin.[40]
A light Scottish drizzle will soak an Englishman to the skin.[40]
A Scotsman and a Newcastle grindstane travel a' the world ower.
A Scotsman and a Newcastle millstone travel all over the world.
Alluding to the wandering propensities of the one and the good qualities of the other.
Alluding to the wandering tendencies of one and the good traits of the other.
A Scotsman is aye wise ahint the hand.
A Scotsman is always wise behind the scenes.
"It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burned down."—Danish.
"It’s too late to put out the ashes when the house is already burned down."—Danish.
As dark as a Yule midnight.
As dark as Christmas Eve.
As day brake, butter brake.
As day breaks, butter breaks.
"Spoken when a person or thing that was wanting comes opportunely."—Kelly.
"Spoken when someone or something that was needed shows up just in time."—Kelly.
A seven years' maiden is aye at the slight.
A seven-year-old girl is always at a distance.
As fain as a fool o' a fair day.
As happy as a fool on a nice day.
A's fair at the ba'.
A's fair at the bar.
"All's fair in war."—English.
"All's fair in war."—English.
As fause as Waghorn.
As false as Waghorn.
"Waghorn, a fabulous personage, who, being a liar nineteen times greater than the devil, was crowned King of liars."—Jamieson.
"Waghorn, an incredible figure, who, being a liar nineteen times worse than the devil, was crowned King of liars."—Jamieson.
A's fine that's fit.
A's fine that fits.
A's fish that comes to the net.
A's fish that comes to the net.
As fu' o' mischief as an egg's fu' o' meat.
As full of mischief as an egg is full of meat.
As gentle as Gorman's bitch, that lap ower the ingle and ate the roast.
As gentle as Gorman's dog, that snuggled by the fireplace and ate the roast.
As gude a fellow as ever toom'd a bicker.
As good a guy as anyone who ever emptied a drink.
As gude eat the deil as sup the kail he's boiled in.
As good eat the devil as sup the kale he's boiled in.
As gude fish in the sea as e'er cam out o't.[41]
As good a fish in the sea as ever came out of it.[41]
As gude gie the lichtly as tak it.
As good as it is to give lightly, it's just as important to receive it.
"Lichtly, an expression of contempt or insult: to undervalue, to slight, to despise."—Jamieson.
"Lichtly, a way to show disdain or disrespect: to underestimate, to ignore, to scorn."—Jamieson.
As gude may haud as draw.
As good may hold as draw.
As gude may haud the stirrup as he that loups on.
As well as someone holds the stirrup, so too does the one who jumps on.
As gude merchants tine as win.
As good merchants time as wine.
As gude ne'er a bit, as ne'er the better.
As good as never, as never better.
"Unless you make a thing the better for you, you had as good let it alone."—Kelly.
"Unless you make something better for yourself, you might as well leave it alone."—Kelly.
A's gude that God sends.
A's guide that God sends.
A shave aff a new cut loaf's never missed.
A slice from a fresh loaf is never skipped.
A shor'd tree stands lang.
A short tree stands long.
"Men do not die of threats."—Dutch.
"Men don't die from threats." —Dutch.
A short grace is gude for hungry folk.
A quick blessing is good for hungry people.
A short horse is sune wispit.
A short horse is sure to be swift.
A sight o' you is gude for sair een.
A glimpse of you is good for sore eyes.
"'Wha's this o't?' again exclaimed Madge Wildfire. 'Douce Davie Deans; the auld doited whig body's daughter, in a gipsy's barn, and the nicht setting in! this is a sight for sair een!—Eh, sirs, the falling off o' the godly!—and the t'other sister's in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'What's this all about?' Madge Wildfire exclaimed again. 'Dovey Davie Deans; the old foolish Whig's daughter, in a gypsy's barn, and nighttime is approaching! This is a sight for sore eyes!—Oh, dear, the decline of the righteous!—and the other sister's in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
A sillerless man gangs fast through the market.
A cashless man quickly moves through the market.
A silly man will be slily dealt wi'.
A foolish man will be dealt with slyly.
"He that makes himself a sheep, shall be eaten by the wolf."—English.
"He who makes himself a sheep will be eaten by the wolf."—English.
A sinking maister maks a rising man.
A failing master makes a successful man.
Ask the tapster if his ale be gude.
Ask the bartender if his beer is good.
Ask your purse what you should buy.
Ask your wallet what you should buy.
Ask nae questions, and I'll tell nae lees.
Ask no questions, and I'll tell no lies.
"'What needs ye be aye speering then at folk?' retorted Effie. 'I'm sure, if ye'll ask nae questions, I'll tell ye nae lees. I never ask what brings the Laird of Dumbiedykes glowering here like a wull cat (only his een's greener, and no sae gleg), day after day, till we are all like to gaunt our chafts aff.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Why do you keep asking people questions?' Effie shot back. 'I'm sure if you don't ask any questions, I won't share any secrets. I never ask what has the Laird of Dumbiedykes glaring here like a wild cat (only his eyes are greener, and not as bright), day after day, until we're all about to lose our minds.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
As lang as a dog would be bound wi' a bluidy puddin'.
As long as a dog would be tied up with a bloody pudding.
As lang as the bird sings before Candlemas he greets after it.
As long as the bird sings before Groundhog Day, it sings afterwards too.
As lang as ye serve the tod ye maun carry his tail.
As long as you serve the fox, you have to carry his tail.
As lang as ye stand ye dinna stay.
As long as you stand, you don't remain.
"It is enough to make it appear that you did not stay, if you can say you never sate down; an argument to make our friend, who is in haste, to stand and chat awhile."—Kelly.
"It’s enough to make it seem like you didn’t stick around if you say you never sat down; a reason to make our friend, who is in a rush, stop and chat for a bit."—Kelly.
As lang lasts the hole as the heel leather.
As long as the hole lasts as long as the heel leather.
"Spoken to them that quarrel with a hole in your coat or shoe: often applied otherways."—Kelly.
"Talked to them who complain about a hole in your coat or shoe: often used in other ways."—Kelly.
As lang lives the merry man as the sad.
As long as the happy man lives, so does the sad man.
As lang rins the tod as he has feet.
As long as the toad has feet.
A slow hand maks a sober fortune.
A slow hand makes a steady fortune.
A slow fire maks a sweat maut.
A slow fire makes a sweet roast.
A sma' leak will sink a great ship.
A small leak will sink a big ship.
As merry's a mautman.
As cheerful as a grim reaper.
A smith's house is aye lowin'.
A blacksmith's house is always warm.
As mony heads as mony wits.
As many heads, as many ideas.
As muckle upwith as muckle downwith.
As much up with as much down with.
A's no gowd that glitters, nor maidens that wear their hair.
A's no gold that glitters, nor girls that wear their hair.
"It was the fashion some years ago (1721) for virgins to go bareheaded. The proverb means that everything is not so good as it appears."—Kelly.
"It was trendy several years ago (1721) for young women to go without head coverings. The saying implies that not everything is as good as it seems."—Kelly.
A's no help that's at hand.
A's no help that's at hand.
A's no ill that's ill like.
A's not a bad like this.
A's no part.
A's not involved.
A's no tint that fa's bye.
A's no tint that fa's bye.
A's no tint that's in hazard.
A's no tint that's in danger.
A sorrowfu' heart's aye dry.
A sorrowful heart is always dry.
"Spoken when widows or widowers drink liberally, alledging it was to quench their sorrow."—Kelly.
"Spoken when widows or widowers drink a lot, claiming it was to ease their grief."—Kelly.
A sooth bourd is nae bourd.
A smooth road is no road.
"'D'ye hear that, Provost?' said Summertrees. 'Your wife's a witch, man; you should nail a horse-shoe on your chamber door. Ha, ha, ha!'
"'Did you hear that, Provost?' said Summertrees. 'Your wife's a witch, man; you should put a horseshoe on your bedroom door. Ha, ha, ha!'"
"This sally did not take so well as the former efforts of the laird's wit. The lady drew up, and the Provost said, half aside, 'The sooth bourd is nae bourd; you will find the horse-shoe hissing hot, Summertrees.'"—Redgauntlet.
"This attempt didn’t go over as well as the previous displays of the laird's cleverness. The lady stiffened, and the Provost remarked, half to himself, 'The honest joke isn’t a joke; you’ll discover the horse-shoe is hissing hot, Summertrees.'"—Redgauntlet.
As poor as a kirk mouse.
As broke as a church mouse.
A spunefu' o' stink will spoil a patfu' o' skink.
A spoonful of stink will ruin a plateful of soup.
"Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour; so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour."—Ecclesiastes, x. 1.
"Dead flies make the ointment of the pharmacist give off a foul smell; similarly, a little foolishness can tarnish someone’s reputation for wisdom and honor."—Ecclesiastes, x. 1.
A spur in the head's worth twa in the heel.
A hint in the mind is worth two in the foot.
As sair fights the wren as the crane.
As the sparrow fights the wren like the crane.
As sair greets the bairn that's paid at e'en as it that gets its paiks in the morning.
As the sore person greets the child who was paid in the evening just like the one who gets their beatings in the morning.
As sib as sieve and riddle that grew in ae wood.
As thick as a sieve and a riddle that grew in an ancient forest.
"Spoken of them who groundlessly pretend kindred to great persons."—Kelly.
"Talking about those who falsely claim to be related to important people."—Kelly.
As sune comes the lamb's skin to the market as the auld tup's.
As the sun comes, the lamb's skin goes to the market just like the old ram's.
"Of young die many, of old 'scape not any."—English.
"Many young people die, but none of the old escape."—English.
As sure's death.
As sure as death.
An emphatic assertion that the truth had been told. At school we had a pious faith in these words. Any narrative clenched with them was invariably believed. If anything was said of a questionable nature, the listener would say, "Say sure's death to that, then." If repeated, confidence was fully restored.
A strong statement that the truth had been shared. At school, we had a sincere belief in these words. Any story that included them was always trusted. If anything seemed questionable, the listener would say, "You can bet that's true, then." If it was repeated, trust was completely renewed.
A steek in time saves nine.
A stitch in time saves nine.
As the auld cock craws the young cock learns.
As the old rooster crows, the young rooster learns.
As the day lengthens the cauld strengthens.
As the day gets longer, the cauldron gets stronger.
As the fool thinks the bell clinks.
As the fool thinks the bell rings.
As the market gangs the wares sell.
As the market crowds, the goods are sold.
As the sow fills the draff sours.
As the pig eats, the leftovers spoil.
As the wind blaws seek your beild.
As the wind blows, seek your shelter.
That is, endeavour to suit yourself to circumstances. Kelly pawkily remarks, This is "a politick proverb! advising us to make our interest as the times change. This proverb some act very dexterously, and others cannot get acted."
That is, try to adapt to your circumstances. Kelly playfully points out, This is "a practical proverb! advising us to align our interests as times change. Some people execute this proverb skillfully, while others struggle to put it into action."
A's tint that's put in a riven dish.
A's color that's placed in a broken bowl.
All is lost that is put into a broken dish. Favours bestowed on ungrateful persons are thrown away.
All is wasted that's placed in a broken dish. Kindness given to ungrateful people is wasted.
As tired as a tyke o' langkail.
As tired as a kid after playing all day.
"Are ye fou already, Watty Walkinshaw? If ye mudge out o' that seat again this night, I'll mak you as sick o' pies and puddings as ever a dog was o' langkail."—The Entail.
"Are you already drunk, Watty Walkinshaw? If you get out of that seat again tonight, I'll make you as sick of pies and puddings as any dog ever was of haggis."—The Entail.
As true as Biglam's cat crew, and the cock rocked the cradle.
As true as Biglam's cat crew, and the rooster rocked the cradle.
"Spoken when we hear one call that true that we know to be a lye."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we hear someone say something true that we know is a lie."—Kelly.
A' Stuarts are no sib to the king.
A' Stuarts are no relation to the king.
Although all of the same name, we are not of the same family. "There is some distance between Peter and Peter."—Spanish.
Although we share the same name, we are not from the same family. "There is some distance between Peter and Peter." —Spanish.
A sturdy beggar should hae a stout nae-sayer.
A tough beggar should have a strong no-sayer.
As wanton as a wet hen.
As reckless as a soaked chicken.
As weel be hang'd for a sheep as a lamb.
As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.
As weel be sune as syne.
As well be soon as since.
Used as a suggestion that a thing had better be done at present than put off till a future time, or vice versa. "Ae wise body's eneugh in the married state. But if your heart's ower fu', take what siller will serve ye, and let it be when ye come back again—as gude syne as sune."—Heart of Midlothian.
Used as a suggestion that something should be done now rather than postponed until later, or vice versa. "A wise person's advice is enough in marriage. But if your heart is too full, take whatever money you need and let it happen when you return—just as good then as now."—Heart of Midlothian.
As weel be out o' the warld as out o' fashion.
As good be out of the world as out of style.
As wight as a wabster's doublet, that ilka day taks a thief by the neck.
As light as a spider's web, that every day grabs a thief by the neck.
As ye brew sae ye maun drink.
As you brew, so you must drink.
And stubborn people must have their way; As you brew, my beautiful maiden,
"Remember that you have to drink the beer."
As ye brew weel ye'll drink the better.
As you brew well, you'll drink better.
"'So ye hae gotten your auld son married? I hope it's to your satisfaction.'
"'So you've got your old son married? I hope it's to your satisfaction.'"
"'An he has brewed good yill, Mr Keelevin, he'll drink the better,' was the reply; 'but I hae come to consult you anent a bit alteration that I would fain make in my testament.'"—The Entail.
"'If he's brewed good ale, Mr. Keelevin, he'll drink the better,' was the reply; 'but I've come to consult you about a little change I’d like to make in my will.'"—The Entail.
As ye mak your bed sae ye maun lie on't.
As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.
A's yours frae the door out.
A's yours from the door out.
"A jest upon those who pretend that such and such things in the house are theirs. As if you would say, all the household goods without the doors are yours."—Kelly.
"A joke about those who act like certain things in the house belong to them. It's like saying all the household items outside the doors are yours."—Kelly.
A taking hand will never want, let the world be e'er sae scant.
A taking hand will never be without, no matter how scarce the world may be.
A tarrowing bairn was never fat.
A skinny kid was never chubby.
A child that refuses or is slow in taking its food. People who will not take advantage as opportunities offer, cannot expect to prosper so well as those who do.
A child that refuses or is slow to eat. People who don't take advantage of opportunities when they arise can't expect to succeed as well as those who do.
A tale never tines in the telling.
A story never loses its charm in the telling.
A' that's said in the kitchen shouldna be tauld in the ha'.
What’s said in the kitchen shouldn’t be talked about in the hall.
A' that's said shouldna be sealed.
A' that's been said shouldn't be kept quiet.
A' that ye'll tak wi' ye will be but a kist and a sheet, after a'.
A' that you'll take with you will just be a box and a sheet, after all.
In allusion to the death of persons who may be proud of their possessions.
In reference to the death of people who might take pride in their belongings.
A' the claes on your back was ance in clues.
A' the clothes on your back were once in rags.
A' the corn's no shorn by kempers.
A’ the corn’s not cut by reapers.
To kemp, to strive. All do not strive alike. All cannot equally excel in work. This proverb supports the claims of those who do not excel, by suggesting that even the "kempers" cannot overtake all the work that is to do.
To compete, to strive. Not everyone strives in the same way. Not everyone can excel in their work equally. This saying supports those who don't excel, implying that even those who try hard can't keep up with all the work that needs to be done.
A' the keys of the country hang na in ae belt.
All the keys of the country don't hang on one belt.
All the influence or power is not in one man's possession.
Not all influence or power is held by one person.
A' the men i' the Mearns can do nae mair than they may.
All the men in the Mearns can do no more than they are able to.
No man can do more than he has strength to do. There is an Aberdeenshire saying of similar import, "I can dee fat I dow: the men in the Mearns can dee nae mair."
No man can do more than he has the strength to do. There's an Aberdeenshire saying that expresses a similar idea: "I can do what I can; the men in the Mearns can't do any more."
A' the speed's no in the spurs.
A' the speed's not in the spurs.
A' the winning's in the first buying.
A' the winning's in the first purchase.
A' the wit o' the world's no in ae pow.
All the wit in the world isn't in one place.
A'thing angers ye, and the cat breaks your heart.
A thing makes you angry, and the cat breaks your heart.
A' things thrive at thrice.
Things thrive at three.
A'thing wytes that no weel fares.
A'thing knows that nothing goes well.
A thoughtless body's aye thrang.
A busy mind is always active.
A thrawn question should hae a thrawart answer.
A twisted question should have a twisted answer.
A thread will tie an honest man better than a rope will do a rogue.
A thread will hold an honest person better than a rope will hold a dishonest one.
At my leisure, as lairds dee.
At my leisure, like lords do.
"Fair and softly, as lawyers go to heaven."—English.
"Easy does it, just like lawyers going to heaven."—English.
A tocher's nae word in a true lover's parle.
A dowry doesn't matter in a true lover's conversation.
And woe to the love that is focused on a male!
A dowry doesn't matter in a true lover's conversation,
But give me love, and I don't care about the world!
A toolying tike comes limping hame.
A rough-looking kid comes limping home.
"Toolying tike," quarrelsome dog.
"Toolying tike," argumentative dog.
A toom hand is nae lure for a hawk.
A empty hand is no bait for a hawk.
A toom pantry maks a thriftless gudewife.
A empty pantry makes a wasteful housewife.
A toom purse maks a thrawn face.
A empty purse makes a sour face.
At open doors dogs gae ben.
At open doors, dogs come in.
A travelled man has leave to lee.
A traveled man has permission to rest.
A tree's no a mast till its hewn.
A tree isn't a mast until it's cut down.
And since she's beautiful, there's no doubt she's clever; The creature's young, she'll shape to only cast—
"No tree becomes a mast until it is cut down."
A tricky man's easiest tricket.
A tricky man's easiest trick.
A turn weel done is sune done.
A well-done task is done quickly.
A twalpenny cat may look at a king.
A cheap cat can look at a king.
Auld chimes and auld rhymes gar us think on auld times.
Old chimes and old rhymes make us think of old times.
Auld folk are twice bairns.
Old folks are twice children.
Auld moon mist ne'er died o' thrist.
Auld moon mist never died of thirst.
"Foggy weather in the last quarter of the moon is supposed to betoken moisture."—Robert Chambers.
"Foggy weather during the last quarter of the moon is believed to indicate moisture."—Robert Chambers.
Auld sins breed new sairs.
Old sins create new pains.
Auld springs gie nae price.
Old springs have no value.
Things out of fashion are valueless.
Things that are out of style have no value.
Auld stots hae stiff horns.
Old cattle have stiff horns.
Auld use and wont hings about the fire.
Auld use and wont hings about the fire.
Old manners and customs are difficult to be got rid of.
Old habits and traditions are hard to shake off.
Auld wives and bairns mak fools o' physicians.
Old wives and children make fools of doctors.
Auld wives were aye gude maidens.
Auld wives were always good maidens.
A vaunter and a liar are near akin.
A boastful person and a liar are pretty much the same.
A wa' between best preserves friendship.
A wa' between best keeps friendship intact.
Meaning that friends are best separate.
Meaning that it's better for friends to be apart.
A wad is a fule's argument.
A wad is a fool's argument.
"Fools, for argument, lay wagers."—Butler.
"Fools place bets for the argument."—Butler.
A waited pat's lang o' boiling.
A waited a long time for it to boil.
A wamefu's a wamefu' wer't but o' bare cauf.
A wamefu's a wamefu' when it's just plain food.
A bellyful is a bellyful, no matter what kind of meat is taken. A variation occurs in St Ronan's Well:—"A wamefu's a wamefu' whether it be o' barley meal or bran."
A bellyful is a bellyful, no matter what kind of meat you take. A variation occurs in St Ronan's Well:—"A wamefu's a wamefu' whether it be of barley meal or bran."
A wee bush is better than nae beild.
A small bush is better than no shelter.
"Dame Elspeth is of good folk, a widow, and the mother of orphans,—she will give us house-room until something be thought upon. These evil showers make the low bush better than no beild."—The Monastery.
"Dame Elspeth is a good person, a widow, and a mother of orphans—she will give us a place to stay until we come up with a plan. These bad storms make the low bushes better than having no shelter at all."—The Monastery.
A wee house has a wide throat.
A small house has a wide opening.
A wee house weel fill'd, a wee piece land weel till'd, a wee wife weel will'd, will mak a happy man.
A small house that's well-kept, a little piece of land that's well-farmed, and a loving wife will make a happy man.
A wee mouse will creep beneath a muckle corn stack.[50]
A small mouse will sneak under a big pile of corn.[50]
A wee spark maks muckle wark.
A small spark can create a big fire.
A wee thing fleys cowards.
A tiny thing scares cowards.
A wee thing puts your beard in a bleeze.
A small thing sets your beard on fire.
A wee thing ser's a cheerfu' mind.
A small thing brings a cheerful mind.
A wet May and a winnie, brings a fu' stackyard and a finnie.
A rainy May and a wind bring a full stackyard and a fine harvest.
"Implying that rain in May and dry winds afterwards produce a plentiful crop, with that mark of excellence by which grain is generally judged of by connoisseurs—a good feeling in the hand."—Robert Chambers.
"Suggesting that rain in May followed by dry winds leads to a bountiful harvest, along with the quality by which experts typically assess grain—a pleasant texture in the hand."—Robert Chambers.
A whang off a cut kebbuck's never miss'd.
A hit off a sliced cheese wheel never misses.
A wife is wise enough when she kens her gudeman's breeks frae her ain kirtle.
A wife is smart enough when she knows her husband's pants from her own dress.
Kelly gives a very indifferent version of this proverb, and says, "This is old, and a good one if rightly understood: that is, she is a good wife who knows the true measure of her husband's authority and her obedience."
Kelly offers a pretty indifferent take on this proverb, saying, "It's old and can be good if you really get it: a good wife understands her husband's authority and knows how to be obedient."
A wight man ne'er wanted a weapon.
A brave man never lacks a weapon.
A wild goose ne'er laid tame eggs.
A wild goose never lays tame eggs.
A wilfu' man maun hae his way.
A willful man must have his way.
"'Reuben Butler! Reuben Butler!' echoed the Laird of Dumbiedykes, pacing the apartment in high disdain,—'Reuben Butler, the dominie at Liberton—and a dominie-depute too!—Reuben, the son of my cottar!—Very weel, Jeanie, lass, wilfu' woman will hae her way—Reuben Butler! he hasna in his pouch the value o' the auld black coat he wears.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Reuben Butler! Reuben Butler!' echoed the Laird of Dumbiedykes, pacing the room in high disdain—'Reuben Butler, the teacher at Liberton—and a deputy teacher too!—Reuben, the son of my cottar!—Very well, Jeanie, girl, a stubborn woman will have her way—Reuben Butler! He doesn't have in his pocket the value of the old black coat he wears.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
A wilfu' man ne'er wanted wae.
A selfish man never wanted for anything.
A stubborn man never finds peace,
"Though he gets little gains."
A wilfu' man should be unco wise.
A willful man needs to be quite wise.
A willing mind maks a light foot.
A willing mind makes for a light step.
A winking cat's no aye blind.
A winking cat isn't really blind.
A winter day and a wintry way is the life o' man.
A winter day and a cold way is the life of a person.
A winter night, a woman's mind, and a laird's purpose, aften change.
A winter night, a woman's thoughts, and a laird's intentions often change.
"Women, wind, and luck soon change."—Portuguese.
"Women, wind, and luck change quickly."—Portuguese.
A wise head maks a close mouth.
A wise person knows when to keep quiet.
A wise lawyer ne'er gangs to law himsel.
A wise lawyer never goes to court himself.
A wise man carries his cloak in fair weather, an' a fool wants his in rain.
A wise person brings their coat when the weather is nice, while a fool thinks he needs it when it's raining.
"An encouragement to care, caution, and foresight, and especially not to leave your cloak, be the weather e'er so encouraging."—Kelly.
"An encouragement to care, be cautious, and think ahead, and especially not to leave your cloak behind, no matter how nice the weather might be."—Kelly.
"The fool, when it’s bad weather, has no one to provide for him."
A wise man gets learning frae them that hae nane o' their ain.
A wise person learns from those who have none of their own.
A wise man wavers, a fool is fixed.
A wise person hesitates, a fool is stubborn.
A woman's gude either for something or naething.
A woman's guide is either for something or nothing.
A word is enough to the wise.
A word is enough for the wise.
A working mither maks a daw dochter.
A working mother makes a smart daughter.
Another rendering of "A light-heeled mother," &c.
Another version of "A light-heeled mother," etc.
Aye as ye thrive your feet fa's frae ye.
Aye, as you thrive, your feet fall from you.
"Unexpected interruptions occur in business."—Kelly.
"Unexpected interruptions happen in business."—Kelly.
"The farther you go, the farther behind."—English.
"The farther you go, the further you fall behind."—English.
Aye flether away;—since I'll no do wi' foul play, try me wi' fair.[52]
Sure, go ahead; since I won't accept any tricks, test me fairly.[52]
A yeld sow was never gude to gryces.
A barren sow was never good for the pigs.
This more expressive than elegant proverb means that those people who have no family of their own are rarely inclined to be kind to the children of others.
This proverb is more expressive than elegant and means that people who don’t have their own families are seldom inclined to be kind to other people's children.
Aye takin' out o' the meal pock and ne'er puttin' in't soon comes to the bottom.
Aye, taking out of the meal pocket and never putting anything back in soon leads to it being empty.
Aye tak the fee when the tear's in the ee.
Aye take the fee when the tear's in the eye.
Aye to eild, but never to wit.
Aye to age, but never to wisdom.
That is, he is always growing older, but never any wiser.
He’s always getting older, but never any wiser.
A' you rin you win.
A' you win, you win.
"Taken from playing at bowls: applied to endeavours about a project that seems not feasible, where what you can make is clear gain."—Kelly.
"Taken from playing at bowls: applied to efforts on a project that seems impossible, where what you can achieve is obviously a benefit."—Kelly.
A Yule feast may be done at Pasche.
A Yule feast can be held at Easter.
achelors' wives and auld maids' bairns are aye weel bred.
Bachelor's degree wives and old maids' kids are always well-bred.
Bad legs and ill wives should stay at hame.
Bad legs and sick wives should stay at home.
Bairns are certain care, but nae sure joy.
Kids require a lot of care, but they're not always a guarantee of happiness.
Bairns speak i' the field what they hear i' the ha'.
Children talk in the field about what they hear in the hall.
Baith weal and woe come aye wi' world's gear.
Both good and bad come with the things of the world.
"'And I positively must not ask you how you have come by all this money?' said the clergyman.... 'Is it anything that distresses your own mind?' 'There is baith weal and woe come wi' warld's gear, Reuben: but ye maun ask me naething mair.—This siller binds me to naething, and can never be speered back again.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'And I absolutely must not ask you how you got all this money?' said the clergyman.... 'Is it something that's bothering you?' 'There's both good and bad that comes with wealth, Reuben: but you mustn't ask me anything more.—This money ties me to nothing, and it can never be taken back.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
Baked bread and brown ale winna bide lang.
Baked bread and brown ale won't last long.
Bannocks are better than nae bread.
Bannocks are better than no bread.
"Half a loaf is better than no bread."—English.
"Half a loaf is better than no bread."—English.
Barefooted folk shouldna tread on thorns.
Barefooted people shouldn’t walk on thorns.
"Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones."—English.
"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."—English.
Bare gentry, bragging beggars.
Rich nobility, boasting homeless.
Bare words mak nae bargain.
Bare words make no deal.
Bastard brood are aye proud.
Bastard children are always proud.
Be a friend to yoursel, and others will.
Be a friend to yourself, and others will be too.
Bear wealth weel, poortith will bear itsel.
Bear wealth well; poverty will take care of itself.
Beauty, but bounty's but bauch.
Beauty, but bounty’s just fluff.
Beauty is but skin deep.
Looks aren't everything.
Beauty's muck when honour's tint.
Beauty's flaws when honor's hue.
Beauty is worthless when honour is lost.
Beauty means nothing when honor is lost.
Be aye the thing you would be ca'd.
Be what you want to be called.
"Because" is a woman's reason.
"Because" is a woman's excuse.
"I have no other but a woman's reason: I think him so, because I think him so."—Shakespeare.
"I have no other reason than a woman's reason: I think he's that way because I think he's that way."—Shakespeare.
Beds are best, quo' the man to his guest.
Beds are the best, said the man to his guest.
We presume he said so on the score of economy, i.e., to evade supplying supper.
We assume he said that to save money, i.e., to avoid providing dinner.
Beefsteaks and porter are gude belly mortar.
Beefsteaks and porter are good for filling the belly.
Bees that hae honey in their mouths hae stings in their tails.
Bees that have honey in their mouths have stings in their tails.
Before an ill wife be gude, even if she was a' turned to tongue.
Before a sick wife is good, even if she has become all talk.
Before, I ween'd; but now, I wat.
Before, I thought; but now, I know.
Before, I only suspected; now, I am certain. "Spoken on the full discovery of some malefice, which before we only suspected."—Kelly.
Before, I only suspected; now, I am certain. "Said upon finding out about some wrongdoing, which we previously only suspected."—Kelly.
Before the deil gaes blind, and he's no blear e'ed yet.
Before the devil goes blind, and he’s not cross-eyed yet.
Before ye choose a friend, eat a peck o' saut wi' him.
Before you choose a friend, spend some time with him.
Be gaun, the gate's before you.
Be gone, the gate's in front of you.
Be going, the road lies before you. A jocose or surly hint to go.
Be on your way, the path is ahead of you. A playful or grumpy suggestion to leave.
Beg frae beggars and you'll ne'er be rich.
Beg from beggars and you’ll never be rich.
Beggars breed, and rich men feed.
Beggars multiply, and wealthy people support them.
Beggars downa bide wealth.
Beggars can't accumulate wealth.
Beggars shouldna be choosers.
Beggars can't be choosers.
Begin wi' needles and preens, and end wi' horn'd nowte.
Begin with needles and combs, and end with horned cattle.
That is, beginnings apparently trifling may lead to very great results. Used here as a caution against dishonesty.
That is, seemingly insignificant beginnings can lead to significant outcomes. This serves as a warning against dishonesty.
Be it better, be it worse, be ruled by him that has the purse.
Whether it's better or worse, follow the one who has the money.
Be it sae, is nae banning.
Be that so, it’s not banning.
Used in yielding a point in dispute because you are either unwilling or unable to argue further; but also indicating that you do not admit yourself to be in the wrong.
Used to concede a point in a disagreement because you are either unwilling or unable to continue arguing; but it also shows that you do not admit you are in the wrong.
Be lang sick, that ye may be soon hale.
Be sick for a while, so you can be healthy soon.
Believe a' ye hear, an' ye may eat a' ye see.
Believe what you hear, and you can eat what you see.
Belyve is twa hours and a half.
Belyve is two and a half hours.
A jocular allusion to the fact that if a person says he will be back, or done with anything "belyve," that is, immediately, or in a little, the probability is he will be longer than expected.
A humorous reference to the idea that when someone says they'll be back or finished with something "belyve," meaning right away or in a bit, it's likely they'll take longer than anticipated.
Be ready wi' your bonnet, but slow wi' your purse.
Be ready with your hat, but be cautious with your wallet.
Be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him.
Be careful when choosing a friend, but even more careful when deciding to change them.
Best to be off wi' the auld love before we be on wi' the new.[56]
Better to let go of the old love before we start with the new.[56]
Be thou weel, or be thou wae, yet thou wilt not aye be sae.
Be well, or be sad, yet you won't always feel that way.
Better a bit in the morning than a fast a' day.
Better a little in the morning than a whole day of fasting.
Better a clout in than a hole out.
Better a hit in than a miss out.
That is, a patched garment is better than one with holes in it.
A patched garment is better than one with holes in it.
Better a dog fawn on you than bark at you.
Better for a dog to flatter you than to growl at you.
Better ae e'e than a' blind.
Better to have one eye than to be completely blind.
Better ae wit bought than twa for nought.
Better one wit bought than two for nothing.
Better a finger aff as aye wagging.
Better a finger off than always wagging.
"The first night is aye the warst o't. I hae never heard o' ane that sleepit the night afore the trial, but of mony a ane that sleepit as sound as a tap the night before their necks were straughted. And it's nae wonder—the warst may be tholed when it's kend: Better a finger aff as aye wagging."—Heart of Midlothian.
"The first night is always the worst. I’ve never heard of anyone who slept well the night before the trial, but there are many who slept like a log the night before they were executed. And it’s no surprise—the worst can be endured when it’s known: Better to have a finger cut off than always to be worried."—Heart of Midlothian.
Better a fremit friend than a friend fremit.
Better a strange friend than a friend who is strange.
Better have a stranger for your friend than a friend turned stranger.
Better to have a stranger as your friend than a friend who has become a stranger.
Better a gude fame than a fine face.
Better a good reputation than a pretty face.
Better alane than in ill company.
Better alone than in bad company.
Better a laying hen than a lying crown.
Better a laying hen than a dishonest king.
Better a lean horse than a toom halter.
Better a lean horse than an empty halter.
Better a poor horse than no horse at all.
Better a not-so-great horse than no horse at all.
Better a mouse in the pat than nae flesh.
Better a mouse in the trap than no meat at all.
Better an auld man's darling than a young man's warling.
Better to be the cherished one of an old man than the object of a young man's whims.
"Used as an argument to induce a young girl to marry an old man, to the doing of which no argument should prevail."—Kelly.
"Used as a reason to convince a young girl to marry an old man, for which no argument should be convincing."—Kelly.
Better an even down snaw than a driving drift.
Better a gentle snowfall than a heavy blizzard.
Better an ill spune than nae horn.
Better a bad excuse than none at all.
Better a saft road than bad company.
Better a safe road than bad company.
"'I redd ye, Earnscliff' (this Hobbie added in a gentle whisper), 'let us take a cast about, as if to draw the wind on a buck—the bog is no abune knee-deep, and better a saft road than bad company.'"—The Black Dwarf.
"'I read you, Earnscliff' (Hobbie said softly), 'let’s take a look around, as if we're trying to catch the wind on a deer—the bog isn't more than knee-deep, and a smooth path is better than bad company.'"—The Black Dwarf.
Better a sair fae than a fause friend.
Better a sore face than a false friend.
Better a shameless eating than a shamefu' leaving.
Better to eat without shame than to leave with shame.
Better a sma' fish than an empty dish.
Better a small fish than an empty plate.
Better at a time to gie than tak.
Better to give than to take.
Better a thigging mither than a riding father.
Better a nagging mother than a riding father.
Better a tocher in her than wi' her.
Better a dowry in her than with her.
That is, better that a wife have good qualities without money than vice versa.
It's better for a wife to have good qualities without money than the other way around.
Better a toom house than an ill tenant.
Better an empty house than a bad tenant.
Better auld debts than auld sairs.
Better old debts than old pains.
Better a wee bush than nae beild.
Better a small bush than no shelter at all.
Better a wee fire to warm you than a big fire to burn you.
Better a small fire to warm you than a big fire to burn you.
Better bairns greet than bearded men.
Better children cry than men with beards.
Better be a coward than a corpse.
Better to be a coward than dead.
"Discretion is the better part of valour."—English.
"Being careful is smarter than being brave."—English.
Better be at the end o' a feast than at the beginning o' a fray.
Better to be at the end of a feast than at the start of a fight.
Better be before at a burial than ahint at a bridal.
Better to be at a funeral than to be at a wedding.
Better be blythe wi' little than sad wi' naething.[58]
It's better to be happy with little than to be sad with nothing.[58]
Better be envied than pitied.
Better to be envied than pitied.
Better be friends at a distance than enemies at hame.
Better to be friends from afar than enemies at home.
Better be happy than wise.
Better to be happy than wise.
Better be idle than ill doing.
Better to be inactive than to do something wrong.
Better be John Tamson's man, than Ring and Dinn's, or John Knox's.
Better to be John Tamson's guy than Ring and Dinn's, or John Knox's.
"John Thomson's man is he that is complaisant to his wife's humours; Ring and Dinn's is he whom his wife scolds; John Knox's is he whom his wife beats."—Kelly.
"John Thomson's man is the one who goes along with his wife's moods; Ring and Dinn's is the one who gets scolded by his wife; John Knox's is the one who gets hit by his wife."—Kelly.
Better be kind than cumbersome.
Better to be kind than a burden.
Better belly burst than gude meat spoil.
Better to overeat than to let good food go to waste.
A plea for gluttony on the score of economy.
A call for indulgence in the name of saving money.
Better bend than break.
Better flex than snap.
Better be out o' the warld than out o' fashion.
Better to be out of the world than out of style.
Better be sonsy than soon up.
Better to be well-off than to be broke.
Better be the head o' the commons than the tail o' the gentry.
Better to be the leader of the common folk than the follower of the upper class.
"Better to rule in hell than serve in heaven."
Better be the lucky man than the lucky man's son.
Better to be the lucky man than the lucky man’s son.
Better bow to my faes than beg frae my friends.
Better to bow to my fairies than beg from my friends.
Better buy than borrow.
Better to buy than borrow.
Better cry "Feigh, saut," than "Feigh, stink."
Better to cry "Foul, salty," than "Foul, stinky."
The first can be remedied or improved in cooking; but a putrid article cannot.
The first can be fixed or improved in cooking, but a spoiled ingredient can't.
Better day the better deed.
Better day, better deed.
Better eat brown bread in youth than in eild.
Better to eat brown bread when you’re young than when you’re old.
Better fed than bred.
Better fed than raised.
Better find iron than tine siller.
Better to find iron than a thin dollar.
Better fleech a fool than fight him.
Better to trick a fool than to fight him.
"'I have as much mind as ever I had to my dinner, to go back and tell him to sort his horse himself, since he is as able as I am.' 'Hout tout, man!' answered Jasper, 'keep a calm sough: better to fleech a fool than fight with him.'"—The Monastery.
"'I feel just as inclined to tell him to sort out his own horse as I ever did to eat dinner, since he can manage it just as well as I can.' 'Come on, man!' replied Jasper, 'stay calm: it's better to flatter a fool than to argue with him.'"—The Monastery.
Better gang about than fa' in the dub.
Better to hang out than fall in the mud.
Rather a long road and safety than a short one attended with danger.
Better a long road that's safe than a short one that's risky.
Better gang to bed supperless than rise in debt.
Better to go to bed without dinner than to wake up in debt.
Better gie the slight than tak it.
Better give the slight than take it.
Better greet ower your gudes than after your gudes.
Better greet your guides before your guides.
Meaning that it is better not to sell goods at all than to sell and not be paid for them.
Meaning that it’s better not to sell anything at all than to sell and not get paid for it.
Better gude sale than gude ale.
Better good sale than good ale.
Better guide weel than work sair.
Better to guide well than to work hard.
Better hae than want.
Better to have than want.
Better hain weel than work sair.
Better to be well than to work hard.
Better half egg than toom doup.
Better half an egg than too much soup.
"Better half an egg than empty shells."—German.
"Better to have half an egg than just empty shells."—German.
Better half hang'd than ill married.
Better to be single than to be badly married.
Better hand loose nor bound to an ill bakie.
Better to be free than stuck with a bad situation.
"Bakie, the stake to which an ox or cow is bound to the stall."—Jamieson.
"Bakie, the post to which an ox or cow is tied in the stall."—Jamieson.
Better hands loose than in an ill tethering.
Better to be free than stuck in a bad situation.
Better happy at court than in gude service.
Better to be happy at court than in good service.
Better haud at the brim than at the bottom.
Better to hold it at the top than at the bottom.
Better haud by a hair than draw by a tether.
Better to hold on by a hair than to be pulled along by a rope.
Better haud out than put out.
Better to hold on than to be let go.
"Prevention is better than cure."—English.
"Prevention is better than cure."—English.
Better haud wi' the hounds than rin wi' the hare.
Better to stay with the hounds than run with the hare.
The policy of the Vicar of Bray. It is better to side with the strongest or winning party.
The policy of the Vicar of Bray. It's better to align with the strongest or winning side.
Better keep the deil out than hae to put him out.
Better to keep the devil out than have to kick him out.
Better keep weel than make weel.
Better to stay well than to get well.
Better lang little than soon naething.
Better a little than nothing soon.
Better late thrive than never do weel.
Better late to thrive than never to do well.
Better laugh at your ain pint stoup, than greet and gather gear.
Better to laugh at your own pint glass than to cry and hoard your belongings.
It is better to be merry spending money, than sorrowful acquiring it.
It’s better to enjoy spending money than to be unhappy trying to make it.
Better learn frae your neebor's skaith than frae your ain.
Better learn from your neighbor's troubles than from your own.
Learn experience rather from the misfortunes of others than from your own.
Learn from the experiences of others' misfortunes rather than solely from your own.
Better leave to my faes than beg frae my friends.
Better to rely on my fairies than to beg from my friends.
Better leave than lack.
Better safe than sorry.
That it is better to have too much of some things than too little.
That it's better to have too much of some things than too little.
Better live in hope than die in despair.[61]
It's better to live with hope than to die in despair.[61]
Better marry ower the midden than ower the muir.
Better to marry over the garbage than over the moor.
Rather marry among those whom you know than go among strangers for a wife. "Marry over the mixon, and you will know who and what she is."—German. "Your wife and your nag get from a neighbour."—Italian.
Rather marry someone you know than seek a wife among strangers. "Marry from the neighborhood, and you'll know who she is."—German. "Your wife and your nag come from a neighbor."—Italian.
Better master ane than fight wi' ten.
Better to master one than to fight with ten.
Better my bairns seek frae me than I beg frae them.
Better my kids ask me for things than I beg them for help.
Better my friends think me fremit than fashious.
Better my friends think I'm strange than annoying.
Better visit friends seldom than so often as to prove troublesome.
It's better to visit friends occasionally than so often that it becomes annoying.
Better nae ring nor the ring o' a rash.
Better no ring than the ring of a rash.
Better ne'er begun than ne'er ended.
Better never started than never finished.
Better ower 't than in 't.
Better out than in.
Better beyond the fear of danger than in it.
Better to be outside the fear of danger than to be in it.
Better plays the fu' wame than the new coat.
Better is the full stomach than the new coat.
A man may be well dressed but still have a hungry belly, and vice versa. He that has the "fu' wame" is the more likely to be in good spirits.
A man might be well-dressed but still have a hungry stomach, and vice versa. The one with the "full belly" is more likely to be in a good mood.
Better rough an' sonsy than bare an' donsy.
Better to be a little rough and full of life than empty and dull.
It is better to be rough in manners, if coupled with prosperous circumstances, than be "genteel" and at the same time poverty stricken.
It’s better to be a bit rough around the edges if you’re doing well in life than to be “refined” but struggling to make ends meet.
Better rue sit than rue flit.
Better to regret sitting than to regret moving around.
Better not remove at all than do so and then regret it.
Better to leave it as is than to change it and then regret it.
"Didna I see when gentle Geordie was seeking to get other folk out of the Tolbooth forby Jocky Porteous? but ye are of my mind, hinny—better sit and rue, than flit and rue—ye needna look in my face sae amazed. I ken mair things than that, maybe."—Heart of Midlothian.
"Didn't I see when kind Geordie was trying to get other people out of the Tolbooth besides Jocky Porteous? But you agree with me, darling—better to stay and regret than to leave and regret—you don't need to look at my face so surprised. I know more things than that, maybe."—Heart of Midlothian.
Better saucht wi' little aucht than care wi' mony cows.
Better to have a little and not worry than to have many cows and stress.
Better comfort and peace of mind with little, than care and contention with much.
Better to have a little comfort and peace of mind than to deal with a lot of stress and conflict.
Better saut than sour.
Better safe than sorry.
Better say "Here it is" than "Here it was."
Better to say "Here it is" than "Here it was."
Better short and sweet than lang and lax.
Better to be brief and to the point than long and careless.
Better sit idle than work for nought.
Better to sit around than work for nothing.
Better sit still than rise an' fa'.
Better to stay still than get up and fall.
Better skaith saved than mends made.
Better safe than sorry.
Better that offence should not be given than committed and then apologized for.
It's better to avoid giving offense than to cause it and then apologize.
Better sma' fish than nane.
Better small fish than none.
Better soon as syne.
Better soon, as usual.
"I tell'd your honour a while syne, that it was lang that I hae been thinking o' flitting, may be as lang as frae the first year I came to Osbaldistone Hall; and now I'm o' the mind to gang in gude earnest—better soon as syne—better a finger aff as aye wagging."—Rob Roy.
"I told you a while ago that I've been thinking about moving, maybe since the first year I came to Osbaldistone Hall; and now I'm really determined to go—better now than later—better to lose a finger than keep messing around."—Rob Roy.
Better spared than ill spent.
Better saved than wasted.
Better speak bauldly out than aye be grumphin'.
Better to speak boldly than always be grumbling.
If a complaint requires to be made, make it openly and straightforwardly, instead of continuing to fret about it in an indirect manner.
If you need to make a complaint, do it openly and directly instead of stressing about it in a roundabout way.
Better the barn filled than the bed.
Better a full barn than an empty bed.
Because a full barn denotes prosperity, a full bed trouble.
Because a full barn means prosperity, a full bed signifies trouble.
Better the end o' a feast than the beginning o' a fray.[63]
Better the end of a feast than the beginning of a fight.[63]
Better the mother wi' the pock, than the faither wi' the sack.
Better to have a mother with a burden than a father with a failing.
"The mother, though in a low condition, will be more kindly to, and more careful of, orphans, than the father can be, though in a better."—Kelly.
"The mother, even when she’s struggling, will show more kindness and care for orphans than the father can, even if he is better off."—Kelly.
Better the ill ken'd than the gude unken'd.
Better the known bad than the unknown good.
Better the nag that ambles a' the day than him that makes a brattle for a mile and then's dune wi' the road.
Better the horse that plods along all day than the one that races for a mile and then is done with the journey.
Better thole a grumph than a sumph.
Better to endure a grump than a fool.
Be troubled rather by an intelligent, though surly man, than by a stupid one.
Be more concerned about an intelligent but grumpy person than about a foolish one.
Better tine life than gude fame.
Better a good life than good fame.
"I might hae fled frae this Tolbooth on that awfu' night wi' ane wha wad hae carried me through the warld, and friended me, and fended for me. But I said to them, Let life gang when gude fame is gane before it."—Heart of Midlothian.
"I could have escaped from this prison on that terrible night with someone who would have supported me, cared for me, and protected me. But I told them, let life go on when good reputation is gone ahead of it."—Heart of Midlothian.
Better tine your joke than tine your friend.
Better to make fun of your joke than to make fun of your friend.
Better to haud than draw.
Better to hold than draw.
Better to rule wi' the gentle hand than the strang.
Better to rule with a gentle hand than with a strong one.
Better twa skaiths than ae sorrow.
Better two hurts than one sorrow.
"Losses may be repaired, but sorrow will break the heart and ruin the constitution."—Kelly.
"Losses can be fixed, but grief will shatter the heart and damage the spirit."—Kelly.
Better unkind than ower cumbersome.
Better unkind than too clumsy.
Better unmarried than ill married.
Better single than badly married.
Better wade back mid water than gang forward and drown.
Better to wade back halfway than to move forward and drown.
Rather withdraw from a bargain or position found likely to prove bad or dangerous than proceed with either in hopes of improvement.
It's better to back out of a deal or situation that seems risky or harmful than to stick with it, hoping things will get better.
Better wait on cooks than leeches.
Better to wait on cooks than on leeches.
Better wear shoon than wear sheets.
Better to wear shoes than to wear rags.
Better you laugh than I greet.
Better for you to laugh than for me to say hello.
Meaning, I would rather be ridiculed for not doing a thing, than do it and be sorry for it.
Meaning, I’d rather be laughed at for not doing something than do it and regret it.
Better your feet slip than your tongue.
Better for your feet to slip than your tongue.
Between Martinmas and Yule, water's wine in every pool.
Between Martinmas and Yule, water’s like wine in every puddle.
Between the deil and the deep sea.
Between the devil and the deep sea.
Between two extremes equally dangerous.
Between two equally dangerous extremes.
"I fell into Claverhouse's party when I was seeking for some o' our ain folk to help ye out o' the hands o' the whigs; sae, being atween the deil and the deep sea, I e'en thought it best to bring him on wi' me, for he'll be wearied wi' felling folk the night, and the morn's a new day."—Old Mortality.
"I got caught up with Claverhouse's group while I was looking for some of our own people to help you out of the hands of the whigs; so, being stuck between a rock and a hard place, I figured it was best to bring him along with me, because he'll be tired from taking care of people tonight, and tomorrow is a new day."—Old Mortality.
Between three and thirteen, thraw the woodie when it's green.
Between three and thirteen, twist the wood when it's green.
Train the minds and principles of children when young.
Train the minds and values of children while they’re young.
Between you and the lang day be'it.
Between you and the long day, be it.
Be what ye seem and seem what ye are.
Be who you seem and seem like who you are.
Bid a man to a roast and stick him wi' the spit.
Bid a guy to a barbecue and stab him with the skewer.
Pretend to show kindness to a man while your intention is to injure him.
Pretend to be nice to someone while actually wanting to hurt them.
Bide weel, betide weel.
Take care, whatever happens.
Wait well or patiently and you will fare well; or at least as well as those who are hasty.
Wait patiently, and you'll do fine; or at least as well as those who rush.
Biggin and bairns marrying are arrant wasters.
Biggin and kids getting married are total timewasters.
"Building is a sweet impoverishing."—Spanish.
"Building is a sweet poverty."—Spanish.
Bind the sack ere it be fou.
Bind the sack before it gets dirty.
Do not tax any person or thing to the utmost.
Do not push anyone or anything to their limit.
Birds o' a feather flock thegither.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Birk will burn be it burn drawn; sauch will sab if it were simmer sawn.
Birk will burn if it's burned; so will sap if it's simmered.
Literally, wood will burn even if drawn through water, and the willow will droop if sown out of season. Figuratively, natural will and inclination will predominate and exhibit themselves, although submitted to the most antagonistic influences.
Wood will burn even when submerged in water, and willow will droop if planted at the wrong time. Similarly, natural will and inclination will prevail and show themselves, even when faced with the harshest opposing forces.
Birth's gude but breeding's better.
Birth is good, but breeding is better.
Bitter jests poison friendship.
Sarcastic jokes ruin friendships.
Black's my apron, and I'm aye washing 't.
Black's my apron, and I'm always washing it.
When a man has got a bad character, although he may endeavour to redeem it, he will find great difficulty in doing so.
When a man has a bad reputation, even if he tries hard to change it, he will find it very difficult to do so.
Black will tak nae ither hue.
Black will take no other color.
Blaw the wind ne'er sae fast, it will lown at the last.
Blow the wind never so fast, it will calm down at last.
Blind horse rides hardy to the fecht.
Blind horse rides strong into battle.
"Who so bold as blind Bayard?"—French.
"Who is as bold as blind Bayard?"—French.
Blind men shouldna judge o' colours.
Blind people shouldn't judge colors.
Blue and better blue.
Blue and a better blue.
"That is, there may be difference between things of the same kind and persons of the same station."—Kelly.
"That is, there may be differences between things of the same kind and people of the same status."—Kelly.
Blue's beauty, red's a taiken, green's grief, and yellow's forsaken.
Blue is beautiful, red is a burden, green represents sorrow, and yellow is neglected.
Examples of the "Poetry of colour."
Examples of the "Poetry of color."
Blue is love true.
Blue is true love.
Bluid's thicker than water.
Blood's thicker than water.
"'Weel, weel,' said Mr Jarvie, 'bluid's thicker than water; and it liesna in kith, kin, and ally, to see motes in ilk other's een if other een see them no.'"—Rob Roy.
"'Well, well,' said Mr. Jarvie, 'blood is thicker than water; and it doesn't take family or friends to see flaws in each other if no one else sees them.'"—Rob Roy.
Bode a robe and wear it, bode a pock and bear it.
Bode a robe and wear it, bode a pock and bear it.
According as our aspirations are high or low, so do we succeed or fail. "As you make your bed, so you must lie on it."
Depending on whether our goals are ambitious or modest, we will either succeed or fail. "You reap what you sow."
Bode for a silk gown and ye'll get a sleeve o't.
Bite off more than you can chew, and you’ll end up with a small piece of it.
That is, if we "bode" or earnestly wish for an article or result, we will get at least something approaching to it. An Aberdeenshire parallel to this is, "They never bodet a house o' gowd, but aye got a caber o't."
That is, if we "bode" or truly wish for something, we'll end up with at least something close to it. A similar saying from Aberdeenshire is, "They never bodet a house o' gowd, but aye got a caber o't."
Bode gude and get it.
Bode good and get it.
Boden gear stinks.
Boden gear smells bad.
The theory of the fox and grapes.
The theory of the fox and grapes.
Bonnet aside! how sell you your maut?
Bonnet aside! how do you sell your drink?
Bonny birds are aye the warst singers.
Bonny birds are always the worst singers.
Bonny sport, to fare weel and pay nothing for't.
Bonny sport, to do well and not pay anything for it.
"Diogenes is said to have thought that the best wine which cost him nothing."—Kelly.
"Diogenes is said to have believed that the best wine was the one that cost him nothing."—Kelly.
Bourdna wi' bawty lest he bite ye.
Bite your lip before he bites you.
Bourdna wi' my e'e nor wi' mine honour.
Burdens with my eye nor with my honor.
Do not jest or trifle with subjects of delicacy, character, &c.
Do not joke or mess around with sensitive topics, character, etc.
Bread and cheese is gude to eat when folk can get nae ither meat.
Bread and cheese is good to eat when people can't get any other meat.
Bread and milk is bairns' meat: I wish them sorrow that loe it.
Bread and milk is kids' food: I wish sorrow on those who love it.
Bread's house skail'd never.
Bread's house never stayed put.
A full or hospitable house never wants visitors.
A welcoming home always has guests.
Break my head and syne draw on my how.
Break my head and then draw on my brow.
Bridal feasts are soon forgotten.
Wedding feasts are soon forgotten.
Broken bread maks batet bairns.
Sharing bread makes better kids.
Broken friendships may be souther'd, but never sound.
Broken friendships may be mended, but they will never be the same.
Burnt bairns dread the fire.
Burnt kids fear the fire.
Busy folk are aye meddling.
Busy people are always meddling.
But middlin' bonny, like Boles' gudemither.
But pretty good-looking, like Boles' grandmother.
Butter and burn trouts are kittle meat for maidens.
Butter and burnt trout are tricky food for young women.
Butter's king o' a' creesh.
Butter is the best fat.
Like to like is no improvement or relish.
Like attracts like, but that's not an upgrade or something to get excited about.
Buy a thief frae the widdie and he'll help to hang ye.
Buy a thief from the gallows and he'll help to hang you.
"Save a rogue from the gallows, and he will hang you up."—French.
"Save a rogue from the gallows, and he will hang you up."—French.
Buy friendship wi' presents, and it will be bought frae you.
Buy friendship with gifts, and it will be taken from you.
Buy in the market and sell at hame.
Buy in the market and sell at home.
Buy what you dinna want and ye'll sell what you canna spare.
Buy what you don't want and you'll sell what you can't spare.
By chance a cripple may grip a hare.
By chance, a disabled person might catch a rabbit.
By doing naething we learn to do ill.
By doing nothing, we learn to do wrong.
a' a cow to the ha' and she'll rin to the byre.
a' a cow to the home and she'll run to the barn.
"Here it goes again to the pool."
Ca' again: you're no a ghaist.
Ca' again: you're not a ghost.
An intimation that your visits are agreeable.
A hint that your visits are welcome.
Ca' canny and flee laigh.
Be careful and stay low.
Ca' canny, and ye'll break nae graith.
Ca' canny, and you won't break any gear.
Literally, drive slowly, and you will not overstrain the harness.
Literally, drive slowly, and you won't overstrain the harness.
Ca' canny, lad, ye're but a new-come cooper.
Calm down, kid, you're just a beginner.
A caution to those who are new or inexpert at an occupation,—a hint that more experience or information is desirable.
A warning to those who are new or inexperienced in a job—it's a reminder that gaining more experience or knowledge is important.
Cadgers are aye cracking o' creels.
Cadgers are always chatting about carts.
Cadgers hae aye mind of lade saddles.
Cadgers always think of loaded saddles.
The conversation of most men turns more or less on their own business.
Most men tend to talk about their own affairs.
Caff and draff is gude eneuch for aivers.
Caff and draff is good enough for horses.
Chaff and draff, i.e., brewers' grains, are good enough for horses. Common food suits common people.
Chaff and draff, i.e., brewers' grains, are fine for horses. Basic food is good enough for everyday people.
Can do is easily carried.
Can-do attitude is easily shared.
"At this moment the door opened, and the voice of the officious Andrew was heard,—'A'm bringin' in the caunles—ye can light them gin ye like—can do is easily carried about wi' ane.'"—Rob Roy.
"At this moment, the door opened, and the voice of the eager Andrew was heard,—'I’m bringing in the candles—you can light them whenever you want—it’s easy to carry one around.'"—Rob Roy.
Ca'ing names breaks nae banes.
Calling names doesn't break bones.
"But names will never hurt me."
Ca' me what ye like, but dinna ca' me ower.
Call me what you like, but don't call me over.
Canna has nae craft.
Canna has no skill.
To an unwilling person, or one who will not learn, instruction is of little or no use.
To a person who doesn't want to learn or isn't willing to, teaching is pretty much useless.
Canny stretch, soon reach.
Smart move, you'll get there.
Care will kill a cat, yet there's nae living without it.
Care will kill a cat, yet there's no living without it.
Careless folk are aye cumbersome.
Careless people are always cumbersome.
Carena would hae mair.
Carena would have more.
"Carena" refers here to an answer that may be construed into either "yes" or "no," and is treated accordingly. "'I don't want it, I don't want it,' says the friar; 'but drop it into my hood.'"—Spanish.
"Carena" here means an answer that could be interpreted as either "yes" or "no," and it's handled accordingly. "'I don't want it, I don't want it,' says the friar; 'but drop it into my hood.'"—Spanish.
Carles and aivers win a'; carles and aivers spend a'.
Carles and aivers win all; carles and aivers spend all.
"Servants' wages, buying and keeping of horses, and purchasing other utensils, eat up the product of a farm."—Kelly.
"Paying servants, buying and maintaining horses, and purchasing other tools consume the profits of a farm."—Kelly.
Carrick for a man, Kyle for a cow, Cunningham for corn and ale, and Galloway for woo'.
Carrick for a man, Kyle for a cow, Cunningham for corn and ale, and Galloway for wool.
"This old rhyme points out what each of the three districts of Ayrshire, and the neighbouring territory of Galloway, were remarkable for producing in greatest perfection. The mountainous province of Carrick produced robust men; the rich plains of Kyle reared the famous breed of cattle now generally termed the Ayrshire breed; and Cunningham was a good arable district. The hills of Galloway afford pasture to an abundance of sheep."—Robert Chambers.
"This old rhyme highlights what each of the three areas in Ayrshire and the nearby region of Galloway was best known for producing. The hilly region of Carrick produced strong men; the fertile plains of Kyle raised the well-known Ayrshire breed of cattle; and Cunningham was a productive farming area. The hills of Galloway provide pasture for a large number of sheep."—Robert Chambers.
Carry saut to Dysart and puddings to Tranent.
Carry sauté to Dysart and desserts to Tranent.
This proverb, the meaning of which is obvious enough, is paralleled in all languages. The English say, "To carry coals to Newcastle." The French and German suggest that it is not necessary "To send water to the sea." The French also say, "To carry leaves to the wood;" and the Dutch are wise enough not "To send fir to Norway." Neither will the Asiatic "Carry blades to Damascus."
This proverb, which is quite straightforward in meaning, has counterparts in every language. The English say, "To carry coals to Newcastle." The French and Germans imply that it's unnecessary "To send water to the sea." The French also say, "To carry leaves to the woods," and the Dutch are smart enough not "To send fir to Norway." Similarly, the Asians won’t "Carry blades to Damascus."
Cast a bane in the deil's teeth.
Cast a curse in the devil's mouth.
Cast a cat ower the house and she'll fa' on her feet.
Cast a cat over the house and she'll fall on her feet.
Cast nae snawba's wi' him.
Cast no snowballs with him.
That is, do not trust him too much; he is churlish or dangerous.
That is, don’t trust him too much; he’s rude or dangerous.
Cast not a clout till May be out.
Cast not a clout till May be out.
Cast the cat ower him.
Cast the cat over him.
"It is believed that when a man is raging in a fever, the cat cast ower him will cure him; applied to them whom we hear telling extravagant things, as if they were raving."—Kelly.
"It’s thought that when a man is burning with fever, the cat that jumps over him will heal him; this is similar to what we hear from people saying crazy things, almost as if they’re delirious."—Kelly.
Cast ye ower the house riggin', and ye'll fa' on your feet.
Cast over the house roof, and you'll land on your feet.
"Throw him in the Nile, and he will rise with a fish in his mouth," says the Arab; and we have met somewhere with this saying, that "If he lost a penny he would find a ducat."
"Throw him in the Nile, and he will come up with a fish in his mouth," says the Arab; and we've encountered somewhere this saying, that "If he lost a penny, he would find a ducat."
Castna out the dowed water till ye get the clean.
Cast out the dirty water until you get the clean.
Cat after kind.
Kind cat.
Cats and carlins sit i' the sun, but fair maidens sit within.
Cats and bulldogs lounge in the sun, but beautiful young women stay inside.
A rhyming intimation that exposure to the sun is not favourable to beauty.
A rhyming hint that being in the sun isn't good for beauty.
Cats eat what hussies spare.
Cats eat what strays leave.
Cauld grows the love that kindles ower het.
Cauld grows the love that lights up over heat.
Cauld kail het again is aye pat tasted.
Cauld kail het again is always better tasted.
Cauld kail het again, that I liked never; auld love renewed again, that I liked ever.
Cauld kale is hot again, which I never liked; old love is revived again, which I always liked.
Cauld parritch are sooner het than new anes made.
Cauld porridge is heated up faster than new ones are made.
Cauld water scauds daws.
Cold water scalds doves.
Chalk's no shears.
Chalk isn't scissors.
"Taken from tailors marking out their cloth before they cut it, signifying that a thing may be proposed that will never be executed."—Kelly.
"Taken from tailors marking their fabric before cutting it, indicating that something might be suggested that will never be carried out."—Kelly.
Change o' deils is lightsome.
Change of deals is uplifting.
Change your friend ere ye hae need.
Change your friend before you need them.
Changes are lightsome, and fools like them.
Changes are exciting, and naive people enjoy them.
Changes o' wark is lightening o' hearts.
Changes in work bring a lift to our spirits.
Charge nae mair shot than the piece 'll bear.
Charge no more than the gun will handle.
Charity begins at hame, but shouldna end there.
Charity begins at home, but it shouldn't end there.
Cheatery game will aye kythe.
Cheating game will always show.
"Kythe," to appear. That is, cheatery or evil-doing will almost invariably come to light. A qualified version of the English saying, "Murder will out."
"Kythe," to show up. In other words, deceit or wrongdoing will almost always be revealed. A more nuanced version of the English saying, "Murder will out."
Choose your wife on Saturday, not on Sunday.
Choose your wife on Saturday, not on Sunday.
This saying suggests that a wife should rather be chosen for her good qualities and usefulness, which are seen in her daily labours, than for her fine dress or her Sunday manners.
This saying implies that a wife should be chosen for her good qualities and how useful she is, as shown through her daily work, rather than for her nice clothes or her behavior on Sundays.
Claw for claw, as Conan said to the deil.
Claw for claw, as Conan said to the devil.
"In the Irish ballads relating to Fion (the Fingal of MacPherson), there occurs, as in the primitive poetry of most nations, a cycle of heroes, each of whom has some distinguishing attribute; upon these qualities, and the adventures of those possessing them, many proverbs are formed, which are still current in the Highlands. Among other characters, Conan is distinguished as in some respects a kind of Thersites, but brave and daring even to rashness. He had made a vow that he would never take a blow without returning it; and having, like other heroes of antiquity, descended to the infernal regions, he received a cuff from the archfiend who presided there, which he instantly returned: hence the proverb."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Waverley.
"In the Irish ballads about Fion (the Fingal of MacPherson), just like in the early poetry of many cultures, there's a series of heroes, each with a unique trait. Many proverbs based on these traits and the adventures of those who possess them are still popular in the Highlands. Among other figures, Conan stands out as somewhat of a Thersites, though he's brave and sometimes recklessly daring. He vowed never to take a hit without giving one back; and after, like other ancient heroes, descending to the underworld, he was slapped by the archfiend in charge, which he immediately retaliated against: hence the saying."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Waverley.
Claw me and I'll claw thee.
Claw me and I'll claw you back.
Speak well of me and I will speak well of thee, whether, we presume, it is deserved or not.
Speak positively about me and I’ll do the same for you, whether, we think, it’s deserved or not.
Clawing and eating needs but a beginning.
Clawing and eating only require a starting point.
Clean pith and fair play.
Clear rules and fair play.
Clear in the south beguiled the cadger.
Clear in the south charmed the beggar.
Cadgers (beggars, or gipsy pedlars), from their out-of-door experience, are allowed to be good judges of coming weather. The proverb means that even the best judges may be occasionally mistaken in their opinions. The one following is of similar import.
Cadgers (beggars or traveling salespeople) are often good at predicting the weather because of their outdoor experience. The saying implies that even the best judges can sometimes be wrong in their assessments. The next one has a similar meaning.
Clear in the south drown'd the ploughman.
Clear in the south drowned the plowman.
Clecking time's aye canty time.
Clecking time is always good time.
Good cheer and mirth in the house when a birth has taken place.
Good cheer and joy fill the house when a baby is born.
"'Perhaps,' said Mannering, 'at such a time a stranger's arrival might be inconvenient?' 'Hout, na, ye needna be blate about that; their house is muckle enough, and clecking time's aye canty time.'"—Guy Mannering.
"'Maybe,' said Mannering, 'a stranger showing up might be awkward right now?' 'Oh, come on, you don't need to worry about that; their house is plenty big, and it's always a lively time during hatching season.'"—Guy Mannering.
Clippet sheep will grow again.
Clippet sheep will regrow.
Clout upon a hole is gude gentry, clout upon a clout is gude yeomanry, but clout upon a clouted clout is downricht beggary.
Clout on a hole is good gentry, clout on a clout is good yeomanry, but clout on a clouted clout is downright beggary.
"Facetiously spoken to those who quarrel with a patch about you."—Kelly.
"Jokingly said to those who argue over a small issue about you."—Kelly.
Come a' to Jock Fool's house and ye'll get bread and cheese.
Come over to Jock Fool's house and you'll get bread and cheese.
Spoken sarcastically of those who invite every person indiscriminately to dine or sup with them.
Spoken sarcastically about those who invite anyone and everyone to join them for dinner or supper.
Come day, go day, God send Sunday.
Come day, go day, God bless Sunday.
"Spoken to lazy, unconscionable servants, who only mind to serve out their time, and get their wages."—Kelly.
"Talking to lazy, untrustworthy workers, who just care about putting in their hours and collecting their pay."—Kelly.
Come it air, or come it late, in May will come the cow-quake.
Come rain or shine, in May the cow-quake will arrive.
Come not to council unbidden.
Don't come to the meeting uninvited.
Let no one be called to council come,
That welcome wine to be; I'm having a really tough time again, Whoever comes uninvited and unwelcomed should sit, Perhaps, sir, that may be.
Come unca'd, sits unserved.
Come uncaged, sits unserved.
Come when ye are ca'd and ye'll no be chidden.
Come when you're called and you won't be scolded.
Come wi' the wind and gang wi' the water.
Come with the wind and go with the water.
Common saw sindle lies.
Common saw simple lies.
Common fame seldom lies; but another proverb says, "Common fame is a common liar."
Common reputation is usually truthful; but another saying goes, "Common reputation is a common liar."
Confess and be hang'd, and syne your servant, smith.
Confess and get hanged, and then your servant, smith.
Confess debt and crave days.
Admit debt and long for days.
Confess'd faut is half amends.
Admitting a fault is half the fix.
Content's nae bairn o' wealth.
Content's not a child of wealth.
Contentibus, quo' Tammy Tamson, kiss my wife, and welcome.
Contentibus, where Tammy Tamson, kiss my wife, and welcome.
"Spoken facetiously when we comply with a project."—Kelly.
"Spoken jokingly when we go along with a project."—Kelly.
Corbies and clergy are kittle shot.
Corbies and clergy are tricky subjects.
Corbies dinna gather without they smell carrion.
Corbies don't gather unless they smell dead things.
"Where the carrion is, there do the eagles gather."—Danish.
"Where the dead animals are, that’s where the eagles gather."—Danish.
Corbies dinna pike out corbies' een.
Corbies don’t pick out corbies’ eyes.
One rogue does not wrong another. "Crows do not peck out crows' eyes."—Portuguese.
One rogue doesn't wrong another. "Crows don't peck out each other's eyes."—Portuguese.
Corn him weel, he'll work the better.
Corn him well, he'll work better.
Counsel is nae command.
Advice is not a command.
That counselor can't be controlled,
I have nothing more to say,
Except for the fact that he thought it was good; Take counsel or reach a conclusion. Of wiser men nor they.
Count again is no forbidden.
Counting again is not forbidden.
Count like Jews and 'gree like brithers.
Count like friends and agree like brothers.
Count siller after a' your kin.
Count your money after all your family.
Courtesy is cumbersome to him that kens it na.
Courtesy is a burden to those who don't understand it.
Crabbit was and cause hadna.[75]
Crabbit was and cause hadn’t.
Crab without a cause, mease without mends.
Crab without a reason, mess without solutions.
That is, if you are peevish and ill-pleased without cause, you must regain your good nature without amends.
That is, if you’re irritable and unhappy for no reason, you need to work on being in a better mood without needing a reason to make up for it.
Craft maun hae claes, but truth gaes naked.
Craft may have clothes, but truth goes bare.
Credit is better than ill-won gear.
Credit is better than poorly gained possessions.
Credit keeps the crown o' the causey.
Credit keeps the top of the street.
Creep before ye gang.
Creep before you go.
"Ye will never make your bread that way, Maister Francie. Ye suld munt up a muckle square of canvass, like Dick Tinto, and paint folk's ainsells, that they like muckle better to see than ony craig in the haill water; and I wadna muckle objeck even to some of the Wallers coming up and sitting to ye. They waste their time war, I wis—and, I warrant, ye might mak a guinea a-head of them. Dick made twa, but he was an auld used hand, and folk maun creep before they gang."—St Ronan's Well.
"You'll never make a living that way, Master Francie. You should set up a big square of canvas, like Dick Tinto, and paint people's portraits, which they prefer to see more than any view in the whole area; and I wouldn't mind if some of the Wallers came by and posed for you. They waste their time anyway, and I bet you could make a guinea for each of them. Dick made two, but he was experienced, and people have to start small before they can succeed."—St Ronan's Well.
Cripples are aye better planners than workers.
Cripples are always better planners than workers.
Cripples are aye great doers—break your leg and try.
Cripples are always great doers—break your leg and see for yourself.
People who are always very ready to give advice are generally slow in giving assistance.
People who are quick to offer advice are usually slow to provide help.
"Crookit carlin," quo' the cripple to his wife.
"Crooked woman," said the cripple to his wife.
To see ourselves as others see us!
It was from many mistakes that we learned,
And silly idea.
Cry a' at ance, that's the way to be served.
Cry out at once, that's how to get served.
Curses mak the tod fat.
Curses make the toad fat.
So long as he is cursed only, not hunted, does he thrive; for "A curse will not strike out an eye unless the fist go with it."—Danish.
As long as he is just cursed and not hunted, he does well; for "A curse won't take out an eye unless the fist goes with it."—Danish.
Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Cut your coat to fit your budget.
affin' and want o' wit maks auld wives donnart.
nothing and lack of wit makes old wives dumb.
"Daffin'" is defined by Ramsay as "folly in general;" so the proverb means that foolish conduct in the aged is inconsistent or "donnart," i.e., stupid.
"Daffin'" is defined by Ramsay as "foolishness in general;" so the proverb means that silly behavior in older people is inconsistent or "donnart," i.e., dumb.
Daffin' does naething.
Daffin' does nothing.
Playing accomplishes nothing.
Playing achieves nothing.
Daily wearing needs yearly beiting.
Daily wear requires yearly updating.
Literally, clothes that are worn daily, require to be renewed annually.
Literally, clothes that are worn daily need to be updated every year.
Dame, deem warily, ye watna wha wytes yoursel.
Dame, think carefully, you don’t know who blames you.
"Deemer," one who judges.—Jamieson. That is, judge other people cautiously; we know not who blames ourselves.
"Deemer," someone who judges.—Jamieson. This means to judge other people carefully; we never know who is judging us.
Dammin' and lavin' is gude sure fishing.
Dammin' and lavin' is good, for sure, fishing.
"'Dammin' and lavin',' a low poaching mode of catching fish in rivulets, by damming and diverting the course of the stream, and then laving or throwing out the water, so as to get at the devoted prey."—Jamieson.
"'Dammin' and lavin',' a low poaching method of catching fish in small streams, by damming and redirecting the flow of the water, then laving or removing the water to access the caught fish."—Jamieson.
Danger past, God forgotten.
Danger's gone, God forgotten.
Daughters and dead fish are kittle keeping wares.
Daughters and dead fish are tricky to manage.
A suggestion that daughters should be married, and dead fish eaten, otherwise they will both spoil on the hands of their possessors. "Daughters are brittle ware."—Dutch. "Marry your son when you will, and your daughter when you can."—Spanish.
A suggestion that daughters should be married off, and that dead fish should be eaten, otherwise both will go bad in the hands of those who hold them. "Daughters are fragile."—Dutch. "Marry your son whenever you want, and your daughter whenever you can."—Spanish.
Daughters pay nae debts.
Daughters don't pay debts.
Dawted bairns can bear little.
Spoiled kids can handle little.
Dawted daughters mak daidling wives.
Pampered daughters make idle wives.
Daughters who have been too much indulged or petted at home before marriage make but indifferent wives.
Daughters who have been overly spoiled or pampered at home before getting married often don't make great wives.
Daylight will peep through a sma' hole.
Daylight will peek through a small hole.
Dead men are free men.
Dead men are free.
Dead men do nae harm.
Dead men do no harm.
Deal sma' and ser' a'.
Deal small and serve it.
Death and drink-draining are near neighbours.
Death and heavy drinking are close companions.
In allusion to the drinking usages formerly common at burials.
In reference to the drinking customs that were once common at funerals.
Death and marriage break term-day.
Death and marriage interrupt the term.
Death at ae door and heirship at the other.
Death at one door and inheritance at the other.
Death comes in and speirs nae questions.
Death comes in and asks no questions.
"Death does not blow a trumpet."—Danish.
"Death doesn’t give a heads up."—Danish.
Death defies the doctor.
Death challenges the doctor.
Death pays a' scores.
Death settles all accounts.
Death's gude proof.
Death's good evidence.
Deil be in the house that ye're beguiled in.
There will be a devil in the house you're deceived in.
A compliment, meaning that a person is so shrewd that no less a person than his Satanic majesty can deceive him.
A compliment, meaning that someone is so sharp that even his Satanic majesty can't trick him.
Deil be in the pock that ye cam in.
Deil be in the pocket that you came in.
Deil mend ye if your leg were broken.
Deil mend you if your leg was broken.
The two last sayings are directly opposed to the preceding one, as they wish all manner of evil to the agencies that bring any particular person, whose presence is disagreeable.
The last two statements are in direct contrast to the previous one, as they wish all sorts of harm to the people who bring any particular person whose presence is unwelcome.
Deil speed them that speir, and ken fu' weel.
Deil speed them that ask and know very well.
That is, shame befall those who ask questions upon subjects with which they are perfectly well acquainted; and who, by cross questioning, &c., lead people to commit themselves.
That is, shame on those who ask questions about topics they are already familiar with; and who, through probing and so on, trick others into revealing their thoughts.
Deil stick pride—my dog died o't.
Deil with pride—my dog died because of it.
Deil's in our bairns: they'll no bed when their belly's fu'.
Deil's in our kids: they won't go to bed when their stomach's full.
"Spoken with indignation, when people who are already well enough cannot hold themselves so, or be satisfied."—Kelly.
"Spoken with anger, when people who are already doing well can't keep it together or be content."—Kelly.
Delays are dangerous.
Delays are risky.
Did ye ever fit counts wi' him?
Did you ever have arguments with him?
Do not boast of your friend, or consider his friendship too stedfast, until you have had money transactions with him.
Do not brag about your friend or think their friendship is solid until you have had financial dealings with them.
Diet cures mair than doctors.
Diet cures more than doctors.
Ding doon Tantallan, and big a road to the Bass.
Ding dong Tantallan, and a big road to the Bass.
Ding down the nest, and the rooks will flee away.
Ding the nest, and the rooks will fly away.
"Destroy the places where villains shelter, and they will disperse. This proverb was unhappily apply'd at the Reformation to the destroying of many stately cathedrals and collegiate churches."—Kelly.
"Destroy the places where bad guys hide, and they'll scatter. This saying was unfortunately used during the Reformation to justify the destruction of many grand cathedrals and college churches."—Kelly.
Dinna bow to bawtie, lest he bite.
Don't bow to the fool, or he might bite.
Be careful how you are familiar with your superiors. "Too much familiarity breeds contempt."
Be careful about how close you get with your bosses. "Too much familiarity breeds contempt."
Dinna cast awa' the cog when the cow flings.
Ddon't throw away the bucket when the cow kicks.
Do not throw away the milking pail if the cow should kick it over: do not be discouraged if a misfortune should occur.
Do not discard the milking pail if the cow tips it over: do not be disheartened if an unfortunate event happens.
Dinna dry the burn because it may wat your feet.
Don't dry the stream because it might wet your feet.
Do not remove a public good or convenience because of an individual objection.
Do not take away a public benefit or convenience due to a single person's complaint.
Dinna empty your ain mouth to fill other folk's.
Don't empty your own mouth to fill someone else's.
Dinna gut your fish till ye get them.
Don't gut your fish until you get them.
This saying is common to many countries. "Don't cry herrings till they are in the net."—Dutch. "Don't sell the bearskin before you have caught the bear."—Italian. "Unlaid eggs are uncertain chickens."—German.
This saying is common in many countries. "Don't cry over spilled milk until it's in the net."—Dutch. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."—Italian. "Unlaid eggs are uncertain chickens."—German.
Dinna lee for want o' news.
Dinna lee for lack of news.
Dinna lift me before I fa'.
Don't lift me before I fall.
"'Weel, I've keepit a house this mony a year, and I never heard o' warm plates to a hot dinner before.' 'Then you refuse to give us them?' 'By no manner o' means, Dr Seggie, so ye needna lift folks before they fa'—you're welcome to any plates you please; and a' that I have to say is, that the langer a body lives they see the mair ferlies.'"—Laird of Logan.
"'Well, I've run a household for many years, and I've never heard of warm plates for a hot dinner before.' 'So you refuse to give us any?' 'Not at all, Dr. Seggie, so don’t get people up before they fall—you're welcome to any plates you want; and all I have to say is, the longer a person lives, the more wonders they see.'"—Laird of Logan.
Dinna meddle wi' the deil and the laird's bairns.
Don't mess with the devil and the lord's kids.
Dinna scaud your mouth wi' other folk's kail.
Don't scorch your mouth with other people's soup.
Be cautious in interfering with the affairs of neighbours or strangers.
Be careful when getting involved in the matters of neighbors or strangers.
Dinna sigh for him, but send for him: if he's unhanged he'll come.
Don't sigh for him, just call for him: if he's still alive, he'll come.
Do not speak about a thing, or wish it done, but do it. "Talking is easier than doing, and promising than performing."—German.
Do not talk about something, or wish for it to be done, just do it. "Talking is easier than doing, and promising is easier than performing."—German.
Dinna speak o' a raip to a chield whase father was hanged.[80]
Don't mention a rope to a kid whose dad was hanged.[80]
Dinna straik against the hair.
Don't strike against the hair.
"Ony way, I wadna hae liked to have offended Mr Treddles; he was a wee toustie when you rubbed him again the hair—but a kind, weel-meaning man."—The Highland Widow.
"One way, I wouldn't have wanted to offend Mr. Treddles; he was a little prickly if you rubbed him the wrong way—but a kind, well-meaning man."—The Highland Widow.
Dinna stretch your arm farther than your sleeve 'ill let ye.
Don't stretch your arm farther than your sleeve will let you.
"'I'll no let ye rest if ye dinna mak me a bailie's wife or a' be done.' I was not ill pleased to hear Mrs Pawkie so spiritful; but I replied, 'Dinna try to stretch your arm, gudewife, farther than your sleeve will let you; we maun ca' canny mony a day yet before we think of dignities.'"—The Provost.
"'I won't let you rest if you don't make me a bailie's wife or it's all over.' I wasn't unhappy to hear Mrs. Pawkie so spirited; but I replied, 'Don't try to reach for what you can't handle, good wife, we have to be careful for many days yet before we think of titles.'"—The Provost.
Dinna tell your fae when your foot sleeps.
Don't tell your fairy when your foot falls asleep.
Dinna touch him on the sair heel.
Don't touch him on the sore heel.
Do not speak to him on a subject on which he is known to be sensitive.
Don't talk to him about something he's known to be sensitive about.
Dirt bodes luck.
Dirt brings luck.
Dirt defies the king.
Dirt resists the king.
Dirt parts gude company.
Dirt parts guide company.
Dit your mouth wi' your meat.
Dit your mouth wi' your meat.
"Dit," close. A suggestion intended to put a stop to idle conversation.
"Shut it," close. A suggestion meant to end pointless chatter.
Do a man a good turn, and he'll never forgie you.
Do a guy a favor, and he'll never forget you.
"'Are you mad?' cried Bryce Snailsfoot, 'you that lived sae lang in Zetland to risk the saving of a drowning man? Wot ye not, if you bring him to life again, he will be sure to do you some capital injury?'"—The Pirate.
"'Are you crazy?' shouted Bryce Snailsfoot, 'you who have lived so long in Zetland to risk saving a drowning man? Don't you know that if you bring him back to life, he will definitely harm you in some big way?'"—The Pirate.
Do as the cow o' Forfar did, tak a stannin' drink.
Do like the cow from Forfar did, take a stand and drink.
"A cow in passing a door in Forfar, where a tub of ale had been placed to cool, drank the whole of it. The owner of the ale pursued the proprietor of the cow for the value of the ale; but a learned bailie, in giving his decision, decreed, that since the ale was drank by the cow while standing at the door, it must be considered deoch an dorius, or stirrup cup, for which no charge could be made, without violating the ancient hospitality of Scotland."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Waverley.
"A cow walked by a door in Forfar, where a tub of ale was set out to cool, and drank it all. The ale's owner chased after the cow's owner for the cost of the ale; however, a wise local judge ruled that since the cow drank the ale while standing at the door, it should be considered deoch an dorius, or stirrup cup, which means no charge could be made, as it would breach Scotland's age-old tradition of hospitality."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Waverley.
Do as the lasses do—say No, but tak it.
Do what the girls do—say No, but take it.
"Maids, in modesty, say 'No' to that which they would have the profferer construe 'Ay.'"—Shakespeare.
"Maids, out of modesty, say 'No' to what they actually want the person offering to think is 'Yes.'"—Shakespeare.
Do as the miller's wife o' Newlands did—she took what she had and she never wanted.
Do what the miller's wife from Newlands did—she took what she had and never wanted more.
Dogs and bairns are fain o' fools.
Dogs and kids are fond of fools.
That is, fools attract the attention of children and dogs.
That is, fools catch the attention of kids and dogs.
Dogs bark as they are bred.
Dogs bark according to their breeding.
Dogs will redd swine.
Dogs will chase pigs.
"Redd," is here used in the sense of to put in order.
"Redd," is used here to mean to organize.
Dolour pays nae debts.
Sorrow pays no debts.
Dool and an ill life soon mak an auld wife.
Dullness and a bad life quickly make an old woman.
"Sorrow and an evil life maketh soon an old wife."—English.
"Sorrow and a troubled life quickly age a woman."—English.
Do on the hill as ye wad do in the ha'.
Do on the hill what you would do at home.
Let your private character be consistent with your public one.
Make sure your private self matches your public self.
Do't by guess, as the blind man fell'd the dog.
Do not guess, like the blind man who tripped over the dog.
Double charges rive cannons.
Double charges rip cannons.
That is, surfeits are dangerous; but the proverb which follows shows, as usual, that there is no rule without an exception.
That is, too much can be harmful; but the saying that follows illustrates, as always, that there are exceptions to every rule.
Double drinks are gude for drouth.
Double drinks are good for thirst.
Do weel, an' doubt nae man; do ill, an' doubt a' men.
Do good, and trust everyone; do bad, and mistrust everyone.
Do weel and dread nae shame.
Do well and fear no shame.
Do weel and hae weel.
Do well and have well.
Do what ye ought and come what can; think o' ease, but work on.
Do what you should and whatever happens, happens; think about taking it easy, but keep working.
The first clause of this is common to many countries; but as the second only occurs in Henderson's collection, we suspect it is an addition of his own.
The first part of this is common in many countries; however, since the second part only appears in Henderson's collection, we suspect it's an addition of his own.
Do what ye ought, and let come what will.
Do what you should, and let whatever happens happen.
Do your turn weel, and nane will speir what time ye took.
Do your job well, and no one will ask how long it took.
Meaning, that work should rather be done well than quickly.
Meaning, that work should be done well rather than quickly.
Draff he sought, but drink was his errand.
Draff he sought, but drink was his purpose.
That is, while pretending to ask for one thing, his great object was to get another.
That is, while seeming to ask for one thing, his main goal was to gain something else.
Draff is gude enough for swine.
Dregs are good enough for pigs.
Dree out the inch when ye have tholed the span.
Dree out the inch when you've endured the measure.
Since you have suffered patiently, or submitted to injustice for a long time, bear on quietly when there is a prospect of early relief.
Since you have endured patiently or put up with injustice for a long time, try to remain calm when there’s a chance of relief coming soon.
Driest wood will eithest lowe.
Driest wood will either glow.
Drink little, that ye may drink lang.
Drink less, so you can drink longer.
Drive the swine through't.
Drive the pigs through it.
"You should sift Jamie's tender passion—that's the novelle-name for calf-love; and if it's within the compass o' a possibility, get the swine driven through't, or it may work us a' muckle dule, as his father's moonlight marriage did to your ain, worthy man!"—The Entail.
"You should sift through Jamie's tender feelings—that's the modern term for puppy love; and if it's at all possible, get the situation sorted out, or it might cause us a lot of trouble, just like his father's secret marriage did to your own, good man!"—The Entail.
Drunk at e'en and dry in the morning.
Drunk in the evening and hungover in the morning.
Drunk folk seldom tak harm.
Drunk people rarely get hurt.
The French say, "God helps three kinds of people: fools, children, and drunkards;" and another of our own states that "God's aye kind to fu' folk and bairns."
The French say, "God helps three types of people: fools, children, and drunkards;" and another saying of our own states that "God is always kind to drunk people and children."
Dry bargains bode ill.
Bad deals bring trouble.
A bargain in times gone by was not "lucky," unless ratified by a drink.
A deal back in the day wasn’t considered “lucky” unless it was celebrated with a drink.
Dummie canna lee.
Dummie can't lie.
Dunse dings a'.
Dunse does it all.
"It may be mentioned that this is only the opinion which the people of Dunse entertain of the town, as their neighbours, in general, scout the idea with great indignation."—Robert Chambers. There are several local additions to this saying, such as "Dunse dings a' for braw lads and drucken wives;" "for gude yill and bonnie lasses," &c.
"It’s worth noting that this is just the opinion the people of Dunse have about the town, as their neighbors generally reject the idea with great anger."—Robert Chambers. There are several local twists on this saying, like "Dunse produces all the handsome men and drunken wives;" "for good ale and beautiful ladies," etc.
agles catch nae fleas.
Eagles don't catch fleas.
Spoken of conceited people who affect disdain for petty details.
Spoken of arrogant people who act like they look down on minor details.
Eagles flee alane, but sheep herd thegither.
Eagles fly alone, but sheep gather together.
Early birds catch the worms.
Early birds get the worms.
Early crooks the tree, that good cammock should be.
Early crooks the tree, that good cammock should.
Early maister, lang servant.
Early master, long servant.
Early sow, early mow.
Sow early, mow early.
East or west, hame is best.
East or west, home is best.
East and wast, the sign o' a blast; north and south, the sign o' a drouth.
East and west, a sign of a storm; north and south, a sign of a drought.
Easy learning the cat the road to the kirn.
Easy learning the cat the road to the kirn.
When the natural inclination tends towards any particular subject, it assists the learner greatly.
When someone naturally leans towards a specific subject, it really helps them learn.
Eat and welcome—fast and twice as welcome.
Eat and enjoy—quickly and even more enjoyably.
Eaten meat is ill to pay.
Eaten meat is hard to pay for.
"Eaten bread is soon forgotten."—Italian.
"Eaten bread is soon forgotten."—Italian.
Eating, drinking, and cleaning need but a beginning.
Eating, drinking, and cleaning only require a start.
Eat in measure and defy the doctor.
Eat in moderation and ignore the doctor.
Eat peas wi' the prince and cherries wi' the chapman.[85]
Eat peas with the prince and cherries with the merchant.[85]
Eats meat, an's never fed; wear claes, an's never cled.
Eats meat, and's never fed; wears clothes, and's never dressed.
Of some people it may be said, that "they put their meat in an ill skin;" for, notwithstanding that they live well, they appear always thin and hungry, and not at all, to use a Scotticism, "like their meat." Some people are equally unfortunate with regard to their clothing; always amply dressed, they seem the very reverse.
Of some people it can be said that "they put their meat in a bad skin;" because, even though they live well, they always look thin and hungry, and not at all, to use a Scottish phrase, "like their meat." Some people have the same misfortune with their clothing; even though they’re dressed nicely, they appear to be the complete opposite.
Eat till ye sweat and work till ye freeze.
Eat until you sweat and work until you freeze.
Eat-weel's Drink-weel's brither.
Eat Well's Drink Well's brother.
Signifying that good drinking must necessarily go hand in hand with good eating.
Signifying that good drinking has to go along with good eating.
Eat your fill and pouch nane, is gardener's law.
Eat your fill and take none, is the gardener's rule.
E'en as ye won't, sae ye may wear't.
Even as you want, so you may wear it.
As you won it, so you may wear it; applied either in a good or bad sense.
As you earned it, so you can wear it; understood either positively or negatively.
E'ening grey and a morning red, put on your hat or ye'll weet your head.
Evening gray and a morning red, put on your hat or you'll wet your head.
E'ening orts are gude morning's fodder.
E'en crumbs are good morning's food.
"Orts," rejected provender. Meaning that a thing which is rejected or despised at present may be acceptable or valuable at another time.
“Orts,” rejected food refuse. This means that something which is rejected or looked down upon now may be acceptable or valuable at a different time.
E'ening red an' a morning grey is taiken sure o' a bonnie day.
E'en a red sky and a gray morning are a good sign of a lovely day ahead.
E'en pickle in your ain pock-neuk.
E'en pickle in your own corner.
"'Ye'll find the stane breeks and the iron garters—ay, and the hemp cravat, for a' that, neighbour,' replied the bailie. 'Nae man in a civilised country ever played the pliskies ye hae done; but e'en pickle in your ain pock-neuk—I hae gi'en ye warning.'"—Rob Roy.
"'You'll find the stone breeches and the iron garters—and the hemp cravat, for all that, neighbor,' replied the bailiff. 'No man in a civilized country ever played the tricks you have; but just keep it in your own pocket—I have given you fair warning.'"—Rob Roy.
Eident youth maks easy age.
Elder youth makes aging easy.
"Industry is the parent of fortune."—German.
"Hard work is the key to success."—German.
Eild and poortith are a sair burden for ae back.
Eild and poverty are a heavy burden for one person.
"Eild and poortith," age and poverty. "Poverty on an old man's back is a heavy burden."—English.
"Eild and poortith," age and poverty. "Poverty on an old man's back is a heavy burden."—English.
Eild and poortith's sair to thole.
Eild and poverty's hard to bear.
This saying is of similar import to the preceding one. Literally, age and poverty are hard to bear.
This saying is of similar meaning to the one before it. Basically, getting old and being poor are tough to handle.
Eild should hae honour.
Eild should have honor.
Either live or die wi' honour.
Either live or die with honor.
Either prove a man or a mouse.
Either prove yourself or be a coward.
Either win the horse or tine the saddle.
Either win the horse or lose the saddle.
Win the horse or lose the saddle. "Neck or nothing."
Win the horse or lose the saddle. "Neck or nothing."
Eith keeping the castle that's no besieged.
Eith keeping the castle that's not under siege.
"It is easy to sit at the helm in fair weather."—Danish.
"It’s easy to steer the ship when the weather is nice."—Danish.
Eith learned soon forgotten.
Eith learned but soon forgot.
"Easy come, easy go."—English.
"Easy come, easy go."—English.
Eith to that thy ain heart wills.
Eith to what your own heart desires.
Eith working when will's at hame.
Eith working when will's at home.
The two preceding maxims have a similar meaning to the French sayings, that "Will is power;" and "A willing heart helps work." "Where the will is ready the feet are light."—German.
The two previous maxims have a similar meaning to the French sayings, that "Will is power;" and "A willing heart helps work." "When the will is strong, the feet move easily."—German.
Ell and tell is gude merchandise.
Ell and tell is good merchandise.
Ell and tell is ne'er forgotten, and the best pay's on the peck bottom.
Ell and tell is never forgotten, and the best rewards come from the bottom of the barrel.
"Ell and tell," if we mistake not, refers to good measure and prompt payment; and the latter saying may be construed thus:—The grain is emptied from the "peck" measure, the measure is inverted, and payment for the grain is "told" on the bottom of it.
"Ell and tell," if we’re not mistaken, refers to fair measurement and quick payment; and the second phrase can be understood this way:—The grain is poured out of the "peck" measure, the measure is turned upside down, and the payment for the grain is "told" on its bottom.
Enough's as gude as a feast.
Enough's as good as a feast.
Enough's enough o' bread and cheese.
Enough is enough of bread and cheese.
Meaning, that too much of one thing is not good. The French and Dutch say, "Enough is better than too much," while the Italians are of opinion that "Enough is enough, and too much spoils."
Meaning, that too much of one thing isn't good. The French and Dutch say, "Less is more," while the Italians believe that "Enough is enough, and too much spoils."
Envy shoots at a high mark.
Envy aims for a lofty goal.
Even stands his cap the day, for a' that.
Even with his hat on all day, for all that.
"It took its rise from a minister in our country, who, in a sermon preached most fiercely against the supremacy of the Pope, at the conclusion said, 'Even stands his cap for all that I have said, drinking good Romany wine this day.' Applied when we signify that all we can say against any great man can do him no harm."—Kelly.
"It started with a minister in our country who, in a very intense sermon against the Pope's supremacy, concluded by saying, 'Even so, he enjoys his wine today.' This means that no matter what we say against a powerful person, it doesn’t really harm them."—Kelly.
Ever busy, ever bare.
Always busy, always empty.
"Great cry and little wool."—English.
"Big talk and little action."—English.
Every ane loups the dyke where it's laighest.
Every one jumps the ditch where it's lowest.
Every one leaps the wall at the lowest part,—a man may "loup the dyke" by oppressing those who are unable to resist.
Everyone jumps over the wall at the lowest point—someone can "leap the ditch" by taking advantage of those who can't fight back.
Every bird thinks its ain nest best.
Every bird thinks its own nest is the best.
Every cock craws crousiest on his ain midden head.
Every rooster crows the loudest on his own dung heap.
"Every cock crows loudest on his own dunghill," is a saying common to all nations.
"Every rooster crows the loudest on its own turf," is a saying found in every country.
Every craw thinks his ain bird whitest.
Every crow thinks its own bird is the whitest.
All think well of their own offspring. "Every mother's child is handsome," say the Germans. They also have, "No ape but swears he has the finest children."
All parents think highly of their own kids. "Every mother's child is beautiful," the Germans say. They also say, "No monkey claims he has the best kids."
Every day is no Yule day; cast the cat a castock.
Every day is not a holiday; give the cat a treat.
The first half of this proverb is used literally by the Italians and Dutch. A "castock" is the stalk or core of a cabbage.
The first half of this proverb is used literally by the Italians and Dutch. A "castock" is the stalk or core of a cabbage.
Every dog has its day.
Every dog has its moment.
Every dud bids anither gude-day.
Every dud bids another good day.
Every fault has its fore.
Every flaw has its cause.
Every flow has its ebb.
Every flow has its low.
Every Jack will find a Jill.
Every guy will find a girl.
"'Never you fash your thumb about that, Maister Francie,' returned the landlady with a knowing wink, 'every Jack will find a Jill, gang the world as it may; and, at the warst o't, better hae some fashery in finding a partner for the night, than get yoked with ane that you may not be able to shake off the morn.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'Don't worry about that, Mr. Francie,' said the landlady with a knowing wink. 'Every guy will find a girl, no matter what happens; and, at worst, it’s better to deal with some hassle in finding a partner for the night than to get stuck with someone you might not be able to get rid of tomorrow.'"—St Ronan's Well.
Every land has its laigh; every corn has its ain caff.
Every land has its own low spots; every grain has its own chaff.
Meaning that everything may be found fault with; and silly objections be raised against the most valuable and useful things.
Meaning that everything can be criticized; and unreasonable objections can be made against the most valuable and useful things.
Every man bows to the bush he gets beild frae.
Every man bows to the bush he gets built from.
"Every one pays court to him who gives him protection."—Jamieson.
"Everyone flatters those who provide them with support."—Jamieson.
Every man buckles his belt his ain gate.
Every guy fastens his belt his own way.
Every man does his work after his own fashion.
Every person does their work in their own way.
Every man can guide an ill wife weel but him that has her.
Every man can give advice on how to handle a difficult wife, except for the one who is married to her.
Every man can tout best on his ain horn.
Every man can brag best about his own achievements.
"Tout," to blow. Meaning, that every man knows best how to tell his own story.
"Tout," to boast. This means that every person knows best how to share their own story.
Every man for his own hand, as Henry Wynd fought.
Every man for himself, just like Henry Wynd fought.
"Two great clans fought out a quarrel with thirty men of a side, in presence of the king, on the North Inch of Perth, on or about the year 1392; a man was amissing on one side, whose room was filled by a little bandy-legged citizen of Perth. This substitute, Henry Wynd—or, as the Highlanders called him, Gow Chrom, that is, the bandy-legged smith—fought well, and contributed greatly to the fate of the battle, without knowing which side he fought on;—so, 'To fight for your ain hand, like Henry Wynd,' passed into a proverb."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Rob Roy.
"Two powerful clans settled a dispute with thirty men on each side, in front of the king, on the North Inch of Perth, around the year 1392. One man was missing from one side, and a short, bandy-legged citizen of Perth took his place. This substitute, Henry Wynd—or, as the Highlanders called him, Gow Chrom, meaning the bandy-legged smith—fought bravely and significantly influenced the outcome of the battle, without knowing which side he was on; and so, 'To fight for your own benefit, like Henry Wynd,' became a saying."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Rob Roy.
Every man has his ain bubbly-jock.
Every man has his own bubbly personality.
Every man has his ain draff poke, though some hang eider than others.
Every man has his own troubles, though some are more visible than others.
The two last sayings are similar in meaning, viz., that every man has his imperfections or faults. The latter qualifies the proverb by admitting that in some these appear more prominently than in others.
The last two sayings have a similar meaning: every person has their flaws or imperfections. The second one adds to the proverb by acknowledging that in some people, these flaws are more noticeable than in others.
Every man kens best where his ain sair lies.
Every man knows best where his own pain lies.
Every man kens best where his ain shoe binds him.
Every man knows best where his own shoe pinches him.
Every man's blind to his ain cause.
Every man is blind to his own reasons.
Every man's man had a man, and that gar'd the Threave fa'.
Every guy had a guy, and that caused the Threave to fall.
"The Threave was a strong castle belonging to the Black Douglases. The governor left a deputy, and he a substitute, by whose negligence the castle was taken."—Kelly.
"The Threave was a strong castle owned by the Black Douglases. The governor appointed a deputy, and he appointed a substitute, whose negligence led to the castle being captured."—Kelly.
Every man's no born wi' a siller spoon in his mouth.[90]
Every man isn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth.[90]
Every man's nose winna be a shoeing horn.
Every man's nose won't be a shoehorn.
Certain things can only be used for certain purposes.
Certain things can only be used for specific purposes.
Every man's tale's gude till anither's tauld.
Every man's story is good until someone else tells it.
Every man thinks his ain craw blackest.
Every man thinks his own crow is the blackest.
"Every man to his ain trade," quo' the browster to the bishop.
"Every man to his own trade," said the brewer to the bishop.
Every man to his taste, as the man said when he kiss'd his cow.
Every man has his preferences, just like the guy said when he kissed his cow.
Every maybe hath a may not be.
Every maybe has a maybe not.
Every miller wad weise the water to his ain mill.
Every miller guides the water to his own mill.
"Every miller draws the water to his own mill."—English.
"Every miller takes the water to benefit his own mill."—English.
Every play maun be played, and some maun be the players.
Every play must be performed, and some must be the actors.
Every shoe fits not every foot.
Every shoe doesn't fit every foot.
Every sow to her ain trough.
Every pig to her own trough.
People should keep their own place; or, according to Ray, "Every man should support himself, and not hang upon another."
People should maintain their independence; or, as Ray said, "Everyone should support themselves and not rely on others."
Everything has a beginning.
Everything starts somewhere.
Everything has an end, and a pudding has twa.
Everything has an end, and a pudding has two.
Everything has its time, and sae has a rippling-kame.
Everything has its time, and the sea has its gentle waves.
"Rippling-kame," a coarse comb used in the preparation of flax. The proverb means that there is a time proper for everything.
"Rippling-kame," a rough comb used in preparing flax. The saying means that there's a right time for everything.
Everything is the waur o' the wear.
Everything is worse for the wear.
That is, worse for wearing.
That is, worse for wearing.
Everything wad fain live.
Everything was fine, live.
Every wight has his weird, and we maun a' dee when our day comes.
Every person has their fate, and we all must die when our time comes.
Evil words cut mair than swords.
Evil words cut deeper than swords.
Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in nae ither.
Experience is an expensive teacher, but fools will learn in no other way.
acts are chiels that winna ding.
Acts are kids that won't back down.
Faint heart ne'er wan fair lady.
Faint hearts never win fair ladies.
Fair an' foolish, black an' proud, lang an' lazy, little an' loud.
Fair and foolish, black and proud, long and lazy, small and loud.
How far this proverb is borne out by fact is certainly open to question. It appears in Ray's collection as English, and as a remark upon it he says, "Beauty and folly do often go hand in hand, and are often matched together."
How much this proverb is supported by reality is definitely up for debate. It shows up in Ray's collection as English, and he adds, "Beauty and foolishness often go hand in hand and are often paired together."
Fair and softly gangs far.
Fair and softly travels far.
"Who goes softly goes safely, and he that goes safely goes far."—Italian.
"Who moves quietly moves safely, and those who move safely go far."—Italian.
Fair exchange is nae robbery.
Fair trade isn’t theft.
Fair fa' gude drink, for it gars folk speak as they think.
Fair fa' good drink, because it makes people speak their minds.
"Fair fa'," well betide; good luck to. This is the Scotch version of the common saying, "When the wine is in, the wit is out;" or, "What is in the heart of the sober man is on the tongue of the drunken man."—Latin.
"Good luck to you." This is the Scottish version of the common saying, "When the wine is in, the wit is out;" or, "What is in the heart of the sober man is on the tongue of the drunken man."—Latin.
Than either school or college, It sparks creativity, it awakens cleverness,
It deeply affects us with knowledge:
Whether it's a whisky shot or a cheap drink, Or any stronger potion,
It never fails, when drinking deeply,
To clarify our idea,
"Day or night."
Literally, good luck to the hostess who includes a pint still to come when the reckoning is called for. This saying, so far as we can discover, is exclusively Scottish.
Literally, good luck to the hostess who adds a pint still to come when the bill is due. This saying, as far as we can find out, is uniquely Scottish.
Fair fa' you, and that's nae fleaching.
Fair fa' you, and that's not flattering.
"Fleach," to flatter. A good wish sincerely expressed.
"Fleach," to flatter. A genuine wish sincerely expressed.
Fair folk are aye foisonless.
Fair folk are always scarce.
Kelly says of the word "foisonless," that it means "without strength or sap; dried up; withered." Scott, in Old Mortality, uses it in the moral sense, "unsubstantial."
Kelly says the word "foisonless" means "without strength or vitality; dried up; withered." Scott, in Old Mortality, uses it in a moral sense to mean "unsubstantial."
Fair gae they, fair come they, and aye their heels hindmost.
Fair go they, fair come they, and always their heels backward.
Meaning that they go and come regularly, decently, and in order.
Meaning that they come and go regularly, respectfully, and in an orderly manner.
Fair hair may hae foul roots.
Fair hair may have foul roots.
Fair hechts mak fools fain.
Fair tricks make fools happy.
Which boils your barmy brain; However, foolish haste brings quick speed,
"Fair acts will make fools happy."
Fair in the cradle may be foul in the saddle.
Fair in the cradle might be ugly in the saddle.
Fair maidens wear nae purses.
Fair maidens don't wear purses.
Fair words are nae cause o' feuds.
Fair words are no cause for conflicts.
Fair words hurt ne'er a bane, but foul words break mony a ane.
Fair words never hurt, but foul words break many a heart.
Fair words winna mak the pat boil.
Fair words won’t make the pot boil.
Falkirk bairns dee ere they thrive.
Falkirk kids die before they flourish.
Fa' on the feeblest, the beetle among the bairns.
Fa' on the weakest, the bug among the kids.
"Spoken when we do a thing at a venture, that may be good for some and bad for another; and let the event fall upon the most unfortunate. Answers to the English 'Among you blind harpers.'"—Kelly.
"Spoken when we try something risky, which might be good for some people and bad for others; and let the outcome affect the most unlucky. Answers to the English 'Among you blind harpers.'"—Kelly.
Fancy flees before the wind.
Fancy runs away from the wind.
Fancy was a bonnie dog, but Fortune took the tail frae't.
Fancy was a beautiful dog, but Fortune took the tail from it.
Fann'd fires and forced love ne'er dae weel.
Fanned fires and forced love never do well.
Far ahint maun follow the faster.
Far ahint maun follow the faster.
Far ahint that mayna follow, an' far before that canna look back.
Far behind that cannot follow, and far ahead that cannot look back.
Far awa fowls hae fair feathers.
Far away birds have beautiful feathers.
Even if she should vote for her own choice; For distant birds have beautiful feathers,
"And fools of change are eager."
Far frae court far frae care.
Far from court, far from worry.
Far frae my heart's my husband's mother.
Far from my heart is my husband's mother.
Far sought and dear bought is gude for ladies.
Far sought and dearly bought is good for ladies.
Farewell frost, fair weather neist.
Goodbye frost, nice weather ahead.
Fare-ye-well, Meg Dorts, and e'en's ye like.
Farewell, Meg Dorts, and do as you please.
A jocose adieu to those who go away in the sulks.
A funny goodbye to those who leave in a huff.
Farmer's fauch gars lairds laugh.
Farmer's fauch gars landowners laugh.
Farther east the shorter west.
Farther east, the shorter west.
Farthest frae the kirk aye soonest at it.
Farthest from the church is always the quickest to arrive.
In contradistinction to those who are "near the kirk but far frae grace."
In contrast to those who are "close to the church but far from grace."
Fashious fools are easiest flisket.
Foolish people are easiest to trick.
Troublesome or fretful persons are easily offended.
People who are difficult or anxious get offended easily.
Fast bind, fast find.
Quick bind, quick find.
This saying is very old, and common to many countries. Shakespeare terms it "a proverb never stale to thrifty minds."
This saying is really old and common in many countries. Shakespeare calls it "a proverb never stale to thrifty minds."
Fat flesh freezes soon.
Fat freezes quickly.
Fat hens are aye ill layers.
Fat hens are always bad layers.
Fat paunches bode lean pows.
Fat bellies predict lean times.
Ray explains this by adding, "Full bellies make empty skulls."
Ray explains this by adding, "Full stomachs make empty minds."
Fause folk should hae mony witnesses.
False people should have many witnesses.
Fausehood maks ne'er a fair hinder-end.
Falseness never leads to a good outcome.
Meaning, that falsehood is sure to be exposed in the long run.
Meaning, that lies are bound to be revealed eventually.
Favours unused are favours abused.
Unused favors are abused favors.
Feather by feather the goose is plucked.
Feather by feather, the goose gets plucked.
February, fill the dike, be it black or be it white; if it's white, it's the better to like.
February, fill the dike, whether it's black or white; if it's white, it's better to like.
Feckfu' folk can front the bauldest wind.
Feckful people can face the strongest wind.
When round one's ears the blattering hailstones ring; But carefree people can face the strongest wind,
"And slinked through moors, and never bothered their mind."
Feckless folk are fain o' ane anither.
Feckless people are fond of each other.
"Feckless folk," silly people. Fools are fond of one another.
"Useless people," silly folks. Fools like each other.
Feckless fools should keep canny tongues.
Feckless fools should watch what they say.
Silly or mischievous people should be cautious what they say.
Silly or mischievous people should be careful about what they say.
Feed a cauld, but hunger a colic.
Feed a cold, but starve a fever.
Feeding out o' course maks mettle out o' kind.
Feeding out of course reveals true character.
Feeling has nae fellow.
Feeling has no equal.
Few get what they glaum at.
Few get what they grasp at.
Fiddlers, dogs, and flesh-flies come aye to feasts unca'd.
Fiddlers, dogs, and flesh flies always show up uninvited to feasts.
Fiddler's fare—meat, drink, and money.
Fiddler's payment—food, drinks, and cash.
Fiddler's wives and gamester's drink are free to ilka body.
Fiddler's wives and gambler's drinks are free for everyone.
Fight dog, fight bear; wha wins, deil care.
Fight dog, fight bear; whoever wins, nobody cares.
Fill fu' and haud fu', maks the stark man.
Fill up and hold full, makes the strong man.
Plenty of meat and drink makes a strong man.
Plenty of food and drink makes a strong man.
Fine feathers mak fine birds.
Fine feathers make fine birds.
Fine to fine maks a bad line.
Fine to fine makes a bad line.
Or, "Butter to butter's nae kitchen," q. v.
Or, "__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__," see also.
Fire and water are gude servants but ill maisters.
Fire and water are good servants but bad masters.
Fire is gude for the fireside.
Fire is good for the fireplace.
All things are good in their proper places.
All things are good where they belong.
First come, first ser'd.
First come, first served.
Fish guts an' stinkin' herrin' are bread and milk for an Eyemouth bairn.
Fish guts and stinky herring are like bread and milk for a kid from Eyemouth.
"The small seaport town of Eyemouth was formerly distinguished for its 'ancient fishlike smells,' its narrow, intricate streets, and smuggling trade."—G. Henderson.
"The small seaport town of Eyemouth was once known for its 'old fishy scents,' its narrow, winding streets, and its smuggling trade."—G. Henderson.
Fish maun soom thrice.
Fish must swim three times.
First in water, second in sauce, third in wine.
First in water, second in sauce, third in wine.
Fleas and a girning wife are waukrife bedfellows.[97]
Fleas and a complaining wife are restless partners.[97]
Flee as fast as you will, your fortune will be at your tail.
Run as fast as you can, your fate will be right behind you.
Fleying a bird is no the way to grip it.
Fleying a bird is not the way to hold it.
To frighten a bird is not the way to catch it; severity or constant threatening do not tend to make children or servants better.
To scare a bird isn't the way to catch it; being harsh or constantly threatening doesn't make children or servants improve.
Fling at the brod was ne'er a gude ox.
Fling at the brod was never a good ox.
Flit an auld tree and it'll wither.
Flit an old tree and it'll wither.
Flitting o' farms mak mailens dear.
Flitting of farms makes small fields expensive.
See "As ane flits," &c., of which this is merely a variation.
See "As ane flits," etc., of which this is just a variation.
Folk are aye free to gie what's no their ain.
People are always free to give what's not theirs.
Folk maun grow auld or dee.
Folk have to grow old or die.
Folk's dogs bark waur than themsels.
Folk's dogs bark worse than they do themselves.
Folk should never ask for mair than they can make a good use o'.
Folk should never ask for more than they can make good use of.
Follow love and it will flee thee: flee love and it will follow thee.
Follow love and it will run away from you; run from love and it will chase after you.
Folly is a bonnie dog, but a bad ane.
Folly is a pretty dog, but a bad one.
Fools and bairns shouldna see half-dune wark.
Fools and children shouldn't see half-finished work.
Fools are aye fond o' flittin', and wise men o' sittin'.
Fools are always eager to change things up, while wise men prefer to stay put.
Fools are aye fortunate.
Fools are always lucky.
Fools are aye seeing ferlies.
Fools are always seeing wonders.
Fools are fain o' flattery.
Fools love flattery.
Fools are fain o' naething.
Fools are fond of nothing.
Fools aye see ither folk's fauts and forget their ain.
Fools always see other people's faults and forget their own.
Fools big houses and wise men buy them.
Fools build big houses and wise men buy them.
Fools' haste is nae speed.
Fools' hurry is no speed.
Fools laugh at their ain sport.
Fools laugh at their own games.
Fools mak feasts and wise men eat them.
Fools make feasts, and wise men enjoy them.
"This was once said to a great man in Scotland, upon his giving an entertainment. He readily answered, 'Wise men make proverbs, and fools repeat them.'"—Kelly.
"This was once said to a great man in Scotland when he was hosting a gathering. He quickly replied, 'Smart people create proverbs, and fools just repeat them.'"—Kelly.
Fools ravel and wise men redd.
Fools unravel and wise men mend.
Literally, fools entangle affairs and circumstances, and require "wise men" to assist them out of their troubles.
Literally, foolish people complicate situations and circumstances, and need "wise people" to help them out of their troubles.
Fools set far trysts.
Fools make distant plans.
Fools shouldna hae chappin-sticks.
Fools shouldn't have walking sticks.
For as gude again, like Sunday milk.
For as good again, like Sunday milk.
"A precise woman in the country would not sell her milk on the Sunday, but would give it for as good again. Spoken when we suspect people's kindness to be mercenary."—Kelly.
"A careful woman in the countryside wouldn’t sell her milk on Sunday; instead, she would give it away for as good in return. This is said when we doubt that people’s kindness is genuine."—Kelly.
For a tint thing, carena.
For a tint thing, carena.
Do not fret about a thing or opportunity which has been lost.
Don't worry about anything or any opportunity that has been lost.
For better acquaintance' sake, as Sir John Ramsay said when he drank to his father.
For the sake of getting to know each other better, as Sir John Ramsay said when he toasted his father.
"Sir John Ramsay had been long abroad, and coming home he accidentally met with his father, who did not know him; he invites his father to a glass of wine, and drinks to him for more acquaintance."—Kelly.
"Sir John Ramsay had been away for a long time, and when he returned home, he unexpectedly ran into his father, who didn't recognize him. He invites his father for a glass of wine and raises a toast to get to know him better."—Kelly.
Forbid a fool a thing, an' that he'll do.
Forbid a fool something, and that's exactly what he'll do.
Forewarned is forearmed.
Prepared is powerful.
For fashion's sake, as dogs gae to market.
For the sake of fashion, like dogs going to the market.
For faut o' wise men fools sit on binks.
For lack of wise men, fools sit on benches.
Forgotten pain, when follows gain.
Forgotten pain follows gain.
For gude cheese and cheer mony haunt the house.
For good cheese and good company, many visit the house.
Many frequent the house for the sake of what they get to eat.
Many people come to the house for the food.
For my ain pleasure, as the man thrashed his wife.
For my own enjoyment, as the man beat his wife.
For puir folk they seldom ring.
For poor people, they hardly ever call.
Fortune and futurity are no to be guessed at.
Fortune and the future can't be predicted.
Fortune favours the brave.
Fortune favors the bold.
Fortune gains the bride.
Luck wins the bride.
Fortune helps the hardy.
Fortune favors the brave.
And we may see ourselves,
That luck favors the brave always,
And pultrones yes repels.
For want o' a steek a shoe may be tint.
For lack of a clasp, a shoe can be lost.
"A stitch in time saves nine." The old nursery lines fully explain the philosophy of this doctrine. "For want of a nail the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, for want of a horse the man was lost."
"A stitch in time saves nine." The old nursery rhymes completely capture the essence of this idea. "For the lack of a nail, the shoe was lost; for the lack of a shoe, the horse was lost; for the lack of a horse, the man was lost."
Foster the guest that stays—further him that maun gang.
Foster the guest that stays—support the one who must go.
Foul fa' nought, and then he'll get naething.
Foul fate brings nothing, and then he'll end up with nothing.
Used in satirical allusion to those who expect a legacy from a very improbable source.
Used in a satirical way to refer to those who expect an inheritance from a highly unlikely source.
Foul water slockens fire.
Dirty water douses fire.
Frae saving comes having.
From saving comes having.
Frae the teeth forward.
From the teeth forward.
He speaks from the lips only, not from the heart.
He talks just to say something, not to express what he really feels.
Freedom's a fair thing.
Freedom is a fair thing.
Fresh fish and poor friends soon grow ill-faur'd.
Fresh fish and poor friends soon become unpleasant.
Fresh fish and unwelcome friends stink before they're three days auld.
Fresh fish and unwanted friends smell bad before they're three days old.
Friday flit, short time sit.
Friday out, quick visit.
Meaning that to remove on a Friday is unlucky.
Meaning that moving house on a Friday is considered bad luck.
Friday rules Sunday.
Friday dominates Sunday.
Friends are like fiddle-strings, they mauna be screwed ower ticht.
Friends are like fiddle strings; they shouldn't be too tightly wound.
Friends gree best separate.
Friends grow best apart.
Friendship canna stand aye on ae side.
Friendship can't be one-sided.
Frost and fausehood hae baith a dirty wa' gang.
Frost and deception both have a dirty way to go.
Fry stanes wi' butter and the broo will be gude.
Fry the stones with butter and the broth will be good.
Fu' o' courtesy, fu' o' craft.
Fu' o' courtesy, fu' o' craft.
ae shoe the goose.
ae shoe the goose.
Gae hap and hang yoursel, then you'll dee dancing.
Gae hang yourself, then you'll die dancing.
Gae kiss your Lucky—she lives in Leith.
Gae, kiss your Lucky—she lives in Leith.
"A cant phrase, from what rise I know not, but it is made use of when one thinks it is not worth while to give a distinct answer, or think themselves foolishly accused."—Allan Ramsay.
"A slang term, the origin of which I don't know, but it's used when someone thinks it's not worth it to give a clear answer or feels they’ve been unfairly accused."—Allan Ramsay.
Gae to bed wi' the lamb and rise wi' the laverock.
Go to bed with the lamb and wake up with the lark.
Gae to the deil, and he'll bishop you.
Gae to the devil, and he'll make you a bishop.
Meaning, that the person addressed is so well versed in evil ways as to be able to occupy a high position in the service of the Evil One.
Meaning, that the person being addressed is so skilled in wickedness that they can hold a prominent position in the service of the Evil One.
Gae to the deil, for his name's sake.
Goes to hell, for his name's sake.
Gane is the goose that laid the muckle egg.
Gane is the goose that laid the big egg.
Gang farther and fare waur.
Gang farther and fare worse.
Gardener's law—Eat your fill, but pouch nane.
Gardener's law—Eat as much as you want, but save some for later.
Gar wood's ill to grow; chuckie stanes are ill to chow.
Gar wood's hard to grow; chunky stones are hard to chew.
Gather haws before the snaws.
Gather haws before the snows.
Gathering gear is weel liket wark.
Gathering gear is really liked work.
Acquiring wealth is pleasant employment.
Getting rich is a nice job.
Gaunting bodes wanting ane o' things three—sleep, meat, or gude companie.
Gaunting suggests a lack of one of three things—sleep, food, or good company.
Yawning is proverbially supposed to indicate the want of one of the three things mentioned.
Yawning is commonly thought to signal a lack of one of the three things mentioned.
Gaunting gaes frae man to man.
Gaunting glares from one person to another.
Gawsie cow, gudely calf.
Gorgeous cow, lovely calf.
Handsome mother, goodly daughter.
Attractive mom, lovely daughter.
Gaylie would be better.
Gaylie would be happier.
When a person says he is "gaylie," Anglice, middling, he is understood not to be so well as he would like to be.
When a person says he is "gaylie," Anglice, average, he's understood to not be doing as well as he would like to be.
Gear is easier gotten than guided.
Gear is easier to get than to use properly.
Gentlemen are unco scant when a wabster gets a lady.
Gentlemen are pretty rare when a weaver gets a lady.
The "wabster," or weaving profession, seems to have stood very low in the estimation of proverb makers.
The "wabster," or weaving profession, appears to have been regarded very poorly by those who create proverbs.
Gentle partans hae lang taes.
Gentle parties have long tales.
Gentle servants are poor men's hardships.
Gentle servants are the struggles of the poor.
Gentle servants are rich men's tinsel.
Gentle servants are just the flashy decoration of wealthy people.
Gentry's dowff wi' an empty purse.
Gentry's done with an empty wallet.
Get the word o' soon rising, an' ye may lie in bed a' day.
Get the news of the early wake-up, and you can stay in bed all day.
Obtain a reputation for early rising, and you may lie in bed all day. The Spanish say, "Get a good name, and go to sleep."
Get a reputation for waking up early, and you can stay in bed all day. The Spanish say, "Get a good name, and go to sleep."
Get and save, and thou wilt have.
Get and save, and you will have.
Len and Grant, and you will want; What in his abundance does not take heed, He shall have help in times of need.
Get weel, keep weel.
Get well, stay well.
Get what you can, and keep what you hae, that's the way to get rich.
Get what you can, and hold on to what you have; that's the way to become wealthy.
Get your rock and spindle ready, God will send the tow.
Get your rock and spindle ready; God will send the fiber.
"Let us do our duty, and refer the rest to God's providence."—Ray.
"Let's do our part and leave the rest to God's guidance."—Ray.
Gibbie's grace—Deil claw the clungiest.
Gibbie's grace—Devil claw the clingiest.
This saying of the graceless Gibbie means literally, "Devil take the hungriest."
This saying of the clumsy Gibbie literally means, "Devil take the hungriest."
Gie a bairn his will, and a whelp its fill, and nane o' them will e'er do weel.
Give a child what they want, and a puppy its full meal, and neither of them will ever do well.
Gie a beggar a bed, and he'll pay you wi' a louse.
Give a beggar a bed, and he'll repay you with a louse.
Gie a carl your finger, and he'll take your haill hand.
Give a guy your finger, and he'll take your whole hand.
Gie a gaun man a drink, and a rising man a knock.
Give a struggling man a drink, and a successful man a push.
Gie a greedy dog a muckle bane.
Give a greedy dog a big bone.
Gie a thing, tak a thing, and that's the ill man's ring.
Give a thing, take a thing, and that's the bad man's ring.
"Gie her her will, or she'll burst," quo' the man when his wife kamed his head with the three-legged stool.
"Give her what she wants, or she'll explode," said the man when his wife hit him on the head with the three-legged stool.
Gie him a hole, and he'll find a pin.
Give him a challenge, and he'll find a solution.
That is, give him an opportunity, and he will take advantage of it.
That is, give him a chance, and he'll make the most of it.
Gie him an inch, and he'll tak an ell.
Give him an inch, and he'll take a mile.
Gie him tow enough, and he'll hang himsel.
Give him enough rope, and he'll hang himself.
Gie is a gude fellow, but he soon wearies.
Gie is a good guy, but he gets tired quickly.
Meaning, that one tires of giving at all times.
Meaning, that one gets tired of giving all the time.
Gie losin' gamesters leave to talk.
Gambling losers are the ones who talk.
Giff gaff maks gude friends.
Giff gaff makes good friends.
Gie my cousin kail enow, and see my cousin's dish be fu'.
Gimme my cousin some food now, and make sure my cousin's plate is full.
We presume that this is an ironical signification that the cousin's "room" is preferred to his company.
We assume that this is an ironic implication that the cousin's "space" is more valued than his presence.
Gie ne'er the wolf the wedder to keep.
Give never the wolf the sheep to keep.
Gie ower when the play's gude.
Gie over when the play's good.
Gie't about, it will come to my faither at last.
Give it time, it will eventually come to my father.
Gie the deil his due, and ye'll gang to him.
Give the devil his due, and you'll go to him.
Gie ye a use, and ye'll ca't a custom.
Give it a try, and you'll make it a habit.
Gie ye meat, drink, and claes, and ye'll beg among your friends.
Give you food, drink, and clothes, and you'll be begging among your friends.
Applied to unreasonable people, who get everything they want, and still are not satisfied.
Applied to unreasonable people who get everything they want and still aren’t satisfied.
Gie your heart to God, and your alms to the poor.
Give your heart to God, and your donations to the poor.
From the remarkable paucity of proverbs relating to religion in the older collections, we infer that this saying is Henderson's own, as it only appears in his collection.
From the notable lack of proverbs related to religion in the older collections, we conclude that this saying is Henderson's own, as it only shows up in his collection.
Gie your tongue mair holidays than your head.
Give your tongue more breaks than your head.
Girn when you knit, and laugh when you louse.
Girn when you knit, and laugh when you have to pick out stitches.
Meaning, that while enforcing discipline we should do so with firmness, and relax it freely when occasion requires.
Meaning that while we should enforce discipline firmly, we should also relax it easily when the situation calls for it.
Glasgow for bells, Lithgow for wells, Falkirk for beans and pease.
Glasgow for bells, Lithgow for wells, Falkirk for beans and peas.
Glasgow people, Greenock folk, and Paisley bodies.
Glasgow locals, Greenock people, and Paisley residents.
"These words imply gradations of dignity, the Paisley bodies being (how far deservedly would admit of much question) at the bottom of the scale. Some years ago, when a public dinner was given to Professor Wilson, of Edinburgh, in Paisley, which is his native place, on his speaking of it as a town containing such and such a number of souls, his friend, Thomas Campbell, who sat by his side, whispered, 'Bodies, you mean.'"—Robert Chambers.
"These words suggest different levels of dignity, with the people of Paisley being (whether deserved or not is debatable) at the lowest end of the scale. A few years back, when a public dinner was held for Professor Wilson from Edinburgh in Paisley, his hometown, he referred to it as a town with a certain number of residents. His friend, Thomas Campbell, who was sitting next to him, whispered, 'You mean bodies.'"—Robert Chambers.
Glasses and lasses are brittle ware.
Glasses and girls are delicate things.
Glib i' the tongue is aye glaiket at the heart.
Glib in speech is always foolish at heart.
A smooth tongue betokens a deceitful heart.
A smooth talker often hides a deceitful heart.
Glowering is nae gainsaying.
Glowering is no denying.
Glum folk's no easily guided.
Gloomy people aren’t easily guided.
"Glum" or morose people are difficult to manage.
"Sad" or gloomy people are hard to handle.
God be wi' the gude Laird o' Balmaghie, for he ne'er took mair frae a poor man than a' that he had.
God be with the good Laird of Balmaghie, because he never took more from a poor man than everything he had.
God comes wi' leaden feet, but strikes wi' iron hands.
God comes with heavy feet, but strikes with iron hands.
God helps them that help themselves.
God helps those who help themselves.
God help the rich, for the poor can beg.
God help the rich, because the poor can only beg.
God help you to a hutch, for ye'll never get a mailing.
God help you find a place to stay, because you'll never get a farm.
Spoken of an incompetent person, that he may succeed in making a bare living, for his abilities will never secure him a fortune.
Talking about an incompetent person, they might manage to get by, but their skills will never earn them a fortune.
God keep ill gear out o' my hands; for if my hands ance get it, my heart winna part wi't,—sae prayed the gude Earl of Eglinton.
God keep bad stuff out of my hands; because if I get it in my hands, my heart won’t let it go—so prayed the good Earl of Eglinton.
God keep the cat out o' our gate, for the hens canna flee.
God keep the cat out of our yard, because the hens can't escape.
God ne'er measures men by inches.
God never measures people by inches.
God ne'er sent the mouth, but he sent the meat wi't.
God never sent the mouth without providing food for it.
God's aye kind to fu' folk and bairns.
God is always kind to full people and children.
As instanced by the marvellous manner in which men escape injury while under the influence of drink.
As shown by the amazing way in which people avoid getting hurt while they're drunk.
God sends fools fortunes.
God gives luck to fools.
God sends meat and the deil sends cooks.
God sends meat and the devil sends cooks.
God sends men claith as they hae cauld.
God sends men clothing as they have cold.
God send us siller, for they're little thought o' that want it.
God send us money, because there are a lot of people who really need it.
God send water to that well that folk think will ne'er be dry.
God send water to that well that people think will never run dry.
"Spoken when our poor kin and followers are always asking of us; as if we should never be exhausted."—Kelly.
"Spoken when our struggling relatives and followers keep asking us; as if we should never run out of patience."—Kelly.
God send ye mair sense, and me mair siller.
God give you more sense, and me more money.
God send ye readier meat than running hares.
God grant you a better meal than chasing hares.
God send ye the warld you bode, and that's neither scant nor want.
God grant you the world you desire, and that it's neither limited nor lacking.
God shapes the back for the burden.
God prepares the body to handle its struggles.
Gold's gude, but it may be dear bought.
Gold's good, but it might be expensive to get.
Go to Hecklebirnie.
Go to Hecklebirnie.
"This term is used in a strange sort of imprecation. If one say, 'Go to the d——l!' the other often replies, 'Go you to Hecklebirnie!' which is said to be a place three miles beyond hell!"—Jamieson.
"This term is used in a strange kind of curse. If someone says, 'Go to hell!' the other often responds, 'You go to Hecklebirnie!' which is supposedly a place three miles beyond hell!"—Jamieson.
Graceless meat maks folk fat.
Unrefined meat makes people fat.
Grass grows nae green in the common road.
Grass doesn't grow green on the common road.
Gratitude preserves auld friendships and begets new.
Gratitude maintains old friendships and creates new ones.
Great barkers are nae biters.
Great talkers are not fighters.
Great pains and little gains soon mak a man weary.
Great effort and little reward can quickly wear a person out.
Great tochers makna aye the greatest testaments.
Great teachers are the greatest testimonies.
Great winning maks wark easy.
Great winning makes work easy.
Greed is envy's auldest brither: scraggy wark they mak thegither.
Greed is envy’s oldest brother: they make a messy pair together.
Greedy folk hae lang arms.
Greedy people have long arms.
Gree, like tykes and swine.
Gree, like kids and pigs.
Greening wives are aye greedy.
Greedy wives are always greedy.
Grey-eyed, greedy; brown-eyed, needy; black-eyed, never blin', till it shame a' its kin.
Grey-eyed and greedy; brown-eyed and needy; black-eyed, never blinking, until it shames all its kin.
Gude advice is never out o' season.
Good advice is never out of season.
Gude ale needs nae wisp.
Good ale needs no charm.
"A wisp of straw stuck upon the top of a country house is a sign that ale is to be sold there; but if the ale be good, people will haunt the house though there be none."—Kelly.
"A piece of straw stuck on top of a country house means that beer is being sold there; but if the beer is good, people will crowd the house even if there's none."—Kelly.
Gude bairns get broken brows.
Good kids get hurt.
For they are as liable to injury as bad ones.
For they are just as likely to get hurt as the bad ones.
Gude be wi' auld langsyne, when our gutchers ate the trenchers.
Gude be with old times, when our ancestors ate off wooden platters.
Gude breeding and siller mak our sons gentlemen.
Good upbringing and money make our sons gentlemen.
Gude cheer and cheap gars mony haunt the house.
Good cheer and cheap things often fill the house.
Gude claes open a' doors.
Good clothes open all doors.
Gude counsel is abune a' price.
Good advice is worth more than anything.
Gude-enough has got a wife and Far-better wants.
Gude-enough has a wife and Far-better desires.
Gude folk are scarce, tak care o' me.
Good people are hard to find, take care of me.
Gude foresight furthers wark.
Good planning helps work.
Gude gear gangs into little bouk.
Gude gear gathers into a little book.
Gude gear's no to be gaped at.
Genuine items shouldn't be stared at in awe.
Gude health is better than wealth.
Good health is better than wealth.
Gude kail is half meat.
Good kale is half meat.
Gude night, and joy be wi' you a'.
Good night, and may joy be with you all.
Gude reason and part cause.
Good reason and part cause.
Signifying that a person has both good reason and cause to complain.
Signifying that a person has both a good reason and cause to complain.
Gude to fetch sorrow to a sick wife.
Gude to bring sorrow to a sick wife.
Gude! ye're common to kiss your kimmer.
Gude! You're usually quick to kiss your girlfriend.
Gude wares may come frae an ill market.
Good goods may come from a bad market.
Gude wares mak a quick market.
Good goods make a quick market.
Gudewill ne'er wants time to show itsel.
Gudewill never lacks time to show itself.
Gudewill should be ta'en in part payment.
Gudewill should be accepted as part payment.
Gude wit jumps.
Good with jumps.
Gude words cost naething.
Good words cost nothing.
Guessed work's best if weel done.
Guessed work is best if it's well done.
"Gulp!" quo' the wife when she swallowed her tongue.
"Gulp!" said the wife as she swallowed her tongue.
Gunpowder is hasty eldin.
Gunpowder is quick magic.
Gust your gab wi' that.
Shut your mouth with that.
That enhances his talk with oyster sauce,
"And then we'll see."
Gut nae fish till ye get them.
Gut no fish until you catch them.
a' binks are sliddry.
a' binks are slippery.
"Great men's favours are uncertain."—Kelly.
"Great men's favors are unreliable."—Kelly.
Had I fish was never gude to eat mustard.
Had I fish was never good to eat mustard.
"An answer to them that say, Had I such a thing, I would do so or so."—Kelly.
"An answer to those who say, If I had such a thing, I would do this or that."—Kelly.
"Had I wist," quo' the fool.
"Had I known," said the fool.
Had you sic a shoe on ilka foot, you would shochel.
Had you put a shoe on each foot, you would have laughed.
Or, had you my sorrows to bear, you would look equally miserable.
Or, if you had to deal with my sorrows, you would look just as miserable.
Hae! gars a deaf man hear.
Hae! guys a deaf man hear.
Hae God, hae a'.
Hey God, hey everyone.
Hae, lad,—rin, lad; that maks an olite lad.
Hurry up, dude—run, man; that makes a polite guy.
Hae you gear or hae you nane, tine heart and a' is gane.
Haven't you heard or don’t you have any? It's heartbreaking, and everything is lost.
Hain'd gear helps weel.
Handy gear helps well.
"Hain'd gear"—saved money—is of great assistance.
"Hain'd gear"—saving money—is really helpful.
Hair by hair maks the carl's head bare.
Hair by hair makes the curl's head bare.
Hale sale is gude sale.
Hail sale is good sale.
Hale claith's afore cloutit.
Hale clothes before getting dirty.
Half acres bear aye gude corn.
Half acres produce good corn.
Meaning that when people have but little property, they take good care of it.
Meaning that when people have very little property, they take good care of it.
Half a tale is enough for a wise man.
Half a story is enough for a wise person.
Hallowe'en bairns see far.
Halloween kids see far.
"And touching the bairn, it's weel kent she was born on Hallowe'en was nine years gane, and they that are born on Hallowe'en whiles see mair than ither folk."—The Monastery.
"And about the child, it's well known she was born on Halloween nine years ago, and those who are born on Halloween sometimes see more than other people."—The Monastery.
Hame's a hamely word.
Home's a cozy word.
"Hame's hamely," quo' the deil when he found himsel in the Court o' Session.
"Hame's hamely," said the devil when he found himself in the Court of Session.
Hand in gear helps weel.
Hand in gear helps wheel.
Hand in use is father o' lear.
Hand in use is the father of learning.
The constant practice of our profession is the surest road to "lear" or affluence.
The consistent practice of our profession is the best way to achieve wealth or prosperity.
Handle your tools without mittens.
Handle your tools barehanded.
Hand ower head, as men took the covenant.
Hand over head, as the men made the agreement.
"Alluding to the manner in which the covenant, so famous in Scottish history, was violently taken by above sixty thousand persons about Edinburgh, in 1638; a novel circumstance at that time, though afterwards paralleled by the French, in voting by acclamation."—Fielding.
"Referring to how the covenant, which is well-known in Scottish history, was forcefully taken by more than sixty thousand people around Edinburgh in 1638; a new situation at that time, although later mirrored by the French, in voting by acclamation."—Fielding.
Handsome is that handsome does.
Looks aren't everything.
Hang a thief when he's young, and he'll no steal when he's auld.
Hang a thief when he's young, and he won't steal when he's old.
Hang him that has nae shift, and hang him that has ower mony.
Hang the one who has none, and hang the one who has too many.
Hang hunger and drown drouth.
End hunger and quench thirst.
Hanging gaes by hap.
Hanging games by chance.
Hanging's nae better than it's ca'd.
Hanging's no better than it's called.
Hankering an' hinging-on is a poor trade.
Hankering and hanging on is a bad deal.
Hands aff is fair play.
Hands off is fair play.
Hap an' a ha'penny is world's gear enough.
Hap and a halfpenny is enough for the world.
Happiness and moderate means in this world are enough.
Happiness and a comfortable lifestyle in this world are enough.
Happy for the son when the dad gaes to the deil.
Happy for the son when the dad goes to the devil.
"For commonly they who first raise great estates, do it either by usury and extortion, by fraud and cozening, or by flattery, and by ministering to other men's vices."—Ray.
"For often those who first build up great wealth do so either through lending at high interest and exploitation, through deceit and trickery, or through flattery and enabling the vices of others."—Ray.
"Alas for the son whose father goes to heaven!"—Portuguese.
"Unfortunately for the son whose father passes away!"—Portuguese.
Happy is the bride that the sun shines on; happy is the corpse that the rain rains on.
Happy is the bride that the sun shines on; happy is the corpse that the rain falls on.
Happy is the wooing that's no lang o' doing.
Happy is the courtship that doesn't take long to happen.
Happy man be his dool.
Happy man be his fool.
A good wish,—that happiness may be the greatest affliction sent him.
A kind wish—that happiness may be the biggest struggle he faces.
Happy man, happy kavel.
Happy man, happy life.
Happy the man that belongs to nae party, but sits in his ain house, and looks at Benarty.
Happy is the man who doesn’t belong to any party, but sits in his own house and looks at Benarty.
"Sir Michael Malcolm, of Loch Ore, an eccentric baronet, pronounced this oracular couplet in his old age, when troubled with the talk of the French Revolution. As a picture of meditative serenity and neutrality, it seems worthy of preservation."—Robert Chambers.
"Sir Michael Malcolm, of Loch Ore, an eccentric baronet, shared this prophetic couplet in his old age when he was concerned about the discussions surrounding the French Revolution. As a reflection of thoughtful calm and impartiality, it deserves to be remembered."—Robert Chambers.
Happy's the maid that's married to a mitherless son.
Happy is the maid who marries a motherless son.
Hard fare maks hungry bellies.
Hard food makes hungry bellies.
Hardships seldom come single.
Hardships rarely come alone.
Haste and anger hinder gude counsel.[113]
Hurrying and being angry get in the way of good advice.[113]
Haste maks waste, and waste maks want, and want maks strife between the gudeman and the gudewife.
Haste makes waste, and waste creates need, and need causes conflict between the good man and the good wife.
Hasty meet, hasty part.
Quick meeting, quick goodbye.
"An observation upon marriage suddenly contracted, as if it were ominous, and portended a sudden separation."—Kelly.
"An observation about a marriage entered into quickly, as if it were a bad sign, and suggested an imminent breakup." —Kelly.
Hasty was hanged, but Speed-o'-foot wan awa.
Hasty was hanged, but Speed-o'-foot ran away.
Haud the hank in your ain hand.
Hold the handle in your own hand.
Do the difficult part of your work yourself, or retain every advantage you can.
Do the tough parts of your work on your own, or keep every possible advantage you have.
Haud your feet, Lucky Dad, auld folk's no fiery.
Haud your feet, Lucky Dad, old folks aren’t fiery.
Literally, look to your feet, as you are not nimble: applied when people stumble.
Literally, look at your feet, since you're not quick on your feet: used when people trip.
Haud you hand, your father slew a whaup.
Haud your hand, your father killed a lapwing.
Haud your hands aff ither folk's bairns till ye get some o' your ain.
Haud your hands off other people's kids until you have some of your own.
Hawks winna pike out hawks' een.
Hawks won't pick out hawks' eyes.
"It was an unco thing to see hawks pike out hawks' een, or ae kindly Scot cheat anither."—Rob Roy.
"It was a strange thing to see hawks peck out other hawks' eyes, or one kind Scot cheat another."—Rob Roy.
Hearken to the hinder-end, after comes not yet.
Hear the back end, after it hasn’t come yet.
Hearts may 'gree though heads may differ.
Hearts may agree though heads may disagree.
He begs frae them that borrowed frae him.
He begs from those who borrowed from him.
He bides as fast as a cat does to a saucer.
He waits as quickly as a cat does for its food bowl.
Meaning that a person will "bide" or stay only so long as he can get anything, or serve his own purpose.
Meaning that a person will "bide" or stay only as long as they can get something or serve their own purpose.
He blaws in his lug fu' brawly.
He blows in his ear very loudly.
"Blaw his lug," to praise a person in an extravagant or fulsome manner.
"Blaw his lug," means to praise someone in an exaggerated or overly flattering way.
He breeds o' the gowk that casts a' down at e'en.
He raises the fool that throws everything down at evening.
He brings a staff to break his ain head.
He brings a stick to hit himself on the head.
He can do ill, and he may do gude.
He can do bad things, and he can do good things.
He can haud the cat and play wi' the kitten.
He can hold the cat and play with the kitten.
He can ill rin that canna gang.
He can hardly run that can't go.
He can lee like a dog licking a dish.
He can lick like a dog licking a bowl.
He canna see an inch before his nose.
He can't see an inch in front of his face.
He can say "My Jo," and think it no.
He can say "My Jo," and think that it's not true.
That is, he can be complimentary in his speech, but not in his intentions.
That is, he can say nice things, but his intentions are not sincere.
He can suck the laverock's frae the lift.
He can suck the lark's from the sky.
"In relation to one who possesses great power of wheedling. It evidently alludes to the idea of the fascinating power of serpents by means of their breath."—Jamieson.
"In reference to someone who has a strong ability to persuade. It clearly refers to the captivating power of snakes through their breath."—Jamieson.
He can wile the flounders out o' the sea.
He can lure the flounders out of the sea.
"'Heard ye ever the like o' that, laird?' said Saddletree to Dumbiedikes, when the counsel had ended his speech. 'There's a chiel can spin a muckle pirn out o' a wee tait o' tow!... And he's cleckit this great muckle bird out o' this wee egg! He could wile the very flounders out o' the Firth.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Have you ever heard anything like that, laird?' said Saddletree to Dumbiedikes when the counsel finished his speech. 'There's a guy who can make a big yarn out of a little bit of fiber!... And he's hatched this huge bird out of this tiny egg! He could lure the very flounders out of the Firth.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
He caresna wha's bairns greet if his ain laugh.
He doesn't care whose kids cry as long as he can laugh.
He ca's me scabbed because I winna ca' him sca'd.
He calls me scabby because I won’t call him scared.
Meaning that a man has endeavoured to make his opponent in a particular transaction lose his temper, but failing to do so, he loses his own.
Meaning that a man has tried to make his opponent lose his temper in a specific situation, but when he fails to do so, he ends up losing his own temper instead.
"Hech!" quo' Howie, when he swallowed his wife's clue.
"Heck!" said Howie when he picked up on his wife's hint.
"Hech!" is here used as an expression of surprise and relief that a disagreeable operation has been performed. A "clue" is a ball of worsted.
"Hech!" is used here to express surprise and relief that an unpleasant task has been completed. A "clue" is a ball of yarn.
He comes oftener wi' the rake than the shool.
He comes around more often with the rake than with the shovel.
"Spoken of a poor friend whose business is not to give us, but to get from us."—Kelly.
"Talking about a poor friend whose role is not to give to us, but to take from us."—Kelly.
He comes o' gude, he canna be ill.
He comes from good, he can't be bad.
A satirical expression applied to persons who are vain enough to suppose that they can do no wrong.
A sarcastic term used for people who are so full of themselves that they believe they can do no wrong.
He complains early that complains o' his parritch.
He complains early that he complains about his porridge.
He counts his ha'penny gude siller.
He counts his halfpenny good silver.
Meaning that a person may confer a very small favour, and have a greatly exaggerated idea of his own generosity.
Meaning that a person might do a tiny favor and think way too highly of their own generosity.
He cuts near the wood.
He cuts by the wood.
To "cut near the wood" is to be very keen in driving a bargain.
To "cut near the wood" means to be very sharp when negotiating a deal.
He daurna say "Bo" to your blanket.
He doesn't say "Bo" to your blanket.
He doesna aye ride when he saddles his horse.
He doesn't always ride when he saddles his horse.
He doesna ken a B frae a bull's foot.
He doesn’t know anything at all.
A saying denoting that a person is extremely ignorant.
A saying that means someone is really clueless.
He doesna ken what end o' him's upmost.
He doesn't know which end of himself is up.
He doesna like his wark that says "Now!" when it's done.
He doesn't like his job that says "Now!" when it's finished.
He doubles his gift that gies in time.
He doubles his gift that comes in time.
He eats the calf i' the cow's wame.
He eats the calf in the cow's stomach.
Which means, in other words, he has spent his fortune before he received it; that "He has eaten his corn in the blade."—French.
Which means, in other words, he has spent his fortune before he received it; that "He has eaten his corn while it was still growing."—French.
Heedna says, or ye'll ne'er sit at ease.
Heedna says, or you'll never relax.
He fells twa dogs wi' ae bane.
He kills two dogs with one bone.
He can take down two dogs with one bone,
While other people They must be content with one, Nor further talk.
He flings the helve after the hatchet.
He throws the handle after the hatchet.
He fyles his neighbour's cog to get the brose himsel.
He robs his neighbor's cart to get the porridge for himself.
Meaning that a person has been wicked enough to injure the character of another that he might supplant him in influence or position.
Meaning that a person has been cruel enough to damage someone else's reputation in order to take their place in influence or status.
He gaed for oo' but came hame shorn.
He went out for a short time but came home shorn.
"A camel going to seek horns lost his ears."—Arabic.
"A camel that set out to find horns ended up losing its ears."—Arabic.
He gangs awa in an ill time that ne'er comes back again.
He leaves at a bad time that never returns.
He gangs far aboot seeking the nearest.
He goes around looking for the closest one.
He gangs frae the jilt to the gellock.
He goes from the cheat to the girl.
To "jilt," to throw or dash water on a person; "gellock" (gavelock), an iron lever or crowbar. Meaning, perhaps, that a man's temper is such that he passes from the extreme of playfulness to that of passion very quickly.
To "jilt," to splash or throw water on someone; "gellock" (gavelock), an iron lever or crowbar. This might mean that a man's mood can shift rapidly from being playful to passionate.
He gangs lang barefoot that waits for dead men's shune.
He walks around barefoot, waiting for the shoes of dead men.
He gaes nae whitings without banes.
He doesn't catch any fish without bones.
Or, if he confers an obligation, it is sure to have some condition attached to it.
Or, if he creates an obligation, it’s bound to have some condition linked to it.
He girns like a sheep's head in a pair o' tangs.
He grins like a sheep's head on a pair of tongs.
"Little Andrew, the wratch, has been makin' a totum wi' his faither's ae razor; an' the pair man's trying to shave himsel yonder, an' girnan like a sheep's head on the tangs."—Hugh Miller.
"Little Andrew, the naughty one, has been making a totem with his father's only razor; and the poor man is trying to shave himself over there, making noises like a sheep's head on the tongs."—Hugh Miller.
He got his mother's malison the day he was married.
He received his mother's curse the day he got married.
Spoken of a man who has a bad wife.
Spoken of a man who has a terrible wife.
He had gude skill o' horse flesh wha bought a goose to ride on.
He had good skill with horses who bought a goose to ride on.
He harps aye on ae string.
He always keeps playing the same tune.
He has a bee in his bonnet-lug.
He has a bee in his bonnet.
Applied when a person is very much occupied with a project of his own.
Applied when someone is really focused on their own project.
He has a cauld coal to blaw at.
He has a cold coal to blow at.
"A' things o' religion hae settled into a method that gies the patronless preacher but little chance o' a kirk. Wi' your oye's ordinar looks, I fear, though he were to grow as learned as Matthew Henry himsel, he would hae but a cauld coal to blaw at."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
"A lot of religious matters have settled into a system that gives the preacher without a patron very little chance of getting a church. With your usual looks, I’m afraid that even if he became as learned as Matthew Henry himself, he would have just a cold coal to blow on."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
He has a crap for a' corn.
He has a bad ear of corn.
He has a gude judgment that doesna lippen to his ain.
He has good judgment that doesn’t rely on his own.
He has a hearty hand for a hungry meltith.
He has a generous hand for a hungry person.
He bestows charity liberally.
He gives to charity generously.
He has a hole beneath his nose that winna let his back be rough.
He has a hole under his nose that won't let his back be rough.
Meaning that his extravagance in the matter of food is such that it prevents his back being "rough" or well clothed.
Meaning that his excessive spending on food is so great that it keeps him from having a "rough" back or being well-dressed.
He has a lang clue to wind.
He has a long clue to follow.
"I might hae been in a state and condition to look at Miss Girzy; but, ye ken, I hae a lang clue to wind before I maun think o' playing the ba' wi' Fortune, in ettling so far aboun my reach."—The Entail.
"I might have been in a position to look at Miss Girzy; but, you know, I have a long way to go before I think about playing with Fortune, aiming so far above my reach."—The Entail.
He has a saw for a' sairs.
He has a saw for all stairs.
That is, a salve or "balm for every wound."
That is, a remedy or "solution for every problem."
He has a slid grip that has an eel by the tail.
He has a slippery grip that’s got an eel by the tail.
"Spoken to those who have to do with cunning fellows whom you can hardly bind sure enough."—Kelly.
"Talked to those dealing with sly individuals whom you can barely hold in check."—Kelly.
He has been rowed in his mother's sark tail.
He has been rowed in his mother's shirt tail.
Synonymous with being "tied to his mother's apron-string," i.e., kept too strictly under parental authority.
Synonymous with being "tied to his mother's apron strings," i.e., kept too strictly under parental control.
He has brought his pack to a braw market.
He has brought his backpack to a lively market.
He has come to gude by misguiding.
He has come to guide by misguiding.
He has coosten his cloak on the ither shouther.
He has shifted his cloak to the other shoulder.
He has coup'd the muckle pat into the little.
He has moved the big pot into the small one.
Sarcastically applied to those who claim to have executed extraordinary deeds.
Sarcastically used for people who say they have done amazing things.
He has drowned the miller.
He drowned the miller.
Meaning that in mixing liquids, as in mixing toddy, too much water has been added. The English say, "He has put the miller's eye out."
Meaning that in mixing liquids, like when you mix toddy, too much water has been added. The English say, "He has put the miller's eye out."
He has faut o' a wife that marries mam's pet.
He has found a wife who marries the boss's favorite.
He has feathered his nest, he may flee when he likes.
He has made himself comfortable, and he can leave whenever he wants.
He has gane without taking his leave.
He has left without saying goodbye.
He has gi'en up a trade and ta'en to stravaigin'.
He has given up a job and taken to wandering.
A humorous way of expressing that a man has retired from business to live comfortably. To "stravaig" is to walk about idly.
A funny way to say that a man has retired from work to enjoy a comfortable life. To "stravaig" means to wander around aimlessly.
He has got a bite o' his ain bridle.
He has a taste of his own medicine.
He has gotten his kail through the reek.
He has gotten his kale through the smoke.
"To meet with severe reprehension. To meet with what causes bitterness or thorough repentance as to any course that one has taken."—Jamieson.
"To face serious criticism. To encounter what brings regret or deep remorse about any decision one has made."—Jamieson.
He has gotten the boot and the better beast.
He has been kicked out and found a better partner.
This saying has evidently emanated from the stable. When persons wish to exchange horses, he who has the poorest animal gives a "boot" or compensation in addition to the horse, to make the exchange equal. The proverb is applied to a person who has over-reached his neighbour.
This saying clearly comes from the stable. When people want to swap horses, the person with the worst horse gives a "boot" or compensation along with the horse to balance the trade. The proverb is used to refer to someone who has taken advantage of their neighbor.
He has gotten the whip hand o' him.
He has taken control over him.
He has got the heavy end of him.
He's got a lot of weight to him.
Meaning that in an argument or struggle he has the best of it.
Meaning that in an argument or struggle, he has the upper hand.
He has help'd me out o' a deadlift.
He has helped me out of a tough situation.
Or rendered very great assistance in an emergency.
Or provided significant help in a crisis.
He has hit the nail on the head.
He nailed it.
He has it o' kind, he coft it not.
He has it for free; he didn't buy it.
Meaning that a person's bad qualities are inherited from his parents; equivalent to the saying, "What's bred in the bone won't out of the flesh."
Meaning that a person's negative traits come from their parents; similar to the saying, "What's bred in the bone won't out of the flesh."
He has left the key in the cat-hole.
He left the key in the cat door.
He has licket the butter aff my bread.
He has licked the butter off my bread.
To "lick the butter," in proverbial phraseology, is to supplant a person in business, or so interfere with his arrangements as to injure them.
To "lick the butter," in common sayings, means to take over someone's business or disrupt their plans in a way that harms them.
He has made a moonlight flitting.
He has made a moonlight escape.
To "shoot the moon," as the English say, is to decamp from a house without paying the rent.
To "shoot the moon," as the English say, is to leave a house without paying the rent.
He has mair floor than he has flail for.
He has more floor than he has use for.
Or more work than he can overtake.
Or more work than he can handle.
He has mair jaw than judgment.
He talks more than he thinks.
He has mair wit in his wee finger than ye hae in your hale bouk.
He has more wit in his little finger than you have in your whole book.
He has muckle prayer, but little devotion.[120]
He prays a lot, but he has little true devotion.[120]
He hasna a bauchle to swear by.
He doesn’t have a shoe to swear by.
He hasna a hail nail to claw him wi'.
He doesn't have a single nail to scratch him with.
He hasna as muckle sense as a cow could haud in her faulded nieve.
He doesn't have much sense for a cow to hold in her folded hoof.
He has nae clag till his tail.
He has no glue on his tail.
"A vulgar phrase, signifying that there is no stain on one's character, or that no one can justly exhibit a charge against him."—Jamieson.
"A crude expression meaning that there is no blemish on someone's character, or that no one can rightfully bring a charge against them."—Jamieson.
He has nae mair mense than a miller's horse.
He has no more sense than a miller's horse.
See, "__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__"
He has naething to crave at my hand.
He has nothing to ask of me.
He has need o' a clean pow that ca's his neighbour nitty now.
He needs a clean head that can call his neighbor out now.
"A man ought to be free of those faults that he throws up to others."—Kelly.
"A person should be free of the flaws they point out in others."—Kelly.
He has neither stock nor brock.
He has neither stock nor wool.
He has neither money nor meat.
He has neither money nor food.
He has ower many greedy gleds o' his ain.
He has many greedy eyes of his own.
Meaning that a man has too many family claims upon his generosity to meet, to be able to attend to those of strangers.
Meaning that a man has too many family obligations that demand his generosity to attend to, making it difficult for him to consider those of strangers.
He has skill o' roasted woo—when it stinks it's ready.
He has a knack for roasting wood—when it smells bad, it’s done.
He has some sma' wit, but a fool has the guiding o't.
He has some small wit, but a fool has the upper hand.
He has soon done that never dought.
He has quickly done that without a doubt.
He has spur metal in him.
He has metal spurs in him.
He has ta'en the country on his back.
He has taken the country on his back.
A proverbial expression of the fact that a man has run away.
A saying that means a man has escaped.
He hastit to his end like a moth to a candle.
He rushed to his end like a moth to a flame.
He has the best end o' the string.
He has the best end of the stick.
He has the gift o' the gab.
He has the gift of gab.
"'I wish,' said Dumbiedikes, 'I were as young and as supple as you, and had the gift o' the gab as weel.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'I wish,' said Dumbiedikes, 'I were as young and as flexible as you, and had the gift of conversation as well.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
He has wit at will that wi' an angry heart can sit still.
He has a quick wit that can remain calm even with an angry heart.
He hauds baith heft and blade.
He holds both weight and weapon.
That is, he has a thing entirely at his own option.
That is, he has something completely at his own choice.
He hearsna at that ear.
He hears at that ear.
He hears wi' his heels, as the geese do in hairst.
He hears with his heels, just like the geese do in the fall.
"That is, he heard, had he been pleased to answer."—Kelly.
"That is, he heard, if he had been willing to respond."—Kelly.
He hid a bodle and thought it a hoard.
He hid a small coin and thought it was a treasure.
He hides his meat and seeks for mair.
He hides his food and looks for more.
"Spoken when covetous people pretend poverty, and conceal their wealth to plead pity."—Kelly.
"Spoken when greedy people act like they're poor and hide their riches to gain sympathy."—Kelly.
He is not a merchant bare, that hath either money, worth, or ware.
He’s not just a merchant who only has money, value, or goods.
"A good merchant may want ready money."—Kelly.
"A good merchant might need cash on hand."—Kelly.
He jump'd at it, like a cock at a grossart.
He jumped at it, like a rooster at a worm.
"'I had quite forgotten,' said Tyrrel, 'that the inn was your own; though I remember you were a considerable landed proprietor.' 'Maybe I am,' replied Meg, 'maybe I am not; and if I be, what for no? But as to what the laird, whose grandfather was my father's landlord, said to the new doings yonder—he just jumped at the ready penny, like a cock at a grossart.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'I completely forgot,' said Tyrrel, 'that the inn was yours; although I remember you owned quite a bit of land.' 'Maybe I do,' replied Meg, 'maybe I don't; and if I do, what's the big deal? But about what the landlord, whose grandfather used to rent from my dad, said about the new happenings over there—he just went for the easy money, like a rooster going after a berry.'"—St Ronan's Well.
He keeps his road weel enough wha gets rid o' ill company.
He keeps his path clear enough who gets rid of bad company.
He kens a'thing that opens and steeks.
He knows everything that opens and closes.
He kens his ain groats amang other folk's kail.
He knows his own worth among other people's contributions.
He kens how many beans mak five.
He knows how many beans make five.
He kens how to butter a whiting.
He knows how to prepare a whiting.
The import of the two preceding sayings is, that a man is very sharp in looking after his own interests.
The meaning of the two previous statements is that a person is very shrewd when it comes to protecting their own interests.
He kens how to turn his ain cake.
He knows how to turn his own cake.
"'Never fash your beard, Mr Bide-the-Bent,' replied Girder; 'ane canna get their breath out between wives and ministers. I ken best how to turn my own cake. Jean, serve up the dinner, and nae mair about it.'"—Bride of Lammermoor.
"'Don't worry about your beard, Mr. Bide-the-Bent,' replied Girder; 'one can't catch their breath with wives and ministers around. I know best how to handle my own affairs. Jean, serve up the dinner, and let's not discuss it any further.'"—Bride of Lammermoor.
He kens muckle wha kens when to speak, but far mair wha kens when to haud his tongue.
He knows a lot who knows when to speak, but even more who knows when to hold his tongue.
He kens nae a mavis frae a madge-howlet.
He doesn't know a songbird from an owl.
He kens nae a selgh frae a salmon.
He doesn't know a thing from a salmon.
He kens nae the pleasures of plenty wha ne'er felt the pains o' poverty.
He knows no pleasures of abundance who has never felt the pains of poverty.
He kens whilk side his bannock's buttered on.
He knows which side his bread is buttered on.
"There was a set of ancient brethren of the angle from Edinburgh, who visited St Ronan's frequently in the spring and summer, a class of guests peculiarly acceptable to Meg, who permitted them more latitude in her premises than she was known to allow to any other body. 'They were,' said she, 'pawky auld carles, that kend whilk side their bread was buttered upon.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"There was a group of old fishermen from Edinburgh who often visited St. Ronan's in the spring and summer. Meg welcomed them more than any other guests and allowed them more freedom in her place. 'They were,' she said, 'witty old men who knew which side their bread was buttered on.'"—St Ronan's Well.
He kicks at the benweed.
He kicks at the weeds.
Benweed, ragwort. That is, he is headstrong, or unreasonable.
Benweed, ragwort. In other words, he is stubborn or irrational.
He lay in his scabbard, as mony a gude sword's done.
He lay in his sheath, like many a good sword has.
Meaning that he prudently allowed an insult or slight to pass without notice.
Meaning that he wisely let an insult or slight go without reacting.
He left his siller in his ither pocket.
He left his money in his other pocket.
A sarcastic allusion to those who seek to evade paying their share of the reckoning. It was remarked of a friend of ours, that on such occasions he "was the first to put his hand in his pocket, but the last to draw it out."
A sarcastic reference to those who try to avoid paying their fair share. It was said about a friend of ours that, in such situations, he "was the first to reach for his wallet, but the last to actually take out any cash."
He likes nae beef that grows on my banes.
He doesn't like any meat that comes from my bones.
He'll claw up their mittans.
He'll claw up their mittens.
Metaphorically, "He will kill them, or give the finishing stroke."—Jamieson.
Metaphorically, "He will kill them, or deliver the final blow."—Jamieson.
He'll either win the horse or tine the saddle.
He'll either get the horse or miss the saddle.
He'll gang mad on a horse wha's proud on a pownie.
He'll get really mad on a horse that's proud on a pony.
Spoken of those who take undue advantage of the slight authority they possess.
Spoken of those who take unfair advantage of the little authority they have.
He'll gang nae farther than his tether's length.
He won't go any farther than the length of his rope.
He'll gang to hell for house profit.
He'll go to hell for a profit on the house.
He'll get the poor man's answer, "No."
He'll get the poor man's answer, "No."
He'll gie his bane to nae dog.
He won't give his bone to any dog.
He'll gie you the whistle o' your groat.
He'll give you the whistle of your penny.
He'll hae enough some day, when his mouth's fu' o' mools.
He'll have enough one day, when his mouth's full of dirt.
"Spoken of covetous people, who will never be satisfied while they are alive."—Kelly.
"Talking about greedy people, who will never be satisfied as long as they live."—Kelly.
He'll hing by the lug o't.
He'll hang by the ear of it.
"Keep a firm hold of it, as a bull-dog does of his prey."—Jamieson.
"Keep a tight grip on it, just like a bulldog does with its catch."—Jamieson.
He'll hing that ower my head.
He'll hang that over my head.
"'She would haud me nae better than the dirt below her feet,' said Effie to herself, 'were I to confess I hae danced wi' him four times on the green down by, and ance at Maggie Macqueen's; and she'll maybe hing it ower my head that she'll tell my father, and then she wad be mistress and mair.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'She wouldn't think any better of me than the dirt beneath her feet,' Effie thought to herself, 'if I admitted I danced with him four times in the meadow and once at Maggie Macqueen's; and she might hold it over me that she'll tell my father, and then she would be in charge and more.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
He'll kythe in his ain colours yet.
He'll show his true colors again.
"He'll appear without disguise; he'll be known for the man he is."—Jamieson.
"He'll show up as he is; everyone will know him for who he truly is."—Jamieson.
He'll lick the white frae your e'en.
He'll lick the white from your eyes.
"This phrase is always applied when people, with pretence of friendship, do you an ill turn, as one licking a mote out of your eye makes it blood shot."—Allan Ramsay.
"This phrase is always used when people, pretending to be friends, do something harmful to you, like one person trying to help you with something in your eye but instead making it worse."—Allan Ramsay.
He'll mak a spune or spoil a horn.
He'll make a spoon or ruin a horn.
"Ay, ay, we're a' subject to a downcome. Mr Osbaldistone is a gude honest gentleman; but I aye said he was ane o' them wad mak a spune or spoil a horn, as my father, the worthy deacon, used to say."—Rob Roy.
"Ay, ay, we're all subject to a downfall. Mr. Osbaldistone is a good honest man; but I always said he was one of those who would make a spoon or ruin a horn, as my father, the respectable deacon, used to say."—Rob Roy.
He'll mend when he grows better, like sour ale in summer.
He'll get better when he's healed, like sour beer in summer.
"The young laird of Balmawhapple, ... he had no imperfection but that of keeping light company at a time; such as Jinker the horse-couper, and Gibby Gaethroughwi't, the piper o' Cupar; 'O' whilk follies, Mr Saunderson, he'll mend, he'll mend,' pronounced the bailie. 'Like sour ale in summer,' added Davie Gellatley, who happened to be nearer the conclave than they were aware of."—Waverley.
"The young laird of Balmawhapple, ... he had no flaws except for hanging out with the wrong crowd occasionally; people like Jinker the horse dealer and Gibby Gaethroughwi't, the piper from Cupar; 'He'll fix those mistakes, Mr. Saunderson, he'll fix them,' declared the bailie. 'Like sour beer in summer,' added Davie Gellatley, who happened to be closer to the group than they realized."—Waverley.
He'll need to dree the dronach o't.
He'll need to endure the consequences of it.
He'll ne'er send you awa wi' a sair heart.
He'll never send you away with a heavy heart.
He'll neither dance nor haud the candle.
He'll neither dance nor hold the candle.
Like the dog in the manger, he will neither enjoy himself, nor allow others to do so.
Like the dog in the manger, he won't enjoy himself, nor will he let others enjoy themselves.
He'll neither dee nor do weel.
He'll neither die nor do well.
Sarcastically applied to people who may be peevish or fretful through ill health.
Sarcastically refers to people who might be irritable or whiny because of their poor health.
He'll neither haud nor bind.
He'll neither hold nor restrain.
"'Then, if ye maun hae't, the folk in Lunnun are a' clean wud about this bit job in the north here.' 'Clean wood! what's that?' 'Ou, just real daft—neither to haud nor to bind—a' hirdy girdy—clean through ither—the deil's ower Jock Wabster.'"—Rob Roy.
"'Then, if you must have it, everyone in London is completely crazy about this little job up north here.' 'Completely crazy! What's that?' 'Oh, just really silly—nothing to hold onto or grab—completely nonsensical—totally ridiculous—what the devil's going on with Jock Wabster?'"—Rob Roy.
"A proverbial phrase expressive of violent excitement, whether in respect of rage, or of folly, or of pride; borrowed, perhaps, from the fury of an untamed beast, which cannot be so long held that it may be bound with a rope."—Jamieson.
"A common saying that captures intense emotions, whether it's anger, foolishness, or pride; possibly taken from the wildness of an untamed animal that can't be restrained for long enough to be tied up."—Jamieson.
He'll neither hup nor wine.
He won't complain or whine.
Of similar import to the preceding. Hup and wine are two words used in guiding plough and cart horses.
Of similar importance to the previous one. Hup and wine are two terms used to command plough and cart horses.
He'll never rue but ance, and that'll be a' his life.
He'll never regret but once, and that'll be all his life.
"Ride down to Portanferry, and let nae grass grow at the nag's heels; and if ye find him in confinement, ye maun stay beside him night and day for a day or twa, for he'll want friends that hae baith heart and hand; and if ye neglect this, ye'll never rue but ance, for it will be for a' your life."—Guy Mannering.
"Ride down to Portaferry, and don’t let any time pass at the horse's heels; and if you find him locked up, you need to stay with him day and night for a day or two, because he’ll need friends who have both courage and strength; and if you ignore this, you’ll only regret it once, because it will affect you for the rest of your life."—Guy Mannering.
He'll no gie an inch o' his will for a span o' his thrift.
He won't give an inch of his will for a bit of his savings.
That is, regardless of expense, his wishes must be gratified.
That is, no matter the cost, his wishes must be fulfilled.
He'll no gie the head for the washing.
He won't give it a wash.
To "keep the head for the washing" is to retain possession of an article which has been made to order or repaired until all charges upon it are paid.
To "keep the head for the washing" means to hold onto an item that has been custom-made or repaired until all the fees related to it are settled.
He'll no sell his hen on a rainy day.
He won't sell his chicken on a rainy day.
He will not sell his wares at an unpropitious time.
He won't sell his goods at a bad time.
He'll rather turn than burn.
He'd rather change than suffer.
He'll shoot higher that shoots at the moon, than he that shoots at the midden, e'en though he may miss his mark.
He'll aim higher who shoots for the moon than he who aims for the trash heap, even if he misses his target.
He'll soon be a beggar that canna say "No."
He'll soon be a beggar who can't say "No."
He'll tell it to nae mair than he meets.
He'll say it to no more than who he meets.
He'll wag as the bush wags.
He'll shake just like the bush shakes.
That is, he will do as circumstances compel him.
That is, he will act according to what the situation requires.
He loes me for little that hates me for nought.
He loves me for a little while, but hates me for nothing at all.
His love has never been very strong if it turns for a trifle.
His love has never been very strong if it can change over something trivial.
He'll wind you a pirn.
He'll wind you a bobbin.
"An my auld acquaintance be hersel, or onything like hersel, she may come to wind us a pirn. It's fearsome baith to see and hear her when she wampishes about her arms, and gets to her English, and speaks as if she were a prent book—let a-be an auld fisher's wife."—The Antiquary.
"Whether my old acquaintance is herself, or anything like herself, she might come to wind us a bobbin. It’s scary both to see and hear her when she flails her arms around, switches to her English, and speaks as if she were a printed book—let alone an old fisher's wife."—The Antiquary.
He lo'ed mutton weel that lick'd where the ewie lay.
He loved mutton well that licked where the ewe lay.
"Spoken to them who will sip the bottom of a glass where good liquor was, or scrape a plate after good meat."—Kelly.
"Talking to those who will drink the last drop in a glass that once held fine liquor, or clean a plate after a delicious meal."—Kelly.
"He loved mutton well that dipped his bread in wool."—English.
"He loved mutton so much that he dipped his bread in wool."—English.
He looks as if he could swallow a cow.
He looks like he could eat a cow.
This saying and the four which follow are expressive of peculiarities in the appearance of persons.
This saying and the four that follow highlight unique traits in people's appearances.
He looks like a Lochaber axe fresh frae the grundstane.
He looks like a Lochaber axe straight from the grindstone.
He looks like the far end of a French fiddle.
He looks like the far end of a French violin.
Take this tent, and don’t offend with silly actions, I've seen queens drink, and neatly primed. From top to middle,
It looks just like the far-off end. "On an old fiddle."
He looks like the laird o' fear.
He looks like the lord of fear.
He loses his time that comes sune to a bad bargain.
He wastes his time, which soon turns into a bad deal.
Help for help in hairst.
Help for hairstyling assistance.
Farmers in time of harvest occasionally give each other a "day's shearing," or the use of the whole reaping staff for a day. Of course, the favour is returned, and the benefit rendered mutual.
Farmers during harvest time sometimes help each other out by giving a "day's shearing," or letting them use their entire reaping equipment for a day. Naturally, this favor is returned, making the assistance mutual.
Help is gude at a'thing, except at the cog.
Help is good at everything, except at the wheel.
"At the cog," signifies in taking our food.
"At the cog," means in taking our food.
He maks nae bairn's bargains.
He makes no child's deals.
He maun be a gude friend when you dinna ken his value.
He must be a good friend when you don't know his worth.
He maun be soon up that cheats the tod.
He must be up soon if he's cheating the fox.
He maun hae leave to speak that canna haud his tongue.
He must be allowed to speak if he can't keep his mouth shut.
Addressed to people who talk foolishly or without purpose.
Addressed to people who speak thoughtlessly or aimlessly.
He maun lout that has a laigh door.
He must shout that has a low door.
He may be trusted wi' a house fu' o' unbored millstanes.
He can be trusted with a house full of unbored millstones.
Meaning that such a person cannot be trusted at all.
Meaning that you can't trust that person at all.
He may find fault that canna mend.
He might find problems that can't be fixed.
He may laugh that wins.
He may win by laughing.
He may tine a stot that canna count his kine.
He may be able to tame a young bull, but he can't count his cows.
In your own area, we are overworked. "Be more than half an inch."
He may weel soom wha has his head hauden up.
He might really think he’s great if he holds his head high.
Meaning that a task is easy when assistance is given.
Meaning that a task is easy when help is provided.
He needs a lang-shanket spoon that sups kail wi' the deil.
He needs a long-handled spoon that stirs soup with the devil.
"He that has to do with wicked and false men had need to be cautious and on his guard."—Kelly.
"He who interacts with wicked and dishonest people needs to be careful and vigilant."—Kelly.
He needs maun rin that the deil drives.
He needs to run that the devil drives.
He ne'er did a gude darg that gaed grumbling about it.
He never did a good job that didn't complain about it.
"A gude darg" means here a good day's work.
"A gude darg" means here a good day's work.
He ne'er tint a cow that grat for a groat.
He never lost a cow that cried for a penny.
Literally, he never lost a cow who cried for the loss of a groat.
Literally, he never lost a cow that mourned the loss of a penny.
He never lies but when the holly's green.
He never lies, but only when the holly's green.
The holly being an evergreen, that is to say, a person never speaks truth at all.
The holly is an evergreen, meaning that a person never tells the truth at all.
He picked it up at his ain hand, as the cow learned flinging.[129]
He picked it up with his own hand, just like the cow learned to throw.[129]
He puts his meat in an ill skin.
He puts his meat in a bad situation.
Meaning that although a person takes plenty of food and nourishment, his appearance belies it.
Meaning that even though a person eats a lot and gets plenty of nutrition, their appearance suggests otherwise.
He puts in a bad purse that puts in his pechan.
He puts in a bad purse that puts in his stomach.
He reads his sin in his punishment.
He sees his wrongdoing in his consequences.
Henry Clark never slew a man till he come at him.
Henry Clark never killed a man until he confronted him.
"A ridicule upon them that threaten hard and dare not execute."—Kelly.
"A mockery of those who make threats but don't follow through."—Kelly.
Hen's are aye free o' horse corn.
Hen's are always free of horse corn.
Hen scarts and filly tails, make lofty ships wear lowly sails.
Hen scarts and filly tails make tall ships use small sails.
"Certain light kinds of clouds are thus denominated, from their supposed resemblance to the scratches of hens on the ground and the tails of young mares. They are held as prognosticative of stormy weather."—Robert Chambers.
"Certain types of light clouds are named for their supposed resemblance to the scratches made by hens on the ground and the tails of young mares. They are considered to be indicators of stormy weather."—Robert Chambers.
Here-awa, there-awa, like the Laird o' Hotch Potch's lands.
Here and there, like the Laird of Hotch Potch's lands.
"Castle fa'an?—na', but the sute's fa'an, and the thunners come right down the kitchen-lumm, and the things are a' lying here-awa, there-awa, like the Laird o' Hotch Potch's lands."—Bride of Lammermoor.
"Castle fa'an?—no, but the suit's fa'an, and the thunders come right down the kitchen-lumm, and the things are all lying around here and there, like the Laird of Hotch Potch's lands."—Bride of Lammermoor.
Here's the wine, but where's the wa-nuts?
Here's the wine, but where are the walnuts?
He reives the kirk to theek the quire.
He arrives at the church to fix the choir.
To "steal from the church to roof the choir," is "to rob Peter to pay Paul."
To "steal from the church to roof the choir" means "to rob Peter to pay Paul."
He rides on the riggin' o't.
He rides on the rigging of it.
That is, he goes to a very great extreme.
That is, he goes to an extreme level.
He rides sicker that never fa's.
He rides better than anyone else.
He rides well that never falls: he is a perfect man who never errs.
He rides well who never falls: he is an ideal person who never makes mistakes.
He rules easier wi' a saugh wand than wi' a sharp brand.
He rules more easily with a willow branch than with a sharp sword.
He's aftener there than in the parish kirk.
He's there more often than at the church in the parish.
He's a bodie o' the nick-stick kind.
He's a guy who likes to mess around.
"One who proceeds exactly according to rule; who will not dine a second time with any person till he has made a return in kind."—Jamieson.
"Someone who follows the rules to the letter; who won’t have dinner with anyone a second time until they’ve reciprocated."—Jamieson.
He's a cake and pudding courtier.
He's a dessert-loving noble.
He's a causey saint and a house deil.
He's a fake saint and a troublemaker at home.
One whose outward deportment towards strangers is not in unison with the harshness which he exercises at home.
Someone whose behavior towards strangers doesn't match the strictness they show at home.
He's a' fair gude e'en, and fair gude-day.
He's a good evening and a good day.
He's a fool that asks ower muckle, but he's a greater fool that gies it.
He's a fool who asks for too much, but he's an even bigger fool who gives it.
He's a fool that forgets himsel.
He's a fool who forgets himself.
He's a fool that marries at Yule; for when the bairn's to bear the corn's to shear.
He's a fool who gets married at Christmas; because when the baby is born, it's time to harvest the grain.
He's a gude horse that never stumbled, and a better wife that never grumbled.
He's a good horse that never stumbled, and a better wife that never complained.
"Both so rare, that I never met with either."—Kelly.
"Both are so rare that I've never encountered either."—Kelly.
He is a gude piper's bitch; he's aye in at meal-times.
He’s a good piper’s dog; he’s always around at mealtimes.
He's a gude shot that hits aye the mark.
He's a good shot who always hits the target.
He's a hardy man to draw a sword at a haggis.
He's a tough guy to pull out a sword against a haggis.
He's a hawk o' a right nest.
He's a fierce protector of his home.
He's a man o' wise mind that o' a foe can mak a friend.[131]
He's a wise man who can turn an enemy into a friend.[131]
He's an auld horse that winna nicher at corn.
He's an old horse that won't neigh at corn.
He's ane o' snaw-ba's bairntime.
He's one of snowball's kids.
"That is, such as wealth and prosperity make worse, or who insensibly go behind in the world."—Kelly.
"That is, things like wealth and prosperity make it worse, or those who unknowingly fall behind in the world."—Kelly.
He's a poor beggar that canna gang by ae door.
He's a poor beggar who can't walk past a single door.
He's a poor man that's never missed.
He's a poor guy who's never been overlooked.
He's a proud beggar that maks his ain awmous.
He's a proud beggar who makes his own alms.
That is, he is proud or well pleased who succeeds in realising his own expectations or wishes.
That is, he feels proud or satisfied when he accomplishes his own goals or desires.
He's a proud horse that winna carry his ain corn.
He's a proud horse that won't carry his own grain.
He's a sairy cook that canna lick his ain fingers.
He's a useless cook who can't even lick his own fingers.
He's as bare as the birk at Yule.
He's as bare as a tree in winter.
He's as bauld as a Lammermuir lion.
He's as bold as a Lammermuir lion.
"A sheep is called a Lammermuir lion; and the proverb is applied, in a sarcastic way, to a boasting or assuming person, or to a braggadocio fellow, who is a coward at bottom."—G. Henderson.
"A sheep is referred to as a Lammermuir lion; and this saying is used sarcastically to describe someone who boasts or acts superior, yet is actually a coward at heart."—G. Henderson.
"As fierce as a lion on Cotswold."—English.
"As fierce as a lion in Cotswold."—English.
He's as gleg as a gled.
He's as quick as a hawk.
He's as happy as a dead bird.
He's as happy as a dead bird.
He's a selfish skyte that cares but for his ain kyte.
He's a selfish jerk who only cares about his own interests.
He's as fu' as a fiddler.
He's as full as a fiddle.
Equivalent to being as "drunk as a lord."
Equivalent to being "as drunk as a lord."
He's as gleg as M'Keachen's elshin, that ran through sax plies o' bend-leather into the king's heel.
He's as quick as M'Keachen's elshin, that ran through six layers of bend-leather into the king's heel.
Quoted in the Heart of Midlothian when Sharpitlaw, accompanied by Ratcliffe and Madge Wildfire, go to Muschat's Cairn in search of Robertson.
Quoted in the Heart of Midlothian when Sharpitlaw, accompanied by Ratcliffe and Madge Wildfire, go to Muschat's Cairn in search of Robertson.
He's as hard wi' me as if I had been the wild Scot o' Galloway.
He's as tough on me as if I were the wild Scot from Galloway.
He's a silly chield that can neither dae nor say.
He's a silly kid who can neither do nor say anything.
He's as stiff as if he had swallowed the poker.
He's as stiff as if he had swallowed a poker.
He's as welcome as snaw in hairst.
He's as welcome as snow in autumn.
He's as welcome as water in a riven ship.
He's as welcome as water in a broken ship.
He's auld and cauld, and ill to lie beside.
He's old and cold, and hard to lie next to.
He's awfu' big ahint the door.
He's really big behind the door.
To be "big ahint the door," is to be very courageous when there is no occasion for it.
To be "big behind the door" means to be really brave when there’s no reason to be.
He's a wise man that can tak care o' himsel.
He's a wise man who can take care of himself.
He's aye for out o' the cheese-fat he was moulded in.
He's always trying to get out of the situation he was shaped by.
"'Keep back, sir, as best sets ye,' said the bailie, as Andrew pressed forward to catch the answer to some question I had asked about Campbell; 'ye wad fain ride the forehorse an ye wist how. That chield's aye for being out o' the cheese-fat he was moulded in.'"—Rob Roy.
"'Stay back, sir, as best you can,' said the bailiff, as Andrew moved forward to catch the answer to a question I had asked about Campbell; 'you would love to take the lead if you knew how. That guy is always trying to break out of the mold he was made in.'"—Rob Roy.
He's aye wise ahint the hand.
He's always wise behind the scenes.
I would be better off traveling less, If I had been as tense as I should have been; But folks say they are wise after the fact,
"Which, to be true to my cost, I find."
He's as wise as Wudsie's calf, that kent milk frae water.
He's as smart as Wudsie's calf, which knew how to get milk from water.
He's been at the kirk o' Crackabout, whaur the kail pat was the minister.
He's been at the church in Crackabout, where the soup pot was the minister.
He's blind that eats marrow, but far blinder that lets him.
He's blind to eat the marrow, but even more blind to let him.
He's but Jock the laird's brither.
He's just Jock, the laird's brother.
"The Scottish lairds concern and zeal for the standing and continuance of their families, makes the provision for their younger sons very small."—Kelly.
"The Scottish landowners' concern and dedication to the status and longevity of their families leads to very little support for their younger sons."—Kelly.
He's cooling and supping.
He's chilling and drinking.
"That is, he has nothing but from hand to mouth."—Kelly.
"That means he is living paycheck to paycheck."—Kelly.
"It's a great misery to me that I hae nae books to let you look ower to see my losses; but what gude, when I think on't, would the sight o' losses do to you? It wouldna put a plack in your pouch—aiblins every twa or three pages ye wad see this ane or that ane cowpet the crans, and deep in my debt."—Laird of Logan.
"It's a real shame that I don't have any books for you to look through to see my losses; but honestly, what good would seeing my losses do for you? It wouldn’t put a penny in your pocket—maybe every two or three pages you’d find this one or that one struggling and deeply in my debt."—Laird of Logan.
He seeks nae mair than a bit an' a brat.
He wants nothing more than a bite and a snack.
Meaning that he is content with little.
Meaning that he is satisfied with little.
He's either a' honey or a' dirt.
He's either a sweetheart or a jerk.
He is either exceedingly affectionate and kind, or vice versa.
He is either really loving and kind, or the opposite.
He sell't his soul for a cracket saxpence.
He sold his soul for a cracked sixpence.
He's failed wi' a fu' hand.
He's failed with a full hand.
When a man "fails wi' a fu' hand," he defrauds his creditors with the assistance of the Bankruptcy Act.
When a man "fails with a full hand," he cheats his creditors using the Bankruptcy Act.
He's frae the tap o' the wing, but ye're a grey-neck quill.
He's from the top of the wing, but you're a gray-neck quill.
Meaning, we presume, that a man is not so good as he would like to be thought, or as some person he may have compared himself with.
Meaning, we assume, that a man isn’t as good as he wants to be seen or as some person he might have compared himself to.
He's fond o' barter that niffers wi' Auld Nick.
He's fond of trading with the old devil.
He's gane aff at the nail.
He's gone off at the nail.
Or "destitute of any regard to propriety of conduct; mad; wrongheaded; tipsy."—Jamieson.
Or "lacking any sense of proper behavior; insane; stubborn; drunk."—Jamieson.
He's gane a' to pigs and whistles.
He's totally lost it.
"Hech, sirs, what a kyteful o' pride's yon'er! and yet I would be nane surprised the morn to hear that the Nechabudnezzar was a' gane to pigs and whistles, and driven out wi' the divors bill to the barren pastures of bankruptcy."—The Entail.
"Heck, guys, what a load of pride that is over there! And yet I wouldn't be surprised tomorrow to hear that Nebuchadnezzar went completely bankrupt and was thrown out with a divorce bill to the empty fields of bankruptcy."—The Entail.
He's gane ower the buss taps.
He's gone over the bus stops.
"To behave extravagantly; to go over the tops of the bushes."—Jamieson.
"To act excessively; to go beyond the boundaries."—Jamieson.
He's gane to seek his faither's sword.
He's gone to look for his father's sword.
He's gane to the dog-drave.
He's gone to the dog race.
He's got his leg ower the harrows.
He's got his leg over the harrows.
He's got his nose in a gude kail pat.
He's got his nose in a good stew pot.
Meaning that a person has been well provided for. Generally applied to a poor man who has married a rich wife.
Meaning that a person is well taken care of. Usually used to describe a poor man who has married a wealthy woman.
He's gude that never failed.
He's good and never failed.
He's his faither's better, like the cooper o' Fogo.
He's his father's better, like the barrel maker from Fogo.
"Fogo is a small decayed village near Dunse. It appears that each generation of its coopers improved upon the plans or workmanship of their ancestors, and the son became better than the father."—G. Henderson.
"Fogo is a small, rundown village close to Dunse. It seems that every generation of its barrel makers built on the designs and skills of their predecessors, with each son surpassing his father."—G. Henderson.
He's horn deaf on that side o' his head.
He's completely deaf in that ear.
That is, he has already made up his mind upon that matter.
That means he's already decided about that.
He should be seldom angry that has few to mease him.
He shouldn't get angry often, especially since he has few people to annoy him.
He's idle that might be better employed.[135]
He's wasting time when he could be doing something more productive.[135]
He's ill-faur'd that dogs bark at.
He's unattractive, and that's why dogs bark at him.
"'I have had that wad sober me or ony ane,' said the matron. 'Aweel, Tib, a lass like me wasna to lack wooers, for I wasna sae ill-favoured that the tikes wad bark after me.'"—The Monastery.
"'I've had that many sober me up or any one,' said the matron. 'Well, Tib, a girl like me wasn't going to be short of suitors, because I wasn't so ugly that the dogs would bark at me.'"—The Monastery.
He's in the wrang when praised that glunshes.
He's wrong when he's praised for being foolish.
He sits fu' close that has riven breeks.
He sits really close, and his pants are torn.
"This elegant speech was made by the Earl of Douglas, called Tineman, after being wounded and made prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, where
"This elegant speech was made by the Earl of Douglas, known as Tineman, after being wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, where"
"Had killed the likeness of the king three times."
He sits wi' little ease wha sits on his neighbour's coat tail.
He sits with little comfort who sits on his neighbor's coat tail.
He's John Tamson's man.
He's John Tamson's guy.
"'Atweel, Cuddie, ye are gaun nae sic gate,' said Jenny, coolly and resolutely. 'The deil's in the wife!' said Cuddie, 'd'ye think I am to be John Tamson's man, and maistered by women a' the days o' my life?' 'And whase man wad ye be? And wha wad ye hae to maister ye but me, Cuddie, lad?'"—Old Mortality.
"'Well, Cuddie, you're not going that way,' said Jenny, coolly and firmly. 'What's wrong with you, woman?' said Cuddie, 'do you think I'm going to be John Tamson's man, controlled by women for the rest of my life?' 'And whose man would you be? And who else would control you but me, Cuddie, my friend?'"—Old Mortality.
He's laid down the barrow.
He's set down the cart.
That is, "he's cowpet the crans," q. v.
That is, "__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__," see below.
He sleeps as dogs do when wives sift meal.
He sleeps like dogs do when wives are sifting flour.
Meaning that a person is very sharp, and that he, figuratively, sleeps with one eye open.
Meaning that a person is very alert and that he, figuratively, sleeps with one eye open.
He's lifeless that's faultless.
He's dead but flawless.
Implying that no one is without fault.
Everyone has flaws.
He's like a bagpipe, ne'er heard till his wame's fu'.[136]
He's like a bagpipe, never heard until his belly's full.[136]
He's like a chip amang parritch—little gude, little ill.
He's like a chip in porridge—slightly good, slightly bad.
He's like a cow in a fremit loaning.
He's like a cow in a foreign land.
That is, strange, or out of place. "Fremit loaning," strange lane.
That is, weird, or out of place. "Fremit loaning," weird lane.
He's like a flea in a blanket.
He's like a flea in a blanket.
He's like a singet cat—better than he's bonny.
He's like a singed cat—better than he's pretty.
He's like the craws, he eats himsel' out o' ply.
He's like the crows, he eats himself out of shape.
He's like the smith's dog—so weel used to the sparks that he'll no burn.
He's like the blacksmith's dog—so used to the sparks that he won't get burned.
Spoken of people who are so much accustomed to tipple, that they never seem any the worse of it.
Spoken of people who are so used to drinking that they never seem any worse for it.
He's like the wife's bawty—kens naething about it.
He's like the wife's pet—knows nothing about it.
He slippet awa like a knotless thread.
He slipped away like a thread without a knot.
He's loose in the heft.
He's relaxed about the workload.
He's mair buirdly i' the back than i' the brain.
He's more sturdy in body than in mind.
He's mair fleyed than hurt.
He's more scared than hurt.
He's mair worth hanging than hauding.
He's more worth hanging than holding.
He's nae gude weaver that leaves lang thrums.
He's no good at weaving if he leaves long threads hanging.
No good workman who wastes material, or leaves work in a slovenly state.
No skilled worker who wastes materials or leaves their work in a messy condition.
He's nae sma' drink.
He's no small drink.
He's ne'er at ease that's angry.
He's never at ease when he's angry.
He snites his nose in his neighbour's dish to get the brose himsel.
He wipes his nose on his neighbor's plate to get the broth for himself.
This rude but expressive saying is used when a person has done another an injury in order to benefit himself.
This blunt but vivid saying is used when someone harms another person for their own gain.
He's no a man to ride the water wi'.
He's not someone to ride the water with.
"A phrase applied to one who, it is believed, cannot be depended on."—Jamieson.
"A term used for someone who is believed to be unreliable."—Jamieson.
He's no a stirk o' the right stock.
He's not a good example of the right kind.
"I was a friendless lad, and ye took me by the hand,—and could I sit still and see scathe befa' my benefactor, I wouldna be a stirk o' the right stock, that's bred on the land o' Scotland."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
"I was a friendless boy, and you took me by the hand,—and if I could sit by and watch harm come to my benefactor, I wouldn't be a proper lad, raised on the soil of Scotland."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
He's no gude to creel eggs wi'.
He's no good for carrying eggs.
"Not safe or easy to deal with."—Jamieson.
"Not safe or easy to handle."—Jamieson.
He's no nice but needfu'.
He's not nice but needy.
He's no sae daft as he lets on.
He's not as dumb as he pretends to be.
He's no steel to the bane.
He's no match for the problem.
He's no the best wright that casts maist spails.
He's not the best writer who makes most mistakes.
He's no the fool that the fool is, but he that wi' the fool deals.
He's not the fool that the fool is, but he who deals with the fool.
He's no the happiest wha has maist gear.
He's not the happiest one who has the most stuff.
He's no worth kissing caps wi'.
He's not worth kissing hats with.
To "kiss caps wi'," is to keep company with, to associate together in drinking.
To "kiss caps with" means to hang out together and drink.
He's out and in, like a dog at a fair.
He's in and out, like a dog at a fair.
He's ower auld a cat to draw a strae before.
He's too old a cat to chase a mouse anymore.
"The rents and the lands are but a sair fash to me," re-echoed Ailie; "and I'm ower failed to tak a helpmate, though Wylie Mactrickit, the writer, was very pressing, and spak very civilly; but I'm ower auld a cat to draw that strae before me—he canna whilliwhaw me as he's done mony a ane."—Old Mortality.
"The rents and the lands are just too much of a hassle for me," Ailie echoed. "And I'm too scared to take on a partner, even though Wylie Mactrickit, the writer, was very insistent and spoke very politely; but I'm too old for that nonsense—he can't charm me like he's done with many others."—Old Mortality.
He's ower-shot wi' his ain bow.
He's hit himself with his own arrow.
Overreached with his own weapons.
Overextended with his own tools.
He's ower soon up that's hanged ere noon.
He's way too quick to get hanged before noon.
He's soger bred but major minded.
He's a tough soldier but kind-hearted.
He's ta'en a start and an owerloup.
He's started and taken a look over.
"The usual expression for a slight encroachment on a neighbour's property."—Sir Walter Scott.
"The common way to describe a small invasion of a neighbor's land."—Sir Walter Scott.
He speaks like a prent book.
He talks like a printed book.
He speaks in his drink what he thinks in his drouth.
He says what he really thinks when he's drinking.
He spoke as if every word would lift a dish.
He spoke as if each word could lift a plate.
In allusion to a person who has addressed another in a very pompous or affected manner.
In reference to someone who has spoken to another in an overly formal or pretentious way.
He's poor enough that's ill faur'd.
He's poor enough to be considered unattractive.
He's poor that canna promise.
He's poor who can't promise.
He's rich that has nae debt.
He's wealthy who has no debt.
He's sairest dung that's paid wi' his ain wand.
He's the bitterest fool that's punished by his own actions.
That is, he suffers most who injures himself by his own folly, or by means which may have been intended to injure another.
That is, he suffers the most who harms himself through his own foolishness, or through actions that may have been meant to hurt someone else.
He's silly that spares for ilka speech.
He's silly for every word he spares.
He's sometimes i' the air, but ye're aye on the grund.
He's sometimes in the air, but you're always on the ground.
He's the bee that maks the honey.
He's the bee that makes the honey.
He's the best spoke o' your wheel.
He's the best part of your wheel.
He's the slave o' a slaves wha ser's nane but himsel.
He's the slave of a slave who serves no one but himself.
He's twice fain that sits on a stane.
He's twice as happy sitting on a stone.
"That is, glad to sit down, because he is weary, and glad to rise, because the stone is hard."—Kelly.
"He's happy to sit down because he's tired, and happy to get up because the stone is hard."—Kelly.
He starts at straes, and lets windlins gae.
He starts at stretches, and lets windmills go.
This saying is, we think, exclusively Scotch. It very briefly but pithily applies to those who, while anxiously correcting trifling errors, allow greater ones to pass unheeded: who strain at gnats, and swallow camels.
This saying is, we believe, uniquely Scottish. It succinctly but powerfully refers to those who, while eagerly fixing small mistakes, overlook much bigger ones: they choke on gnats but swallow camels.
He streaks reem in my teeth.
He streaks red in my teeth.
"Spoken when we think one only flattering us, and not earnest or sincere in what they pretend."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we believe someone is just flattering us and not being genuine or sincere about what they claim."—Kelly.
He struts like a craw in the gutter.
He walks around like a peacock in the gutter.
He stumbles at a strae and loups ower a linn.
He trips over a stone and jumps over a stream.
He's unco fond o' farming that wad harrow wi' the cat.
He's really keen on farming, even to the point of working with the cat.
He's unco fu' in his ain house that canna pick a bane in his neighbour's.
He's quite comfortable in his own house but can't find a flaw in his neighbor's.
Satirically applied to those who are unwilling to partake of a meal in a friend's house.
Satirically used for those who refuse to eat at a friend's house.
He's waur to water than to corn.
He's worse to water than to grain.
Fonder of his meat than his drink.
Fonder of his food than his drink.
He's weel boden there ben that will neither borrow nor lend.
He's well-off there who will neither borrow nor lend.
Meaning that a person must be very well off indeed who can afford to dispense with all assistance.
This means that a person must be quite wealthy to be able to do without any help.
He's weel eased that has o' his ain.
He's really lucky to have his own.
He's weel worthy o' sorrow that buys it wi' his ain siller.
He's truly deserving of sorrow who purchases it with his own money.
He's wise that kens when he's weel enough.
He's smart enough to know when he's doing well.
"This is a pitch of wisdom to which few attain."—Kelly.
"This is a level of wisdom that only a few reach."—Kelly.
He's wise that's timely wary.
He's wise and cautiously timely.
He's worth nae weel that can bide nae wae.
He's not really worth much if he can't wait.
He that ance gets his fingers i' the dirt can hardly get them out again.
Someone who gets their fingers in the dirt can hardly get them out again.
He that bides weel betides weel.
He who waits well, does well.
He that bids me to meat wishes me to live.
The person who invites me to dinner wants me to thrive.
He that blaws best bears awa the horn.
He who plays the best takes home the prize.
He that blaws in the stoor fills his ain een.
He who blows in the dust fills his own eyes.
He that borrows and bigs, maks feasts and thigs, drinks an's no dry,—nane o' these three are thrifty.
He who borrows and eats, makes feasts and drinks, and isn't frugal—none of these three are wise.
He that buys a house that's wrought has mony a pin and nail for nought.
He who buys a house that's been built pays for every pin and nail for nothing.
He that buys land buys stanes; he that buys beef buys banes; he that buys nuts buys shells; he that buys gude ale buys naething else.
The person who buys land buys stones; the person who buys beef buys bones; the person who buys nuts buys shells; the person who buys good ale buys nothing else.
He that can hear Dumbuck may hear Dumbarton.
He who can hear Dumbuck can hear Dumbarton.
Dumbuck Hill, in Argyleshire, is farther from Glasgow (the locale of this saying) than Dumbarton: proverbially applied to those who are better acquainted with circumstances than they pretend to be, but who, in their anxiety to gain more information, betray themselves.
Dumbuck Hill, in Argyleshire, is farther from Glasgow (the locale of this saying) than Dumbarton: it's usually said about those who know more about a situation than they let on, but who, in their eagerness to learn more, reveal their own ignorance.
He that canna do as he would maun do as he may.
He who can't do what he wants must do what he can.
He that canna gie favours should seek nane.
He who can't give favors shouldn't expect any.
He that canna mak sport should mar nane.
He who can't have fun shouldn't ruin it for others.
He that cheats in daffin winna be honest in earnest.[141]
He who cheats in fun won’t be honest in serious matters.[141]
He that cheats me ance, shame fa' him; he that cheats me twice, shame fa' me.
He who cheats me once, shame on him; he who cheats me twice, shame on me.
He that comes first to the ha' may sit where he will.
Whoever arrives first at the hall can sit wherever they want.
He that comes o' hens maun scrape.
He who comes from chickens must scrape.
He that counts a' costs will ne'er put plough i' the grund.
He who counts all the costs will never put the plow in the ground.
"He that forecasts all difficulties that he may meet with in his business will never set about it."—Kelly.
"Anyone who predicts all the challenges they might face in their work will never get started."—Kelly.
He that counts without his host may have to count twice.
He who counts without including his host might have to count again.
He that deals in dirt has aye foul fingers.
He who works with dirt always has dirty hands.
He that does as he's bidden deserves nae bannin'.
He who does what he’s told deserves no punishment.
He that does his turn in time sits half idle.
The person who gets their work done on time can relax a bit.
He that doesna mind corn pickles never comes to forpits.
He who doesn't care about corn pickles never gets to forpits.
"Get a large sheet of paper, man, and make a new pen, with a sharp neb, and a fine hair-stroke. Do not slit the quill up too high, it's a wastrife course in your trade, Andrew. They that do not mind corn pickles never come to forpits. I have known a learned man write a thousand pages with one quill."—Fortunes of Nigel.
"Grab a big piece of paper, and make a new pen with a sharp tip and a fine point. Don’t cut the quill too high; it’s a waste in your profession, Andrew. Those who don’t pay attention to details never succeed. I’ve seen a smart person write a thousand pages with just one quill."—Fortunes of Nigel.
He that does you an ill turn will ne'er forgie you.
He who does you a wrong will never forgive you.
He that drinks when he's no dry will be dry when he has nae drink.
He who drinks when he’s not thirsty will be thirsty when he has no drink.
He that eats a boll o' meal in bannocks eats a peck o' dirt.[142]
He who eats a bowl of porridge in a loaf eats a bucket of dirt.[142]
He that eats but ae dish seldom needs the doctor.
He who eats only one dish rarely needs a doctor.
He that fa's in a gutter, the langer he lies the dirtier he is.
He who falls into a gutter, the longer he stays, the dirtier he becomes.
He that fishes before the net, fishes lang or he fish get.
He who fishes before the net often waits a long time before catching anything.
He that gapes till he be fed may gape till he be dead.
He who waits with his mouth open for something to eat may wait until he dies.
He that gets forgets, but he that wants thinks on.
He who has what he wants forgets, but he who desires thinks about it.
He that gets gear before he gets wit is but a short time maister o't.
He who gets wealth before gaining wisdom will only be in charge for a little while.
He that gies a' his gear to his bairns, tak up a beetle and ding out his harns.
He who gives all his stuff to his children, picks up a hammer and knocks out his brains.
"Taken from the history of one John Bell, who, having given his substance to his children, was by them neglected. After he died there was found in his chest a mallet with this inscription,—
"Taken from the history of one John Bell, who, having given his belongings to his children, was neglected by them. After he died, a mallet was found in his chest with this inscription,—
"Who gives everything to his children and keeps nothing for himself."
He that grapes in the dark may fyle his fingers.
He who picks grapes in the dark may stain his fingers.
He that hains his dinner will hae the mair to his supper.
He who saves his dinner will have more for his supper.
He that has a bonnie wife needs mair than twa een.
He who has a beautiful wife needs more than two eyes.
He that has a dog at hame may gang to the kirk wi' a clean breast.[143]
A person who has a dog at home can go to church with a clear conscience.[143]
He that has ae sheep in a flock will like a' the lave the better for't.
He who has a sheep in a flock will like all the others better for it.
"Spoken when we have a son at such a school, university, army, or society, we will wish the prosperity of these respective bodies upon his account."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we have a son at a school, university, army, or organization, we will hope for the success of these groups on his behalf."—Kelly.
He that has a goose will get a goose.
He who has a goose will get a goose.
Or, he that is rich already has legacies left him; as, "The fat sow's tail's aye creash'd."
Or, someone who is already wealthy has inheritances left to them; as, "The fat sow's tail is always creased."
He that has a gude crap may thole some thistles.
He who has a good crop can tolerate some thistles.
He that has been very fortunate can easily put up with slight drawbacks.
Someone who has been very fortunate can easily tolerate minor setbacks.
He that has a muckle nose thinks ilka ane speaks o't.
He who has a big nose thinks everyone is talking about it.
"People who are sensible of their guilt are always full of suspicion."—Kelly.
"People who are aware of their guilt are always filled with suspicion."—Kelly.
He that has a wide wame ne'er had a lang arm.
He who has a big belly never had a long reach.
That is, a corpulent person is never very active.
That is, an overweight person is never very active.
He that has a wife has a maister.
He who has a wife has a master.
"He that's not sensible of the truth of this proverb may blot it out or pass it over."—Kelly.
"He who doesn't recognize the truth of this saying can disregard it or ignore it."—Kelly.
He that has but ae ee maun tent it weel.
He who has only one eye must take good care of it.
He that has gall in his mouth canna spit honey.
He who has bitterness in his mouth can't spit out sweetness.
He that has his hand in the lion's mouth maun tak it out the best way he can.
He who has his hand in the lion's mouth must take it out the best way he can.
Meaning that he who has willingly jeopardized himself must extricate himself without assistance.
Meaning that someone who has willingly put themselves at risk must get out of it on their own.
He that has horns in his bosom needna put them on his head.
He who has horns in his heart doesn't need to wear them on his head.
He that has just enough can soundly sleep; the owercome only fashes folk to keep.[144]
Those who have just enough can sleep well; only those who have too much worry people. [144]
He that has muckle wad aye hae mair.
He who has a lot will always want more.
He that hasna purse to fine may hae flesh to pine.
He who doesn't have the money to buy may end up going hungry.
"'It will be nonsense fining me,' said Andrew, doughtily, 'that hasna a grey groat to pay a fine wi'—it's ill taking the breeks aff a Hielandman.' 'If ye hae nae purse to fine, ye hae flesh to pine,' replied the bailie, 'and I will look weel to ye getting your deserts the tae way or the tither.'"—Rob Roy.
"'It’s pointless to fine me,' said Andrew bravely, 'when I don’t even have a penny to pay the fine with—it's tough to take the pants off a Highlander.' 'If you don't have money for a fine, you’ll still have to face the consequences,' replied the bailiff, 'and I’ll make sure you get what you deserve one way or another.'"—Rob Roy.
He that hasna siller in his purse should hae silk on his tongue.
He who doesn't have money in his pocket should have smooth words.
He that has routh o' butter may butter his bread on baith sides.
He who has a lot of butter can butter his bread on both sides.
He that has siller in his purse may want a head on his shouthers.
He who has money in his pocket might still need a brain on his shoulders.
He that has twa hoards can get a third.
He who has two treasures can gain a third.
He that hath and winna keep it, he that wants and winna seek it, he that drinks and is not dry, siller shall want as well as I.
He who has it and won't keep it, he who wants it and won't seek it, he who drinks and isn't thirsty, money will be as scarce for him as it is for me.
He that hews abune his head may get a spail in his ee.
He who cuts above his head may get a splinter in his eye.
He who aims at things beyond his power may be injured by his projects.
Someone who aims for things beyond their reach may end up suffering because of their plans.
He that hides kens whaur to seek.
He who hides knows where to look.
He that ill does never gude weens.
He who does wrong never thinks he's doing anything bad.
He who is in the habit of ill-doing himself always has a bad opinion of others.
A person who often does wrong tends to have a negative view of others.
He that invented the maiden first handselled her.
He who invented the maiden was the first to introduce her.
James, Earl of Morton, who invented the "maiden" or guillotine, was the first who suffered by it.
James, Earl of Morton, who created the "maiden" or guillotine, was the first person to be executed by it.
He that isna handsome at twenty, strong at thirty, wise at forty, rich at fifty, will never be handsome, strong, wise, or rich.
He who isn't attractive at twenty, strong at thirty, wise at forty, or wealthy at fifty will never be attractive, strong, wise, or wealthy.
He that keeks through a keyhole may see what will vex him.
He who looks through a keyhole might see something that will upset him.
"He who looks through a hole will discover his dole."—Spanish.
"He who looks through a hole will find his share."—Spanish.
He that keeps the cat's dish keeps her aye crying.
He who keeps the cat's bowl always has her meowing.
He that kens what will be cheap or dear, needs be a merchant but for half-a-year.
He who knows what will be cheap or expensive only needs to be a merchant for six months.
As the exercise of his foresight will enable him to acquire a competency in that time.
As his ability to foresee things will help him gain a good livelihood in due time.
He that kisses his wife at the market cross will hae mony to teach him.
He who kisses his wife at the market cross will have many to teach him.
He that lacks my mare may buy my mare.
He who doesn't have my mare can buy my mare.
Used when a person disparages an article that he may secure it to himself.
Used when a person belittles an article that he might obtain for himself.
He that laughs alane will mak sport in company.
He who laughs alone will have fun in a group.
He that lends his pot may seethe his kail in his loof.
He who lends his pot can cook his soup in his hand.
He that lends money to a friend has a double loss.
A person who lends money to a friend faces a double loss.
Because he loses both his money and his friend.
Because he loses both his money and his friend.
He that lends you hinders you to buy.
He who lends you money prevents you from buying.
He that lippens to chance lippens his back to a slap.[146]
He who listens to chance is exposing himself to a slap on the back.[146]
He that lippens to lent ploughs may hae his land lang lea.
He who listens to empty promises may have his land left uncultivated for a long time.
He that relies on favours being granted is liable to disappointment.
Those who depend on favors being given are likely to be let down.
He that lives on hope has a slim diet.
He who lives on hope has a meager diet.
He that lo'es law will soon get his fill o't.
He who loves the law will quickly get enough of it.
He that looks not ere he loup will fa' ere he wat.
He who doesn't look before he leaps will fall before he knows it.
He that looks to freets, freets will follow him.
He who focuses on good things will attract good things.
"He that notices superstitious observances (such as spilling of salt, Childermass day, or the like) it will fall to him accordingly."—Kelly.
"He who pays attention to superstitious rituals (like spilling salt, Childermass day, or similar things) will face the consequences."—Kelly.
He that maks friends fear'd o' his wit should be fear'd o' their memories.
He who makes friends afraid of his intelligence should be afraid of their memories.
He that marries a beggar gets a louse for a tocher.
He who marries a beggar gets a louse for a dowry.
He that marries a daw eats muckle dirt.
He who marries a foolish person faces a lot of trouble.
He who is connected with a "daw," or drab, has many troubles to put up with.
He who is involved with a "daw," or drab, has many problems to deal with.
He that marries a widow and twa dochters has three back doors to his house.
He who marries a widow with two daughters has three ways into his house.
Or, as Kelly quotes, "three stark thieves; because his wife will put away things to them, or for them."
Or, as Kelly quotes, "three cruel thieves; because his wife will put away things for them."
He that marries a widow will hae a dead man's head often thrown in his dish.
He who marries a widow will often have a dead man's head served up at his table.
He that marries before he's wise will dee ere he thrive.[147]
He who gets married before he’s wise will die before he thrives.[147]
He that middles wi' tulzies may come in for the redding stroke.
He who gets involved in disputes may find himself in trouble.
To "middle with tulzies" is to interfere with quarrelsome people; the chances are that a person who does so will come off at a loss.
To "middle with tulzies" means to get involved in arguments between others; it's likely that someone who does this will end up losing out.
He that never eats flesh thinks harigals a feast.
He who never eats meat considers harigals a feast.
Parallel to the English proverb, "He who never eats flesh thinks pudding a dainty."
Parallel to the English saying, "Someone who never eats meat thinks dessert is a treat."
He that never rade never fell.
He who never rode has never fallen.
He that never thinks will ne'er be wise.
He who never thinks will never be wise.
He that oppresses honesty ne'er had ony.
He who oppresses honesty has never had any.
He that pays his debt begins to mak a stock.
Whoever pays their debts starts to build wealth.
He that pays last ne'er pays twice.
He who pays last never pays twice.
He that pities another minds himsel.
He who feels sorry for someone else is focused on himself.
He that plants trees lo'es ithers beside himsel.
He who plants trees loves others besides himself.
He that plays wi' fools and bairns maun e'en play at the chucks.
He who plays with fools and kids must just play at dice.
When a man mixes with children, or fools or rogues, he must adapt himself to them.
When a man interacts with kids, fools, or tricksters, he has to adjust to their ways.
"What signifies what I desired, man? when a wise man is with fules and bairns, he maun e'en play at the chucks. But you should have had mair sense and consideration than to gie Babie Charles and Steenie their ain gate; they wad hae floored the very rooms wi' silver, and I wonder they didna."—Fortunes of Nigel.
"What does it matter what I wanted, man? When a wise guy is with fools and kids, he has to go along with them. But you should have been smarter and more thoughtful than to let Babie Charles and Steenie have their way; they would have filled the rooms with silver, and I wonder they didn't."—Fortunes of Nigel.
He that pleads his ain cause has a fool for his client.
He who represents himself has a fool for a client.
He that puts the cat in the pock kens best how to tak her out.[148]
He who puts the cat in the pocket knows best how to take her out.[148]
He that puts on the public gown maun aff the private person.
He who wears the public gown must shed the private self.
A maxim of proverbial philosophy which many persons in petty authority might practise with advantage—to the public.
A piece of wise advice that many people in minor positions of power could benefit from practicing—for the sake of the public.
He that rides ahint anither doesna saddle when he pleases.
He who rides behind another doesn't get to decide when to saddle up.
That is, he who is dependent on another must submit to his superior's authority.
That is, someone who relies on another must accept their superior's authority.
He that rides or he be ready wants aye some o' his graith.
He who rides or is prepared always needs some of his gear.
He that's angry opens his mouth and steeks his een.
He who is angry opens his mouth and rolls his eyes.
That is, vents himself in abuse without looking into the details of the case.
That is, he vents his frustration through insults without examining the details of the situation.
He that's aught the cow gangs nearest the tail.
He who has anything to do with the cow goes closest to the tail.
He that has most interest in an undertaking or property is willing to run a greater risk than he that has none.
The person who has the most stake in a project or property is more willing to take greater risks than someone who has no stake at all.
He that says what he likes will hear what he doesna like.
He who speaks his mind will hear things he doesn’t want to hear.
He that's born to a plack 'll ne'er get a pound.
He who is born to a poverty will never get a fortune.
He that's crabbit without cause should mease without amends.
He who is grumpy without reason should pay for it without excuses.
He that seeks alms for Godsake begs for twa.
He who asks for charity for God's sake is really asking for two.
He that seeks motes gets motes.
He who looks for specks finds specks.
He that seeks trouble 'twere a pity he should miss it.[149]
Anyone looking for trouble would surely be disappointed if they didn't find it.[149]
He that sells his wares for words maun live by the loss.
He who sells his goods for words must live with the loss.
He that's far frae his gear is near his skaith.
He who's far from his tools is close to his trouble.
A man who is away from his property, or not sufficiently careful of it, is liable to be wronged in his absence.
A man who is away from his property or isn’t taking good care of it is likely to be taken advantage of while he’s gone.
He that's first up's no aye first ser'd.
He who's first to rise isn't always the first to be served.
He that shames, let him be shent.
He who shames others should be shamed himself.
"An old Scottish proverb not now used, scarcely understood: a wish that he who exposes his neighbour may come to shame himself."—Kelly.
"An old Scottish proverb not now used, hardly understood: a wish that he who exposes his neighbor may end up ashamed himself."—Kelly.
He that shows his purse tempts the thief.
The person who displays their wallet invites the thief.
He that's ill o' his harboury is gude at the way-kenning.
He who is sick of his harbor is good at knowing the way.
He that is unwilling that a visitor or friend should remain in his house, is very ready to give information as to the way home, and the advantages of following it.
A person who doesn’t want a visitor or friend to stay at their house is quick to provide directions on how to get home and the benefits of taking that route.
He that's ill to himsel will be gude to naebody.
He who is unkind to himself will be kind to nobody.
He that sleeps wi' dogs maun rise wi' flaes.
He who sleeps with dogs must rise with fleas.
Or, he who keeps bad company will be contaminated by it.
Or, a person who associates with the wrong crowd will be influenced by it.
He that's mann'd wi' boys and hors'd wi' colts will hae his meat eaten and his wark ill done.
He who is accompanied by boys and mounted on colts will have his food consumed and his work poorly completed.
In sarcastic allusion to those who entrust matters of importance to youthful or inexperienced persons. "Because," as Kelly says, "the boy will neglect his business, and the colt will throw him."
In a sarcastic reference to those who put important matters in the hands of young or inexperienced people, "Because," as Kelly puts it, "the kid will ignore his responsibilities, and the young horse will throw him."
He that's no my friend at a pinch is no my friend at a'.
He who isn't my friend in tough times isn't my friend at all.
He that spares to speak spares to speed.
He who holds back from speaking holds back from progress.
That is, he who is afraid to speak for his own advancement when an opportunity occurs, does injury to himself.
That is, someone who is afraid to advocate for their own progress when the chance arises, harms themselves.
He that speaks the thing he shouldna will hear the thing he wouldna.
He who says what he shouldn't will hear what he wouldn't.
He that speaks to himsel speaks to a fool.
He who talks to himself is talking to a fool.
He that speaks wi' a draunt an' sells wi' a cant, is right like a snake in the skin o' a saunt.
He who speaks with a slur and sells with a scheme, is just like a snake in the skin of a saint.
This humorous but withal libellous expression of opinion literally means, that they who speak in drawling, canting terms are wolves in sheep's clothing.
This funny yet also slanderous expression means that those who talk in a slow, preachy way are actually wolves in sheep's clothing.
He that speers a' gets wit but o' pairt.
He who asks questions gains knowledge, but only in part.
He that speers a' opinions comes ill speed.
He who asks for everyone's opinions won't go far.
He that spends before he thrives will beg before he thinks.
He who spends money before becoming successful will be begging before he even realizes it.
He that spends his gear before he gets 't will hae but little gude o't.
He who spends his money before he earns it will have very little good from it.
He that spits against the wind spits in his ain face.
He who spits against the wind spits in his own face.
He that's poor when he's married shall be rich when he's buried.
He who is poor when he's married will be rich when he's buried.
He that's rede for windlestraes should never sleep on leas.
He who is ready for trouble should never sleep in a field.
Equivalent to the English saying, "He that's afraid of the wagging of feathers must keep from among wild fowl;" and the Dutch one, "He who is afraid of leaves must not go to the wood."
Equivalent to the English saying, "If you're scared of feathers fluttering, stay away from wild birds;" and the Dutch one, "If you're scared of leaves, don't go into the woods."
He that's scant o' wind shouldna meddle wi' the chanter.
He who's low on wind shouldn't mess with the chanter.
A "chanter" is the drone of a bagpipe, and a good supply of wind is required to fill it. Proverbially applied to those who undertake more than they are able to accomplish.
A "chanter" is the part of a bagpipe that makes the sound, and you need a good amount of air to fill it. It's often used to describe people who take on more than they can handle.
He that steals a preen may steal a better thing.
He who steals a pin might steal something even better.
He that steals can hide.
A thief can conceal themselves.
He that strikes my dog wad strike mysel if he daur'd.
He who hits my dog would hit me if he dared.
He that stumbles twice at ae stane deserves to break his shin bane.
He who trips over the same stone twice deserves to break his shin.
For not removing the stumbling-block at first.
For not getting rid of the obstacle right away.
He that's welcome fares weel.
He who is welcome thrives.
He that thinks in his bed has a day without a night.
He who thinks in bed has a day without a night.
He that tholes owercomes.
He who endures overcomes.
To "thole" is to suffer or endure.
To "thole" means to suffer or endure.
He that tigs wi' a stranger pays the smart.
He who messes with a stranger pays the price.
He that tigs wi' the tailor gets a button in his sleeve.
He who messes around with the tailor ends up with a button in his sleeve.
He that tines his siller is thought to hae tint his wit.
He who loses his money is considered to have lost his mind.
Meaning that he who willingly loses or risks money is readily supposed to be a fool.
Meaning that someone who willingly loses or risks money is easily regarded as a fool.
He that wants content canna sit easy in his chair.
He who wants to be content can't sit comfortably in his chair.
He that wants to strike a dog ne'er wants stick.
He who wants to hit a dog never lacks a stick.
He that wears black maun wear a brush on his back.
He who wears black must carry a burden.
He that will be angry for onything will be angry for naething.[152]
Anyone who gets angry about anything will end up being angry about nothing.[152]
He that will to Cupar maun to Cupar.
He who wants to go to Cupar must go to Cupar.
Applied to foolish or reckless persons who persist in carrying on projects in the face of certain failure, of which they have been duly advised. Why Cupar, the capital of the kingdom of Fife, should have been selected as typical of such "pig-headedness," we are unable to say.
Applied to foolish or reckless people who continue with projects despite being warned about certain failure. We can't explain why Cupar, the capital of the kingdom of Fife, was chosen as a typical example of such "stubbornness."
He that winna be counselled canna be helped.
He who won't take advice can't be helped.
He that winna hear Mother Hood shall hear Stepmother Hood.
He who refuses to listen to Mother Hood will have to listen to Stepmother Hood.
"That is, they who will not be prevailed upon by fair means, shall meet with harsher treatment."—Kelly.
"Those who cannot be persuaded by reasonable methods will face tougher consequences."—Kelly.
He that winna lout and lift a preen will ne'er be worth a groat.
He who won’t bend down and pick up a pin will never be worth a dime.
That is, he who despises trifles will never be rich.
He who ignores the little things will never be wealthy.
He that winna thole maun flit mony a hole.
He who won't tolerate must move many times.
He who will not bear the crosses of the world patiently only increases his sorrows in trying to evade them.
He who won’t patiently endure the challenges of life only increases his troubles by trying to avoid them.
He that winna use the means maun dree the moans.
He who won't use the resources must deal with the consequences.
He that winna when he may, shanna when he wad.
He who won't when he can, won't when he wants.
"Spoken of him who has refused a good offer, and then would have it again."—Kelly.
"About someone who has turned down a great opportunity, only to wish they had it back later."—Kelly.
He that woos a maiden maun come seldom in her sight: he that woos a widow maun ply her day and night.
He who courts a young woman must appear rarely in her presence: he who courts a widow must pursue her day and night.
He that would climb the tree maun tak care o' his grip.
He who wants to climb the tree must take care of his grip.
He that would eat the kernal maun crack the nut.[153]
He who wants to eat the kernel must crack the nut.[153]
He that would pu' the rose maun sometimes be scarted wi' the thorns.
He who wants to pick the rose must sometimes get scratched by the thorns.
He thinks himsel nae sheepshank.
He thinks he's no fool.
Spoken of conceited persons who think themselves of great consequence.
Spoken about arrogant people who think they are very important.
He tines bottles gathering straes.
He twists caps off bottles.
A variation of "He starts at straes, and lets windlins gae." "Ye hae found it to your cost, that she is a most unreasonable, narrow, contracted woman, and wi' a' her 'conomical througality—her direction-books to mak grozart wine for deil-be-licket, and her Katy Fisher's cookery, whereby she would gar us trow she can mak fat kail o' chucky-stanes and an auld horse-shoe—we a' ken, and ye ken, laird, warst o' a', that she flings away the pease, and maks her hotch-potch wi' the shawps, or, as the auld byeword says, tynes bottles gathering straes."—The Entail.
A variation of "He starts at straws, and lets wind go." "You've learned the hard way that she's a very unreasonable, narrow-minded woman, and with all her economic stinginess—her recipe books for making cheap wine and her Katy Fisher's cookbook, where she would have us believe she can make good stew out of chicken bones and an old horseshoe—we all know, and you know, lord, worst of all, that she throws away the peas and makes her hotch-potch with the scraps, or, as the old saying goes, loses bottles while gathering straws."—The Entail.
Het kail cauld, nine days auld, spell ye that in four letters.
Het kail cauld, nine days old, spell you that in four letters.
The key to this childish puzzle is to be found in the word that: it has no deeper meaning.
The key to this childish puzzle is in the word that: it doesn't have any deeper meaning.
Het love, hasty vengeance.
Love and quick revenge.
Het sup, het swallow.
Het sup, het swallow.
He wad gang a mile to flit a sow.
He would walk a mile to move a pig.
"Spoken of sauntering persons, who would take any pretence to go from their proper business."—Kelly.
"Talking about people who stroll around and use any excuse to avoid their real responsibilities."—Kelly.
He was miss'd by the water, but caught by the widdie.
He was missed by the water, but caught by the tree.
He has escaped drowning only to be hanged, as "He that is to be hanged will never be drowned—unless the water goes over the gallows."—Dutch.
He has escaped drowning only to be hanged, as "He who is to be hanged will never drown—unless the water rises above the gallows."—Dutch.
He wasna the inventor o' gunpowder.
He wasn't the inventor of gunpowder.
Meaning that a person is very timid or cowardly.
Meaning that a person is very shy or afraid.
He was ne'er a gude aiver that flung at the brod.
He was never a good thrower who aimed at the broad.
"Spoken of them who spurn at reproof or correction, whom Solomon calls brutish."—Kelly.
"Talking about those who reject advice or correction, whom Solomon refers to as stupid."—Kelly.
He was scant o' grey cloth that soled his hose wi' dockens.
He had little gray cloth that patched his pants with dock leaves.
"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor."—Kelly.
"The return of an arrogant maid to those who inform her about an unsuitable suitor."—Kelly.
He was scant o' news that tauld his faither was hang'd.
He barely had any news that told his father was hanged.
"They're scarce of news who speak ill of their mother."—Irish.
"They have little news to share who speak badly of their mother."—Irish.
He was the bee that made the honey.
He was the bee that produced the honey.
He watsna whilk end o' him's upmost.
He doesn't know which end of him is up.
He does not know whether he stands on his head or his heels.
He doesn't know if he's coming or going.
He wears Langton's coat o' mail.
He wears Langton's armor.
"Once, in a skirmish with the English, the Laird of Langton, being unarmed, turned his coat inside out, to make his opponents believe he had on a coat of mail, and so rushed on to the fray. By 'Langton's coat of mail,' is meant a presumptuous but brave man."—G. Henderson.
"Once, during a fight with the English, the Laird of Langton, who was unarmed, turned his coat inside out to make his enemies think he was wearing armor and charged into battle. By 'Langton's coat of mail,' it refers to a bold but reckless man."—G. Henderson.
He wears twa faces aneath ae cowl.
He wears two faces under one hood.
He wha mair than his worth doth spend, aiblins a rape his life will end.
He who spends more than he's worth might end up losing his life.
He wha marries a maiden marries a pockfu' o' pleasure; he wha marries a widow marries a pockfu' o' pleas-sure.
He who marries a young woman marries a pocketful of pleasure; he who marries a widow marries a pocketful of pleasure.
"These two are always joined together, and are a dissuasive from marrying a widow, because she is often involved in law suits."—Kelly.
"These two are always connected and discourage marrying a widow because she is often caught up in legal battles."—Kelly.
He wha marries for love without money, hath merry nights and sorry days.
He who marries for love without money has joyful nights and regretful days.
He wha tells his wife a' is but newly married.
He who tells his wife this is only recently married.
He winna send you away wi' a fair heart.
He won't send you away with a good heart.
Or, he will not grant you the favour you are going to seek.
Or, he won't give you the favor you're about to ask for.
He woos for cake and pudding.
He courts for cake and pudding.
He would fain be forward if he wist how.
He would gladly be bold if he knew how.
He would fain rip up auld sairs.
He would gladly tear up old stairs.
That is, gladly rake up old grievances, to enable him to pick a quarrel.
That is, happily bring up old grievances to give him a reason to start an argument.
He would gar you trow that the mune's made o' green cheese.
He would have you believe that the moon is made of green cheese.
Applied to simple, credulous people, who readily believe the most absurd statements.
Applied to simple, gullible people, who easily believe the most ridiculous statements.
He wouldna lend his gully,—no! to the deil to stick himsel.
He wouldn't lend his knife—not even to the devil to stab himself.
In sarcastic allusion to those who decline to oblige borrowers, and who carry their principles so far that they "would not lend the devil a knife to cut his throat."—Italian.
In a sarcastic nod to those who refuse to help borrowers and hold their principles so strongly that they "wouldn't lend the devil a knife to cut his throat." —Italian.
He would need to be twice sheeled and ance grund that deals wi' you.
He would need to be twice as strong and grounded to handle you.
He would rake hell for a bodle.
He would cause trouble for a small amount of money.
He would skin a louse for the tallow o't.
He would skin a louse for the fat of it.
In allusion to greedy, parsimonious people, who would rather be put to a great deal of trouble than incur a trifling expense.
In reference to greedy, stingy people who would prefer to go through a lot of hassle rather than spend a small amount of money.
He would tine his lugs if they were not tacked to him.
He would pinch his ears if they weren't stuck to him.
He is so careless and forgetful, that he would lose his ears were they not attached to his head.
He is so careless and forgetful that he would lose his ears if they weren't attached to his head.
He's horn deaf on that side o' his head.
He's completely deaf in that ear.
That is, he is wilfully deaf on that subject.
He is intentionally ignoring that topic.
Highest in the court, nearest the widdie.
Highest in the court, closest to the gallows.
Highlanders—shoulder to shoulder.
Highlanders—standing united.
High trees show mair leaves than fruit.
High trees show more leaves than fruit.
In disparaging allusion to tall persons.
In a negative reference to tall people.
His absence is gude company.
His absence is good company.
His auld brass will buy her a new pan.
His old change will buy her a new pan.
Spoken of young maidens who marry wealthy old men, meaning that when the husband dies his money will help her to a younger one.
Spoken of young women who marry rich older men, suggesting that when the husband dies, his money will enable her to find a younger partner.
But his old cash can buy you a new pan; Then, daughter, you shouldn't be so mean to show. "For old Rob Morris is the man you must love."
His bark's waur nor his bite.
His bark is worse than his bite.
"'Hout, mother,' said Hobbie, 'Elshie's no that bad a chield; he's a grewsome spectacle for a crooked disciple, to be sure, and a rough talker; but his bark is waur than his bite.'"—The Black Dwarf.
"'Look, mom,' said Hobbie, 'Elshie's not that bad of a kid; he's a pretty scary sight for a guy who's a bit twisted, that's for sure, and he talks rough; but his bark is worse than his bite.'"—The Black Dwarf.
His corn's a' caff.
His corn's a mess.
"I'll lay my lugs that's the true reason, and brawly does he ken his corn's a' caff, or he wadna keep the sack mouth tied, and try to put us aff wi' bletheration."
"I'll bet my ears that's the real reason, and he definitely knows his stuff or he wouldn’t keep the sack closed and try to distract us with nonsense."
His e'ening sang and his morning sang are no baith alike.
His evening song and his morning song are not both the same.
His eggs hae a' twa yolks.
His eggs have double yolks.
His geese are a' swans.
His geese are swans.
Or, his stories are all of a Munchausen order, told more for the sake of effect than of truth.
Or, his stories are all like those of Baron Munchausen, told more for the sake of drama than for the truth.
His head will never fill his faither's bonnet.
His head will never fit his father's hat.
His head's in a creel.
His head's in a basket.
Should I even dare to hope to spell With Allan, or with Gilbertfield,
The hills of fame; Or Ferguson, the writer dude,
An immortal name.
His heart's in his hose.
His heart's in his feelings.
His meal's a' daigh.
His meal's a disaster.
His purse and his palate are ill met.
His wallet and his taste don’t match well.
As the first is light, while the second is heavy.
As the first one is light, while the second one is heavy.
His room's better than his company.
His room is nicer than his company.
His tongue's nae slander.
His tongue's not slander.
For his bad character or motives are so well known that none would believe him were he to speak ill of a person.
For his bad character and motives are so well known that no one would believe him if he spoke badly about someone.
His wame thinks his wizen's cut.
His belly thinks his face's look.
This humorous saying is expressive of the most extreme hunger, when the belly has come to the conclusion that the throat has been cut, and all further supply of food stopped.
This funny saying reflects the deepest level of hunger, when the stomach feels like it's been completely deserted, and there's no more food coming.
His wit gat wings and would hae flown, but pinchin' poortith pu'd him down.
His wit took flight and almost soared, but nagging poverty held him back.
Honest men marry soon, wise men never.
Honest guys get married quickly, while smart guys never do.
Honesty hauds lang the gate.
Honesty holds the gate long.
To "haud the gate" is to "maintain the even tenor of your way."
To "hold the gate" is to "keep a steady course."
Honesty may be dear bought, but can ne'er be an ill pennyworth.
Honesty might be hard to come by, but it's never a bad deal.
Honours change manners.
Respect changes behavior.
Hooly and fairly gangs far in a day.
Hooly and fairly gangs far in a day.
"Working constantly, though soberly (slowly), will despatch a great deal of business."—Kelly.
"Working steadily and thoughtfully will get a lot done."—Kelly.
Hooly and fairly men ride far journeys.
Hooly and fairly, men travel long distances.
Hope hauds up the head.
Hope keeps your head up.
Hope is sawin' while death is mawin'.
Hope is growing while death is destroying.
Hope weel and hae weel.
Wish you well and take care.
Horns an' grey hair dinna aye come o' years.
Horns and gray hair don’t always come with age.
Horses are gude o' a' hues.
Horses come in all colors.
"A good horse ne'er had a bad colour."—English.
"A good horse never had a bad color."—English.
Hotter war sooner peace.
Hotter war, quicker peace.
Hout your dogs and bark yoursel.
Hound your dogs and bark yourself.
"A sharp return to those that say 'Hout' to us, which is a word of contempt; in Latin, apage!"—Kelly.
"A quick comeback to those who say 'Hout' to us, which is a word of disdain; in Latin, apage!"—Kelly.
Humble worth and honest pride gar presumption stand aside.
Humble worth and honest pride allow arrogance to take a back seat.
Hunger is hard in a hale maw.
Hunger is tough in a strong stomach.
Or, to a healthy stomach.
Or, to a healthy gut.
Hunger me, and I'll harry thee.
Hunger me, and I'll chase you.
"If servants get not their meat honestly and decently, they will neglect their master's business, or embezzle his goods."—Kelly.
"If workers don't receive their food fairly and respectfully, they will ignore their boss's responsibilities or steal from him."—Kelly.
Hunger never fails of a gude cook.
Hunger never fails to find a good cook.
Hunger's gude kitchen.
Hunger’s good kitchen.
"Hunger is the best sauce."—English.
"Hunger is the best seasoning."—English.
Hunger's gude kitchen to a cauld potato, but a wet divot to the lowe o' love.
Hunger's a good cook for a cold potato, but a wet clod for the warmth of love.
That is, hunger is good sauce for common meat, but a wet turf (vulgariter, "a damper") to love.
That is, hunger is a great seasoning for ordinary food, but it puts a damper on love.
Hunger will break through stane wa's.
Hunger will break through stone walls.
The English add to this, "or anything except a Suffolk cheese."
The English add, "or anything but a Suffolk cheese."
Hungry dogs are blythe o' bursten puddins.
Hungry dogs are happy with bursting puddings.
"To him who is hungry any bread seems good, or none comes amiss."—Ray.
"To someone who is hungry, any bread looks good, or none is a bad option."—Ray.
Hungry folk are soon angry.
Hungry people get angry quickly.
Hungry stewards wear mony shoon.
Hungry waitstaff wear many shoes.
ance gied a dog his hansel, an' he was hanged ere night.
ance gave a dog his treat, and he was hanged before night.
Used as a reason for not giving a gratuity, intimating that it would harm rather than benefit a person.
Used as an excuse for not leaving a tip, suggesting that it would actually hurt a person instead of helping them.
I bake nae bread by your shins.
I don't bake any bread by your shins.
Or, I am not indebted to you for any obligation.
Or, I don't owe you anything.
I brought him aff the moor for God's sake, and he begins to bite the bairns.
I took him off the moor for crying out loud, and then he starts to bite the kids.
"Spoken when they whom we have supported make unhandsome and unthankful returns."—Kelly.
"Spoken when those we have helped respond in an ungrateful and unpleasant way."—Kelly.
I canna afford ye baith tale and lugs.
I can’t afford both your story and your ears.
Spoken to a person who is inattentive to what has been said to him, and who asks to have it repeated.
Spoken to someone who isn’t paying attention to what has been said and asks for it to be repeated.
I canna baith spin an' rin.
I can't both spin and run.
I canna sell the cow an' sup the milk.
I can't sell the cow and drink the milk.
"He cannot eat his cake and have it."—English.
"He can't have his cake and eat it too."—English.
I can scarce believe ye, ye speak so fair.
I can hardly believe you, you speak so nicely.
I can see as far into a millstane as he that pick'd it.
I can see as far into a millstone as the person who picked it.
I carena whether the fire gae about the roast, or the roast gae about the fire, if the meat be ready.
I don't care whether the fire is responsible for cooking the roast, or the roast is cooking the fire, as long as the meat is ready.
That is, no matter what means are employed to accomplish an end, so that it be done.
That is, no matter what methods are used to achieve a goal, as long as it's done.
I carena whether the tod worry the goose, or the goose worry the tod.
I care whether the toad worries the goose, or the goose worries the toad.
I could hae done that mysel, but no sae weel.
I could have done that myself, but not as well.
I deny that wi' baith hands and a' my teeth.
I completely deny that with both hands and all my might.
Expressive of the most emphatic denial.
Strongest denial expressed.
Idle dogs worry sheep.
Lazy dogs scare sheep.
Idle young, needy auld.
Idle youth, needy old.
If a' be weel I'll be wyteless.
If everything goes well, I'll be clueless.
"Spoken with a suspicion that all will not be well, and if so, I have no hand in it."—Kelly.
"Spoken with a suspicion that things won't turn out well, and if that's the case, I have no part in it."—Kelly.
If a' bowls row right.
If a bowls roll right.
"Ye are right, Mr Owen—ye are right; ye speak weel and wisely; and I trust bowls will row right, though they are awee ajee e'enow."—Rob Roy.
"You’re right, Mr. Owen—you’re right; you speak well and wisely; and I hope things will turn out okay, even though they’re a bit off right now."—Rob Roy.
If ae sheep loup the dyke, a' the rest will follow.
If one sheep jumps over the fence, all the others will follow.
If a gude man thrive, a' thrives wi' him.
If a good man succeeds, he succeeds with him.
If a lee could hae chokit you, ye wad hae been dead langsyne.
If a leak could have choked you, you would have been dead a long time ago.
An indirect or jocular manner of intimating to a person that he is guilty of falsehood.
A joking or roundabout way of suggesting to someone that they're lying.
If a man's gaun down the brae ilka ane gies him a jundie.
If a man goes down the hill, everyone gives him a shout.
"If" an' "an" spoil mony a gude charter.
"If" and "an" spoil many a good charter.
If ane winna, anither will; sae are maidens married.
If one won't, another will; that's how maidens get married.
If ane winna, anither will—the morn's the market day.[162]
If one won't, another will—the morning's the market day.[162]
If a' thing's true, that's nae lee.
If something's true, that's not a lie.
A saying expressive of unbelief of some improbable story.
A saying that shows disbelief in some unlikely story.
If a' things were to be done twice, ilka ane wad be wise.
If everything were done twice, everyone would be smart.
If a' your hums and haws were hams and haggises, the parish needna fear a dearth.
If all your hesitations were hams and haggis, the community wouldn't have to worry about a shortage.
"To 'Hum and Haw,' to dally or trifle with one about any business by indefinite and unintelligible language."—Jamieson.
"To 'Hum and Haw' means to procrastinate or waste time with someone regarding any matter using vague and unclear language."—Jamieson.
If better were within better wad come out.
If better were in reach, then it would have come out.
If Candlemas day be dry and fair, the half o' winter's to come and mair; if Candlemas day be wet and foul, the half o' winter's gane at Yule.
If Candlemas Day is dry and clear, we’ll have the second half of winter to come; if Candlemas Day is wet and gloomy, the second half of winter is gone by Yule.
If e'er you mak a lucky puddin' I'll eat the prick.
If you ever make a lucky pudding, I'll eat the prick.
"That is, I am much mistaken if ever you do good."—Kelly.
"That is, I would be very wrong if you ever did anything good."—Kelly.
If grass does grow in Janiveer, 'twill be the worse for't a' the year.
If grass grows in January, it will be bad for the whole year.
If he be na a souter, he's a gude shoe clouter.
If he's not a shoemaker, he's a good cobbler.
If he cannot make new shoes well, he is very good at repairing old ones.
If he can't make new shoes well, he's really good at fixing old ones.
If he binds his pock she'll sit down on't.
If he ties up his pocket, she'll sit on it.
"Spoken when a niggardly man is married on a more niggardly woman."—Kelly.
"Spoken when a stingy man marries an even stingier woman."—Kelly.
If he gies a duck he expects a goose.
If he gets a little something, he expects a lot.
If I canna do't by might I can do't wi' slight.
If I can't do it with strength, I can do it with skill.
If I canna keep my tongue I can keep my siller.[163]
If I can't hold my tongue, I can hold onto my money.[163]
If I canna kep geese I can kep gaislins.
If I can't keep geese, I can keep goslings.
"If I cannot work my revenge upon the principal author of my injury, I will upon his children, relations, or friends."—Kelly.
"If I can't get revenge on the person who caused me harm, I will go after their children, family, or friends."—Kelly.
If I come I maun bring my stool wi' me.
If I come, I have to bring my stool with me.
For, as I am not properly invited, there will be no seat allotted to me.
For, since I haven't been properly invited, there won't be a seat set aside for me.
If "ifs" an' "ans" were kettles an' pans there would be nae use for tinklers.
If "ifs" and "ands" were kettles and pans, there would be no need for tinkers.
"Were it not for 'if' and 'but,' we should all be rich for ever."—French.
"Were it not for 'if' and 'but,' we would all be rich forever."—French.
If I had a dog as daft, I wad shoot him.
If I had a dog that stupid, I’d put him down.
Signifying that mischievous or silly doings should be put a stop to.
Indicating that playful or foolish activities should come to an end.
If I had you at Maggy Mill's house, I would get word about wi' ye.
If I were at Maggy Mill's house with you, I would find out what you're up to.
Used when, in argument or dispute, a man has not a proper opportunity to defend himself.
Used when a person doesn't have a fair chance to defend themselves in an argument or dispute.
If I hae done amiss, I'll mak amends.
If I have done something wrong, I'll make it right.
If I live anither year, I'll ca' this fern-year.
If I live another year, I’ll call this fern year.
If I'm no kind I'm no cumbersome.
If I'm not kind, I’m not a burden.
If it be a faut it's nae ferlie.
If it's a mistake, it's no surprise.
Or, it is no wonder, as any other result should not have been expected.
Or, it's not surprising, as any other outcome wouldn't have been expected.
If it be ill it's as ill rused.
If it’s bad, it’s that poorly managed.
"Spoken of those who discommend what we have."—Kelly.
"Talking about those who criticize what we have."—Kelly.
If it can be nae better, it's weel it's nae waur.
If it can't be any better, at least it's not worse.
If it sair me to wear, it may sair you to look at.
If it hurts me to wear, it might hurt you to look at.
A pertinent reply to those who find fault with a person's dress.
A relevant response to those who criticize someone's clothing.
If it werena for hope the heart would break.
If it weren't for hope, the heart would break.
If it werena for the belly the back wad wear gowd.
If it weren't for the belly, the back would wear gold.
If it winna be a gude shoe we'll mak a bauchel o't.
If it isn't a good shoe, we'll make a mess of it.
If it winna sell it winna sour.
If it won't sell, it won't spoil.
Meaning that an article is good, and will not spoil by keeping.
Meaning that an article is good and won't go bad by being stored.
If marriages are made in heaven, you twa hae few friends there.
If marriages are made in heaven, you two have few friends there.
If ony body speir at ye, say ye dinna ken.
If anyone asks you, just say you don't know.
Meaning that a person is unwilling to give another some information.
Meaning that a person is not willing to share information with someone else.
"'Madge,' said Ratcliffe, 'have ye ony joes now?' 'An ony body ask ye, say ye dinna ken. Set him to be speaking of my joes, auld Daddie Ratton!'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Madge,' said Ratcliffe, 'do you have any money now?' 'If anyone asks you, say you don't know. Don't let him talk about my money, old Daddy Ratton!'"—Heart of Midlothian.
If she was my wife I would mak a queen o' her.
If she were my wife, I would make a queen out of her.
If strokes be gude to gie they'll be gude to tak.
If good strokes are good to give, they'll be good to take.
If that God gie the deil daurna reive.
If that God gives the devil no peace.
If the auld wife hadna been in the oven hersel, she ne'er wad hae thought o' looking for her dochter there.
If the old woman hadn't been in the oven herself, she never would have thought to look for her daughter there.
That is, if a person had not been guilty of a particular crime himself, he would never have suspected another of it. Kelly inserts this proverb, but says it is English; and Henderson makes it the subject of an illustration.
That is, if a person hadn't committed a specific crime themselves, they would never suspect someone else of it. Kelly includes this saying but claims it's English; and Henderson uses it as the basis for an example.
If the badger leave his hole the tod will creep in.
If the badger leaves his hole, the fox will sneak in.
If the deil be laird, ye'll be tenant.
If the devil is the landlord, you'll be the tenant.
If the deil find ye idle, he'll set ye to wark.
If the devil finds you slacking, he'll put you to work.
For "An idle brain is the devil's workshop."—English.
For "An idle brain is the devil's workshop."—English.
If the deil were dead, folk would do little for God's sake.
If the devil were dead, people wouldn't do much for God's sake.
If the laird slight the leddie his menyie will be ready.
If the lord disrespects the lady, his followers will be ready.
Menyie—the servants or followers will be ready to follow the example.
Menyie—the servants or followers will be eager to follow the example.
If the lift fa' the laverocks will be smoored.
If the lift for the larks gets smothered.
Literally, if the sky falls the larks will be smothered. Spoken when people are anticipating some very improbable occurrence.
Literally, if the sky falls, the larks will be smothered. Said when people are expecting some very unlikely event.
If the mare has a bald face the filly will hae a blaze.
If the mare has a bald face, the filly will have a blaze.
Equivalent to saying, that if the mother is of one complexion the child will be the opposite.
Equivalent to saying that if the mother has one skin tone, the child will have the opposite.
If this be a feast, I hae been at mony.
If this is a feast, I've been to many.
The inference is, that he is not pleased with the treatment he is receiving.
The implication is that he is unhappy with the way he is being treated.
If we canna preach in the kirk, we can sing mass in the quire.
If we can't preach in the church, we can still sing Mass in the choir.
If we haena the warld's wealth, we hae the warld's ease.
If we don't have the world's wealth, we have the world's comfort.
If wishes were horses beggars wad ride, and a' the warld be drowned in pride.
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, and the whole world would be drenched in pride.
If you be angry, claw your wame, an' cool i' the skin ye het in.
If you’re angry, scratch your belly and cool off in the skin you’re heated in.
"Spoken to them whose anger we value not."—Kelly.
"Talked to those whose anger we don't care about."—Kelly.
If you be angry, sit laigh and mease you.
If you're angry, sit down and calm yourself.
If ye be na gall'd ye needna fling.
If you’re not offended, you don’t need to throw.
Synonymous with the English saying, "If the cap fits, wear it."
Synonymous with the English saying, "If it applies to you, own it."
If ye dinna haud him he'll do't a'.
If you don't hold him back, he'll do it all.
Spoken of lazy people, meaning, that if not restrained they will do too much. Applied tauntingly of course.
Spoken of lazy people, meaning that if not held back, they will do too much. Used in a teasing way, of course.
If ye dinna like what I gie ye, tak what ye brought wi' ye.
If you don't like what I'm giving you, take what you brought with you.
If ye dinna see the bottom, dinna wade.
If you can't see the bottom, don't wade.
If you do not see your way clearly through an undertaking, do not venture on it at all.
If you don’t see your path clearly through a project, don’t take it on at all.
If ye do nae ill, dinna be ill like: if ye steal na my kail, breakna my dike.
If you don't do bad things, don't act badly: if you don't steal my greens, don't break my fence.
"He that would no evil do, must do nought that's like thereto."—English.
"He who wants to avoid doing evil must not do anything that resembles it."—English.
If ye gang a year wi' a cripple, ye'll limp at the end o't.
If you go a year with a cripple, you'll end up limping too.
For "Evil communications corrupt good manners."
For "Bad influences ruin good behavior."
If ye had as little money as ye hae manners, ye would be the poorest man o' a' your kin.
If you had as little money as you have manners, you would be the poorest person in your entire family.
If ye'll blaw your ain whistle, ye maun uphaud the win'.
If you want to blow your own horn, you have to stand by the wind.
If you had been anither, I would hae denied you the first word.
If you had been someone else, I would have denied you the first word.
Meaning that you are granted more indulgence than another would be if similarly situated.
Meaning that you are given more leniency than someone else would be in the same situation.
If ye had stuck a knife in my heart it wadna hae bled.
If you had stuck a knife in my heart, it wouldn’t have bled.
He was so much surprised by some information.
He was really surprised by some information.
If ye hae little gear ye hae less care.
If you have little stuff, you have less to worry about.
If ye're nae better, ye're snoder like, quo' the wife, when she cut off the doggie's lugs.[167]
If you’re no better, you’re just as bad, said the wife, when she cut off the dog’s ears.[167]
If you laugh at your ain sport, the company will laugh at you.
If you make fun of your own game, others will make fun of you.
If you lo'e me, let it kythe.
If you love me, let it happen.
That is, if you love me let it appear.
That is, if you love me, show it.
If ye like the nut, crack it.
If you like the nut, crack it.
If ye sell your purse to your wife, gie her your breeks to the bargain.
If you give your wallet to your wife, you might as well give her your pants too.
"For if your wife command your purse, she will certainly have the mastery in everything else."—Kelly.
"For if your wife controls your money, she will definitely be in charge of everything else."—Kelly.
If you spend muckle, put mair to the fore.
If you spend a lot, put more out front.
If you want your business weel done, do't yoursel.
If you want your business done well, don't do it yourself.
If you win at that you'll lose at naething.
If you win at that, you won't lose anything.
"Spoken to them that are about an ill thing, which will undoubtedly prove to their damage."—Kelly.
"Talking to those involved in a bad situation, which will definitely harm them."—Kelly.
"If you winna come you'll bide," quo' Rory to his bride.
"If you won't come, you'll stay," said Rory to his bride.
It was a matter of perfect indifference whether Rory got her or not.
It didn't really matter whether Rory got her or not.
If you would be a merchant fine, beware o' auld horses, herring, and wine.
If you want to be a successful merchant, be careful with old horses, herring, and wine.
Because, proverbially speaking, the first will die, the second stink, and the third sour.
Because, as the saying goes, the first will fail, the second will be unpleasant, and the third will go bad.
I gaed through the bear-land wi' him.
I went through the bear-country with him.
"This is a phrase used by a person who has gone through all the particulars of a quarrel with another, or told him all the grounds of umbrage at his conduct."—Jamieson.
"This is a phrase used by someone who has gone through all the details of an argument with another person or expressed all the reasons for being upset with their behavior."—Jamieson.
I gied his birn a hitch.
I gave his birth a tug.
Or, assisted him in a strait.
Or, helped him in a tough spot.
We'll probably meet again;
I'll give his spirit a boost, and help "To relieve him of his pain."
I had but little butter, an' that I coost on the coals.
I had very little butter, and I put that on the coals.
Said by a person who has been reduced either in circumstances, or in the possession of a particular article, signifying that even the little that was left had been allowed either by carelessness or accident to slip through his fingers.
Said by someone who has lost either their situation or a specific item, indicating that even the small amount that was left has been let go, either through carelessness or by chance.
I had nae mind that I was married, my bridal was sae feckless.
I had no idea that I was married; my wedding was so forgettable.
Meaning that a circumstance was of so little importance that no notice was taken of it.
Meaning that the situation was so trivial that no one paid attention to it.
I hae a gude bow, but it's i' the castle.
I have a good bow, but it's in the castle.
Satirically remarked of those who pretend that they could do great things if they had some article by them, but which they know very well is not near at hand.
Sarcastically commented on those who act like they could achieve great things if they just had some tool or item with them, even though they know full well that it’s not actually within reach.
I hae a Scotch tongue in my head—if they speak I'se answer.
I have a Scottish accent in my head—if they speak, I'll respond.
I hae baith my meat and my mense.
I have both my food and my sense.
I hae gi'en a stick to break my ain head.
I’ve given myself a stick to break my own head.
Engaged in an undertaking which will be to my own disadvantage.
Engaged in a task that will work against my own interests.
I hae gotten an ill kame for my ain hair.
I have gotten a bad comb for my own hair.
I hae had better kail in my cog, and ne'er gae them a keytch.
I’ve had better soup in my pot, and never gave them a catch.
"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor. It alludes to an art among the Scottish reapers, who, if their broth be too hot, can throw them up into the air, as they turn pancakes, without losing one drop of them."—Kelly.
"The comeback of a proud maid to those who mention an undeserving suitor. This refers to a skill among Scottish reapers, who can toss their broth into the air, just like flipping pancakes, without spilling a single drop."—Kelly.
I hae ither fish to fry.
I have other things to deal with.
I hae ither tow on my rock.
I have another two on my rock.
That is, I have other work to do.
That is, I have more work to do.
I hae mair dogs than I hae banes for.
I have more dogs than I have bones for.
I hae mair to do than a dish to wash.
I have more to do than wash a dish.
That is, I have work of importance to do.
That is, I have important work to do.
I hae muckle to do, and few to do for me.
I have a lot to do, and not many people to help me.
I hae my back to the wa': if I dinna slip I'll no fa'.
I have my back to the wall: if I don't slip I'll be fine.
A saying expressive of a feeling of confidence or security.
A saying that expresses a feeling of confidence or security.
I hae seen as fu' a haggis toom'd on the midden.
I have seen a full haggis dumped on the trash heap.
Or as good an article thrown away. Applied disparagingly to any article in question.
Or as good as an article thrown away. Used negatively for any item in question.
I hae seen mair snaw on ae dike, than now on seven.
I have seen more snow on one fence than I have on seven now.
I hae seen mair than I hae eaten, else ye wadna be here.
I have seen more than I have eaten, otherwise you wouldn't be here.
A sharp retort to those who doubt a statement of which the narrator has had ocular demonstration.
A quick response to those who question a claim that the narrator has seen firsthand.
I hae taen the sheaf frae the mare.
I have taken the sheaf from the mare.
I hae the Bible, an' there's no a better book in a' your aught.
I have the Bible, and there isn't a better book in all your possessions.
I hae tint the staff I herded wi'.
I have lost the staff I was herding with.
I have lost the support I depended upon.
I have lost the support I relied on.
I hae twa holes in my head, an' as mony windows.[170]
I have two holes in my head, and as many windows.[170]
"I hate 'bout gates," quo' the wife when she haurl'd her man through the ingle.
"I hate those gates," said the wife as she pulled her husband through the fireplace.
Meaning that she approves of straightforward conduct. Kelly says that the second part is "added only to make it comical."
Meaning that she approves of honest behavior. Kelly says that the second part is "added just to make it funny."
I ken a spune frae a stot's horn.
I know a story from a bull's horn.
"I had the honour to visit his late gracious Majesty, at his palace of Holyrood, where, I can assure you, I was as civilly entreated as the first in the land, not excluding the Lord Provost of Glasgow, tho' he and his tounfolk tried to put themselves desperately far forrit; but the king saw thro' them brawly, and kent a spoon frae a stot's horn as well as the maist of his liege subjects."—Motherwell.
"I had the honor of visiting his late gracious Majesty at his palace of Holyrood, where I can assure you I was treated as politely as anyone in the land, including the Lord Provost of Glasgow, even though he and his townsfolk tried hard to present themselves as superior. But the king saw right through them and could tell the difference between a spoon and a bull's horn just as well as most of his loyal subjects."—Motherwell.
I ken by my cog how the cow's milk'd.
I know by my thought how the cow's milked.
That is, I know by the appearance of a thing when it is properly done.
I can tell by how something looks when it's done right.
I ken by your half-tale what your hale tale means.
I know from your half-story what your whole story means.
Having told me so much I can guess the rest. Applied to those who come to borrow money.
Having told me so much, I can figure out the rest. This applies to those who come to borrow money.
I ken him as weel as if I had gane through him wi' a lighted candle.
I know him as well as if I had gone through him with a lit candle.
I ken how the warld wags: he's honour'd maist has moniest bags.
I know how the world works: the one who is most respected has the most money.
I ken your meaning by your mumping.
I understand what you mean by your grumbling.
Ilka bean has its black.
Ilka bean has its flaws.
"Ye hae had your ain time o't, Mr Syddall; but ilka bean has its black, and ilka path has its puddle; and it will just set you henceforth to sit at the board end, as weel as it did Andrew langsyne."—Rob Roy.
"You've had your time, Mr. Syddall; but every good thing has its downsides, and every path has its puddles; and it will just mean you’ll have to sit at the end of the table from now on, just like Andrew did long ago."—Rob Roy.
Ilka blade o' grass keps it's ain drap o' dew.
Ilka blade of grass keeps its own drop of dew.
Ilka corn has its shool.
Ilka corn has its school.
Ilka dog has its day.
Every dog has its day.
"'You have made a most excellent and useful purchase, Cuddie. But what is that portmanteau?' 'The pockmantle?' answered Cuddie: 'It was Lord Evandale's yesterday, and it's yours the day. I fand it ahint the bush o' broom yonder. Ilka dog has its day—ye ken what the auld sang says,
"'You’ve made a really great and useful purchase, Cuddie. But what’s that bag?' 'The big bag?' answered Cuddie. 'It belonged to Lord Evandale yesterday, and now it’s yours. I found it behind that bush over there. Every dog has its day—you know what the old song says,"
"'"Take turn about, mither," quo' Tam o' the Linn.'"—Old Mortality.
"‘Take turns, mother,’ said Tam o' the Linn."—Old Mortality.
Ilka land has its ain land-law.
Each country has its own laws.
"Jeannie Deans, writing from London to Reuben Butler, says,—'Ye will think I am turned waster, for I wear clean hose and shoon every day; but it's the fashion here for decent bodies, and ilka land has its ain land-law.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"Jeannie Deans, writing from London to Reuben Butler, says, 'You will think I've become wasteful because I wear clean stockings and shoes every day; but it's the trend here for respectable people, and every country has its own customs.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
Ilka land has its ain leid.
Ilka country has its own language.
"Leid," language.—Jamieson.
"Leid," language. — Jamieson.
Ilka man as he likes—I'm for the cook.
Ilka man as he likes—I’m for the cook.
Ilka man buckles his belt his ain gate.
Ilka man fastens his belt his own way.
"'Oh but, sir, what seems reasonable to your honour will certainly be the same to them,' answered Jeanie. 'I do not know that,' replied the Duke; 'ilka man buckles his belt his ain gate—you know our old Scots proverb?'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Oh, but sir, what seems reasonable to you will definitely be the same for them,' Jeanie replied. 'I’m not so sure about that,' said the Duke; 'every man fastens his belt his own way—you know our old Scots proverb?'"—Heart of Midlothian.
Ill bairns are aye best heard at hame.
Ill bairns are always best heard at home.
I'll big nae sandy mills wi' you.
I'll go to the sandy mills with you.
Or I will not join with you in any project.
Or I won't team up with you on any project.
Ill comes upon waur's back.
Ill comes upon war's back.
Parallel to the saying, "Misfortunes never come single." In this case it is more forcibly expressed, and means literally, a great misfortune is followed by a greater one.
Parallel to the saying, "Bad things come in threes." In this case, it’s stated more strongly and means literally, a big misfortune is followed by an even bigger one.
Ill counsel will gar a man stick his ain mare.
Ill counsel will make a man harm his own horse.
I'll do as the man did when he sell't his land.
I'll do what the guy did when he sold his land.
"That is, I will not do it again, for selling of an estate is a fault that few are twice guilty of."—Kelly.
"That is, I won’t do it again, because selling a property is something that few people do wrong more than once."—Kelly.
Ill doers are aye ill dreaders.
Ill doers are always ill dreaders.
Ill flesh ne'er made gude broo.
Ill flesh ne'er made gude broo.
Bad meat never made good soup; or, a bad man cannot be expected to do a good act.
Bad meat never makes good soup; or, a bad person can't be expected to do a good deed.
I'll gar him draw his belt to his ribs.
I'll make him tighten his belt around his waist.
Meaning that a person will be compelled to defend himself.
Meaning that a person will have to defend themselves.
I'll gar his ain garters bind his ain hose.
I'll get his own garters to tie his own stockings.
"That is, what expense his business requires I will take it out of his own money."—Kelly.
"Basically, I will take any costs his business needs from his own money."—Kelly.
I'll gar ye blairt wi' baith your een.
I'll make you cry with both your eyes.
I'll gar ye claw where its no yeuky.
I'll scratch you where it's not itchy.
"Ye bardy loon, gae but the house and mind your wark. Ye thought and they thought; but if it wasna mair for ae thing than anither, I hae a thought that wad gar baith you and them claw where it's no yeuky."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
"Hey, silly guy, go home and focus on your work. You thought and they thought; but if it wasn’t more about one thing than another, I have a feeling that would make both you and them scratch where it’s uncomfortable."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
I'll gar you sing Port-youl.
I'll get you to sing Portugal.
That is, cry, weep:—
That is, cry, weep:—
"And make them all sing up Port-yeull soon."
I'll get a better fore-speaker than you for nought.
I'll find a better spokesperson than you for nothing.
Ill getting het water frae 'neath cauld ice.
Ill getting het water frae 'neath cauld ice.
I'll gie ye a bane to pike that will haud your teeth gaun.
I'll give you a bone to pick that will keep your teeth going.
I will give you work to do which will keep you busy for a time.
I will assign you some tasks to keep you occupied for a while.
I'll gie ye a sark fu' o' sair banes.
I'll give you a shirt full of sore bones.
A shirtful of sore bones: vulgariter, a thrashing.
A shirt full of sore bones: vulgariter, a beating.
I'll gie ye let-a-bee for let-a-bee, like the bairns o' Kelty.
I'll give you a favor for a favor, like the kids from Kelty.
That is, he will give as good as he gets. "Let-a-bee for let-a-bee," generally speaking, is expressive of mutual forbearance; but the "bairns o' Kelty" reversed the usual meaning.
That is, he will fight back just as hard. "You get what you give," generally means to be understanding of each other; but the "kids from Kelty" turned that usual meaning upside down.
Ill got gear ne'er prospered.
Badly gotten gains never prosper.
I'll haud the grip I've got.
I'll hold the grip I've got.
"'When ye hae gotten the better o' the sore stroke o' the sudden removal of the golden candlestick o' his life from among us, ye'll do everything in a rational and just manner.'
"When you have gotten through the painful shock of the sudden loss of the golden light in his life from among us, you will handle everything in a reasonable and fair way."
"''Deed, I'll do nae sic things, mother,' was the reply; 'I'm mindit to haud the grip I hae gotten.'"—The Entail.
"''Really, I'm not going to do that, Mom,' was the reply; 'I plan to hold on to what I've got.'"—The Entail.
Ill hearing maks wrang rehearsing.
Poor hearing makes wrong rehearsing.
Ill herds mak fat tods.
Sick herds make fat toads.
I'll keep my mind to mysel, and tell my tale to the wind.
I'll keep my thoughts to myself and share my story with the wind.
Ill laying up maks mony thieves.
Ill laying up maks mony thieves.
Answered by people who are blamed for breach of confidence.
Answered by those who are accused of breaking trust.
I'll learn you to lick, for suppin's dear.
I'll teach you to appreciate it, for the sake of good food.
Ill-less, gude-less, like the priests' holy water.
Ill-less, good-less, like the priests' holy water.
I'll mak a shift, as Macwhid did wi' the preachin'.
I'll make a change, like Macwhid did with the preaching.
"Macwhid was a knowing countryman, and a great stickler for the king and the church. At the Restoration, clergymen being scarce, he was asked if he thought he could preach; he answered that he could make a shift; upon which he was ordained, and got a living."—Kelly.
"Macwhid was an aware countryman and a strong supporter of the king and the church. When the Restoration happened and there were few clergymen, he was asked if he thought he could preach. He replied that he could manage it, after which he was ordained and got a position."—Kelly.
I'll mak the mantle meet for the man.
I'll make the cloak fit for the man.
"That is, I'll pay you according as you serve me."—Kelly.
"That is, I'll pay you based on how well you serve me."—Kelly.
I'll neither mak or mar, as the young cock said when he saw the auld cock's neck thrawn.
I'll neither make nor break, as the young rooster said when he saw the old rooster's neck twisted.
I'll ne'er brew drink to treat drinkers.
I'll never make drinks for drinkers.
Applied to those who are slow to partake of anything which is offered to them, and signifying that although the article is good, still, if unwilling, they will not be "treated," i.e., urged or forced to take it.
Applied to those who are slow to engage with anything offered to them, and meaning that even if the item is good, if they are unwilling, they will not be "treated," i.e. urged or forced to accept it.
I'll ne'er buy a blind bargain, or a pig in a pock.
I'll never buy something I can't see, or a pig in a sack.
I'll ne'er dirty the bannet I'm gaun to put on.
I'll never dirty the hat I'm about to put on.
I'll ne'er keep a cow when I can get milk sae cheap.
I'll never keep a cow when I can get milk so cheap.
I'll ne'er keep a dog and bark mysel.
I'll never keep a dog and bark myself.
To "keep a dog," &c., is to keep servants and do their work for them.
To "keep a dog," etc., means to have servants and do their work for them.
I'll ne'er lout sae laigh an' lift sae little.
I'll never bow so low and rise so little.
That is, I will never put myself to so much trouble for such a small remuneration.
I won't go through all that effort for such a little payout.
I'll ne'er put the rogue aboon the gentleman.
I'll never put the scoundrel above the gentleman.
I'll no slip my dog afore the game's afoot.
I'll not let my dog go until the game begins.
I'll no tell a lee for scant o' news.
I'll not tell a lie for lack of news.
Ill payers are aye gude cravers.
Ill payers are always good beggars.
I'll pay you, and put naething in your pouch.
I'll pay you, and I won't put anything in your pocket.
Intimating that a person will give another a flogging.
Implying that someone will beat another person up.
I'll put daur ahint the door, and do't.
I'll put the door behind me and do it.
Or carry my threats into execution. Used when in a dispute one person "daurs" another to do such a thing.
Or put my threats into action. Used when, during a disagreement, one person dares another to do something like that.
I'll rather strive wi' the lang rigg than the ill neighbour.
I'd rather struggle with the long furrow than the bad neighbor.
Meaning that a person would rather conduct a large business himself than be troubled with a disagreeable partner.
Meaning that a person would prefer to run a big business on their own instead of dealing with an unpleasant partner.
Ill's the gout, an' waurs the gravel, but want o' wit maks mony a travel.
Ill's the gout, and worse is the gravel, but a lack of wit makes for a lot of trouble.
I'll say naething, but I'll yerk at the thinking.
I'll say nothing, but I'll work on the thinking.
He will keep his sorrows to himself, but the recollection of them will make him "yerk," i.e., writhe, or start with pain—applied in a mental sense.
He will keep his sorrows to himself, but remembering them will make him "yerk," i.e. writhe or jump in pain—used in a mental sense.
I'll see the stars gang withershins first.
I'll see the stars rotate counterclockwise first.
And beautiful summer mornings no longer appear rosy:
Leave you, leave you, I'll never leave you; "The stars will move counterclockwise before I trick you."
I'll sell my lad, quo' Livistone; I'll buy't, quo' Balmaghie.
I'll sell my boy, said Livistone; I'll buy him, said Balmaghie.
"If a man have a good pennyworth to sell, he will still find a buyer."—Kelly.
"If a man has something valuable to sell, he will always find a buyer."—Kelly.
I'll serve ye when ye hae least to do.
I'll help you when you have the least to do.
I'll take nae mair o' your counsel than I think fit.
I'll take no more of your advice than I think is appropriate.
I'll tak the best first, as the priest did o' the plooms.
I'll take the best first, like the priest did with the plums.
I'll tell the bourd, but no the body.
I'll tell the board, but not the body.
That is, I will tell the jest or story, but cannot mention the name of the person to whom it refers.
That is, I will share the joke or story, but I can't reveal the name of the person it’s about.
Ill weeds wax weel.
Bad people thrive.
A saying common to all nations. "Ill weeds grow apace."
A saying common to all nations: "Bad things grow quickly."
Ill will ne'er spak weel.
Ill will never speak well.
Ill won gear winna enrich the third heir.
Ill-gotten gains won’t benefit the third heir.
Ill won, ill wair'd.
Badly gotten, badly spent.
Ill workers are aye gude onlookers.
Ill workers are always good observers.
I'm as auld as your auncient.
I'm as old as your ancestor.
I maun do as the beggars do; when my wame's fu', gang awa.
I have to do what the beggars do; when I'm full, I just leave.
Spoken jocularly when a person who has been partaking of a meal with another rises to go away.
Spoken jokingly when someone who has been eating with another person gets up to leave.
"I'm but beginning yet," quo' the wife when she run wud.
"I'm just getting started," said the wife when she ran away.
I'm flytin' free wi' you.
I'm flying free with you.
That is, on terms of familiarity with you.
That is, on familiar terms with you.
I'm forejidged, forefoughten, and forejeskit.
I'm prejudged, pre-fought, and pre-jesked.
An alliterative saying of those who are very much fatigued.
An alliterative saying for those who are really tired.
I might bring a better speaker frae hame than you.
I might bring a better speaker home than you.
I'm neither sma' drink thirsty, nor grey bread hungry.
I'm neither thirsty for a small drink, nor hungry for dry bread.
Spoken when a person is not so freely entertained as he would like to be. Applied generally by those who do not get what they expect, and are offended thereat.
Spoken when someone isn’t being entertained as much as they’d like. Generally used by those who don’t get what they expect and feel offended because of it.
I'm no every man's dog that whistles on me.
I'm not any man's dog that he can whistle for.
I'm no obliged to simmer and winter it to you.[177]
I'm not required to endure and tolerate it for you.[177]
I'm no sae blind as I'm blear-e'ed.
I'm not so blind as I'm blurry-eyed.
That is, I am not so blind as unwilling to see.
That is, I am not too blind to see; I'm just not willing to.
I'm no sae scant o' clean pipes as to blaw wi' a brunt cutty.
I'm not so short on clean pipes that I'll smoke with a burnt one.
I'm no that fu', but I'm gayly yet.
I'm not that full, but I'm happily still here.
I am not fully satisfied, though I am nearly so.
I’m not completely satisfied, but I’m almost there.
I'm ower auld a dog to learn new tricks.
I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks.
I'm speaking o' hay and you o' horse corn.
I'm talking about hay and you're talking about corn for horses.
That is, I am talking on one subject, while you are talking on another.
That is, I’m discussing one topic, while you’re discussing another.
In a frost a nail is worth the horse.
In freezing weather, a nail is as valuable as a horse.
Because it may save the horse from falling, and perhaps losing its life. A mere trifle may, at an opportune moment, be of very great service.
Because it might save the horse from falling and possibly losing its life. A small thing can be incredibly useful at just the right moment.
In a thousand pounds o' law there's no an ounce o' love.
In a thousand pounds of law, there's not an ounce of love.
Industry maks a braw man and breaks ill fortune.
Industry makes a strong man and conquers bad luck.
I ne'er lo'ed meat that craw'd in my crappie.
I never loved fish that crawled in my crappie.
Metaphorically, I do not like to interfere with matters which may injure me.
Metaphorically, I prefer not to get involved in things that could harm me.
I ne'er lo'ed water in my shoon, and my wame's made o' better leather.
I never loved water in my shoes, and my belly's made of better material.
Spoken when a drink of water is offered to a person who is not so fond of it as he is of something stronger.
Spoken when someone is offered a drink of water but prefers something stronger.
I ne'er sat on your coat-tail.
I never sat on your coat tail.
That is, I never interfered with or impeded your progress in any way.
That means I never involved myself in or blocked your progress in any way.
In ower muckle clavering truth is tint.
In our overly much talking, the truth is lost.
Anglice, In too much gossiping truth is lost.
In English, When there's too much gossiping, the truth gets lost.
It comes to the hand like the bowl o' a pintstoup.
It feels like the bowl of a pint glass.
"It's been the gipsies that took your pockmanky, when they fand the chaise stickin' in the snaw; they wadna pass the like o' that: it wad just come to their hand like the bowl o' a pintstoup."—Guy Mannering.
"It's been the gypsies who took your money when they found the cart stuck in the snow; they wouldn't pass up something like that: it would just come to them like the bowl of a pint glass."—Guy Mannering.
I prick'd nae louse since I darned your hose, and then I might hae prick'd a thousand.
I haven't picked a single louse since I mended your stockings, and if I had, I could've picked a thousand.
Kelly attaches a meaningless remark to this proverb—"An answer of a tailor to him that calls him pricklouse." Is it not meant as a reply of one who may have been under the evil influence of another, and who, having shaken himself free of it, can say honestly that since he has done so he has been perfectly free, however much he may have been under it before?
Kelly adds a pointless comment to this proverb—"A tailor's response to someone who calls him a pricklouse." Isn't it meant to express the response of someone who may have been negatively affected by another person and, after freeing themselves from that influence, can honestly say that since then, they have been completely free, no matter how much they were affected before?
It canna be worse that's no worth a tinkler's curse.
It can't get worse than being unworthy of a tinker's curse.
It doesna set a sow to wear a saddle.
It doesn't make sense to put a saddle on a pig.
Or vulgar people to wear fine dress.
Or common people to wear nice clothes.
It gangs as muckle into my heart as my heel.
It weighs just as much on my heart as it does on my heel.
Ither folk are weel faur'd, but ye're no sae vera.
Ither people are good-looking, but you're not really.
To be "weel faur'd" is to be good-looking; and the proverb is a jocular allusion to the fact that the person addressed is not an Apollo.
To be "well-favored" means to be good-looking; and the saying is a playful reference to the fact that the person being spoken to is not an Apollo.
I think mair o' the sight than the ferlie.
I care more about the look than the surprise.
I think mair o' your kindness than it's a' worth.
I think more of your kindness than it’s all worth.
I think you hae taen the grumple-face.
I think you've got the grumpy face.
Applied to persons who make a show of displeasure at anything which may be said or done to them.
Applied to people who openly express their dissatisfaction with anything said or done to them.
It maun e'en be ower shoon ower boots wi' me now.
It must be over shoes over boots with me now.
That is, since I have gone so far in the matter, I must go through with it. "In for a penny in for a pound."—English.
That is, since I’ve come this far, I have to see it through. "In for a penny, in for a pound."—English.
It may be that swine may flee, but it's no an ilka day's bird.
It might be that pigs can fly, but that's not an everyday occurrence.
An emphatic expression of incredulity at an extraordinary, or what may be deemed improbable, statement.
An intense way of expressing disbelief at an extraordinary or seemingly unlikely statement.
It may be true what some men say; it maun be true what a' men say.
It could be true what some guys say; it must be true what everyone says.
It may come in an hour what winna gang in seven years.
It might happen in an hour that won't happen in seven years.
It's a bare moor that ye gang through an' no get a heather cow.
It's a bare moor that you walk through and not a heather cow in sight.
A "heather cow," a twig or tuft of heath. Equivalent to the English saying, "It is a long lane that has no turning."
A "heather cow," a small branch or clump of heath. It's similar to the English saying, "It's a long road that doesn't have a bend."
It's a bauch brewing that's no gude in the newing.
It's a bad situation that's not good in the new.
"It's a bauld moon," quo' Bennygask—"Anither pint," quo' Lesley.
"It's a bright moon," said Bennygask—"Another pint," said Lesley.
This saying has nothing to recommend it but its antiquity. It expresses the reluctance of a convivial party to break up.
This saying has nothing to support it except for its age. It shows how hesitant a group of friends is to end a good time together.
"'Hout, awa, Inverashalloch,' said Galbraith;—'Mind the auld saw, man—It's a bauld moon, quo' Bennygask—Anither pint, quo' Lesley;—we'll no start for anither chappin.'"—Rob Roy.
"'Hout, away, Inverashalloch,' said Galbraith;—'Remember the old saying, man—It's a bold moon, said Bennygask—Another pint, said Lesley;—we won't start for another round.'"—Rob Roy.
It's a cauld stamach that naething hets on.
It's a cold stomach that nothing warms up.
It's dry tale that disna end in a drink.[180]
It's a boring story that doesn't end with a drink.[180]
It's a far cry to Lochow.
It's a long way to Lochow.
That any speaking or application is useless. The person addressed either will not or cannot hear.
That any speaking or application is pointless. The person being addressed either won't or can't listen.
It's a friend that ruses you.
It's a friend who tricks you.
It's a gude goose that draps aye.
It's a good goose that drops every time.
It's a gude maut that comes wi' will.
It's a good death that comes with will.
It's a gude poor man's blade; it will bend ere it break.
It's a good blade for a poor man; it will bend before it breaks.
"Spoken of an ill-tempered knife, that will stand as it is bent, or the like."—Kelly.
"Speaking of a bad-tempered knife, it will stay bent as it is, or something similar."—Kelly.
It's a gude tongue that says nae ill, but a better heart that thinks nane.
It's a good tongue that speaks no harm, but a better heart that thinks none.
It's a gude tree that has neither knap nor gaw.
It's a good tree that has neither knot nor flaw.
That is, a good thing that is without fault.
That is, a good thing that has no flaws.
It's a gude enough warld if it haud.
It's a good enough world if it holds.
A jocular reply to those who complain that this world is a "weary" one.
A playful response to those who say that this world is a "weary" place.
It's a gude warld, but it's ill divided.
It's a good world, but it's unfairly divided.
To prevent things from getting bitter at times,
To see how things are shared,—
Sometimes, the best of people are in need,
While people on countless thousands rant,
And know how to wear it.
It's a gude warld, but they're ill that are in't.
It's a good world, but the people in it are not great.
It's a gude wood that hath ne'er a withered branch in it.
It's a good tree that doesn't have a single withered branch.
It's a lamb at the up-takin', but an auld sheep or ye get it aff.
It's a lamb at the start, but an old sheep once you get it off.
In allusion to the unconscious contraction of bad habits.
In reference to the unintentional development of bad habits.
It's an ill bargain where nane wins.
It's a bad deal when no one wins.
It's an ill bird that files its ain nest.
It's a bad bird that messes up its own nest.
"Where's the use o' vilifying ane's country, and bringing a discredit on ane's kin, before Southrens and strangers? It's an ill bird that files its ain nest."—Rob Roy.
"What's the point of trashing your own country and bringing shame on your family in front of Southerners and outsiders? It's a bad bird that soils its own nest."—Rob Roy.
It's an ill cause that the lawyer thinks shame o'.
It's a bad case that the lawyer feels embarrassed about.
It's an ill fight where he that wins has the warst o't.
It's a bad fight when the one who wins comes off worse.
It's an ill kitchen that keeps the bread awa.
It's a bad kitchen that keeps the bread away.
Or an ill master that starves his servants.
Or a cruel master who neglects his servants.
It's an ill pack that's no worth the custom.
It's a bad deal that's not worth the trouble.
It's an ill thow that comes frae the north.
It's a bad storm that comes from the north.
It's an ill turn that patience winna owercome.
It's a bad situation that patience can't overcome.
It's an ill wind that blaws naebody gude.
It's a bad situation that doesn't benefit anyone.
It's a' outs an' ins, like Willie Wood's wife's wame.
It's all ups and downs, like Willie Wood's wife's belly.
It's a pity fair weather should e'er do harm.
It's a shame that nice weather can ever cause trouble.
It's a poor tongue that canna tell its ain name.
It's a weak tongue that can't say its own name.
"'Nane o' your deil's play-books for me,' said Lucky Dods; 'it's an ill world since sic prick-my-dainty doings came into fashion. It's a poor tongue that canna tell its ain name, and I'll hae nane o' your scarts upon pasteboard.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'Not one of your devil's playbooks for me,' said Lucky Dods; 'it's a bad world since such nonsense became popular. It's a poor language that can't say its own name, and I won't have any of your scribbles on cardboard.'"—St Ronan's Well.
It's a poor world that winna gie a bit and a brat.
It's a tough world that won't give a little bit and a small cloth.
It's a rare thing for siller to lack a maister.
It's rare for a silver coin to be without a master.
It's a sair dung bairn that mayna greet.
It's a sad, neglected child that can't cry.
It's a sair time when the mouse looks out o' the meal barrel wi' a tear in its ee.
It's a sad time when the mouse looks out of the meal barrel with a tear in its eye.
It's a sairy collop that's ta'en aff a chicken.
It's a greasy piece taken off a chicken.
It's a sairy flock where the ewie bears the bell.
It's a sorry group where the ewe wears the bell.
That is, a "sairy," uncomfortable, or poor house where the wife commands, "though," as Kelly slily remarks, "there are some such houses in the world."
That is, a "sairy," uncomfortable, or poor house where the wife is in charge, "though," as Kelly cleverly points out, "there are some such houses in the world."
It's a sairy mouse that has but ae hole.
It's a sorry mouse that has only one hole.
It's a shame to eat the cow an' worry on the tail.
It's a shame to eat the cow and worry about the tail.
To "eat the cow," &c., is to overlook very great faults, and make a severe example of a trifling one.
To "eat the cow," etc., means to ignore major mistakes and harshly punish a minor one.
It's a silly hen that canna scrape for ae bird.
It's a foolish hen that can't scratch for a single bird.
It's a sin to lee on the deil.
It's a sin to lie on the devil.
It's a sma' sheil that gies nae shelter.
It's a small shed that gives no protection.
It's as plain as a pike staff.
It's as obvious as can be.
"Na, na, gudeman, ye needna be sae mim; every body kens, and I ken too, that ye're ettling at the magistracy. It's as plain as a pike staff, gudeman, and I'll no let ye rest if ye dinna mak me a bailie's wife or a' be done."—The Provost.
"Come on, come on, my good man, you don’t need to be so subtle; everyone knows, and I know too, that you're aiming for the position of magistrate. It's as obvious as can be, my good man, and I won't let you off the hook if you don't make me a bailiff's wife or I'm finished."—The Provost.
It's a sooth dream that's seen waking.
It's a true dream that's seen while awake.
It's a sour reek when the gudewife dings the gudeman.
It's a sour stench when the wife hits the husband.
"A man in my country coming out of his house with tears on his cheeks, was asked the occasion; he said, 'There was a sour reek in the house;' but, upon further inquiry, it was found that his wife had beaten him."—Kelly.
"A man in my country walked out of his house with tears on his cheeks. When he was asked why, he said, 'There was a sour smell in the house;' but upon further questioning, it turned out that his wife had beaten him."—Kelly.
It's a staunch house that there's never a drap in.
It's a sturdy house that's never lacking in anything.
It's as true as Biglam's cat crew, and the cock rock'd the cradle.[183]
It's as true as Biglam's cat crew, and the rooster rocked the cradle.[183]
It's a thrawn-fac'd wean that's gotten against the father's will.
It's a spiteful child that's gone against the father's wishes.
It's a' tint that's done to auld folk an' bairns.
It's a tint that's done for old folks and kids.
"It's aye gude to be ceevil," quo' the auld wife when she beckit to the deevil.
"It's always good to be civil," said the old woman as she waved to the devil.
A dying Spaniard was being exhorted by his confessor, who told him that the wicked were sent to hell and subjected to all manner of torments by the devil. "I hope," said the Spaniard, "my lord the devil is not so cruel." His confessor reproved the levity of the wish. "Excuse me," said the Don, "I know not into whose hands I may fall; and if I happen to fall into his, I hope he will use me the better for giving him good words."
A dying Spaniard was being urged by his confessor, who told him that the wicked were sent to hell and faced all sorts of torments from the devil. "I hope," said the Spaniard, "my lord the devil isn't so cruel." His confessor scolded him for his lightheartedness. "Forgive me," said the Don, "I don’t know whose hands I might end up in; and if I happen to end up in his, I hope he’ll treat me better for speaking kindly to him."
It's best travelling wi' a horse in your hand.
It's best to travel with a horse in your hand.
Simply, that it is better to travel on horseback than on foot.
Simply put, it’s better to travel on horseback than on foot.
It's better sheltering under an auld hedge than under a new planted wood.
It's better to take cover under an old hedge than under a newly planted forest.
It's better to drag soon than draw late.
It's better to deal with things quickly than to handle them late.
"Signifying that it is preferable to use strong measures in proper season, than such as are more feeble when it is too late."—Jamieson.
"Indicating that it's better to take strong actions at the right time than to use weaker ones when it's too late."—Jamieson.
It's better to sup wi' a cutty than want a spoon.
It's better to dine with a sharp person than to go without a utensil.
It's but a year sooner to the begging.
It's only a year earlier to the beginning.
"Facetiously spoken when we design to be at a little more expense than we thought."—Kelly.
"Jokingly said when we plan to spend a bit more than we originally expected."—Kelly.
It's but kindly that the pock savour of the herring.
It's just nice that the smell of the herring is pleasant.
Literally, it is but natural that the bag should bear traces of what it has contained.
It’s just normal for the bag to show signs of what it has held.
It's by the mouth o' the cow that the milk comes.
It's from the cow's mouth that the milk comes.
According to the meat given, or means employed, is the quality of milk, or the result obtained.
According to the type of feed or methods used, that's how good the milk quality will be or what kind of results you'll get.
It's clean about the wren's door when there's nought within.
It's clear by the wren's door when there's nothing inside.
It's dear coft honey that's licked aff a thorn.
It's dear soft honey that's licked off a thorn.
It's drink will you, but no drink shall you.
It's drink will you, but no drink shall you.
That is, a person's hospitality is not very warm. For courtesy's sake he offers refreshments, but does not press them.
That is, a person's hospitality isn't very warm. Just out of politeness, he offers refreshments but doesn't insist on them.
It's easier to big lums than keep them reeking.
It's easier to make big messes than to keep them from smelling.
It's easier to forgie than to forget.
It's easier to forgive than to forget.
It serves naething to strive wi' cripples.
It’s pointless to struggle with the disabled.
"'Aweel, aweel,' said Hobbie, mounting his horse, 'it serves naething to strive wi' cripples,—they are aye cankered; but I'll just tell you ae thing, neighbour, that if things be otherwise than weel wi' Grace Armstrong, I'se gie you a scouther if there be a tar barrel in the five parishes.'"—The Black Dwarf.
"'Well, well,' said Hobbie, getting on his horse, 'it doesn't work to argue with cripples—they're always grumpy; but let me tell you one thing, neighbor, if things aren’t good with Grace Armstrong, I’ll give you a scare if there’s a tar barrel in the five parishes.'"—The Black Dwarf.
It sets a haggis to be roasted.
It arranges for a haggis to be roasted.
It sets you weel to gab wi' your bannet on.
It’s good to chat with your hat on.
It's far to seek an' ill to find.
It's hard to look for and tough to find.
It's folly to live poor to dee rich.
It's foolish to be poor just to seem rich.
It's gane the thing I lo'ed you for.
It's gone, the thing I loved you for.
It's God that feeds the craws, that neither till, harrow, nor saw.
It's God who feeds the maws, that neither plow, harrow, nor saw.
It's growing to the grund, like a stirk's tail.
It's growing to the ground, like a young cow's tail.
Meaning that a person, or project, is not progressing favourably.
Meaning that a person or project is not making good progress.
It's gude fighting under a buckler.
It's good fighting under a shield.
It's gude fishing in drumly waters.
It's good fishing in muddy waters.
It's gude fish when it's gripp'd.
It's good fish when it's caught.
It's gude game that fills the wame.
It's a good game that fills the belly.
It's gude gear that pleases the merchant.
It's good stuff that makes the merchant happy.
It's gude sleeping in a hale skin.
It's good sleeping in a whole skin.
It's gude to begin weel, but better to end weel.
It's good to start well, but it's even better to finish well.
It's gude to be in your time; ye kenna how lang it may last.
It's good to be in your time; you never know how long it might last.
"It's gude to be merry and wise," quo' the miller when he mouter'd twice.
"It's good to be happy and smart," said the miller when he mumbled twice.
The miller must have been more rogue than fool when he thus took advantage of his customers, for to "mouter," as he did, is to take the fees twice over.
The miller must have been more of a cheat than a fool when he took advantage of his customers like this, because to "mouter," as he did, is to charge the fees twice.
It's gude to be out o' harm's gate.
It's good to be out of harm's way.
It's gude to be sib to siller.
It's good to be close to money.
To be "sib to siller," is to be related to rich persons.
To be "related to wealthy people" means to have connections to those who are rich.
It's gude to dread the warst, the best will be the welcomer.
It's good to expect the worst; the best will be more welcome.
"Expect the worst, hope for the best, and bear whatever happens."—English.
"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and deal with whatever comes your way."—English.
It's gude to hae friends baith in heaven and in hell.
It's good to have friends both in heaven and in hell.
It's gude to hae your cog out when it rains kail.
It's good to have your head up when it rains kale.
That is, it is good to take advantage of any opportunities of benefit or advancement which may come in our way: to "make hay while the sun shines."
In other words, it's smart to seize any chances for benefit or progress that come our way: to "make hay while the sun shines."
It's hard baith to hae and want.
It's hard to both have and want.
It's hard for a greedy ee to hae a leal heart.
It's hard for a greedy person to have a loyal heart.
Or for a covetous person to be honest.
Or for a greedy person to be honest.
It's hard for an auld mare to leave aff flinging.
It's hard for an old horse to stop kicking.
It's hard to be poor and leal.
It's tough to be poor and loyal.
It's hard to keep flax frae the lowe.
It's hard to keep flax from the flame.
It's hard to sit in Rome and strive wi' the pope.
It's tough to be in Rome and compete with the pope.
It's ill ale that's sour when it's new.
It's bad beer that's sour when it's fresh.
It's ill baith to pay and to pray.
It's bad for both paying and praying.
It's ill bringing but what's no ben.
It's bad luck to bring something that wasn't meant to be.
The meaning of this proverb is, that it is ill to produce what we are not possessed of.
The meaning of this proverb is that it’s harmful to create what we don't have.
And send for beer to Maggy Pickens,'—
"Hout I," she said, "you can well know,
It's poorly said, but that's not there. Just last week, not far gone,
The lord had to pay his rent.
It's ill limping before cripples.
It's sick limping before disabled.
It's ill meddling between the bark and the rind.
It's unwise to interfere between the outer layer and the inner part.
"It is a troublesome and thankless office to concern ourselves in the jars and outfalls of near relations, as man and wife, parents and children, &c."—Kelly.
"It’s a difficult and ungrateful job to get involved in the troubles and conflicts of close relatives, like husbands and wives, parents and children, etc."—Kelly.
It's ill praising green barley.
It's bad to praise green barley.
Because it is hard to tell how it will turn out.
Because it's hard to know how it will turn out.
It's ill speaking between a fu' man and a fasting.
It's not right to talk between a full man and someone who's hungry.
"I have been waiting this hour for you, and I have had a snack myself; and, as they used to say in Scotland in my time—I do not ken if the word be used now—there is ill talking between a full body and a fasting."—Heart of Midlothian.
"I've been waiting here for you for an hour, and I've had a snack myself; and, as people used to say in Scotland back in my day—I don't know if they still say it now—it's hard to have a good conversation when one's full and the other is hungry."—Heart of Midlothian.
It's ill taking corn frae geese.
It's wrong to take corn from geese.
It's ill to be ca'd a thief, an' aye found picking.
It's wrong to be called a thief, always being caught stealing.
"It is ill to have a bad name, and to be often found in a suspicious place or posture."—Kelly.
"It’s not good to have a bad reputation and to be frequently seen in a shady place or situation."—Kelly.
It's ill to mak an unlawful oath, but waur to keep it.
It's wrong to make an unlawful oath, but it's worse to keep it.
It's ill to put a blythe face on a black heart.
It's wrong to pretend to be happy when you're really bitter inside.
It's ill to quarrel wi' a misrid warld.
It's wrong to argue with a misguided world.
It's ill to say it's wrang when my lord says it's right.
It's wrong to say it's wrong when my lord says it's right.
It is ill or dangerous to speak against those who are in authority.
It is unwise or risky to speak out against those in power.
It's ill to tak the breeks aff a Hielandman.
It's unwise to take the pants off a Highlander.
Highlanders proper wear none, so it means it is difficult to take from a person that which he does not possess.
Highlanders don’t wear any, so it’s hard to take something from someone who doesn’t have it.
It's ill waur'd that wasters want.
It's poorly said that those who waste things are the ones who need them.
It's kittle for the cheeks when the hurlbarrow gaes ower the brig o' the nose.
It's ticklish for the cheeks when the wheelbarrow goes over the bridge of the nose.
It's kittle shooting at corbies and clergy.
It's tricky to take shots at crows and clergy.
"Abusing the authorities could easily be avoided."
It's kittle to wauken sleeping dogs.
It's risky to disturb sleeping dogs.
It's lang ere ye saddle a foal.
It's a long time before you can ride a young horse.
It's lang or four bare legs gather heat in a bed.
It's a long or four bare legs gather heat in a bed.
Applied to young people who get married before they have all that is necessary for housekeeping.
Applied to young people who get married before they have everything needed for managing a household.
"It's comfort to hae a frugal woman for a helpmate; but[188] ye ken now-a-days it's no the fashion for bare legs to come thegether. The wife maun hae something to put in the pot as weel as the man."—The Entail.
"It's comforting to have a thrifty woman as a partner; but[188] you know nowadays it's not trendy for bare legs to come together. The wife must contribute something to the pot as well as the man."—The Entail.
It's lang or Like-to-dee fills the kirkyaird.
It's lang or Like-to-dee fills the graveyard.
Spoken of those who are always complaining how ill they are, and likely to die; but who, nevertheless, generally contrive to live as long as other people.
Spoken about those who are always complaining about how sick they are and how they’re likely to die; yet, they usually manage to live just as long as everyone else.
It's lang or the deil dees at the dike side.
It's long or the devil dies at the dike side.
That is, it will be long ere we hear of the removal or death of a particular person who is a cause of annoyance to us.
That is, it will be a while before we hear about the removal or death of a specific person who annoys us.
It's lang or ye need cry "Schew!" to an egg.
It's long or you need to cry "Schew!" to an egg.
It's lang to Lammas.
It's almost Lammas.
"Spoken in jest when we forget to lay down bread at the table, as if we had done it designedly, because it will be long ere new bread come."—Kelly.
"Joked about when we forget to put bread on the table, as if we did it on purpose, because it will be a while before fresh bread arrives."—Kelly.
It's like Truffy's courtship, short but pithy.
It's like Truffy's dating, brief but to the point.
It's little o' God's might that makes a poor man a knight.
It's just a bit of God's power that turns a poor man into a knight.
It's muckle gars tailors laugh, but souters girn aye.
It's a big joke for tailors, but shoemakers always complain.
It's nae laughing to girn in a widdy.
It's not funny to complain in a tough situation.
To "girn in a widdy" is to laugh or girn when a halter is round the neck—meaning that it is no joke to be placed in a difficult or dangerous position.
To "grin in a noose" is to laugh or smirk when a rope is around your neck—indicating that it’s not funny to find yourself in a tough or risky situation.
It's nae play when ane laughs and anither greets.
It's not a game when one laughs and another cries.
It's nae shift to want.
It's not a big deal to want.
It's nae sin to tak a gude price, but in gieing ill measure.[189]
It's not a sin to charge a good price, but it is to give poor quality.[189]
It's nae mair ferlie to see a woman greet than to see a goose gang barefit.
It's no more surprising to see a woman cry than to see a goose walking around without shoes.
"Mattie had ill will to see me set awa on this ride, and grat awee, the silly tawpie; but it's nae mair ferlie to see a woman greet than to see a goose gang barefit."—Rob Roy.
"Mattie was upset to see me go on this ride, and she cried a bit, the silly girl; but it's no more surprising to see a woman cry than to see a goose walk barefoot."—Rob Roy.
It's nae wonder wasters want and lathrons lag behint.
It's no wonder that lazy people want to drag behind.
It's needless pouring water on a drowned mouse.
It's pointless to keep piling on when someone is already down.
It's neither a far road nor a foul gate.
It's not a long road or a bad gate.
It's neither here nor there, nor yet ayont the water.
It's neither here nor there, nor over the water.
It's neither rhyme nor reason.
It's neither rhyme nor reason.
It's no aye gude i' the maw what's sweet i' the mouth.
It's no good in the stomach what's sweet in the mouth.
It's no easy to straucht in the oak the crook that grew in the sapling.
It's not easy to straighten out the bend in the oak that grew from the sapling.
It's no for nought that the gled whistles.
It's not for nothing that the bird whistles.
"'I think,' said John Gudyill, while he busied himself in re-charging his guns, 'they hae fund the falcon's neb a bit ower hard for them—it's no for nought that the hawk whistles.'"—Old Mortality.
"'I think,' said John Gudyill, while he was busy reloading his guns, 'they've found the falcon's beak a bit too tough for them—it's no coincidence that the hawk whistles.'"—Old Mortality.
It's no lost what a friend gets.
It's no surprise what a friend gains.
It's no safe wading in unco waters.
It's not safe to wade into unfamiliar waters.
It's no the burden, but the owerburden, that kills the beast.
It's not the burden, but the overwhelming burden, that kills the beast.
It's no the gear to traike.
It's not the time to walk.
"'Wha kens what would be the upshot o' a second marriage?'
"'Who knows what the result of a second marriage would be?'"
"'That's looking far ben,' replied the laird; 'my wife, to be sure, is a frail woman, but she's no the gear that 'ill traike.'"—The Entail.
"'That's looking far ahead,' replied the laird; 'my wife, of course, is a delicate woman, but she's not the type to complain.'"—The Entail.
It's no the rumblin' cart that fa's first ower the brae.
It's not the rumbling cart that falls first over the hill.
It is not the oldest or most likely person that dies first.
It’s not always the oldest or most likely person who dies first.
It's no tint that comes at last.
It's no shade that arrives in the end.
It's no "What is she?" but "What has she?"
It's not "What is she?" but "What does she have?"
It's no what we hae, but what we do wi' what we hae, that counts in heaven.
It's not what we have, but what we do with what we have, that matters in heaven.
It's ower far between the kitchen an' the ha'.
It's quite a distance between the kitchen and the hall.
It's ower late to lout when the head's got a clout.
It's too late to complain when the boss has the final say.
"It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burnt down."—Danish.
"It’s too late to put out the embers when the house is already burned down."—Danish.
It's ower late to spare when the back's bare.
It's too late to save when there's nothing left.
It's ower weel hoardet that canna be found.
It's our well hoarded that can't be found.
It's past joking when the head's aff.
It's no longer a joke when the principal's involved.
It's sair to haud drink frae drouth.
It's hard to hold back from thirst.
It spreads like muirburn.
It spreads like controlled burning.
"Muirburn," furze on fire. Said of ill news.
"Muirburn," gorse on fire. Used to describe bad news.
It's stinking praise comes out o' ane's ain mouth.
It's stinking praise comes out of one's own mouth.
It stinks like a brock.
It smells like a skunk.
For diggers, ditchers, and sick cattle; They group together arrogantly like the poor,
"As I would by a filthy badger."
It's the barley pickle breaks the naig's back.
It's the barley pickle that breaks the horse's back.
It's the best feather in your wing.
It's the best feather in your cap.
It's the best spoke in your wheel.
It's the best part of your wheel.
It's the laird's commands, an' the loon maun loup.
It's the lord's orders, and the guy has to jump.
Orders from those in authority, no matter how ridiculous or unreasonable, must be obeyed. "There's nae bailie-courts among them.... But it's just the laird's command, and the loon maun loup; and the never anither law hae they but the length o' their dirks."—Rob Roy.
Orders from those in charge, no matter how silly or unfair, have to be followed. "There are no local courts among them... But it's just the lord's command, and the guy has to jump; and they have no other law except the length of their daggers."—Rob Roy.
It's the life o' an auld hat to be weel cocket.
It's the life of an old hat to be well cared for.
It's the wanton steed that scaurs at the windlestrae.
It's the reckless horse that rears up at the windy path.
"Ghaist! my certie, I shall ghaist them—if they had their heads as muckle on their wark as on their daffing they wad play na sic pliskies—it's the wanton steed that scaurs at the windlestrae. Ghaists! wha e'er heard of ghaists in an honest house!"—St Ronan's Well.
"Ghost! I swear, I’ll haunt them—if they focused on their work as much as they do on their nonsense, they wouldn’t play such tricks—it’s the reckless horse that shies at the wind. Ghosts! Who has ever heard of ghosts in an honest home?"—St Ronan's Well.
It's the waur o' the wear.
It's the worse for the wear.
It's time enough to mak my bed when I'm gaun to lie down.
It's enough time to make my bed when I'm going to lie down.
It's time enough to skreigh when ye're strucken.
It's time enough to scream when you're hit.
It's weak i' the wow, like Barr's cat.
It's weak in the wow, like Barr's cat.
It's weel that our fauts are no written in our face.
It's good that our faults aren't written on our faces.
It's weel won that's aff the wame.
It's well won that's off the stomach.
Or well saved that is won from the belly.
Or well saved that is gained from the stomach.
It was but their claes that cast out.
It was just their clothes that were thrown out.
"That is, the quarrel was not real, but only with design, in order to accomplish some end."—Kelly.
"That is, the argument wasn't genuine, but rather planned, to achieve a certain goal."—Kelly.
It was my luck, my leddy, and I canna get by it.
It was my luck, my lady, and I can't get past it.
It wasna for naething that the cat licket the stane.
It wasn't for nothing that the cat licked the stone.
It were a pity to put a foul hand on't.
It would be a shame to ruin it.
It were a pity to refuse ye, ye seek sae little.
It would be a shame to refuse you; you want so little.
It will aye be a dirty dub between them.
It will always be a dirty deal between them.
"A dirty dub," a puddle of foul water. That is, it will always be a cause of contention between them.
"A dirty dub," a puddle of filthy water. That will always be a source of conflict between them.
It will be a feather in your cap.
It will be a great achievement for you.
It will be a feather out o' your wing.
It will be a feather out of your wing.
It will be a het day gars you startle.
It will be a hot day, guys, you'll see.
It will be an ill web to bleach.
It will be a bad web to clean.
It will be lang ere you wear to the knee lids.
It won't be long before you wear knee pads.
It will be the last word o' his testament.
It will be the final word of his will.
That is, he will delay doing a thing as long as possible.
That is, he will put off doing something for as long as he can.
It will come out yet, like hommel corn.
It will come out yet, like popcorn.
"Hommel corn," grain that has no beard. The meaning of the proverb is, that on account of particular circumstances, a certain result may be expected in due time.
"Hommel corn," grain that has no beard. The meaning of the proverb is that, due to specific circumstances, a certain outcome can be anticipated in due course.
It will haud out an honest man, but naething 'll haud out a rogue.
It will keep an honest person out, but nothing will keep out a dishonest one.
It will mak a braw show in a landward kirk.
It will make a great display in a rural church.
Spoken when a person is asked to give an opinion of something which is considered vulgar—that a gaudy article of dress will look well in a country church—but only there.
Spoken when someone is asked to give their opinion on something that's seen as tacky—that a flashy piece of clothing will look good in a country church—but only there.
It would be a hard task to follow a black dockit sow through a burnt muir this night.[193]
It would be a tough job to track a black dog through a burned moor tonight.[193]
It would be a pity to hae spoilt twa houses wi' them.
It would be a shame to have ruined two houses with them.
"Spoken when two ill-natured people are married."—Kelly.
"Spoken when two unpleasant people are married."—Kelly.
It would do a blind man gude to see't.
It would be good for a blind person to see it.
I will add a stane to his cairn.
I will add a stone to his memorial.
A "cairn" is a heap of stones thrown together in a conical form to mark the grave, or in memory, of a person. To add a stone may mean, proverbially, that a person will bear testimony to the good qualities of another.
A "cairn" is a pile of stones stacked in a cone shape to mark someone's grave or to remember a person. Adding a stone can symbolically mean that someone will speak in support of another's good qualities.
"I winna mak a toil o' a pleasure," quo' the man when he buried his wife.
"I won't turn a pleasure into hard work," said the man when he buried his wife.
"A man going under his wife's head to the grave was bid go faster, because the way was long and the day short; answered, 'I will not make a toil of a pleasure.'"—Kelly.
"A man bearing his wife's coffin to the grave was urged to hurry since the road was long and the day was short; he replied, 'I won't turn a joy into a burden.'"—Kelly.
I wat weel how the world wags; he's best lik'd wha has maist bags.
I know how the world works; the one who's liked the most is the one with the most money.
I winna mak fish o' ane an' flesh o' anither.
I won't make fish of one and flesh of another.
I will favour no one, but will treat all alike.
I won’t show favoritism; I’ll treat everyone the same.
I wish I had a string in his lug.
I wish I had a string in his ear.
I wish it may be the first sight ye'll see.
I hope it will be the first thing you see.
An expression used when a person is telling that he has received a promise of something welcome—it may be payment of an outstanding account.
An expression used when someone is saying they’ve received a promise of something good—it could be payment for an outstanding bill.
I wish you had brose to lay the hair o' your beard.
I wish you had brushed your beard.
I wish you had wist what you said.
I wish you had thought about what you said.
I wish you may hae as muckle Scotch as tak you to your bed.
I hope you have as much Scotch as it takes to get you to bed.
"Spoken when our companions, beginning to take with the drink, begin to speak Latin, ... believing that by and by they will be at that pass that they will be able to speak no language."—Kelly.
"Spoken when our friends, starting to get into the drinks, begin to speak Latin,... thinking that eventually they'll reach a point where they can't speak any language."—Kelly.
I wish you may lamb in your lair, as mony a good ewe has done.
I hope you can give birth to lambs in your den, just like many good ewes have done.
I wish you readier meat than a rinnin' hare.
I wish you better food than a running hare.
I wish you the gude o't that the dogs get o' grass.
I wish you the good of what the dogs get off grass.
I wish you were able, e'en though you didna do't.
I wish you were able to, even though you didn’t.
I wish you were laird o' your word.
I wish you were true to your word.
I would as soon see your nose cheese and the cat get the first bite o't.
I would rather see your nose get a pimple and the cat take the first bite of it.
I would hae something to look at on Sunday.
I would have something to look at on Sunday.
The reply of a man who is asked of what use a wife would be to him.
The response of a man when asked how a wife would be useful to him.
I wouldna be deaved wi' your keckling for a' your eggs.
I wouldn't be bothered with your clucking for all your eggs.
That is, your services do not compensate for the annoyance you cause.
That is, your services don't make up for the irritation you create.
I wouldna ca' the king my cousin.
I wouldn't call the king my cousin.
Expressive of contentment.
Feeling content.
I wouldna fodder you for a' your muck.
I wouldn't feed you for all your dirt.
Of similar import to "I wouldna be deaved," &c.
Of similar importance to "I wouldn't be deafened," etc.
I wouldna hae kent ye if I had met ye in my parritch.
I wouldn't have known you if I had met you in my porridge.
A phrase to express that a person whom you had not seen for a long time had so much altered in appearance as to be scarcely recognisable.
A phrase to describe someone you haven't seen in a long time who has changed so much that they’re hardly recognizable.
I would rather see't than hear tell o't, as blind Pate said.
I’d rather see it than hear about it, like blind Pate said.
I would sooner be your Bible than your horse.
I would rather be your Bible than your horse.
A jocular allusion to the fact that a person neglects the one, but overworks the other.
A humorous reference to the idea that someone ignores one thing while putting too much effort into the other.
I would sooner gae by his door than ower his grave.
I would rather go by his house than over his grave.
"Nothing but a wish that our sick friend may recover."—Kelly.
"Just a hope that our sick friend gets better."—Kelly.
I would sooner hear the lark sing than the mouse cheep.
I would rather hear the lark sing than the mouse squeak.
Or abroad early in the morning than late at night.
Or abroad early in the morning rather than late at night.
I would sooner my bannock burn than that you should turn't.
I would rather my bannock burn than have you turn it.
That is, I would rather allow an article to spoil than be indebted to you for assistance in keeping it right.
I would rather let an article go to waste than owe you for help in making it right.
I would sooner see ye fleipeyed, like a French cat.
I would rather see you with your eyes wide open, like a French cat.
"A disdainful rejection of an unworthy proposal; spoken by bold maids to the vile offers of young fellows."—Kelly.
"A scornful refusal of a worthless proposition; voiced by confident young women to the disgusting advances of young men."—Kelly.
eddart justice—first hang a man, syne try him.
eddart justice—first hang a man, then try him.
"According to Crawford, in his Memoirs, the phrase Jedburgh justice took its rise in 1574, on the occasion of the Regent Morton there and then trying and condemning, with cruel precipitation, a vast number of people who had offended against the laws, or against the supreme cause of his lordship's faction. A different origin is assigned by the people. Upon the occasion, say they, of nearly twenty criminals being tried for one offence, the jury were equally divided in opinion as to a verdict, when one who had been asleep during the whole trial suddenly awoke, and, being interrogated for his vote, vociferated, 'Hang them a'!'
According to Crawford, in his Memoirs, the phrase Jedburgh justice originated in 1574 when Regent Morton tried and condemned a large number of people who had broken the law or opposed his faction, doing so with brutal haste. However, the locals have a different story. They say that during the trial of nearly twenty criminals for the same crime, the jury was split in their opinions on a verdict. At that moment, one juror who had been asleep throughout the trial suddenly woke up and, when asked for his vote, shouted, 'Hang them all!'
"The English phrase 'Lidford Law,' commemorated by Grose, bears the same signification."—Robert Chambers.
"The English term 'Lidford Law,' noted by Grose, has the same meaning."—Robert Chambers.
Jock's a mislear'd imp, but ye're a run deil.
Jock's a mischief-maker, but you're a real troublemaker.
That is, "Jock," although very mischievous, is a quiet and well-behaved person compared to you.
That is, "Jock," while quite mischievous, is a calm and well-behaved person compared to you.
Joke at leisure; ye kenna wha may jibe yoursel.
Joke around in your free time; you never know who might tease you back.
Jouk, and let the jaw gang by.
Jouk, and let the jaw go on.
Literally, stoop, and let the rush of water go over your head; meaning, yield to adverse circumstances, and their effects will pass away.
Literally, bend down and let the rush of water flow over you; in other words, give in to tough situations, and their impact will fade away.
"Just as it fa's," quo' the wooer to the maid.
"Just as it falls," said the suitor to the maid.
"A courtier went to woo a maid: she was dressing supper with a drop at her nose. She asked him if he would stay all night; he answered, 'Just as it falls:' meaning, if[197] the drop fell among the meat, he would be off; if it fell by, he would stay."—Kelly.
A courtier went to court a maid: she was preparing dinner with a drop of sweat on her nose. She asked him if he would stay all night; he replied, 'It depends on how it goes:' meaning, if the drop fell into the food, he would leave; if it fell elsewhere, he would stay. —Kelly.
Just enough and nae mair, like Janet Howie's shearer's meat.
Just enough and no more, like the meat of Janet Howie's shearer.
Just, father, just; three half-crowns mak five shillings; gie me the money and I'll pay the man.
Just, dad, just; three half-crowns make five shillings; give me the money and I'll pay the guy.
ail hains bread.
ail hains bread.
Kame sindle, kame sair.
Kame sindle, kame sair.
If the hair is seldom combed it soon becomes a difficult and painful operation to perform. Proverbially applied when simple but necessary matters of business are neglected to such an extent that they become troublesome.
If hair isn’t combed regularly, it quickly turns into a challenging and uncomfortable task. This is often used to describe situations where simple but essential business matters are ignored to the point that they become a hassle.
Kamesters are aye creeshy.
Kamesters are so clingy.
"Kamesters," or wool-combers, are always greasy. People are always like their work.
"Kamesters," or wool-combers, are always greasy. People are always like their work.
Katie Sweerock, frae where she sat, cried, "Reik me this, and reik me that."
Katie Sweerock, from where she sat, shouted, "Tell me this, and tell me that."
"Applied to lazy people, who ask others to do this or that for them which they ought to do for themselves."—Kelly.
"Referring to lazy people who ask others to do things for them that they should be doing themselves."—Kelly.
Keek in the stoup was ne'er a gude fellow.
Keeking in the stoup was never a good thing.
"Spoken when one peeps into the pot to see if the liquor be out; whereas a jolly good fellow should drink about, and when the pot's empty call for more."—Kelly.
"Spoken when someone looks into the pot to check if the drink is gone; meanwhile, a cheerful guy should keep drinking and when the pot's empty, ask for more."—Kelly.
Keep a calm sough.
Stay calm and peaceful.
That is, keep your own counsel on matters of danger or delicacy.
That is, keep your thoughts to yourself when it comes to dangerous or sensitive issues.
"'Thir kittle times will drive the wisest o' us daft,' said Neil Blane, the prudent host of the Howff; 'but I'se aye keep a calm sough.'"—Old Mortality.
"'These tough times will drive the wisest among us crazy,' said Neil Blane, the sensible host of the Howff; 'but I’ll always keep a calm demeanor.'"—Old Mortality.
Keep aff and gie fair words.
Keep it up and give kind words.
Or promise much, but perform little.
Or make big promises but deliver very little.
"The assets he carried off are of nae mair use to him[199] than if he were to light his pipe wi' them. He tried if MacVittie & Co. wad gie him siller on them—that I ken by Andro Wylie; but they were ower auld cats to draw that strae afore them—they keepit aff and gae fair words."—Rob Roy.
"The stuff he took away is no more useful to him[199] than if he were to use it to light his pipe. He tried to see if MacVittie & Co. would give him money for it—that I know from Andro Wylie; but they were too clever to fall for that—they kept away and just gave him empty promises."—Rob Roy.
Keep a thing seven years, and ye'll find a use for't.
Keep something for seven years, and you'll find a use for it.
Keep gude company, and ye'll be counted ane o' them.
Keep good company, and you'll be considered one of them.
Keep hame, and hame will keep you.
Keep at home, and home will take care of you.
Keep out o' his company that cracks o' his cheatery.
Stay away from the company of those who boast about their cheating.
Shun the company of him who boasts of his cunning.
Avoid the company of someone who brags about their cleverness.
Keep something for a sair fit.
Keep something for a rainy day.
"Keep something for a rainy day."—English.
"Save something for a tough time."—English.
Keep the feast till the feast day.
Keep the celebration until the day of the celebration.
Keep the head and feet warm, and the rest will tak nae harm.
Keep your head and feet warm, and the rest will be fine.
Keep the staff in your ain hand.
Keep the staff in your own hand.
Keep woo, and it will be dirt; keep lint, and it will be silk.
Keep wood, and it will be dirt; keep lint, and it will be silk.
"Lint mellows and improves by keeping, but wool rots."—Kelly.
"Lint gets better and softer over time, but wool decays."—Kelly.
Keep your ain fish-guts to your ain sea-maws.
Keep your own fish guts to your own sea mouths.
"'Why, Mrs Heukbane,' said the woman of letters, pursing up her mouth, 'ye ken my gudeman likes to ride the expresses himsel—we maun gie our ain fish-guts to our ain sea-maws—it's a red half-guinea to him every time he munts his mear.'"—The Antiquary.
"'Why, Mrs. Heukbane,' said the writer, pursing her lips, 'you know my husband prefers to ride the trains himself—we have to give our own fish guts to our own seabirds—it costs him a red half-guinea every time he mounts his horse.'"—The Antiquary.
Keep your ain cart-grease for your ain cart-wheels.
Keep your own grease for your own wheels.
Of similar meaning to the preceding proverb.
Of similar meaning to the earlier saying.
Keep your breath to cool your parritch.
Keep your breath to cool your porridge.
Applied to people who are angry without cause, or exercising undue authority.
Applied to people who are angry for no reason, or exercising excessive authority.
"The only wiselike thing I heard ony body say, was decent Mr John Kirk of Kirk-knowe, and he wussed them just to get the king's mercy, and nae mair about it. But he spak to unreasonable folk—he might just hae keepit his breath to hae blawn on his porridge."—Heart of Midlothian.
"The only wise thing I heard anyone say was decent Mr. John Kirk of Kirk-knowe, and he just wanted them to get the king's mercy, nothing more. But he spoke to unreasonable people—he might as well have saved his breath to blow on his porridge."—Heart of Midlothian.
Keep your gab steekit when ye kenna your company.
Keep your chatter to yourself when you know your audience.
Be silent or cautious in speaking when in the company of strangers.
Be quiet or careful when speaking around strangers.
Keep your kiln-dried taunts for your mouldy hair'd maidens.
Keep your dry insults for your moldy-haired maidens.
"A disdainful return to those who are too liberal with their taunts."—Kelly.
"A dismissive comeback to those who are too quick with their insults."—Kelly.
Keep your mocks till ye're married.
Keep your teasing until you're married.
Keep your mouth shut and your een open.
Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open.
Keep your tongue a prisoner, and your body will gang free.
Keep your mouth shut, and your body will be free.
Keep your tongue within your teeth.
Stay quiet.
Kenn'd folk's nae company.
Known folks aren't company.
Ken when to spend and when to spare, and ye needna be busy, and ye'll ne'er be bare.
Ken when to spend and when to save, and you don’t have to be overly busy, and you’ll never be without.
Ken yoursel, and your neighbour winna misken you.[201]
Know yourself, and your neighbor won't misunderstand you.[201]
Kindle a candle at baith ends, and it'll soon be done.
Kindle a candle at both ends, and it won't be long before it's done.
Kindness comes o' will; it canna be coft.
Kindness comes from the heart; it can't be bought.
Kindness is like cress-seed, it grows fast.
Kindness is like cress seed; it grows quickly.
Kindness will creep where it canna gang.
Kindness will find a way, even when it seems impossible.
Kings and bears aft worry their keepers.
Kings and bears both worry their caretakers.
"Witness the tragical end of many courtiers."—Kelly.
"Witness the tragic end of many courtiers."—Kelly.
Kings are kittle cattle to shoe behint.
Kings are tricky to deal with.
"'Kittill to scho behind,' not to be depended on; not worthy of trust."—Jamieson.
"'Kittill to show behind,' not to be relied on; not trustworthy."—Jamieson.
King's cheese gaes half away in parings.
King's cheese goes halfway in parings.
For a greater part of the income is absorbed in the expenses of collecting it.
For a large portion of the income is taken up by the costs of collecting it.
King's cauff's worth ither folk's corn.
King's cauff's worth other people's corn.
"'I am sure,' said Ritchie, composedly, 'I wish Laurie a higher office, for your lordship's sake and for mine, and specially for his ain sake, being a friendly lad; yet your lordship must consider that a scullion—if a yeoman of the king's most royal kitchen may be called a scullion—may weel rank with a master-cook elsewhere; being that king's cauff, as I said before, is better than ——.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.
"'I’m sure,' Ritchie said calmly, 'I wish Laurie a better position, for your sake and mine, and especially for his own sake, since he’s a nice guy; however, you have to understand that a scullion—even if a king’s kitchen worker can be called a scullion—can easily rank with a head chef somewhere else; after all, that king’s cooking, as I mentioned earlier, is better than ——.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.
Kings hae lang hands.
Kings have long arms.
Kiss and be kind, the fiddler is blind.
Kiss and be nice, the fiddler can't see.
Kiss a sklate stane, and that winna slaver you.
Kiss a slate stone, and that won’t slobber on you.
"And I'll get you set right, whether it works out or not." "I might succeed or fail, but with your help," Kiss the slate stones, they won't wet your mouth. And off she goes, the brown girl runs, As he quickly headed to take her in with gin, But as luck would have it, a knibblich took his tea,
"And over he falls, and tumbled down the hill."
Kissing gaes by favour.
Kissing games by favor.
Kissing is cried down since the shaking o' hands.
Kissing has fallen out of favor since the handshake.
Kelly says (1721), "There is a proclamation that nobody should kiss hereafter, but only shake hands." Spoken by a woman who is asked for a kiss, but who is unwilling to allow it.
Kelly says (1721), "There’s a notice that no one should kiss from now on, only shake hands." This is said by a woman who is being asked for a kiss but is not willing to permit it.
Kiss my foot, there's mair flesh on't.
Kiss my foot, there's more flesh on it.
A sharp reply to those who obsequiously ask permission to kiss the hand.
A blunt response to those who fawningly ask if they can kiss the hand.
Kiss ye me till I be white, an' that will be an ill web to bleach.
Kiss me until I turn white, and that will be a tough mess to clean up.
Knock a carle, and ding a carle, and that's the way to win a carle; kiss a carle, and clap a carle, and that's the way to tine a carle.
Knock a guy, and ring a guy, and that's how to win a guy; kiss a guy, and cheer a guy, and that's how to lose a guy.
"Both these are joined together, and signify that people of mean breeding are rather to be won by harsh treatment than civil."—Kelly.
"Both of these are connected, and suggest that people from humble backgrounds are more easily influenced by harsh treatment than by kindness."—Kelly.
Kythe in your ain colours, that folk may ken ye.
Show yourself in your true colors, so that people may recognize you.
acking breeds laziness, but praise breeds pith.
Procrastination comes from criticism, but encouragement fosters strength.
"Discommend a boy, and you discourage him; but commend him, and it will spur him on."—Kelly.
"Criticize a boy, and you’ll discourage him; but praise him, and it will motivate him."—Kelly.
Lads will be men.
Boys will be men.
Laith to bed, laith oot o't.
Laith to bed, laith out of it.
Laith to drink, laith frae't.
Laith to drink, laith from it.
Meaning that although some people are slow or "laith" to begin a thing, still, when they do commence, it is difficult to get them to leave off.
Meaning that although some people are slow or hesitant to start something, once they do begin, it’s hard to make them stop.
Lang and sma', gude for naething ava.
Lang and sma', gude for nothing at all.
Jocularly applied to those who are tall and of "genteel" build.
Playfully used for those who are tall and have an elegant build.
Langest at the fire soonest finds cauld.
Langest at the fire soonest finds cauld.
Lang fasting gathers wind.
Lang fasting catches wind.
Lang fasting hains nae meat.
Long fasting means no meat.
Lang leal, lang poor.
Long live, long poor.
Lang lean maks hamald cattle.
Lang lean maks hamald cattle.
That is, poorly kept cattle makes homely, domestic, or common meat.
That is, poorly cared for cattle produces basic, ordinary, or common meat.
Lang look'd for come at last.
Lang looked for it to come at last.
Lang mint, little dint.
Language matters, little impact.
"Much ado about nothing."
"Much fuss over nothing."
Lang or ye saddle a foal.
Lang or ye saddle a foal.
Lang or you cut Falkland wood wi' a pen-knife.
Lang or you cut Falkland wood with a pocket knife.
Spoken when people enter into extensive undertakings without sufficient preparations or means.
Spoken when people take on big projects without enough preparation or resources.
Lang sick, soon weel.
Lang sick, soon well.
Lang sport turns aft to earnest.
Lang sport turns back to seriousness.
Lang standing and little offering maks a poor priest.
Lang standing and little offering makes for a poor priest.
"Lang straes are nae motes," quo' the wife when she haul'd the cat out o' the kirn.
"Long streaks are not marks," said the wife when she pulled the cat out of the churn.
Lang tarrowing taks a' the thanks awa.
Lang tarrowing taks a' the thanks awa.
"He loses his thanks that promises, but delays."—English.
"He loses his thanks that promises, but delays."—English.
Lang-tongued wives gang lang wi' bairn.
Lang-tongued wives hang out with their kids.
"Applied to those who discover their projects, designs, and intentions long before they are put in execution."—Kelly.
"Used for those who come up with their plans, designs, and goals well before they actually start working on them."—Kelly.
Lasses and glasses are bruckle ware.
Lasses and glasses are fragile items.
Lassies are like lamb-legs: they'll neither saut nor keep.
Lassies are like lamb legs: they’ll neither fry nor last.
Lassies now-a-days ort nae God's creatures.
Girls today aren't God's creatures.
"The proverbial reflection of an old woman, as signifying that in our times young women are by no means nice in their choice of husbands."—Jamieson.
"The saying about an old woman's perspective suggests that today, young women are definitely not picky when it comes to choosing their husbands."—Jamieson.
Last to bed, best heard.
Last to bed, best listened to.
Laugh and lay't down again.
Laugh and lay it down again.
Laugh at leisure, ye may greet ere night.[205]
Laugh whenever you can; you might meet again before nightfall.[205]
Laugh at your ain toom pouches.
Laugh at your own empty pockets.
"'The japanned tea-caddie, Hannah—the best bohea—bid Tib kindle a spark of fire—the morning's damp—draw in the giggling faces of ye, ye d—d idle scoundrels, or laugh at your ain toom pouches—it will be lang or your weel-doing fill them.' This was spoken, as the honest lawyer himself might have said, in transitu."—St Ronan's Well.
"'The lacquered tea caddy, Hannah—the best bohea—told Tib to light a fire—the morning's damp—bring in the giggling faces of you, you damned lazy scoundrels, or laugh at your own empty pockets—it'll be a long time before your good deeds fill them.' This was said, as the honest lawyer himself might have said, in transitu."—St Ronan's Well.
Law licks up a'.
Law licks up a.
"The Laird has been a true friend on our unhappy occasions, and I have paid him back the siller for Effie's misfortune, whereof Mr Nichil Novit returned him no balance, as the Laird and I did expect he wad hae done. But law licks up a', as the common folk say. I have had the siller to borrow out o' sax purses."—Heart of Midlothian.
"The Laird has been a true friend during our tough times, and I have repaid him the money for Effie's misfortune, which Mr. Nichil Novit didn’t return to him, as the Laird and I expected he would. But as the saying goes, the law takes everything. I've had to borrow money from six different sources."—Heart of Midlothian.
Law-makers shouldna be law-breakers.
Lawmakers shouldn't be lawbreakers.
Law's a deadly distemper amang friends.
Law's a dangerous problem among friends.
Law's costly: tak a pint and gree.
Law's expensive: have a drink and agree.
It's always the lowest lawyer's fee,
To sample the barrel.
Lay a thing by and it'll come o' use.
Lay something aside and it will come in handy.
Lay the head o' the sow to the tail o' the grice.
Lay the head of the sow to the tail of the pig.
Or place the profit against the loss.
Or offset the profit against the loss.
"An' I am to lose by ye, I'se ne'er deny I hae won by ye mony a fair pund sterling—sae, an' it come to the warst, I'se e'en lay the head o' the sow to the tail o' the grice."—Rob Roy.
"Since I’ve gained a lot from you, I won’t deny that I’ve won many a good pound sterling from you—so if it comes to the worst, I guess I’ll just join the head of the pig to the tail of the other."—Rob Roy.
Lay the sweet side o' your tongue till't.
Lay the sweet side of your tongue on it.
"An answer to them that ask what they will get to their hasty pudding."—Kelly.
"An answer to those who ask what they will receive for their quick pudding."—Kelly.
Lay your wame to your winning.
Lay your belly to your winnings.
That is, let your housekeeping expenses be in unison with your income.
In other words, make sure your spending on household needs matches your income.
Laziness is muckle worth, when it's weel guided.
Laziness is very valuable when it's well managed.
Lazy youth maks lousy age.
Lazy youth makes a lousy age.
Leal folk ne'er wanted gear.
Loyal people never wanted stuff.
Leal heart leed never.
Loyal heart leads never.
She could no longer hide her deep pain—
The heart, as they say, will never lie if it’s true.
Lean on the brose ye got in the morning.
Lean on the broth you made in the morning.
Spoken facetiously to a person who leans heavily on another.
Spoken jokingly to someone who relies a lot on another person.
Leap year was never a gude sheep year.
Leap year was never a good sheep year.
Learn the cat the road to the kirn, and she'll aye be lickin'.
Learn the cat the way to the churn, and she'll always be licking.
Learn young, learn fair; learn auld, learn mair.
Learn young, learn well; learn old, learn more.
Learn your gudewife to mak milk kail.
Learn from your wife how to make milk kale.
That is, "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs."
That is, "Teach your grandmother how to suck eggs."
Learn you an ill habit and ye'll ca't a custom.
Learn an unhealthy habit and you'll call it a custom.
Least said soonest mended.
Less said, quicker resolved.
Leave aff while the play's gude.
Leave off while the play's good.
Leave a jest when it pleases you best.
Leave a joke when it suits you best.
Leave the court ere the court leave you.
Leave the court before the court leaves you.
Leave welcome aye behint you.
Leave welcome behind you.
Prolong your stay only so long as you find your company approved of, so that you may not be considered tedious.
Extend your visit only as long as you enjoy the company of others, so you won’t be seen as a bother.
Lee for him and he'll swear for you.
Lee for him and he'll back you up.
Leein' rides on debt's back.
Leverage rides on debt's back.
Lend your money and lose your friend.
Lend your money and you might lose your friend.
"It is not the lending of our money that loses our friend; but the demanding of it again, and that will lose a friend to my certain knowledge. They have a proverbial rhyme to this purpose:—
"It’s not the lending of our money that drives a friend away; it's asking for it back that will definitely lose a friend, I know for sure. They have a saying about this:"
| "'I had a | } | penny | { | and a | } | friend | { | as many of this land, |
| I lent my | to my | when he did it demand, | ||||||
| I sought my | from my | when he had kept it long, | ||||||
| I lost my | and my | and was not that a wrong? | ||||||
| Had I a | and a | as I have had before, | ||||||
| I wo'd keep my | and my | and play the fool no more.'" | ||||||
| —Kelly. | ||||||||
Let-a-be for let-a-be.
Let it be.
"Mutual forbearance."—Jamieson.
"Mutual tolerance."—Jamieson.
Let ae deil dang anither.
Let the devil take another.
An expression of indifference at two bad persons quarrelling.
An expression of indifference at two bad people arguing.
Let a horse drink what he will, but no when he will.
Let a horse drink as much as it wants, but not whenever it wants.
Let alane maks mony a loon.
Let alone makes many a fool.
"Let a' trades live," quo' the wife when she burnt her besom.
"Let all trades thrive," said the wife when she burned her broom.
Let aye the bell'd wether break the snaw.
Let the bell sheep break the snow.
A "bell'd wether" is a ram with a bell round its neck; and the proverb means that a difficult or dangerous undertaking should be led by a person of experience.
A "bell'd wether" is a ram with a bell around its neck; and the saying means that a tough or risky task should be led by someone with experience.
Let folk bode weel, and do their best.
Let people be good and do their best.
Let him cool in the skin he het in.
Let him cool in the skin he got in.
Let by-ganes be by-ganes.
Let bygones be bygones.
"'Hout, ay,' said Elliot, 'just let by-ganes be by-ganes, and a' friends again; deil ane I bear malice at but Westburnflat, and I hae gi'en him baith a het skin and a cauld ane.'"—The Black Dwarf.
"'Hout, yeah,' said Elliot, 'let's just put the past behind us and be friends again; I don't hold a grudge against anyone except Westburnflat, and I've given him both a hot one and a cold one.'"—The Black Dwarf.
Let him haud the bairn that's aught the bairn.
Let him hold the child that's only a child.
Let him ride his ain horse wi' his ain hauding.
Let him ride his own horse with his own holding.
Let him tak a spring on his ain fiddle.
Let him take a turn on his own fiddle.
Let him tak his fling, and he'll find oot his ain weight.
Let him have his fun, and he'll discover his own limits.
Let him that's cauld blaw the ingle.
Let the one who's cold blow the fire.
Let him that pays the lawin' choose the lodging.
Let the one who pays for the drinks choose the place to stay.
"'I dinna ken, sir,' she replied in a dry revêche tone, which carried me back twenty years, 'I am nane of thae heartsome landleddies that can tell country cracks, and make themsells agreeable; and I was ganging to pit on a fire for you in the red room; but if it is your will to stay here, he that pays the lawing maun choose the lodging.'"—The Highland Widow.
"'I don't know, sir,' she replied in a dry tone that reminded me of twenty years ago. 'I'm not one of those charming ladies who can share country gossip and make themselves pleasant. I was about to start a fire for you in the red room, but if you prefer to stay here, the one who pays the bill gets to choose where to stay.'"—The Highland Widow.
Let his ain wand ding him.
Let his own wand do him in.
Let ilka ane roose the ford as they find it.
Let each one cross the ford as they find it.
That is, let every one speak of a thing as he finds it.
That is, let everyone talk about things as they see them.
Let ilka ane soop before their ain door.
Let each one soup before their own door.
Let ilka cock fight his ain battle.
Let each rooster fight its own battle.
Let ilka herring hing by its ain head.
Let every herring hang by its own head.
Let ilka man soop the ice wi' his ain besom.
Let each man sweep the ice with his own broom.
Let ilka sheep hang by its ain shank.
Let every sheep hang by its own leg.
Let na the plough stand to kill a mouse.
Let the plow not be used to kill a mouse.
Do not quit or neglect an important matter to look after trifles.
Don’t give up or ignore something important to focus on small things.
Let ne'er your gear owergang ye.
Let your stuff never overwhelm you.
Never let your wealth make you give way to pride, or forget your old friends.
Never let your wealth make you feel superior or forget your old friends.
Let never sorrow come sae near your heart.
Let no sorrow come so close to your heart.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Let that flee stick to the wa'.
Let that flee stick to the wall.
"'Hout tout, man! let that flee stick in the wa',' answered his kinsman; 'when the dirt's dry it will rub out.'"—Rob Roy.
"'Don't worry about it, man! That spot will come out,' his relative replied. 'Once the dirt's dry, it'll come off.'"—Rob Roy.
Let the eird bear the dike.
Let the weird bear the dike.
"Eird and dike" are earth and stone wall. The proverb means that heavy or important undertakings should have a solid basis.
"Eird and dike" are earth and stone walls. The proverb means that heavy or important undertakings should have a solid foundation.
Let the horns gang wi' the hide.
Let the horns go with the hide.
The horns bearing but insignificant value in comparison with the hide, they should be thrown into the purchase of the latter free of charge.
The horns are worth so little compared to the hide that they should be included in the purchase of the hide at no extra cost.
Let the kirk stand i' the kirkyaird.
Let the church stand in the churchyard.
That is, let everything be in its proper place.
That is, put everything where it belongs.
Let them care that come behint.
Let those who follow know.
Let the morn come and the meat wi't.
Let the morning come and the food with it.
Let the muckle horse get the muckle windlin.
Let the big horse get the big wind.
Let the tail follow the skin.
Let the tail follow the skin.
Let the tow gang wi' the bucket.
Let the towing crew handle the bucket.
Liars should hae gude memories.
Liars should have good memories.
Lick and lay down.
Lick and lie down.
A proverbial form of expression of a man's being able to pay his way.
A common way to say that a man can support himself financially.
"And what for suld I no have a corpus delicti, or a habeas corpus, or ony other corpus that I like, sae lang as I am willing to lick and lay down the ready siller?"—St Ronan's Well.
"And why shouldn’t I have a corpus delicti, or a habeas corpus, or any other corpus I want, as long as I’m willing to pay up?"—St Ronan's Well.
Lick your loof and lay't in mine, dry leather jigs aye.
Lick your loof and lay it in mine, dry leather jigs aye.
"This signifies no more but kiss your hand and give it. Spoken facetiously upon some good fortune unexpected."—Kelly.
"This just means to kiss your hand and give it away. It’s said jokingly when something unexpectedly good happens."—Kelly.
Lie in your bed and lippen to that.
Lie in your bed and listen to that.
Life's life ony gate.
Life's only gate.
"'And now we're settled ance mair,' said Cuddie to his mother, 'and if we're no sae bein and comfortable as we were up yonder, yet life's life ony gate, and we're wi' decent kirk-ganging folk o' your ain persuasion, mither; there will be nae quarrelling about that.'"—Old Mortality.
"'And now we're settled once more,' said Cuddie to his mother, 'and even if we're not as well-off and comfortable as we were up there, life is life anyway, and we're with decent church-going people of your own beliefs, mother; there won't be any arguing about that.'"—Old Mortality.
Light burdens break nae banes.
Light burdens don’t break bones.
Light lades mak willing horses.
Good lighting makes horses willing.
Lightly come, lightly gang.
Come easy, go easy.
Light maidens mak langing lads.
Light girls make landing guys.
"Light's heartsome," quo' the thief to the Lammas mune.
"Light’s heartsome," said the thief to the Lammas moon.
Lightsome sangs mak merry gate.
Cheerful songs make a happy entrance.
"Ratcliffe, speaking apart to Madge, asked her 'whether she did not remember ony o' her auld sangs?' 'Mony a dainty ane,' said Madge; 'and blithely can I sing them, for lightsome sangs make merry gate.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"Ratcliffe, stepping aside to talk to Madge, asked her if she remembered any of her old songs. 'Many a nice one,' said Madge; 'and I can sing them happily, because cheerful songs brighten the way.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
Light suppers mak lang days.
Light dinners make long days.
Like a sow playing on a trump.
Like a pig playing a trumpet.
"Trump," a Jew's harp. Typical of extreme awkwardness.
"Trump," a Jew's harp. Typical of extreme awkwardness.
Like Bauldy's wedding, there's nae meat but muckle mirth.
Like Bauldy's wedding, there's no meat but plenty of joy.
Like blood, like gude, like age, mak the happy marriage.
Like blood, like character, like time, create a happy marriage.
Like butter in the black dog's hause.
Like butter in the black dog's house.
That is, a dangerous position, as butter in the embrace of a dog certainly is.
That is a risky situation, just like butter in the grip of a dog.
Like Cranshaws kirk—there's as mony dogs as folk, and neither room for reel nor rock.
Like Cranshaw's church—there are as many dogs as people, and no space for real or rock.
"In a remote pastoral region, like that of Cranshaws, lying in the midst of the Lammermoor hills, it is or was usual for shepherds' dogs to accompany their masters to the church; and in times of severe stormy weather, few people except the shepherds, who are accustomed to be out in all weathers, could attend divine service; and in such circumstances, it may have occurred that the dogs may have equalled in number the rational hearers of the Word. We have heard the saying applied by bustling servant girls to a scene where three or four dogs were lounging about a kitchen hearth, and impeding the work."—G. Henderson.
"In a remote farming area, like Cranshaws, situated in the Lammermoor hills, it was common for shepherds' dogs to go with their owners to church. During severe storms, only shepherds, who are used to being outside in any weather, could make it to the service. In those situations, it might have happened that the dogs outnumbered the human listeners. We've heard this saying used by busy housemaids to describe a scene where three or four dogs were lounging around a kitchen fire and getting in the way of the work."—G. Henderson.
Liked gear is half-bought.
Liked gear is half-purchased.
"When wares please, a bargain is soon made."—English.
"When the goods are appealing, a deal is quickly struck."—English.
Like draws aye to like, like an auld horse to a fell dike.
Like attracts like, just like an old horse to a stone wall.
Persons of similar tastes draw towards and sympathize with each other. "Like will to like—a scabbed horse and a sandy dike."—Danish. "Like will to like, as the devil said to the coal-burner."—German.
People with similar interests are naturally drawn to each other and share a mutual understanding. "Like attracts like—a rough horse and a sandy bank."—Danish. "Like attracts like, as the devil said to the coal-burner."—German.
Like hens, ye rin aye to the heap.
Like chickens, you run right to the pile.
Spoken jocularly to those who help themselves to what there is most of on the table.
Spoken playfully to those who take the most of what’s available on the table.
Like Hilton kirk, baith narrow and mirk, and can only haud its ain parish folk.
Like Hilton Kirk, both narrow and dark, and can only hold its own parish people.
"Hilton kirk was a very small edifice in Berwickshire, and it would seem from the saying not very well lighted. When any number of strangers came as hearers, the accommodation was deficient; the saying is used when many persons assemble in a small house, and there is little room to stir about."—G. Henderson.
"Hilton Kirk was a tiny building in Berwickshire, and it seemed, according to the saying, that it wasn't very well lit. When a bunch of strangers came to listen, there wasn't enough room; the saying is used when a lot of people gather in a small house, and there's hardly any space to move around."—G. Henderson.
Like Lamington's mare, ye break brawly aff, but sune set up.
Like Lamington's mare, you start off strong, but soon you're worn out.
Likely lies i' the mire, and unlikely gets ower.
Likely lies in the mud, and unlikely gets over.
Meaning that many undertakings which promise favourably at first often fail; while those of which no great hopes are entertained are successfully carried through.
Meaning that many projects that seem promising at first often fail, while those that no one expects much from end up being successful.
Like maister, like man; like priest, like offering.
Like master, like man; like priest, like offering.
Like Moses' breeks, neither shape, form, nor fashion.
Like Moses' pants, neither shape, form, nor style.
Like Orkney butter, neither gude to eat nor creesh woo.
Like Orkney butter, it’s neither good to eat nor creamy enough.
"A minister having in these words compared the covenant, made it a proverb. Applied to a thing that is useful no way."—Kelly.
"A minister used these words to compare the covenant and turned it into a proverb. It applies to something that is useful in no way."—Kelly.
Like paddy's ghost, twa steps ahint.
Like Paddy's ghost, two steps behind.
Like's an ill mark amang ither folk's sheep.
Like a bad mark among other people's sheep.
Like the bairns o' Falkirk, they'll end ere they mend.
Like the kids from Falkirk, they'll finish before they fix things.
"This is a proverbial saying of ill-doing persons, as expressive of there being no hope of them. How the children[213] of Falkirk came to be so characterized, it would be difficult now to ascertain. The adage has had the effect of causing the men of Falkirk jocularly to style themselves 'the bairns;' and when one of them speaks of another as 'a bairn,' he only means that that other person is a native of Falkirk."—Robert Chambers.
"This is a saying about people who do wrong, showing there's no hope for them. It's hard to say how the people of Falkirk got this reputation. Because of this saying, the men of Falkirk jokingly call themselves 'the bairns;' and when one of them refers to another as 'a bairn,' he simply means that the other person is from Falkirk."—Robert Chambers.
Like the cat, fain fish wad ye eat, but ye are laith to weet your feet.
Like the cat, you’d love to eat fish, but you’re hesitant to get your feet wet.
"The cat is fain the fish to eat, but hath no will to wet her feet."—English.
"The cat is eager to eat the fish, but doesn’t want to get her feet wet."—English.
"Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' like the poor cat i' the adage."—Macbeth.
"Letting 'I dare not' hold back 'I would,' like the poor cat in the saying."—Macbeth.
Like the cowts o' Bearbughty, ye're cowts till ye're best's by.
Like the cows of Bearbughty, you’re cows until you’re best by.
Like the cur in the crub, he'll neither do nor let do.
Like the mutt in the alley, he won't let anyone help or do it himself.
A Scottish version of the dog in the manger.
A Scottish take on the dog in the manger.
Like the dam o' Devon, lang gathered and soon gane.
Like the dam of Devon, long collected and soon gone.
Like the fiddler o' Chirnside's breakfast, it's a' pennyworth's thegither.
Like the fiddler from Chirnside's breakfast, it's all a penny's worth put together.
"This is said of people who buy very small quantities of any article. Fiddlers are proverbially poor, and the one of Chirnside was no exception to the rule. One morning he sent his boy for materials for breakfast, and the order was delivered to the shopkeeper in the following measured terms:—
"This is said of people who buy very small quantities of any item. Fiddlers are notoriously poor, and the one from Chirnside was no different. One morning, he sent his boy to get breakfast supplies, and the order was given to the shopkeeper in the following precise terms:—"
And a bit of butter; And a small amount of herring,
For my father likes melts!'"
Like the gudeman o' Kilpalet, ye're ower simple for this warld, and hae nae broo o' the next.
Like the good man of Kilpalet, you're too simple for this world, and have no care for the next.
Like the laird o' Castlemilk's foals—born beauties.
Like the lord of Castlemilk's foals—naturally beautiful.
Like the lassies o' Bayordie, ye learn by the lug.
Like the girls from Bayordie, you learn by listening.
Like the man o' Amperly's coo, she's come hame routin', but no very fu', wi' the tow about her horns.
Like the guy from Amperly's cow, she's come home tired, but not very drunk, with the rope around her horns.
"The cow came home unsold; and the rhyme is applied to a young woman who comes home from a fair or market without a 'jo' or sweetheart."—G. Henderson.
"The cow came home unsold; and the rhyme is used to describe a young woman who returns home from a fair or market without a boyfriend or sweetheart."—G. Henderson.
Like the man wi' the sair guts—nae getting quat o't.
Like the guy with the sore stomach—not getting rid of it.
Like the smith's dog, sleep at the sound o' the hammer, and wauk at the crunching o' teeth.
Like the blacksmith's dog, sleep at the sound of the hammer, and wake at the crunching of teeth.
Like the tod's whalps, aye the aulder the waur.
Like the tod's whalps, yeah the older the worse.
Like the wabster, stealing through the warld.
Like the weaver, moving stealthily through the world.
Another insult to the weaving profession. The reply of a person who is asked how he is getting on.
Another insult to the weaving profession. The response of someone who is asked how they’re doing.
Like the wife that ne'er cries for the ladle till the pat rins o'er.
Like the wife who never asks for the ladle until the pot overflows.
That is, never asks for an article until it is too late.
That is, never asks for an article until it's too late.
Like the wife wi' the mony dochters, the best's aye hindmost.
Like the woman with many daughters, the best is always last.
Or, at least, she would have the lover of the last believe so.
Or, at least, she would make the last lover believe that.
Like the wife's tongue, aften better meant than timed.[215]
Like the wife's words, often better intended than expressed.[215]
Like the witches o' Auchencrow, ye get mair for your ill than your gude.
Like the witches of Auchencrow, you get more for your bad than your good.
"That is, people sometimes grant an individual a favour through fear of malevolence, or to get rid of his importunity."—G. Henderson.
"Sometimes people do a favor for someone out of fear of their malice, or just to stop their constant nagging."—G. Henderson.
Like to like.
Birds of a feather.
"I'll tell ye, Ratton, blithe will Nicol Muschat be to see ye, for he says he kens weel there isna sic a villain out o' hell as ye are, and he wad be ravished to hae a crack wi' ye—like to like, ye ken—it's a proverb never fails; and ye are baith a pair o' the deevil's peats, I trow—hard to ken whilk deserves the hettest corner o' his ingleside."—Heart of Midlothian.
"I'll let you know, Ratton, Nicol Muschat will be really happy to see you because he knows well that there's no one as wicked as you, and he would love to have a chat with you—like attracts like, you know—it’s a saying that never misses; and you both are a couple of the devil’s peats, I bet—hard to tell which one deserves the hottest spot by his fireplace."—Heart of Midlothian.
Like water to leather—the langer the tougher.
Like water to leather—the longer, the tougher.
"Although my mither has been, past the memory o' man, in a complaining condition, I ken nae odds o' her this many a year; her ail's like water to leather, it makes her life the tougher."—The Entail.
"Even though my mother has been, beyond the memory of man, in a complaining state, I don't know much about her after all these years; her ailment is like water to leather, it makes her life even tougher."—The Entail.
Lippen to me, but look to yoursel.
Lend me your ears, but pay attention to yourself.
Lips gae, laps gae, drink and pay.
Lips go, laps go, drink and pay.
"If you put your lips to the cup to drink, put your hand to your lap to take out your purse."—Kelly.
"If you bring your lips to the cup to drink, put your hand in your lap to get your wallet."—Kelly.
Listen at a hole, and ye'll hear news o' yoursel.
Listen through a hole, and you'll hear news about yourself.
List to meat's gude kitchen.
List to meat's good kitchen.
Little and aften fills the purse.
Little and often fills the wallet.
Little can a lang tongue layne.
Little can a long tongue learn.
Little does the puir gude, and as little get they.
Little does the poor good, and as little do they get.
Little dogs hae lang tails.
Small dogs have long tails.
Little folk are soon angry.
Little people get angry fast.
A frequent addition gives the reason—for their heart gets soon to their mouth.
A common addition explains why—because their heart easily finds its way to their mouth.
Little gear, little care.
Small gear, small care.
Little Jock gets the little dish, and that hauds him lang little.
Little Jock gets the small dish, and that keeps him busy for a while.
"Poor people are poorly served, which prolongs their poverty."—Kelly.
"Poor people receive inadequate support, which extends their poverty."—Kelly.
Little kens the auld wife, as she sits by the fire, what the wind is doing on Hurley-Burley-Swire.
Little does the old woman know, as she sits by the fire, what the wind is doing on Hurley-Burley-Swire.
"Hurle-Burle-Swire is a passage through a ridge of mountains that separate Nithsdale from Twadale and Clydsdale: where the mountains are so indented one with another that there is a perpetual blowing. The meaning is that they who are at ease know little of the trouble that others are exposed to."—Kelly.
"Hurle-Burle-Swire is a pass through a mountain range that divides Nithsdale from Twadale and Clydsdale, where the mountains are so intertwined that there’s always a breeze. The implication is that those who live comfortably are often unaware of the struggles that others face."—Kelly.
Little kent, the less cared for.
Little Kent, the less cared for.
Little may an auld horse do if he maunna nicher.
Little can an old horse do if he can't neigh.
Little meddling maks fair pairting.
Little meddling makes fair pairing.
Little mense o' the cheeks to bite aff the nose.
Little people of the cheeks biting off the nose.
It is bad policy for a person to injure another with whom he is intimately connected, or upon whom he is depending.
It's not a good idea for someone to harm another person they are closely connected to or rely on.
Little odds between a feast and a fu' wame.
Little difference between a feast and a full stomach.
Little said is soon mended, little gear is soon spended.
Little said is quickly fixed, little gear is quickly used up.
Little's the light will be seen far in a mirk night.
Little light will be seen far on a dark night.
"'But the flame!' demanded Ravenswood; 'the broad blaze which might have been seen ten miles off—what occasioned that?' 'Hout, awa! it's an auld saying and a true, "Little's the light will be seen far in a mirk night"—a wheen fern and horse litter that I fired in the courtyard, after sending back the loon of a footman.'"—Bride of Lammermoor.
"'But what about the flame?' asked Ravenswood. 'The big blaze that could have been seen ten miles away—what caused that?' 'Oh, come on! It's an old saying and it's true, "A little light can be seen far on a dark night"—just some fern and horse litter I set on fire in the courtyard after sending that footman back.'"—Bride of Lammermoor.
Little to fear when traitors are true.
Little to fear when traitors are loyal.
Little troubles the ee, but less the soul.
Little troubles the eye, but even less the soul.
Little wats the ill-willy wife what a dinner may haud in.
Little knows the spiteful wife what a dinner may hold in.
Although a wife be very angry and "ill-willy" with her husband in private, still in public she should be cautious for obvious reasons, one of which is, Kelly says, "That a handsome treat may secure good friends and great interest."
Although a wife may be very angry and "ill-willy" with her husband in private, she should still be careful in public for obvious reasons. One of these reasons is, as Kelly says, "That a nice treat can help secure good friends and strong connections."
Little winning maks a light purse.
Little winning makes a light wallet.
Little wit in the head maks muckle travel to the feet.
Little wisdom in the mind means a lot of walking for the feet.
People of few resources, or poor imagination, are apt to be put about by trifles.
People with limited resources or a lack of imagination tend to be bothered by minor issues.
Little wit in the pow that lights the candle at the lowe.
Little wit in the power that lights the candle at the lower.
Live in measure, and laugh at the mediciners.
Live moderately, and don't take the doctors too seriously.
Live upon love, as laverocks do on leeks.
Live on love, just like skylarks live on leeks.
Living at heck and manger.
Living at hell and high water.
To live at "heck and manger" is to fare sumptuously every day, even beyond our income.
To live in "heck and manger" means to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle every day, even exceeding what we can afford.
Lock your door, that you may keep your neighbours honest.
Lock your door so you can keep your neighbors honest.
Lo'e me little an' lo'e me lang.
Lo'e me little and lo'e me long.
Look before ye loup, ye'll ken better how to light.
Look before you leap, you'll know better how to land.
And let go of certainty for hope,
Who guides you but beggars?
Loud coos the doo when the hawk's no whistling; loud cheeps the mouse when the cat's no rustling.
Loud coos the dove when the hawk's not whistling; loud cheeps the mouse when the cat's not stirring.
That is, subordinates take advantage when superiors are out of the way. "When the cat's away, the mice will play."—English.
That is, employees take advantage when their bosses are not around. "When the cat's away, the mice will play."—English.
Loud i' the loan was ne'er a gude milk cow.
Loud in the barn was never a good milking cow.
Noisy people, or those who are always boasting of what they can do, are seldom so clever even as their neighbours. Kelly says this is "a reprimand to noisy girls."
Noisy people, or those who are always bragging about what they can do, are rarely as smart as those around them. Kelly says this is "a reprimand to noisy girls."
Love and jealousy are sindle sindry.
Love and jealousy are seldom separate.
Love and lairdship's like nae marrows.
Love and lordship are not the same thing.
"Marrow," that is, an equal, match, or antagonist.
"Marrow," meaning an equal, counterpart, or rival.
Love and light winna hide.
Love and light won't hide.
Love has nae lack, be the dame e'er sae black.
Love knows no bounds, no matter how dark the lady may be.
Love has nae law.
Love has no law.
Love is as warm amang cottars as courtiers.
Love is as warm among common folks as it is among nobles.
As wells in Birken Shaw; And love will grow in the cozy cottage,
As well's in a high hall.
Love ower het soon cools.
Love over time soon cools.
Love your friend and look to yoursel.
Love your friend and take care of yourself.
aidens should be mild and meek, quick to hear, and slow to speak.
Young women should be gentle and humble, quick to listen, and slow to speak.
Maidens should be mim till they're married, and then they may burn kirks.
Maidens should be pure until they're married, and then they can unleash their wild side.
"Spoken often, by way of reflection, when we say that such a one is a good-humoured girl, as if you would say, 'Observe how she'll prove when she is married.'"—Kelly.
"People frequently say, in passing, that someone is a cheerful girl, as if to suggest, 'Just wait and see how she'll be once she's married.'"—Kelly.
Maidens' tochers and ministers' stipends are aye less than ca'd.
Maidens' touches and ministers' pay are always less than expected.
Maidens want naething but a man, and then they want a'thing.
Maidens want nothing but a man, and then they want everything.
Mair by luck than gude guiding.
Mair by luck than good guidance.
That is, a person has been successful by mere force of circumstances, and by no particular merit of his own.
A person has been successful just because of their circumstances, and not due to any special skill or effort on their part.
Mair hamely than welcome.
More homey than welcoming.
"Mair haste the waur speed," quo' the tailor to the lang thread.
"Making haste makes for worse speed," said the tailor to the long thread.
Mair nice than wise.
More nice than wise.
Mair pride than pith.
More pride than strength.
Mair than enough is ower muckle.
More than enough is too much.
"Mair whistle than woo," quo' the souter when he sheared the sow.
"Mair whistle than woo," said the shoemaker when he sheared the sow.
The saying, "Great cry and little wool," is common to all nations; the Scottish version, however, is the most expressive and humorous we have met with.
The phrase "Great cry and little wool" is familiar in every country; however, the Scottish version is the most vivid and amusing one we've encountered.
Maister's will is gude wark.
Maister's will is good work.
For the master himself is sure to be pleased with it.
For the master himself will definitely appreciate it.
Maistry maws the meadows doun.
Maistry mows the meadows down.
"The captain's a queer hand ... he keeps a high hand ower the country, and we couldna deal with the Hielandmen without his protection, sin' a' the keys o' the kintray hings at his belt; and he's no an ill body in the main; and maistry, ye ken, maws the meadows doun."—Heart of Midlothian.
"The captain is a strange guy ... he has a strong grip on the area, and we couldn't handle the Highlanders without his protection, since all the keys to the countryside hang from his belt; and he’s not a bad person overall; and you know, he keeps the meadows in check."—Heart of Midlothian.
Mak ae wrang step and down ye gae.
Mak ae wrang step and down ye gae.
Mak ae pair o' legs worth twa pair o' hands.
Make a pair of legs worth two pairs of hands.
"He freed Rashleigh from my hold, and securing me, notwithstanding my struggles, in his own Herculean gripe, he called out, 'Take the bent, Mr Rashleigh—make ae pair o' legs worth twa pair o' hands; ye hae done that before now.'"—Rob Roy.
"He released Rashleigh from my grip and, despite my struggles, held me tightly with his powerful arms. He shouted, 'Take the lead, Mr. Rashleigh—make one pair of legs worth two pairs of hands; you've done that before.'"—Rob Roy.
Mak a kiln o't, and creep in at the logie.
Mak a kiln of it, and crawl in at the little house.
We surmise that this is intended as an advice to a person who has become possessed of an article, and does not know what to do with it, like the old lady who won the principal prize in the lottery, said prize consisting of a live elephant! A "killogie" is, says Jamieson, "a vacuity before the fireplace in a kiln for drawing air."
We think this is meant as advice for someone who has come into possession of an item and doesn't know what to do with it, like the old lady who won the grand prize in the lottery, which happened to be a live elephant! A "killogie" is, according to Jamieson, "an empty space in front of the fireplace in a kiln for drawing air."
Mak a kirk or a mill o't.
Mak a church or a mill out of it.
Similar to the preceding proverb. Equivalent to saying such a thing is entirely in your own control; you may do what you please with it.
Similar to the previous proverb. It's like saying that something is completely in your control; you can do whatever you want with it.
Mak hay while the sun shines.
Mak hay while the sun shines.
Mak nae bauks in gude bear-land.
Mak nae bauks in good bear-land.
To "bauk" is to leave small strips of land unturned in ploughing. Kelly says of this proverb that it is "spoken when it is proposed to marry the youngest daughter before the eldest."
To "bauk" means to leave small strips of land unplowed. Kelly says this proverb is "used when someone suggests marrying off the youngest daughter before the eldest."
Mak nae orts o' gude hay.
Mak nae orts o' gude hay.
Literally, do not throw aside good hay.
Literally, don’t throw away good hay.
Mak nae toom ruse.
Make no mistakes.
"Toom ruse" means empty praise, and the proverb signifies that we should not praise indiscriminately, or without knowledge of the subject.
"Toom ruse" means empty praise, and the proverb signifies that we shouldn't give praise recklessly, or without understanding the topic.
Mak the best o' a bad bargain.
Make the best of a bad deal.
Mak your wife a gowdspink, and she'll turn a water-wagtail.
Mak your wife a goldfinch, and she'll become a water-wagtail.
That is, if you indulge a person freely to a certain extent, the probability is he will exceed the limits.
If you allow someone to do what they want to a certain degree, there's a good chance they'll go beyond the boundaries.
Malice is aye mindfu'.
Malice is always mindful.
Man proposes, God disposes.
Man plans, God laughs.
Man's twal is no sae gude as the deil's dizzen.
Man's towel is not as good as the devil's dozen.
No, because "man's twal" is twelve, while the "deil's dizzen" is thirteen.
No, because "man's twal" is twelve, while the "deil's dizzen" is thirteen.
March comes like a lion and gangs like a lamb.
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
March comes wi' adders' heads and gangs wi' peacocks' tails.
March comes with snake heads and struts with peacock tails.
March dust and March win', bleaches as weel as simmer's sun.
March dust and March wind, clears just as well as summer's sun.
March dust and May sun mak corn white and maidens dun.[222]
March dust and May sun make corn white and maidens brown.[222]
March water and May sun makes claes clear and maidens dun.
March water and May sun make the clay clear and the maidens blush.
The explanation of this saying, which belongs to the Mearns, is, that water in the month of March is supposed to be of a more cleansing quality than in any other month. The same idea is also expressed in the following saying:
The meaning of this saying, which comes from the Mearns, is that water in March is thought to be more purifying than in any other month. The same concept is reflected in the following saying:
March water's worth May soap.
March water's worth May soap.
March whisquer was ne'er a gude fisher.
March whisker was never a good fisherman.
Marriage and hanging gae by destiny.
Marriage and hanging by a thread of destiny.
Married folk are like rats in a trap—fain to get ithers in, but fain to be out themsels.
Married people are like rats in a trap—eager to get others in, but just as eager to get out themselves.
Marriage wad tame the sea, if a match could be got for her.
Marriage would tame the sea if a suitable match could be found for her.
When I played the fool and got married:
It's a trap, no one should doubt that; "Those who are in would really like to get out of it."
Marry abune your match, and get a maister.
Marry above your level, and find a master.
Marry for love, and work for siller.
Marry for love, and work for money.
Marry in haste, and repent at leisure.
Marry quickly, and regret it later.
Marry your son when you will, but your dochter when you can.
Marry your son when you want, but your daughter when you can.
Maun-do is a fell fallow.
Maun-do is a neglected area.
"Necessity is a hard master."—German.
"Necessity is a tough master."—German.
May-be's are no aye honey bees.
Maybe's are not always honey bees.
"An answer to them that say, 'Maybe it will fall out so or so.'"—Kelly.
"An answer to those who say, 'Maybe it will turn out this way or that.'"—Kelly.
Maybe's a big book.
Maybe is a big book.
Maybe your pat may need my clips.
Maybe your pet could use my clips.
Perhaps some day you will be glad of my assistance, although you despise it just now.
Maybe one day you'll appreciate my help, even though you can't stand it right now.
May birds are aye cheeping.
May birds are chirping.
This refers to the popular superstition against marrying in the month of May, the children of which marriages are said to "die of decay."
This refers to the well-known superstition against getting married in May, as the children from those marriages are said to "die of decay."
May he that turns the clod ne'er want a bannock.
May the one who turns the soil never go without a biscuit.
Mealy mou'd maidens stand lang at the mill.
Mealy-mouthed maidens stand long at the mill.
Measure twice, cut but ance.
Measure twice, cut once.
Meat and mass ne'er hindered wark.
Meat and mass never got in the way of work.
"'Happy will I be to serve you, my gude auld acquaintance,' said the clerk; 'but sit you down—sit you down—sit you down, Mrs Dods,—meat and mass never hindered wark. Ye are something overcome wi' your travel—the spirit canna aye bear through the flesh, Mrs Dods.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'I'd be happy to serve you, my good old friend,' said the clerk; 'but please, have a seat—sit down, Mrs. Dods—food and prayers never stopped work. You're looking a bit worn out from your journey—the spirit can't always keep up with the body, Mrs. Dods.'"—St Ronan's Well.
Meat and measure mak a' men wise.
Meat and drink make all men wise.
Meat feeds, claith cleeds, but breeding maks the man.
Meat feeds, clothes cover, but breeding makes the man.
Meat is gude, but mense is better.
Meat is good, but common sense is better.
Men are no to be mete by inches.
Men are not to be measured by inches.
Men speak o' the fair as things went there.
Men talk about how things went down there.
Mettle's kittle in a blind mare.
Mettle's tricky in a blind mare.
Michaelmas mune rises nine nights alike sune.
Michaelmas moon rises nine nights like the sun.
Mills and wives are aye wanting.
Mills and wives are always in demand.
Mind me to a' that ask for me, but blad me in naebody's teeth.[224]
Mind me to all those who ask about me, but don't throw me under the bus.[224]
Mind thysel, the warld will mind the lave.
Mind yourself, the world will take care of the rest.
Mint before you strike.
Mint before you create.
Minting gets nae bairns.
Minting doesn't have any kids.
Mischief's mother's but like midge's wing.
Mischief's mother, just like a midge's wing.
Mister makes a man o' craft.
Mister makes a man of skill.
Misterfu' folk maunna be mensefu'.
Misterfu' people must be sensible.
"Beggars should not be choosers."—English.
"Beggars can't be picky."—English.
Mist in May and heat in June mak the harvest right soon.
Mist in May and heat in June make the harvest come quickly.
Mistress before folk, gudewife behint backs; whaur lies the dishclout?
Mistress in front of people, housewife behind their backs; where is the dishcloth?
A jocular manner of addressing those who are very particular in their manner of speaking.
A playful way of talking to those who are very specific about how they speak.
Mocking's catching.
Mocking is contagious.
Money's aye welcome, were it even in a dirty clout.
Money is always welcome, even if it's in a rag.
Money's better than my lord's letter.
Money's better than my lord's letter.
Money's like the muck midden, it does nae gude till it be spread.
Money's like a pile of manure; it doesn't do any good until it's spread around.
Money makes and money mars.
Money creates and money destroys.
"He who hath gold hath fear, and he who hath none has sorrow."
"Whoever has gold has fear, and whoever has none has sorrow."
Money maks a man free ilka where.
Money makes a man free everywhere.
Money maks the mare to go whether she has legs or no.
Money makes the horse go, whether she has legs or not.
Mony a dog has dee'd sin' ye were whelped.
Many a dog has died since you were born.
Mony a frost and mony a thowe, sune makes mony a rotten yowe.
Many frosts and many thaws soon make many a rotten ewe.
Mony a gude tale is spoilt in the telling.
Many a good story is ruined in the telling.
"Applied often when a good sermon is ill delivered, to my certain knowledge."—Kelly.
"Used frequently when a good sermon is poorly delivered, to my certain knowledge."—Kelly.
Mony ane for land taks a fool by the hand.
Many a one for land takes a fool by the hand.
That is, many marry only for the sake of money and possessions.
Many people marry solely for money and material things.
Mony ane kens the gude fellow that disna ken the gude fellow's wife.
Mony a one knows the good guy who doesn't know the good guy's wife.
The reason being that he is a "gude fellow" only when abroad or in the taproom, and not when he is at home.
The reason is that he's a "good guy" only when he's out or in the bar, and not when he's at home.
Mony ane kisses the bairn for love o' the nurse.
Mony a one kisses the baby out of love for the nurse.
"That is, show their kindness to the companions, friends, or relations of those upon whom they have a design, which they hope by their influence to effect."—Kelly.
"That is, show their kindness to the companions, friends, or relatives of those they have plans for, which they hope to achieve through their influence."—Kelly.
Mony ane lacks what they would fain hae in their pack.
Many people lack what they would really like to have in their life.
Mony ane maks an errand to the ha' to bid my leddy good day.
Many one makes a trip to the hall to say good day to my lady.
Or, many occupy themselves with trifles.
Or, many keep themselves busy with trivial things.
Mony ane opens his pack and sells nae wares.
Mony opens his pack and sells no goods.
Mony ane's coat saves their doublet.
Many a person's coat saves their jacket.
"Spoken when clergymen use you saucily, whom, in deference to their profession, you will not beat."—Kelly.
"Spoken when clergy treat you disrespectfully, whom, out of respect for their profession, you will not strike."—Kelly.
Mony ane ser's a thankless maister.
Many a servant is a thankless master.
Mony ane speaks o' Robin Hood that ne'er shot wi' his bow.
Many a one talks about Robin Hood who never shot with his bow.
"Doctor Luther's shoes do not fit every parish priest."—German.
"Doctor Luther's shoes don't fit every parish priest."—German.
Mony ane tines the half-merk whinger for the ha'-penny whang.
Mony ane tines the half-merk whinger for the ha'-penny whang.
This nearly obsolete saying means, literally, loses a sixpenny dagger for the sake of a halfpenny thong. "Spoken," says Kelly, "when people lose a considerable thing for not being at an inconsiderable expense."
This almost outdated saying means, literally, losing a sixpenny dagger over a halfpenny strap. "Used," says Kelly, "when people lose something valuable by not spending a small amount."
Mony ane wad blush to hear what he wadna blush to dae.
Many would be embarrassed to hear what they wouldn't be embarrassed to do.
Mony ane wad hae been waur had their estates been better.
Many a one would have been worse off had their estates been better.
Mony an honest man needs help that hasna the face to seek it.
Many an honest man needs help but doesn’t have the courage to ask for it.
"Mony a thing's made for the penny," as the wifie said when she saw the black man.
"Mony a thing's made for the penny," as the woman said when she saw the black man.
Mony a true tale's tauld in jest.
Many true stories are told in jest.
Mony aunts, mony emes, mony kin, but few friends.
Many aunts, many enemies, many relatives, but few friends.
The word "eme" signifies uncle, and the saying—its claims as a proverb are small enough—means that a person may have many relations but very few friends among them.
The word "eme" means uncle, and the saying—though it's not a well-known proverb—suggests that a person might have many relatives, but very few true friends among them.
Mony care for meal that hae baked bread enough.
Many care for a meal that has baked enough bread.
"Spoken against whining, complaining people, who have enough, and yet are always making a moan."—Kelly.
"Talking about those who whine and complain, even when they have plenty, but still always find a reason to complain."—Kelly.
Mony fair promises at the marriage-making, but few at the tocher-paying.
Many sweet promises are made during weddings, but few when it comes time to pay the dowry.
A man may "promise like a merchant and pay like a man-of-war's-man;" that is, promise anything that may be asked, for the sake of concluding a bargain, but which, once made, he is in no haste to perform.
A guy might "promise like a salesman and deliver like a sailor;" in other words, he’ll promise whatever is needed to close a deal, but once it’s done, he’s in no rush to follow through.
Mony gude-nights is laith away.
Money good nights is late away.
"He shakes hands often who is loath to go."—French.
"He often offers his hand to shake when he's reluctant to leave."—French.
Mony hands maks light work.
Many hands make light work.
Mony hawes, mony snawes.
Many hawes, many snows.
"When there is a great exhibition of blossoms on the hedgerows, the ensuing winter will be a remarkable one for snow storms."—Robert Chambers.
"When there is a big display of flowers on the hedgerows, the following winter will be notable for snowstorms."—Robert Chambers.
Mony hounds may soon worry ae hare.
Mighty hounds may soon worry a hare.
Mony kinsfolk but few friends.
Many relatives but few friends.
Mony 'll sup wi' little din, that wadna gree at moolin in.
Mony will sit down with little noise, who wouldn't agree at mixing in.
Mony littles mak a muckle.
Many little things make a lot.
Mony purses haud friends lang thegither.
Mony purses hold friends together for a long time.
Mony rains, mony rowans; mony rowans, mony yewns.
Mony rains, mony rowans; mony rowans, mony yewns.
"Yewns being light grain. The rowans are the fruit of the mountain ash, which never are ripe till harvest. It is a common observation, that an abundance of them generally follows a wet season."—Robert Chambers.
"Yewns are light grain. The rowans are the fruit of the mountain ash, which don't ripen until harvest. It's commonly noted that a lot of them usually come after a wet season."—Robert Chambers.
Mony sae "weel" when it ne'er was waur.
Many say "well" when it was never worse.
"Spoken to them that say 'well' by way of resentment."—Kelly.
"Talked to them who say 'good' out of bitterness."—Kelly.
Mony time I hae got a wipe wi' a towel, but ne'er a daub wi' a dishclout before.
Mony time I have gotten a wipe with a towel, but never a smudge with a dishcloth before.
Or reprimanded by a person who had authority to do so, but never roughly handled by one who had no right to interfere. Kelly says this is "spoken by saucy girls when one jeers them with an unworthy sweetheart."
Or reprimanded by someone who had the authority to do so, but never treated roughly by someone who had no right to interfere. Kelly says this is "spoken by sassy girls when one mocks them with an unworthy boyfriend."
Mony ways to kill a dog though ye dinna hang him.
Many ways to kill a dog, although you don't have to hang him.
Mony words dinna fill the firlot.
Many words don't fill the measure.
A "firlot" is a fourth part of a boll, dry measure. Equivalent to the proverb, "Many words go to a sackful."—Dutch.
A "firlot" is a quarter of a boll, a measure for dry goods. Equivalent to the saying, "Many words fill a sack."—Dutch.
Mony words, muckle drouth.
Many words, much drought.
Mony wyte their wife for their ain thriftless life.
Many blame their wives for their own unworthy lives.
That is, many persons blame others for what are the consequences of their own faults. Kelly says, "I never saw a Scottish woman who had not this at her finger's end."
That is, many people blame others for the results of their own mistakes. Kelly says, "I’ve never met a Scottish woman who didn’t have this down pat."
Mouths are nae measure.
Mouths are not a measure.
The Irish are not of this opinion, for it is recorded that one of them said his mouth held exactly a glass of whisky—that is, if he could have retained it; but there was a hole in the bottom of it which continually prevented him from proving the fact.
The Irish don't share this view, as it's noted that one of them claimed his mouth could hold exactly a glass of whiskey—that is, if he could have actually kept it there; but there was a hole in the bottom that kept him from proving it.
Mows may come to earnest.
Mows may turn serious.
"To 'mow,' to speak in mockery."—Jamieson.
"To 'mow,' to speak in mockery."—Jamieson.
Moyen does muckle, but money does mair.
Moyen does a lot, but money does more.
Influence or interest does much, but money will do more.
Influence or interest can achieve a lot, but money can achieve even more.
Muck and money gae thegither.
Muck and money go together.
Muckle corn, muckle care.
Big grain, big responsibility.
"Muckle din about ane," as the deil said when he stole the collier.[229]
"Muckle din about one," as the devil said when he stole the miner.[229]
Muckledom is nae virtue.
Muckledom is not a virtue.
Muckle fails that fools think.
Many things fail that fools believe.
Muckle gifts mak beggars bauld.
Big gifts make beggars bold.
Muckle gude may it do you, and merry go doun, every lump as big as my thoom.
Muckle good may it do you, and merry go down, every lump as big as my thumb.
A bad wish—that every bite may choke you.
A terrible wish—that every bite could suffocate you.
Muckle head, little wit.
Big head, little sense.
Muckle maun a gude heart thole.
Muckle must a good heart endure.
Muckle meat, mony maladies.
Big meat, many problems.
Muckle mou'd folk are happy at their meat.
Mouthy people are happy with their food.
Muckle musing mars the memory.
Excessive thinking clouds the memory.
Muckleness has nae mair, or else a cow could catch a hare.
Mucklessness no longer exists, or else a cow could catch a hare.
Muckleness is no manliness.
Muckiness is not masculinity.
Muckle pleasure, some pain.
Great joy, some pain.
Muckle power maks mony faes.
Great power makes many foes.
Muckle skaith comes to the shae before the heat comes to the tae.
Muckle trouble comes to the shadow before the heat comes to the tea.
Muckle spoken, part spilt.
Lots of talk, some spilled.
So much was said on a subject that a great deal was lost.
So much was said about the topic that a lot was lost.
Muckle wad aye hae mair.
Big money will always have more.
The more a person has the more he would have.
The more a person has, the more they will have.
Muckle water rins by that the miller watsna o'.
Muckle water flows by that the miller doesn’t know about.
Muckle wi' thrift may aye be mair.
Might as well be more with a lot of savings.
My market's made, ye may lick a whup-shaft.
My market's made, you can lick a whip handle.
The saucy reply of a maid already betrothed, to a would-be wooer.
The cheeky response of a maid who is already engaged, to an admirer.
My neighbour's skaith's my ain peril.
My neighbor's misfortune is my own danger.
My son's my son till he's got him a wife; my dochter's my dochter a' the days o' her life.
My son is my son until he gets married; my daughter is my daughter for all the days of her life.
My tongue's no under your belt.
My tongue's not beneath your control.
aebody daur say Straa to him.
everybody dare say Straa to him.
Naebody is riving your claes to get you.
Naebody is tearing your clothes to get you.
Or going out of their wits for your sake.
Or going out of their mind for your sake.
Nae butter will stick to my bread.
No butter will stick to my bread.
That is, good fortune follows nothing I do.
Good luck doesn't come from anything I do.
Nae carrion will kill a craw.
Noble deeds will not bring down a crow.
Nae cows, nae care.
No cows, no problem.
Nae curb will tame love.
No boundary will restrain love.
Nae equal to you but our dog Sorkie, and he's dead, so ye're marrowless.
Not equal to you but our dog Sorkie, and he's gone, so you're without match.
Applied to boasters, meaning sarcastically that in their own peculiar faculty they are unequalled.
Applied to boastful people, meaning sarcastically that in their own unique way they are unmatched.
Nae faut; but she sets her bannet ower weel.
Naw, no problem; but she wears her hat quite nicely.
The only fault is, she is too good-looking.
The only problem is that she's too good-looking.
Nae fleeing frae fate.
No escaping fate.
Nae fleeing without wings.
No escaping without wings.
Nae fools like auld anes.
No fools like old ones.
Nae faut that the cat has a clean band, she sets a bannet sae weel.
Nae faut that the cat has a clean band, she sets a bannet sae weel.
"Ironically spoken to them who pretend to do, have, or wear what does not become them."—Kelly.
"Ironically said to those who pretend to do, have, or wear things that don't suit them."—Kelly.
Nae gain without pain.
No gain without pain.
Nae great loss but there's some sma' 'vantage.
No big loss, but there’s a small advantage.
Nae man can baith sup and blaw at ance.
No man can both sip and blow at the same time.
That is, sup his soup and cool it together; or, plainly, do two things at once.
That is, sip your soup and let it cool down at the same time; or simply, do two things at once.
Nae man can live langer in peace than his neighbours like.
No man can live longer in peace than his neighbors do.
"For an ill neighbour, with his scolding noise, complaints, lawsuits, and indictments, may be very troublesome."—Kelly.
"For a difficult neighbor, with their constant complaints, arguments, lawsuits, and accusations, can be really annoying."—Kelly.
Nae man can mak his ain hap.
No man can make his own happiness.
Or plan his own destiny.
Or shape his own destiny.
Nae man can seek his marrow i' the kirn sae weel as him that has been in't himsel.
No man can truly understand his own essence in the churn as well as someone who has experienced it themselves.
"Spoken to those who suspect us guilty of a thing in which they take measure of us by their practices and inclinations."—Kelly.
"Addressed to those who believe we are guilty of something and judge us based on their own actions and biases."—Kelly.
Nae man can thrive unless his wife will let him.
No man can succeed unless his wife allows him to.
Nae man has a tack o' his life.
No man has control over his life.
Nae man is wise at a' times, nor on a' things.
No one is wise all the time or in everything.
Nae mills, nae meal.
No mills, no meal.
Nae penny, nae paternoster.
No money, no prayer.
Nae plea is the best plea.
No plea is the best plea.
Nae rule sae gude as rule o' thoom—if it hit.
No rule is as good as the rule of thumb—if it works.
Nae service, nae siller.
No service, no money.
Nae sooner up than her head's in the aumrie.
Noble sooner up than her head's in the cupboard.
Applied to lazy or greedy servants; implying that the first thing they do in the morning is to go to the "aumrie" or cupboard for something to eat.
Applied to lazy or greedy servants; suggesting that the first thing they do in the morning is go to the "aumrie" or cupboard for something to eat.
Nae swat, nae sweet.
No sweat, no sweet.
Naething but fill and fetch mair.
Naething but fill and fetch more.
A philosophic way of meeting troubles. If a thing be wrong done, do it over again; or if it be lost, procure another.
A thoughtful approach to dealing with problems. If something goes wrong, do it again; or if it's lost, get another one.
Naething comes fairer to light than what has been lang hidden.
Nothing comes to light more beautifully than what has been long hidden.
Naething comes out o' a close hand.
Nothing comes out of a closed hand.
Naething freer than a gift.
Nothing's freer than a gift.
Naething is got without pains but an ill name and lang nails.
Nothing is gained without effort except a bad reputation and long nails.
Naething is ill said if it's no ill ta'en.
Nothing is badly said if it's not badly taken.
Naething is ill to be done when will's at hame.
Nothing is wrong to do when one's will is at home.
Naething like being stark dead.
Nothing like being totally dead.
Meaning there is nothing like doing a thing thoroughly. "A vile, malicious proverb," says Kelly, "first used by Captain James Stewart against the noble Earl of Morton, and afterwards applied to the Earl of Strafford and Archbishop Laud."
Meaning there’s nothing quite like doing something right. "A nasty, spiteful saying," says Kelly, "originally used by Captain James Stewart against the noble Earl of Morton, and later directed at the Earl of Strafford and Archbishop Laud."
Naething's a bare man.
Nothing's a bare man.
"A jocose answer to children when they say they have gotten nothing."—Kelly.
"A funny response to kids when they say they haven't received anything."—Kelly.
Naething's a man's truly but what he comes by duly.
Nothing is truly a man's unless he earns it honestly.
Naething sae bauld as a blind mear.
Nothing so bold as a blind mare.
"Who so bold as blind Bayard?"—English.
"Who is as bold as blind Bayard?"—English.
"Ignorance breeds confidence; consideration, slowness and wariness."—Ray.
"Ignorance creates confidence; awareness brings thoughtfulness, caution, and carefulness."—Ray.
Naething sae crouse as a new wash'd louse.
Nothing so lively as a freshly washed louse.
"Spoken of them who have been ragged and dirty, and are proud and fond of new or clean clothes."—Kelly.
"Talking about those who have been scruffy and dirty, but are proud and love new or clean clothes."—Kelly.
Naething sooner maks a man auld-like than sitting ill to his meat.
Nothing makes a man look older than sitting poorly at his meal.
"To sit ill to one's meat, to be ill fed."—Jamieson.
"To sit poorly at the table, to be poorly fed."—Jamieson.
Naething to be done in haste but gripping fleas.
Nothing to be done in a hurry except catching fleas.
In his introduction to Henderson's Proverbs, Motherwell relates a humorous anecdote in connection with this proverb. An indefatigable collector of "rusty sayed saws," a friend of his, was in the habit of jotting down any saying new to him on the back of cards, letters, &c., and thrusting them into his pocket. On one occasion he had an altercation with a stranger at a friend's house. The quarrel becoming warm, ended by Motherwell's friend excitedly handing the other (as he thought) his card. On the gentleman's preparing to vindicate his honour next morning, it occurred to him to learn the name of his antagonist. On looking at the card he found no name, but, in place of it, traced in good legible characters, "Naething should be done in a hurry but catching fleas." The effect of this was irresistible, and the result an immediate reconciliation.
In his introduction to Henderson's Proverbs, Motherwell shares a funny story about this proverb. A friend of his, who was always collecting "old sayings," would write down any saying he came across on the back of cards, letters, etc., and put them in his pocket. One time, he got into an argument with a stranger at a friend's house. As the argument heated up, Motherwell's friend excitedly handed the other guy (or so he thought) his card. The next morning, as the gentleman prepared to defend his honor, he decided to find out the name of his opponent. When he looked at the card, he found no name, but instead read in clear letters, "Naething should be done in a hurry but catching fleas." This had an irresistible effect, leading to an immediate reconciliation.
Naething to do but draw in your stool and sit down.
Naething to do but draw in your stool and sit down.
Everything is so far advanced that the finishing stroke only is wanting. Applied to a man who is courting a widow or spinster already in possession of a well-furnished house.
Everything is so far along that only the final touch is needed. This applies to a man who's pursuing a widow or a single woman who already owns a well-furnished home.
Naething venture, naething win.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Nae weather's ill an the wind be still.
No weather is bad when the wind is calm.
Nae wonder ye're auld like, ilka thing fashes you.
Naw wonder you're old, like, everything annoys you.
That is, because you allow every little trifling occurrence to vex you.
That is, because you let every little annoying thing get to you.
Nane are sae weel but they hope to be better.[235]
None are that great, but they hope to improve.[235]
Nane but fools and knaves lay wagers.
None but fools and fools lay bets.
Henderson, in his Proverbs, reads "poets" for "fools," possibly as a hit upon some of his friends, several of whom were poets of local celebrity.
Henderson, in his Proverbs, interprets "poets" instead of "fools," which might be a jab at some of his friends, many of whom were well-known local poets.
Nane can mak a bore but ye'll find a pin for't.
Nane can make a bore, but you'll find a solution for it.
Meaning that none can find fault with you but you will be able to give an excuse for it. "As soon find hare without a mense as you without excuse."—English.
Meaning that no one can criticize you, but you’ll always have an excuse ready for it. "You might as well find a hare without a tail as you might to find you without an excuse."—English.
Nane can play the fool sae weel as a wise man.
Nane can act foolishly just as well as a wise person.
Nane can tell what's i' the shaup till it's shelt.
Nane can tell what's in the shape until it's sheltered.
That is, in the husk until it is shelled.
That is, in the shell until it is removed.
Nane kens whaur a blister may light.
Nane knows where a blister might appear.
Narrow gathered, widely spent.
Narrowed down, widely used.
Nature passes nurture.
Nature over nurture.
Nearer e'en the mair beggars.
Nearer even the more beggars.
Nearer God's blessing than Carlisle fair.
Nearer to God's blessing than Carlisle fair.
"You need but go to your closet for the one, but you must go out of the kingdom for the other."—Kelly.
"You only need to go to your closet for one, but you have to leave the kingdom for the other."—Kelly.
Nearer the bane, sweeter the flesh.
Nearer the pain, sweeter the pleasure.
"And for eating—what signifies telling a lee? there's just the hinder end of the mutton-ham that has been but three times on the table, and the nearer the bane the sweeter, as your honours weel ken; and—there's the heel of the ewe-milk kebbuck, wi' a bit o' nice butter, and—and—that's a' that's to trust to."—Bride of Lammermoor.
"And as for food—what’s the point of complaining? There’s just the last piece of the mutton that’s barely been on the table three times, and the closer to the bone, the sweeter it is, as you all know; and—there’s the end of the ewe’s milk cheese, with a bit of nice butter, and—and that’s all we have to rely on."—Bride of Lammermoor.
Nearer the rock, the sweeter the grass.
Nearer the rock, the sweeter the grass.
Nearest the heart, nearest the mou.
Nearest the heart, nearest the mouth.
"Spoken to them who, designing to name one person, by mistake names another, perhaps a sweetheart."—Kelly.
"Talking to someone who intends to say one name but accidentally says another, maybe a crush."—Kelly.
Nearest the king, nearest the widdy.
Nearest the king, nearest the widow.
"Widdy," rope or gallows. Meaning that those who occupy political or subservient positions do so only during the pleasure of their superiors.
"Widdy," rope or gallows. This means that those in political or subordinate roles only hold their positions as long as their superiors allow it.
Near's my kirtle, but nearer's my sark.
Near's my dress, but closer's my shirt.
Near's my sark, but nearer's my skin.
Near's my shirt, but closer's my skin.
The two last sayings are common to many nations. "Some friends are nearer to me than others—my parents and children than my other relations, those than my neighbours, my neighbours than strangers; but, above all, I am next to myself."—Ray.
The last two sayings are shared by many cultures. "Some friends are closer to me than others—my parents and kids more than my other relatives, those relatives more than my neighbors, and my neighbors more than strangers; but most importantly, I am closest to myself." —Ray.
Near the kirk, but far frae grace.
Near the church, but far from grace.
This fact is so well ascertained that there is another to the same effect. "Farthest frae the kirk aye soonest at it;" and the English are of a similar opinion, for Spenser writes:
This fact is so well established that there's another one that says the same thing: "Farther from the church, soonest to it;" and the English hold a similar belief, as Spenser writes:
There's an old saying.
Necessity has nae law.
Necessity has no law.
Necessity's the mither o' invention.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Neck or naething, the king lo'es nae cripples.
Neck or nothing, the king doesn’t love any cripples.
"A prophane jest upon those who are like to fall, wishing that they may either break their neck or come off safe; for breaking a limb will make them useless subjects."—Kelly.
"A disrespectful joke about those who are likely to fail, hoping that they either break their neck or come out fine; because breaking a limb will make them useless."—Kelly.
Need gars naked men run, and sorrow gars wabsters spin.
Need gars naked men run, and sorrow gars wabsters spin.
"Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood."—Italian. In the second clause we have another discreditable imputation on the weaving fraternity, implying that they only work when compelled by hunger, and are not naturally industrious.
"Hunger drives the wolf out of the woods."—Italian. In the second clause, there's another unfair accusation against the weaving community, suggesting that they only work when forced by hunger and aren't naturally hardworking.
Need gars the auld wife trot.
Need gars the auld wife trot.
"'This is your mother, is it not?' (Cuddie nodded.) 'What can have brought your mother and you down the[237] water so late?' 'Troth, stir, just what gars the auld wives trot—neshessity, stir. I'm seeking for service, stir.'"—Old Mortality.
"'This is your mother, right?' (Cuddie nodded.) 'What could have brought you and your mother down the[237] water so late?' 'Honestly, sir, it’s just what makes the old women move—necessity, sir. I'm looking for work, sir.'"—Old Mortality.
Need maks a man o' craft.
Need makes a man of skill.
Need maks greed.
Need masks, greed.
Need maks the naked quean spin.
Need makes the naked queen spin.
Ne'er break out o' kind to gar your friends ferlie at you.
Never break out of character to make your friends wonder about you.
Do not do strange acts merely for the sake of astonishing your friends.
Don't do weird things just to impress your friends.
Ne'er count the lawin' wi' a toom quaich.
Never count the money with an empty cup.
"Quaich," a small and shallow drinking-cup with two ears. The proverb has a similar meaning to "Fair fa' the wife," &c., q. v.
"Quaich," a small and shallow drinking cup with two handles. The proverb has a similar meaning to "Fair fa' the wife," etc., q. v.
Ne'er do ill that gude may come o't.
Never do something bad hoping that good will come from it.
That is, do not resort to extreme measures when mild means will suffice.
That is, don’t take drastic actions when simple solutions will do.
Ne'er fash your beard.
Don't worry about your beard.
"'Tell them all this, and hear what they say till't.'
"'Tell them all this, and listen to what they say until then.'"
"'Indeed, mistress, I can tell ye that already, without stirring my shanks for the matter,' answered Nelly Trotter; 'they will e'en say that ye are ae auld fule, and me anither, that may hae some judgment in cock-bree or in scate-rumples, but maunna fash our beards about onything else.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'Sure, miss, I can tell you that right now without moving a muscle,' replied Nelly Trotter; 'they'll just say that you're an old fool, and I'm another, who might know a thing or two about ale or gossip, but we shouldn't worry our heads about anything else.'" —St Ronan's Well.
Ne'er fash your thoom.
Don't worry about it.
"And there's my hand, she'll get tired, and soon fall silent."
Ne'er find faut wi' my shoon, unless you pay my souter.
Never find fault with my shoes, unless you pay my shoemaker.
Addressed to impertinent persons who find fault with the personal appearance or dress of others.
Addressed to rude people who criticize the looks or clothing of others.
Ne'er gang to the deil wi' the dishclout on your head.
Ne’er go to the devil with the dishcloth on your head.
"If you will be a knave, be not in a trifle, but in something of value. A Presbyterian minister had a son who was made Archdeacon of Ossery; when this was told to his father, he said, 'If my son will be a knave, I am glad that he will be an archknave.' This has the same sense, 'As good be hanged for an old sheep as a young lamb.'"—Kelly.
"If you're going to be dishonest, at least make it count. A Presbyterian minister had a son who became the Archdeacon of Ossery; when his father heard this, he said, 'If my son is going to be a knave, I'm just glad he's going to be a big one.' This has the same meaning as, 'You might as well get hanged for an old sheep as for a young lamb.'"—Kelly.
Ne'er gie me my death in a toom dish.
Never give me my death in an empty dish.
This means, jocularly, if you wish to kill me, do it not by starvation; in other words, give me something to eat.
This means, jokingly, if you want to kill me, don’t do it by making me starve; in other words, give me something to eat.
Ne'er gude, egg nor bird.
No good, egg or bird.
Ne'er kiss a man's wife, or dight his knife, for he'll do baith after you.
Never kiss a man's wife or clean his knife, because he'll do both after you.
Ne'er let on, but laugh in your sleeve.
Never let on, but laugh to yourself.
Ne'er let the nose blush for the sins o' the mouth.
Never let your nose turn red for the sins of your mouth.
Ne'er let your feet rin faster than your shoon.
Never let your feet run faster than your shoes.
"'But you must recollect, that before taking such a step you ought to be pretty well provided with means.'
"But you have to remember that before taking such a step, you should be fairly well equipped with resources."
"'Ou', fegs! I hae nae trick o' letting my feet rin faster than my shoon. I'll no forget the means, ye may be sure; and as for Jean hersel, I hae nae skill o' women folk, if she's no just as willing as me.'"—The Disruption.
"'Oh, for goodness' sake! I have no intention of letting my feet run faster than my shoes. I won't forget how to do it, that’s for sure; and as for Jean herself, I don’t understand women, but if she’s not just as eager as I am.'"—The Disruption.
Ne'er lippen ower muckle to a new friend or an auld enemy.[239]
Never trust too much in a new friend or an old enemy.[239]
Ne'er marry a penniless maiden that's proud o' her pedigree.
Never marry a broke woman who takes pride in her background.
Ne'er marry a widow unless her first man was hanged.
Never marry a widow unless her first husband was hanged.
Ne'er misca' a Gordon in the raws o' Stra'bogie.
Ne'er mess with a Gordon in the fields of Strathbogie.
The Gordons were the ruling clan in Strathbogie; and the proverb means that we should never speak ill of a man on his own property.
The Gordons were the dominant clan in Strathbogie, and the saying means we should never speak badly about someone on their own land.
Ne'er put your arm out farther than you can draw it easily back again.
Never stretch your arm out further than you can easily pull it back.
"The deacon used to say to me, 'Nick—young Nick' (his name was Nicol as well as mine, sae folk ca'd us, in their daffin, young Nick and auld Nick)—'Nick,' said he, 'never put out your arm farther than ye can draw it easily back again.'"—Rob Roy.
"The deacon used to say to me, 'Nick—young Nick' (his name was Nicol just like mine, so people jokingly called us young Nick and old Nick)—'Nick,' he said, 'never reach out your arm further than you can comfortably pull it back.'"—Rob Roy.
Ne'er ower auld to learn.
Never too old to learn.
Ne'er put a sword in a wudman's hand.
Never put a sword in a woodsman's hand.
Ne'er put the plough before the owsen.
Never put the plow before the oxen.
Ne'er quit certainty for hope.
Never trade certainty for hope.
Ne'er rax abune your reach.
Never reach above your grasp.
That is, do not exert yourself beyond your strength.
That is, don't push yourself beyond your limits.
Ne'er say gae, but gang.
Never say go, but go.
Ne'er say "Ill fallow" to him you deal wi'.
Never say "I'll fallow" to him you’re dealing with.
Ne'er shaw me the meat, but the man.
Never show me the meat, but the man.
"If a man be fat, plump, and in good liking, I shall not ask what keeping he has had."—Kelly.
"If a man is overweight, chubby, and well-liked, I won't ask how he stays that way."—Kelly.
Ne'er shaw your teeth unless ye can bite.
Never show your teeth unless you can bite.
Ne'er speak ill o' the deil.
Never speak ill of the devil.
Ne'er spend gude siller looking for bad.
Never spend good money looking for bad.
"John had never before taken any debtor to law, his motto being, 'Never spend gude siller looking for bad;' but in this case, he said, he was determined to roup them to the door, although it shouldna put a penny in his pouch."—Roy's "Generalship."
"John had never taken anyone to court before; his motto was, 'Never spend good money looking for bad.' But in this case, he said he was determined to take them to the door, even if it didn’t put a penny in his pocket."—Roy's "Generalship."
Ne'er strive against the stream.
Don't go against the flow.
Ne'er tak a forehammer to break an egg.
Never use a sledgehammer to crack an egg.
Ne'er tell your fae when your fit sleeps.
Never tell your fairy when your shoe is off.
Ne'er throw the bridle o' your horse ower a fool's arm.
Never throw the reins of your horse over a fool's arm.
Ne'er use the taws when a gloom will do.
Never use the strap when a scolding will do.
Of similar import to "Ne'er draw your dirk," q. v.
Of similar importance to "Ne'er draw your dirk," q. v.
Ne'er was a wife weel pleased coming frae the mill but ane, and she brak her neck bane.
Never was a wife well pleased coming from the mill but one, and she broke her neck.
Kelly says this is "commonly said to wives when they come from the mill, but the occasion, sense, or meaning I know not." Is it not because they are always dissatisfied with the "mouter" which the miller takes?
Kelly says this is "often said to wives when they come from the mill, but I don't know the reason, meaning, or context." Is it not because they are always unhappy with the "mouter" that the miller takes?
Ne'er waur happen you than your ain prayer.
Never worse happens to you than your own prayer.
Neither fish, flesh, fowl, nor gude red herring.
Neither fish, meat, poultry, nor a good red herring.
Used to signify that an article is good for nothing.
Used to mean that an article is worthless.
Neither sae sinfu' as to sink nor sae holy as to soom.
Neither so sinful as to sink nor so holy as to swim.
Never's a lang word.
Never's a long word.
New lairds mak new laws.
New leaders make new rules.
"They were decent, considerate men, that didna plague a puir herd callant muckle about a moorfowl or a mawkin, unless he turned common fowler—Sir Robert Ringhorse used to say, the herd lads shot as mony gleds and pyots as[241] they did game. But new lords new laws—naething but fine and imprisonment, and the game no a feather the plentier."—St Ronan's Well.
"They were good, thoughtful men who didn’t bother a poor shepherd boy too much about a partridge or a rabbit, unless he became a regular hunter—Sir Robert Ringhorse used to say that the shepherd boys shot as many hawks and crows as they did game. But with new lords come new laws—nothing but fines and imprisonment, and the game isn’t any more plentiful."—St Ronan's Well.
Next to nae wife, a gude ane's best.
Next to no wife, a good one’s the best.
Nineteen naesays o' a maiden is half a grant.
Nineteen refusals from a young woman is half a promise.
Where does the happiness you want lie;
And I’ll say it directly to your face,
"Nineteen no's are half a grant."
Nipping and scarting's Scotch folk's wooing.
Nipping and flirting is how the Scots court each other.
"It may be Scotch folk's wooing; but if that's the gait Betty Bodle means to use you, Watty, my dear, I would see her, and a' the Kilmarkeckles that ever were cleckit, doon the water, or strung in a wuddy, before I would hae onything to say to ane come o' their seed or breed. To lift her hands to her bridegroom!"—The Entail.
"It might be how Scottish people woo; but if that's the way Betty Bodle plans to treat you, Watty, my dear, I’d rather see her and all the Kilmarkeckles who ever existed floating down the river or strung up in a noose before I’d say anything to someone from their family or background. To raise her hands to her groom!"—The Entail.
Now-a-days truth's news.
Nowadays, truth is news.
Now's now, and Yule's in winter.
Now is now, and Yule is in winter.
' ae ill come mony.
I'll come soon.
O' a' fish i' the sea, herring is king.
O' all the fish in the sea, herring is the best.
O' a' ills, nane's best.
Of all the ills, none is better.
O' a' little tak a little; when there's nought tak a'.
O, a little takes a little; when there's nothing, take nothing.
O' a' meat i' the warld the drink gaes best down.
O' all the food in the world, the drink goes down the best.
O' a' sorrow, a fu' sorrow's the best.
O' all the sorrow, a full sorrow's the best.
"Spoken when friends die and leave good legacies."—Kelly.
"Spoken when friends pass away and leave behind great legacies."—Kelly.
O' a' the months o' the year curse a fair Februar.
O' all the months of the year, I curse a nice February.
O' bairns' gifts ne'er be fain; nae sooner they gie than they tak it again.
O kids' gifts are never freely given; no sooner do they give than they take it back again.
O' gude advisement comes nae ill.
Good advice is always helpful.
O' ill debtors men get aiths.
O' ill debtors men get oaths.
"Aith," or oath, is here used in the sense of promise, signifying that from "ill debtors" men get not money but promises, which, of course, are never performed.
"Aith," or oath, is used here to mean promise, indicating that from "bad debtors" people receive not money but promises, which, of course, are never kept.
Oh for a drap o' gentle blude, that I may wear black abune my brow.
Oh for a drop of noble blood, that I may wear black above my brow.
"In Scotland no woman is suffered to wear a silk hood unless she be a gentlewoman; that is, a gentleman's daughter, or married to a gentleman. A rich maid having the offer of a wealthy yeoman, or a bare gentleman, wished for the last, to qualify her to wear a black hood. It is since spoken to such wealthy maidens upon the like occasion."—Kelly.
"In Scotland, no woman is allowed to wear a silk hood unless she is a gentlewoman; that is, the daughter of a gentleman or married to a gentleman. A wealthy young woman, having the chance to marry a rich farmer or a low-ranking gentleman, preferred the latter to be eligible to wear a black hood. This has since been discussed with other wealthy young women on similar occasions."—Kelly.
O' little meddling comes muckle care.
O' little meddling comes a lot of trouble.
On painting and fighting look abeigh.
On painting and fighting look away.
On the sea sail, on the land settle.
On the sea, sail; on the land, settle.
Onything for ye about an honest man's house but a day's wark.
Anything for you about an honest man's home but a day's work.
"Onything sets a gude face," quo' the monkey wi' the mutch on.
"Anything puts on a good face," said the monkey with the cap.
Open confession is gude for the soul.
Open confession is good for the soul.
Oppression will mak a wise man wud.
Oppression will drive a wise man mad.
O' the marriages in May, the bairns die o' decay.
O the marriages in May, the kids die of decay.
O' twa ills choose the least.
O' two evils, choose the lesser.
Our ain reek's better than ither folk's fire.
Our own smoke is better than other people's fire.
Our sins and debts are aften mair than we think.
Our sins and debts are often more than we realize.
Our sowens are ill sour'd, ill seil'd, ill sauted, ill sodden, thin, an' little o' them. Ye may stay a' night, but ye may gang hame if ye like. It's weel kenn'd your faither's son was ne'er a scambler.
Our sowens are poorly soured, poorly sealed, poorly sautéed, poorly cooked, thin, and there's hardly any of them. You can stay all night, but you can go home if you want. It's well known that your father's son was never a gambler.
This proverb is, we think, fairly entitled to rank as the second longest on record, the first being, as recorded by Trench, the German one, "Folk say there is a lack of four people on earth," &c. Kelly says that "this was a speech of a countrywoman of mine to a guest that she would gladly have shaken off, and being so oddly expressed it became a proverb, which we repeat when we think our friend does not entertain us heartily."
This proverb is, we believe, rightfully one of the longest recorded, with the longest being, as Trench noted, the German saying, "People say there are four people missing from the earth," etc. Kelly mentions that "this was something a woman from my hometown said to a guest she wanted to get rid of, and because it was expressed so strangely, it became a proverb that we use when we feel our friend isn’t really entertaining us sincerely."
Out o' debt, out o' danger.
Out of debt, out of danger.
Out o' Davy Lindsay into Wallace.
Out of Davy Lindsay into Wallace.
"Davy Lindsay and Wallace" were two books formerly used in schools; and the proverb is used when a person changes, or, more properly, advances from one thing to another.
"Davy Lindsay and Wallace" were two books once used in schools; and the proverb is used when a person changes, or, more accurately, moves from one thing to another.
Out on the highgate is aye fair play.
Out on the highgate is always fair play.
Out o' sight, out o' languor.
Out of sight, out of mind.
"Long absent, soon forgotten."—English.
"Long gone, soon forgotten."—English.
Out o' the peat pot into the gutter.
Out of the peat pot and into the gutter.
"Out of the frying pan into the fire."—English.
"Out of the frying pan into the fire."—English.
"Out of the mire into the brook."—Spanish.
"Out of the mud and into the stream."—Spanish.
Out o' the warld and into Kippen.
Out of the world and into Kippen.
Kippen, in Stirlingshire, was formerly so very remote and little frequented by strangers, that a visit to it was jocularly deemed equivalent to going out of the world altogether; and the remark passed into a proverb, used when a person is going to a strange place. The feudal lord of this district was formerly styled King of Kippen.
Kippen, in Stirlingshire, used to be so isolated and rarely visited by outsiders that going there was jokingly considered like leaving the world entirely; this saying became a proverb used when someone is heading to an unfamiliar place. The feudal lord of this area was once referred to as the King of Kippen.
Own debt and crave days.
Own debt and desire more.
Ower braw a purse to put a plack in.
Ower cool a purse to put a coin in.
That is, externally grander or more showy than internal means justify. "Spoken when one builds a magnificent house upon a small income."—Kelly.
That is, more impressive or flashy on the outside than the finances can support. "Said when someone builds an extravagant house on a tight budget."—Kelly.
Ower high, ower laigh, ower het, ower cauld.
Ower high, ower low, ower hot, ower cold.
That is, from one extreme to the other.
That is, from one extreme to another.
Ower holy was hanged, but rough and sonsy wan awa'.
Ower holy was hanged, but rough and lively went away.
Ower mony cooks spoil the broth.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Ower mony grieves hinder the wark.
Ower many troubles hold back the work.
Ower mony irons in the fire, some maun cool.
Ower mony irons in the fire, some maun cool.
Spoken when a person has too many projects in hand; meaning that some must fail.
Spoken when someone has too many projects going on; it means that some are bound to fail.
"Ower mony maisters," quo' the puddock to the harrow, when ilka tooth gied her a tug.
"Ower many masters," said the frog to the harrow, as each tooth pulled at her.
Ower muckle hameliness spoils gude courtesy.
Too much familiarity ruins good manners.
"Too much familiarity breeds contempt."—English.
"Too much familiarity breeds contempt."—English.
Ower muckle loose leather about your chafts.
Ower muckle loose leather about your chafts.
A rude but expressive way of saying that a person is not looking well, or is, Scotice, "thin."
A blunt yet clear way to say that someone doesn't look good, or is, Scotice, "thin."
Ower muckle cookery spoils the brochan.
Too much cooking ruins the broth.
Ower muckle o' ae thing is gude for naething.
Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
Ower narrow counting culyes nae kindness.
Ower narrow counting culyes nae kindness.
To "culye" is to gain, to draw forth. "When people deal in rigour with us we think ourselves but little obliged to them."—Kelly.
To "culye" means to gain or bring forth. "When people treat us harshly, we feel very little gratitude towards them."—Kelly.
Ower reckless may repent.
Overly reckless may regret.
Ower sicker, ower loose.
Over sicker, over loose.
Or, you are either too harsh and stringent, or the very reverse.
Or, you're either too strict and rigid, or the complete opposite.
Ower strong meat for your weak stamack.
Owe strong food for your weak stomach.
Ower sune is easy mended.
Over soon is easy fixed.
atch and lang sit, build and soon flit.
Watch and learn, settle down and soon move on.
A slow and gradual rise is likely to prove a permanent one; but a rapid or sudden one merely temporary; or, as the Irishman said, "Up like a rocket, and down like its stick."
A slow and gradual rise is likely to be permanent; but a rapid or sudden rise is just temporary; or, as the Irishman said, "Up like a rocket, and down like its stick."
Paterson's mare aye goes foremost.
Paterson's mare always goes first.
Pay-before-hand's never weel ser'd.
Paying in advance never works.
The tradesman is said to be troubled with two kinds of bad customers, viz., those who pay in advance, or "before-hand," and those who do not pay at all.
The tradesman is said to be troubled by two types of bad customers: those who pay in advance, or "before-hand," and those who do not pay at all.
Pay him in his ain coin.
Pay him in his own coin.
Pennyless souls maun pine in purgatory.
Penniless souls must suffer in purgatory.
Penny-wheep's gude enough for muslin-kail.
Penny-whip's good enough for fabric soup.
"Penny-wheep," says Jamieson, "is the weakest kind of small beer, sold at a penny per bottle;" and muslin-kail is a common kind of broth. The proverb expresses that poor service merits poor reward.
"Penny-wheep," says Jamieson, "is the weakest kind of small beer, sold at a penny per bottle;" and muslin-kail is a common type of broth. The saying shows that bad service deserves a bad reward.
Peter's in, Paul's out.
Peter's in, Paul’s out.
"Spoken when, after we had wanted a necessary person a long time, upon his arrival, another equally necessary is gone."—Kelly.
"Spoken when, after we had needed a crucial person for a long time, upon his arrival, another equally important one is gone."—Kelly.
Pigs may whistle, but they hae an ill mouth for't.
Pigs might whistle, but they have a terrible mouth for it.
Applied when an awkward person is attempting to perform some work of which he is incapable.
Applied when an awkward person is trying to do some work that they are unable to handle.
Pint stoups hae lang lugs.
Pint glasses have long handles.
For a great deal is said over them, which, but for their influence, would not be heard.
For a lot is said about them that, without their influence, wouldn't even be acknowledged.
Pith's gude at a' play but threading o' needles.
Pith's good at everything except threading needles.
Plack aboot's fair play.
Play fair.
Placks and bawbees grow pounds.
Coins and nickels grow pounds.
Plaister thick and some will stick.
Plaister is thick, and some will stick.
Play carle wi' me again if you daur.
Play again with me if you dare.
"Do not dare to offer to contest with me. Spoke by parents to stubborn children."—Kelly.
"Don't even think about challenging me. That's something parents say to stubborn kids."—Kelly.
Play's gude while it's play.
Play's good while it's fun.
Pleading at the law is like fighting through a whin bush—the harder the blows the sairer the scarts.
Pleading in court is like struggling through a thorn bush—the harder you hit, the worse the scratches.
The knowledge that "whin bush" is the furze renders this saying easily intelligible.
The understanding that "whin bush" refers to furze makes this saying easy to understand.
Please your kimmer, and ye'll easy guide your gossip.
Please your friend, and you’ll easily manage your conversation.
Please yoursel and ye'll no dee o' the pet.
Please yourself and you’ll not die of regret.
Plenty is nae plague.
Plenty is not a curse.
Plenty maks dainty.
Plenty makes dainty.
Poets and painters are aye poor.
Poets and painters are always poor.
This appears in no collection preceding Henderson's, and is probably a record of his own experience and that of his friends, he being a painter himself by profession, and on intimate terms with Motherwell and others.
This doesn't show up in any collections before Henderson's and is likely a record of his own experiences and those of his friends, since he is a painter by profession and has close relationships with Motherwell and others.
Poets and painters hae liberty to lo'e.
Poets and painters have the freedom to love.
Poor folk are fain o' little.
Poor people are happy with little.
Poor folk maun fit their wame to their winning.[248]
Poor people have to make their stomachs fit their earnings.[248]
Poor folk seek meat for their stamacks, and rich folk stamacks for their meat.
Poor people look for meat to fill their stomachs, while rich people fill their stomachs with meat.
Poor folk's friends soon misken them.
Poor people's friends soon forget them.
Poortith pairts gude company.
Poor things need good company.
Poortith's better than pride.
Poortith is better than pride.
Poortith's pain, but nae disgrace.
Poortith's pain, but no shame.
Poortith taks awa pith.
Poortith takes away strength.
"'I tell you, Master Moniplies,' said Jenkin, 'I am as poor as any Scot among you. I have broken my indenture, and I think of running the country.' 'A-well-a-day!' said Ritchie. 'But that maunna be, man. I ken weel, by sad experience, that poortith takes away pith, and the man sits full still that has a rent in his breeks.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.
"'I tell you, Master Moniplies,' said Jenkin, 'I’m as poor as any Scot here. I’ve broken my contract, and I’m thinking about leaving the country.' 'Oh dear!' said Ritchie. 'But that can't happen, man. I know well from hard experience that poverty drains your strength, and a man just sits still when he has a hole in his trousers.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.
Poortith wi' patience is less painfu'.
Porting with patience is less painful.
Possession's worth an ill charter.
Possession is worth a bad deal.
Poverty's a bad back friend.
Poverty's a bad back buddy.
Praise without profit puts little i' the pat.
Praise without benefit doesn't mean much.
Prayer and practice is gude rhyme.
Prayer and practice make a good combination.
Pretty man, I maun say; tak a peat and sit down.
Pretty man, I have to say; take a seat and sit down.
We are unable to make much either of this proverb or of Kelly's note to it—"An ironical expression to a mean boy who would gladly be esteemed."
We can’t really understand this proverb or Kelly's note about it—"A sarcastic remark to a petty boy who would love to be respected."
Pride and grace ne'er dwell in ae place.
Pride and grace never coexist in the same place.
Pride an' sweer'dness need muckle uphaudin.
Pride and sweetness need a lot of support.
"Sweer'd," lazy or unwilling. Pride and laziness require much to support them.
"Sweared," lazy or unwilling. Pride and laziness need a lot to back them up.
Pride finds nae cauld.
Pride finds no cold.
"Spoken heretofore to young women when, in compliance with the fashion, they went with their breasts and[249] shoulders bare; and may now (1721) be applied to ladies with their extravagant hoops."—Kelly.
"Previously directed at young women when, following the trend, they exposed their breasts and[249] shoulders; and can now (1721) be applied to ladies with their extravagant hoop skirts."—Kelly.
Pride ne'er leaves its maister till he get a fa'.
Pride never leaves its master until he takes a fall.
Pride prinks her brow for the deil to pouse.
Pride raises her brow for the devil to pause.
That is, pride bedecks herself, and the devil despoils.
That is, pride dresses itself up, and the devil strips away.
Pride's an ill horse to ride.
Pride is a tough horse to ride.
Pride that dines wi' vanity sups wi' contempt.
Pride that feasts with vanity dines with contempt.
Pride will hae a fa'.
Pride will have a fall.
Provision in season maks a bien house.
Provision in season makes a good household.
Prudence should be winning when thrift is spinning.
Prudence should succeed when savings are in motion.
Puddins and paramours should be hetly handled.
Puddings and lovers should be handled with care.
"Puddings when cold are uneatable; and love when coldrife is near the breaking off."—Kelly.
"Puddings when cold are inedible; and love when it cools is close to falling apart."—Kelly.
Put a coward to his mettle, and he'll fight the deil.
Put a coward to the test, and he’ll fight like crazy.
"A baited cat is as fierce as a lion."—English.
"A baited cat is as fierce as a lion."—English.
Put anither man's bairn in your bosom, and he'll creep oot at your sleeve.
Put another man's child in your care, and he'll slip away from you.
"That is, cherish or love him, he'll never be naturally affected towards you."—Ray.
"That is, no matter how much you cherish or love him, he will never feel the same way about you."—Ray.
Put nae force against the flail.
Put no force against the flail.
Put on your spurs and be at your speed.
Put on your spurs and get moving.
Put twa pennies in a purse, and they'll creep thegither.
Put two pennies in a purse, and they'll stick together.
Put your finger in the fire, and say it was your fortune.
Put your finger in the fire and call it your luck.
Spoken of a person who has wittingly placed himself in difficulties, and who attributes his bad position to fortune.
Spoken of a person who has intentionally put themselves in a tough spot and blames their bad situation on luck.
Put your hand in the creel, tak out an adder or an eel.
Put your hand in the basket, take out a snake or an eel.
"In buying horses and taking a wife, shut your eyes and commend yourself to God."—Italian.
"In choosing horses and a wife, just close your eyes and trust in God."—Italian.
Put your hand nae farther oot than your sleeve will reach.
Put your hand no farther out than your sleeve will reach.
Put your hand twice to your bannet for ance to your pouch.
Put your hand twice on your hat and then to your pocket.
"Put your hand quickly to your hat, and slowly to your purse, and you will take no harm."—Danish.
"Quickly touch your hat and then slowly reach for your purse, and you’ll be fine."—Danish.
Put the man to the mear that can manage the mear.
Put the man next to the horse that can handle the horse.
Put the saddle on the right horse.
Put the saddle on the right horse.
Put your shanks in your thanks and mak gude gramashes o' them.
Put your legs in your thanks and make good use of them.
Literally, put your legs in your thanks and make good gaiters of them. A sharp remark on those who pay in thanks only, when a more substantial reward is expected.
Literally, put your legs into your thanks and make good gaiters out of them. It's a sharp comment on those who only pay with gratitude when a more meaningful reward is hoped for.
Put your thoom upon that.
Put your thumb on that.
"Conceal it carefully—keep it secret."—Jamieson.
"Hide it well—keep it private."—Jamieson.
uality without quantity is little thought o'.
Quality over quantity goes unnoticed.
Quey calves are dear veal.
Quey calves are premium veal.
A "quey calf" is a female calf. They are generally kept to replenish the stock; it is bull calves that are principally fattened for killing young.
A "quey calf" is a female calf. They are typically kept to replenish the herd; it's the bull calves that are mainly fed up for slaughter at a young age.
Quick at meat, quick at wark.
Quick at eating, quick at work.
Quick, for you'll ne'er be cleanly.
Quick, or you’ll never be clean.
"That is, do a thing nimbly, for you'll never do it neatly."—Kelly.
"That is, do something quickly, because you'll never do it perfectly."—Kelly.
Quick returns mak rich merchants.
Fast profits make rich merchants.
Quietness is best.
Silence is golden.
ab Gibb's contract,—stark love and kindness.
Gibb's contract—pure love and kindness.
Raggit folk and bonny folk are aye ta'en haud o'.
Raggit folks and pretty folks are always getting along.
Spoken jocularly when a person has rent or caught his clothes upon a nail or other projection.
Spoken jokingly when someone has snagged their clothes on a nail or another sharp object.
Raise nae mair deils than ye are able to lay.
Raise no more devils than you can handle.
"Raise no more spirits than you can conjure down."—German.
"Don't summon more spirits than you can dismiss."—German.
Rather spoil your joke than tine your friend.
Better to ruin your joke than hurt your friend.
Raw dads mak fat lads.
Real dads raise strong boys.
Raw leather raxes weel.
Raw leather looks good.
"Raw leather will stretch."—English.
"Raw leather will stretch."—English.
Reavers shouldna be ruers.
Reavers shouldn't be rulers.
Literally, robbers should not repent.
Robbers shouldn't feel remorse.
Reckless youth maks ruefu' eild.
Reckless youth makes regretful old age.
"People who live too fast when they are young will neither have a vigorous nor a comfortable old age."—Kelly.
"People who rush through life when they're young won't have a healthy or comfortable old age."—Kelly.
Reckon up your winning at your bed-stock.
Reckon up your winnings at your bedside.
Red brackens bring milk and butter.
Red brackens provide milk and butter.
"In October, the bracken or fern on hill pastures becomes red with the first frosty nights, and about that time the autumnal herbage is very rich, and productive of the good things in question."—Robert Chambers.
"In October, the bracken or fern on the hill pastures turns red with the first frosty nights, and around that time, the autumn grass is really lush and produces the good things we're talking about."—Robert Chambers.
Red wood maks gude spindles.
Redwood makes good spindles.
"'Red wood,' the name given to the reddish or dark-coloured and more incorruptible wood found in the heart of trees."—Jamieson.
"'Red wood,' the term used for the reddish or dark-colored and more durable wood found in the center of trees."—Jamieson.
Refer my coat and lose a sleeve.
Refer my coat and lose a sleeve.
"Rejoice, bucks," quo' Brodie, when he shot at the buryin' and thought it was a weddin'.
"Rejoice, guys," said Brodie, when he shot at the burial and thought it was a wedding.
Remember, man, and keep in mind, a faithfu' friend is hard to find.
Remember, man, and keep in mind, a faithful friend is hard to find.
Remove an auld tree an' it'll wither.
Remove an old tree and it will wither.
Riches are got wi' pain, kept wi' care, and tint wi' grief.
We gain wealth through hard work, we hold on to it with caution, and we lose it through sorrow.
Rich folk hae routh o' friends.
Rich people have plenty of friends.
"Routh o' friends," that is, many of them.
"Loads of friends," that is, many of them.
Rich folk's wit rives poor folk's jaws.
Rich people's jokes break poor people's spirits.
Rich mixture maks gude mortar.
Rich mix makes good mortar.
Ride fair and jaup nane.
Ride fair and don't cheat.
"Taken from riding through a puddle, but applied to too home jesting."—Kelly.
"Taken from riding through a puddle, but applied to too much home joking."—Kelly.
Right, Roger, sow's gude mutton.
Right, Roger, good mutton.
A proverbial expression, meaning that a person is totally mistaken about a matter.
A common saying that means someone is completely wrong about something.
Right wrangs nae man.
Right wrongs no man.
Ripe fruit is soonest rotten.
Ripe fruit spoils the fastest.
Rise when the day daws, bed when the night fa's.
Rise when the day breaks, sleep when night falls.
Robin, that herds on the height, can be blithe as Sir Robert the Knight.
Robin, who herds up high, can be as cheerful as Sir Robert the Knight.
Rot him awa' wi' ham and eggs.
Rot him away with ham and eggs.
Rowan-tree and red thread mak the witches tine their speed.
Rowan trees and red threads help the witches speed things up.
These particular articles were formerly supposed to have a controlling power over witches.
These specific articles were once believed to have control over witches.
Royt lads may mak sober men.
Roy boys can make serious men.
To "royt" is to go about idly or dissolutely.
To "royt" means to wander around aimlessly or in a way that lacks restraint.
Rue and thyme grow baith in ae garden.
Rue and thyme grow both in one garden.
Rule youth weel, for eild will rule itsel'.
Rule young people well, because old age will take care of itself.
Ruse the fair day at e'en.
Ruse the beautiful day at evening.
"Commend not a thing or a project till it has had its full effect."—Kelly.
"Don't praise something or a project until it has had its complete impact." —Kelly.
"It is not good praising the ford till a man be over."—English.
"It’s not wise to praise the ford until you've crossed it."—English.
Ruse the ford as ye find it.
Ruse the ford as you find it.
Speak only of things as your experience has found them.
Speak only about things as you've experienced them.
Rusted wi' eild, a wee piece gate seems lang.
Rusted with age, a small gate seems long.
Literally, decayed by age, a short road seems a very long one.
Literally, worn down by time, a short road feels like a very long one.
ae mony men, sae mony minds.
So many people, so many opinions.
"Saft beddin's gude for sair banes," quo' Howie when he streekit himsel on the midden-head.
"Soft bedding's good for sore bones," said Howie as he stretched out on the garbage pile.
"Saft's your horn, my friend," quo' the man when he grippit the cuddy's lug.
"That's your horn, my friend," said the man when he grabbed the donkey's ear.
"Sail," quo' the king: "Haud," quo' the wind.
"Sail," said the king: "Stop," said the wind.
Sair cravers are ill-payers.
Sair cravers are bad payers.
"This proverb, and the reverse, viz., 'Ill payers are sore cravers,' I have never yet seen fail."—Kelly.
"This saying, and its opposite, 'Bad payers are always in need,' has never let me down."—Kelly.
Sairs shouldna be sair handled.
Stairs shouldn't be roughly handled.
That is, delicate or painful subjects should be cautiously alluded to.
That is, sensitive or painful topics should be mentioned carefully.
Sair wark and poortith downa weel be joined.
Sair work and poverty don't go well together.
Sairy be your meal-pock, and aye your nieve i' the neuk o't.
Sairy, be your meal pouch, and always your fist in the corner of it.
An uncharitable saying, expressing literally a wish that the meal bag may be empty when the hand is put in to take some.
An unkind expression, literally wishing that the bag of food is empty when someone reaches in to grab some.
"Saut," quo' the souter, when he had eaten a cow a' but the tail.
"Sauté," said the shoemaker, when he had eaten almost the whole cow except for the tail.
"Spoken to them that flag when they have almost finished a difficult task."—Kelly.
"Talked to them that signal when they are nearly done with a tough job."—Kelly.
Save yoursel' frae the deil and the laird's bairns.
Save yourself from the devil and the lord's kids.
"A caution of poor people to their children, how they meddle with their superiors; for, if they hurt the laird's bairns, they will be sure to be punished, but, if hurt by them, they will get no right."—Kelly.
"A warning for poor people to tell their children about how they interact with those above them; if they harm the lord's children, they'll definitely face consequences, but if they're harmed by them, they'll receive no justice."—Kelly.
Saw thin, shear thin.
Saw thin, sheer thin.
Saw wheat in dirt and rye in dust.
Saw wheat in dirt and rye in dust.
Saw ye that and shotna at it, and you sae gleg a gunner.
Saw you that and shot at it, and you're such a quick shooter.
A satire upon a boaster who is telling of some extraordinary thing which he pretends to have seen.
A satire about a bragger who is talking about something incredible that he claims to have witnessed.
Say aye "No," and ye'll ne'er be married.
Say "No," and you'll never get married.
A jocular remark to a person who has refused something which has been offered to him.
A joking comment to someone who has declined something that was offered to them.
Saying gangs cheap.
Gangs are cheap.
"Talking pays nae toll."—English.
"Talking costs nothing."—English.
Say weel and dae weel, end wi' ae letter: say weel is gude, but dae weel is better.
Say well and do well, end with one letter: saying well is good, but doing well is better.
Say what you will, an ill mind will turn't to ill.
Say what you want, a troubled mind will lead to trouble.
Scant-o'-grace hears lang preachings.
Scant-o'-grace hears long sermons.
Or, at least, thinks them so.
Or, at least, thinks they are.
Scanty cheeks mak a lang nose.
Scrawny cheeks make for a long nose.
Scart-the-cog wad sup mair.
Scart-the-cog was more.
To "scart the cog" is to scrape the inside of the dish.
To "scart the cog" means to scrape the inside of the dish.
Scorn comes wi' skaith.
Scorn comes with harm.
Scornfu' dogs eat dirty puddin's.
Scornful dogs eat dirty puddings.
"'Hout, fye—hout, fye—all nonsense and pride,' said the Laird of Summertrees, 'scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings, cousin Crosbie. Ye little ken what some of your friends were obliged to do yon time for a sowp of brose or a bit of bannock.'"—Redgauntlet.
"'Hout, fye—hout, fye—all nonsense and pride,' said the Laird of Summertrees, 'scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings, cousin Crosbie. You have no idea what some of your friends had to do back then for a little bit of porridge or a piece of bread.'"—Redgauntlet.
Scorn not the bush ye get beild frae.
Scorn not the bush you get shelter from.
Scotsmen aye reckon frae an ill hour.
Scotsmen always think from a bad hour.
Scotsmen aye tak their mark frae a mischief.
Scotsmen always take their mark from a trick.
That is, always reckon from the date of some untoward event, such as a death, an accident, or a fire.
That is, always consider starting from the date of some unfortunate event, like a death, an accident, or a fire.
See for love and buy for siller.
See for love and buy for money.
Seein's believin' a' the world ower.
Seeing is believing all over the world.
Seek muckle, and get something; seek little, and get naething.
Seek a lot, and you'll get something; seek a little, and you'll get nothing.
Seek till you find, and ye'll never lose your labour.
Keep searching until you find, and you’ll never waste your effort.
Seek your sa' where you got your ail, and beg your barm where you buy your ale.
Seek your farewell where you got your ail, and ask your care where you buy your ale.
The surly reply of a person who has been shunned for some trivial or mistaken reason by one who is compelled by circumstances to apply to him for information or assistance.
The grumpy response from someone who has been ignored for some minor or mistaken reason by another person who, due to circumstances, needs to ask him for information or help.
Seil ne'er comes till sorrow be awa.
Seil never comes until the sorrow is gone.
Seldom ride tines his spurs.
Seldom rides his spurs.
Seldom seen, soon forgotten.
Rarely seen, quickly forgotten.
Self-praise comes aye stinking ben.
Self-praise always smells bad.
Self-praise is nae honour.
Self-praise is no honor.
Sel, sel, has half-filled hell.
Sel, sel, has half-filled hell.
"Sel, sel," that is, the sin of selfishness.
"Sel, sel," meaning the sin of selfishness.
Send a fool to France, and a fool he'll come back.
Send a fool to France, and he'll come back a fool.
Send your gentle blude to the market, and see what it will buy.
Send your kind heart to the market, and see what it will buy.
A reproach upon those who boast of their gentle birth, but who possess nothing of greater value.
A criticism of those who brag about their noble heritage but have nothing of real worth.
Send your son to Ayr: if he do weel here, he'll do weel there.
Send your son to Ayr: if he does well here, he'll do well there.
Send you to the sea, and ye'll no get saut water.
Send you to the sea, and you won't get salt water.
"Spoken when people foolishly come short of their errand."—Kelly.
"Spoken when people foolishly fail to complete their task."—Kelly.
Ser' yoursel', and your friends will think the mair o' ye.
Be yourself, and your friends will think more of you.
An answer of those who are asked to do a favour when they would rather not oblige.
An answer from people who are asked for a favor when they'd rather not help.
Ser' yoursel' till your bairns come o' age.
Ser' yourself until your kids come of age.
Set a beggar on horseback, he'll ride to the deil.
Set a beggar on a horse, he'll ride straight to the devil.
Set a stout heart to a stey brae.
Set a strong heart to a steep hill.
And don't fret,
And you will see it say;
Sic gets it, That settles it, Stout bellies to the hill.
Set a thief to grip a thief.
Set a thief to catch a thief.
Set him up and shute him forward.
Set him up and shoot him forward.
"'A lord!' ejaculated the astonished Mrs Dods: 'a lord come down to the Waal!—they will be neither to haud nor to bind now—ance wud and aye waur—a lord!—set them up and shute them forward—a lord!—the Lord have a care o' us!—a lord at the hottle! Maister Touchwood, it's my mind he will only prove to be a Lord o' Session.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'A lord!' exclaimed the astonished Mrs. Dods. 'A lord has come down to the Waal!—they will be impossible to manage now—once would be enough and always worse—a lord!—put them up and push them forward—a lord!—the Lord take care of us!—a lord at the hotel! Mr. Touchwood, I think he will just turn out to be a Lord of Session.'"—St Ronan's Well.
Set that doun on the backside o' your count-book.
Set that down on the back side of your notebook.
That is, I have done you a service, see that you repay it.
I've done you a favor, so make sure you pay it back.
Set your foot upon that, an' it winna loup in your face.
Set your foot on that, and it won't leap in your face.
Shallow waters mak maist din.
Shallow waters make the most noise.
"Shame fa' the couple," as the cow said to her fore feet.
"Shame on the couple," as the cow said to her front feet.
Shame fa' the dog that, when he hunted you, didna gar you rin faster.
Shame on the dog that, when he chased you, didn't make you run faster.
Shame fa' them that think shame to do themsels a gude turn.
Shame on those who feel embarrassed to do themselves a good deed.
Shame's past the shed o' your hair.
Shame is beyond the shed of your hair.
Sharp sauce gies a gude taste to sweetmeats.
Sharp sauce gives a good taste to desserts.
She brak her elbow at the kirk door.
She broke her elbow at the church door.
"Spoken of a thrifty maiden when she becomes a lazy wife."—Kelly.
"Talking about a frugal girl when she turns into a lazy wife."—Kelly.
She frisks about like a cat's tail i' the sun.
She moves around like a cat's tail in the sun.
She has an ill paut wi' her hind foot.
She has a hurt paw on her back foot.
She has gi'en them green stockings.
She has given them green stockings.
Spoken when a young woman marries before her elder sisters.
Spoken when a young woman marries before her older sisters.
She hauds up her gab like an aumos dish.
She holds up her mouth like a begging bowl.
The tither skelpin' kiss,
While she kept talking with her greedy chatter Just like an awesome dish.
She hauds up her head like a hen drinking water.
She holds her head up like a hen drinking water.
The two last sayings are applied to persons who behave in an impudent or forward manner.
The last two sayings refer to people who act in a rude or overly bold way.
She'll keep her ain side o' the house, and gang up and down yours.
She'll stick to her side of the house and move around on yours.
"Spoken to dissuade our friend from marrying a woman whom we suspect to be too bold."—Kelly.
"Talking to persuade our friend not to marry a woman we think is too forward."—Kelly.
She'll wear like a horseshoe, aye the langer the clearer.
She'll last like a horseshoe, yeah, the longer it is, the clearer it gets.
She lookit at the moon, but lichtit i' the midden.
She looked at the moon, but it was bright in the middle.
Applied to young women who have boasted, before marriage, of the "fine match" which they will get, but who afterwards are allied to common every-day people.
Applied to young women who have bragged, before marriage, about the "great match" they'll make, but who end up marrying regular, everyday people.
She looks as if butter wadna melt in her mou.
She looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.
She looks like a leddy in a landward kirk.
She looks like a lady in a countryside church.
This means that a person may appear very conspicuous on account of a peculiar dress or manner.
This means that someone might stand out a lot because of their unusual clothing or behavior.
She pined awa like Jenkin's hen.
She wasted away like Jenkin's hen.
"To die like Jenkin's hen is to die an old maid."—Jamieson.
"To die like Jenkin's hen is to die an old maid."—Jamieson.
She's a bad sitter that's aye in a flutter.
She's a terrible babysitter who's always in a panic.
She's a drap o' my dearest blude.
She's a drop of my dearest blood.
She's a wise wife that wats her ain weird.
She's a wise wife who wants her own way.
That is, who knows her own destiny.
That is, who knows her own future.
She's better than she's bonny.
She's better than she's pretty.
A Highlander, in speaking favourably of his wife, is reported to have misquoted this, and characterized her as being "bonnier than she was better."
A Highlander, while talking positively about his wife, is said to have misquoted this and described her as being "more beautiful than she was good."
She's black, but she has a sweet smack.
She's Black, but she has a sweet attitude.
That is, she is not very beautiful, but she is rich.
She’s not really beautiful, but she’s wealthy.
She's dinket out, neb and feather.
She's dressed to the nines, all decked out.
"Dressed completely; from top to toe."—Jamieson.
"Dressed completely; from head to toe."—Jamieson.
She's no to be made a sang about.
She's not someone to be made a song about.
"An abatement of a woman's commendation to beauty."—Kelly.
"Reducing a woman's praise for beauty."—Kelly.
She that fa's ower a strae's a tentless taupie.
She who falls over a straw is a careless person.
She that gangs to the well wi' an ill will, either the pig breaks or the water will spill.
She who goes to the well with a bad attitude either breaks the pig or spills the water.
She that taks a gift, hersel she sells; and she that gies ane, does naething else.
She who takes a gift sells herself; and she who gives one does nothing else.
She wadna hae the walkers, and the riders gaed by.
She didn't want the walkers, and the riders went by.
"It is recorded of a celebrated beauty, Becky Monteith, that being asked how she had not made a good marriage, having replied, 'Ye see, I wadna hae the walkers, and the riders gaed by.'"—Ramsay's Reminiscences.
"It is noted about a famous beauty, Becky Monteith, that when she was asked why she hadn’t made a good marriage, she replied, 'You see, I wouldn’t have the walkers, and the riders went by.'"—Ramsay's Reminiscences.
Shod i' the cradle, and barefit i' the stubble.
Shod in the cradle, and barefoot in the stubble.
Applied to people who dress out of keeping with their work.
Applied to people who dress inappropriately for their jobs.
Shored folk live lang, an' so may him ye ken o'.
Shore people live long, and so may you know him.
"'Force our way with the king's keys, and break the neck of every living soul we find in the house, if ye dinna gie it ower forthwith!' menaced the incensed Hobbie. 'Threatened folks live lang,' said the hag, in the same tone of irony; 'there's the iron gate—try your skeel on't, lads—it has kept out as good men as you or now.'"—The Black Dwarf.
"'Use the king's keys to force our way in, and kill everyone we find in the house if you don’t give up right now!' threatened the furious Hobbie. 'People who are threatened tend to stick around,' said the witch, with the same sarcastic tone; 'there's the iron gate—give it a shot, guys—it’s kept out better men than you or now.'"—The Black Dwarf.
Short accounts mak lang friends.
Short stories make long friends.
Short rents mak careless tenants.
Low rents attract careless tenants.
Shouther to shouther stands steel and pouther.
Shouder to shouder stands steel and power.
Sic a man as thou wad be, draw thee to sic companie.
Such a man as you would be, draw yourself to such company.
Sic as ye gie, sic will you get.
As you give, so will you receive.
Sic faither, sic son.
Like father, like son.
Sic reek as is therein comes out o' the lum.
Sooty smoke rises from the chimney.
Sic things maun be if we sell ale.
Such things must be if we sell beer.
"This was the good woman's reply to her husband when he complained of the exciseman's too demonstrative gallantry."—W. K. Kelly.
"This was the good woman's response to her husband when he complained about the exciseman's overly expressive flirtation."—W. K. Kelly.
Silence and thought hurt nae man.
Silence and reflection don't hurt anyone.
Silence grips the mouse.
Silence envelops the mouse.
Silly bairns are eith to lear.
Silly kids are easy to teach.
Sins and debts are aye mair than we think them.
Sins and debts are always more than we think they are.
Sit down and rest you, and tell us how they drest you, and how you wan awa.
Sit down and rest, and tell us how they dressed you and how you got away.
A jocular way of asking a person about people whom he has been to see.
A playful way of asking someone about the people they've visited.
Sit on your seat, and nane will rise you.
Sit in your seat, and no one will bother you.
"Sit in your place, and none can make you rise."—English.
"Stay in your spot, and no one can make you get up."—English.
Skill is nae burden.
Skill is no burden.
Slander leaves a sair behint.
Slander leaves a sore behind.
Slighted love is sair to bide.
Slighted love is hard to endure.
Slipshod's no for a frozen road.
Slipshod's not for a frozen road.
Slow at meat, slow at wark.
Slow at meat, slow at work.
A reverse of this saying is common to many countries—"Quick at meat, quick at work."
A variation of this saying is common in many countries—"Fast to eat, fast to work."
Sma' winnings mak a heavy purse.
Small winnings make a heavy purse.
Smooth water rins deep.
Clear water rinses deeply.
And I run slow,
Where you drown a man,
I drown two.
Sober, neighbour! The night's but young yet.
Stay sober, neighbor! The night is still young.
A remonstrance with a person who is doing a thing too hurriedly, signifying that there is plenty of time to spare for the purpose.
A gentle reminder to someone who is rushing through something, indicating that there's plenty of time to complete it.
Sodgers, fire, and water soon mak room for themsels.
Sodgers, fire, and water soon make room for themselves.
Some ane has tauld her she was bonny.
Someone has told her she was pretty.
Some are gey drouthy, but ye're aye moistified.
Some are very thirsty, but you're always hydrated.
An insinuation that a person is very much addicted to tippling. "'Moistify,' a low word, generally used in a ludicrous sense in regard to topers."—Jamieson.
An implication that someone is really into drinking. "'Moistify,' a low term, usually used humorously when talking about heavy drinkers."—Jamieson.
Some are only daft, but ye're red-wud raving.
Some are just silly, but you’re completely out of your mind.
Somebody may come to kame your hair wi' a cutty stool.
Somebody might come to comb your hair with a cutting stool.
"Spoken by mothers to stubborn daughters, intimating they will come under the hands of a stepmother, who, it is likely, will not deal too tenderly with them."—Kelly.
"Spoken by mothers to stubborn daughters, suggesting they will come under the care of a stepmother, who probably won't treat them very kindly."—Kelly.
Some can stand the sword better than the pintstoup.
Some can handle the sword better than the drinking cup.
Some folk look up, and ithers look down.
Some people look up, and others look down.
And, we presume, the proverb would have the reader to understand they prosper or fail accordingly.
And we assume the proverb would have the reader understand that they succeed or fail based on that.
Some fork low, but ye fork ower the mow.
Some forks are low, but you fork over the mow.
That is, some people do not do their work sufficiently, but you overdo it.
Some people don’t do their work well enough, but you go above and beyond.
Some hae a hantel o' fauts, ye're only a ne'er-do-weel.
Some have a handful of faults, you're just a slacker.
Some, though very bad, still have some redeeming qualities; the party addressed has none.
Some people, even if they're really awful, still have a few redeeming qualities; the person in question has none.
Some hae hap, and some stick i' the gap.
Some have luck, and some get left behind.
Meaning that some have and some have not good fortune.
Meaning that some have good fortune and some do not.
Some hae little sense, but ye're aye haverin'.
Some have little sense, but you're always talking.
Some show a gliff o' the gowk, but ye're aye goavin.
Some show a glimpse of the fool, but you're always laughing.
To "show a gliff of the gowk" is to behave foolishly.
To "show a glimpse of the fool" is to act foolishly.
Some strake the measure o' justice, but ye gie't heapit.
Some people judge justice, but you give it in abundance.
Some tak a', but ye leave naething.
Some take, but you leave nothing.
Some that hae least to dree are loudest wi' "waes me."
Some who have the least to endure are the loudest with their "woe is me."
"Those who are least hurt cry loudest."—English.
"Those who are hurt the least complain the most."—English.
"So on and accordingly," quo' Willie Baird's doggie.
"So, yeah," said Willie Baird's dog.
Soon enough if well enough.
Soon enough if all goes well.
Soon enough to cry "Chuck" when it's out o' the shell.
Soon enough to shout "Chuck" when it's out of the shell.
Soon gotten, soon spent.
Quick gains lead to quick losses.
Soon ripe, soon rotten.
Quickly ripe, quickly spoiled.
"Soor plooms," quo' the tod when he couldna climb the tree.[265]
"Soor plooms," said the kid when he couldn't climb the tree.[265]
Sorrow an' ill weather come unca'd.
Sorrow and bad weather come unexpectedly.
Sorrow be on your hands that held sae well to your head.
Sorrow be on your hands that held so tightly to your head.
An imprecation on a person who has surpassed another in an undertaking.
A curse on someone who has outdone another in a task.
Sorrow is soon enough when it comes.
Sorrow will come soon.
Sorrow shake you out o' the wabster's handiwark.
Sorrow shakes you out of the weaver's handiwork.
Literally, sorrow shake you out of your clothes.
Literally, sorrow shakes you out of your clothes.
Sorrow's sib to a' body.
Sorrow is common to everyone.
Souters and tailors count hours.
Sewers and tailors count hours.
That is, tradesmen and commercial persons are aware of the value of time.
That is, tradespeople and business professionals understand the value of time.
Souters shouldna gae ayont their last.
Souters shouldn't go beyond their limits.
Spare at the spigot, and let out at the bunghole.
Spare at the tap, and release at the bung.
"Spoken to them who are careful and penurious in some trifling things, but neglective in the main chance."—Kelly.
"Talked to those who are cautious and stingy about small things but overlook the major opportunity."—Kelly.
Spare to speak, spare to speed.
Spare your words, spare your time.
Spare weel and hae weel.
Spare wheel and have well.
Spare when ye're young, and spend when ye're auld.
Save when you’re young, and spend when you’re old.
Speak gude of pipers, your faither was a fiddler.
Speak well of pipers; your father was a fiddler.
Speak o' the deil and he'll appear.
Speak of the devil, and he will show up.
Jocularly applied to a person who approaches those who have just been inquiring for him.
Jokingly used for someone who comes up to people who have just been asking about him.
Speak when ye're spoken to, and drink when ye're drucken to.[266]
Speak when you're spoken to, and drink when you're asked to.[266]
Speak when ye're spoken to, do what ye're bidden, come when ye're ca'd, an' ye'll no be chidden.
Speak when you're spoken to, do what you're told, come when you're called, and you won't be scolded.
A sharp remark to those who join in the conversation of others unsolicited or impertinently.
A pointed comment for those who join in other people's conversations without being invited or are disrespectful.
Speir at Jock Thief if I be a leal man.
Speir at Jock Thief if I'm a loyal person.
Spoken by rogues, who, when their respectability is questioned, refer to persons equally bad.
Spoken by con artists who, when their integrity is challenged, point to others just as corrupt.
"Ask my comrade, who is as great a liar as myself."—French.
"Ask my friend, who lies just as much as I do." —French.
Spend, and God will send; spare, and be bare.
Spend, and God will provide; hold back, and you'll be left with nothing.
Spilt ale is waur than water.
Spilled beer is worse than water.
Spit in your loof and haud fast.
Spit in your hand and hold on tight.
This means, simply, take a firm hold of a thing.
This just means to grip something tightly.
Spit on a stane and it will be wat at last.
Spit on a stone and it will eventually get wet.
Stable the steed, and put your wife to bed when there's night wark to do.
Stable the horse, and put your wife to bed when there's nighttime work to do.
"'Am I no gaun to the ploy, then?' said Maggie, in a disappointed tone. 'And what for should ye?' said her lord and master; 'to dance a' night, I'se warrant, and no to be fit to walk your tae's-length the morn, and we have ten Scots miles afore us? Na, na. Stable the steed, and pit your wife to bed when there's night wark to do.'"—Redgauntlet.
"'Am I not going to the party, then?' said Maggie, in a disappointed tone. 'And why should you?' said her husband; 'to dance all night, I’m sure, and then not be able to walk a step tomorrow when we have ten Scottish miles ahead of us? No, no. Put the horse away, and get your wife to bed when there's work to do at night.'"—Redgauntlet.
Standers-by see mair than gamesters.
Bystanders see more than players.
Staunin' dubs gather dirt.
Stunning cars collect dust.
"Standing pools gather filth."—English.
"Stagnant pools collect dirt."—English.
Stay and drink o' your ain browst.
Stay and drink your own brew.
"Take a share of the mischief that you have occasioned."—Kelly.
"Take responsibility for the trouble you've caused."—Kelly.
And see who will take care of you now;
Even go with the Bogle, my lovely—
"It’s a boost your own creativity did create."
Stay nae langer in a friend's house than ye're welcome.
Stay no longer in a friend's house than you're welcome.
Step by step climbs the hill.
Step by step, he climbs the hill.
Stickin' gangsna by strength, but by the right use o' the gully.
Stick to gangs by strength, but by the proper use of the ditch.
Stretching and gaunting bodes sleep to be wanting.
Stretching and yawning indicate that sleep is needed.
Strike as ye feed, and that's but soberly.
Strike as you feed, and that's just being sensible.
Strike the iron while it's hot.
Strike the iron while it's hot.
Stuffing hauds out storms.
Stuffing holds out storms.
"Advising men to take some good thing before they travel in a bad day."—Kelly.
"Advising men to take something good before they travel on a bad day."—Kelly.
Sturt pays nae debt.
Sturt pays no debt.
"Spoken with resentment to them who storm when we crave of them our just debts."—Kelly.
"Spoken with anger to those who react violently when we ask for what we rightfully owe."—Kelly.
Sudden friendship's sure repentance.
Quick friendships can lead to regret.
Sue a beggar and gain a louse.
Sue a beggar and you'll end up with a nuisance.
Sunday wooin' draws to ruin.
Sunday wooing leads to ruin.
Supp'd out wort ne'er made gude ale.
Supp'd out wort never made good ale.
"Spoken when one asks us for a drink of our wort, for what is drunk in wort will never be ale, good or bad."—Kelly.
"Spoken when someone asks us for a drink of our wort, because what’s drunk in wort will never become ale, whether it’s good or bad."—Kelly.
Suppers kill mair than doctors cure.
Suppers do more harm than doctors can fix.
Swear by your burnt shins.
Swear by your burned shins.
Sweet at the on-taking, but soor in the aff-putting.
Sweet at the start, but sour in the end.
In allusion to the contraction of debt and other liabilities.
In reference to the reduction of debt and other obligations.
Sweet i' the bed and sweer up i' the morning was ne'er a gude housewife.
Sweet in bed and sweet up in the morning was never a good housewife.
"A jocose reproof to young maids when they lie long a-bed."—Kelly.
"A playful warning to young women when they stay in bed too long."—Kelly.
ak a hair o' the dog that bit you.
ak a drink to help with your hangover.
This is a familiar rendering of the great law of Homœopathy, Similia similibus curantur; but is usually interpreted thus: Sober yourself by taking another glass.
This is a well-known interpretation of the great law of Homeopathy, Similia similibus curantur; but it’s often understood like this: Clear your head by having another drink.
Tak a piece; your teeth's langer than your beard.
Tak a piece; your teeth are longer than your beard.
Addressed to children who are diffident in accepting a "piece."
Addressed to children who are hesitant to accept a "piece."
Tak a seat on Maggie Shaw's Crocky.
Take a seat on Maggie Shaw's Crocky.
"Maggy Shaw's Crocky is a broad flat stone, near to the brink of a precipice, overhanging the sea-shore, about a mile to the north of Eyemouth. This stone was placed over the remains of an old woman who had hanged herself, and who is said to be frequently seen at night sitting upon it, in the shape of a white sea-mew—sitting lonely on the
"Maggy Shaw's Crocky is a wide flat stone near the edge of a cliff, overlooking the shore, about a mile north of Eyemouth. This stone was placed over the remains of an old woman who hanged herself, and she's said to be often seen at night sitting on it, appearing as a white seagull—sitting alone on the"
"Green with the dew of the jumping sea."
Tak a tune on your ain fiddle; ye'll dance till't afore it's dune.
Take a tune on your own fiddle; you'll dance to it before it's done.
"'I can hear no remonstrances,' he continued, turning away from the Bailie, whose mouth was open to address him; 'the service I am on gives me no time for idle discussions.' 'Aweel, aweel, sir,' said the Bailie, 'you're welcome to a tune on your ain fiddle; but see if I dinna gar ye dance till't afore a's dune.'"—Rob Roy.
"I can't hear any objections," he said, turning away from the Bailie, who had his mouth open to speak; "the job I'm on doesn't allow me time for pointless debates." "Well, well, sir," said the Bailie, "you're free to play your own tune; but just see if I don't make you dance to it before it's all over."—Rob Roy.
To climb above the mountain,
Of our own fiddle, take a spring,
"And dance when you have finished."
Tak care o' that man whom God has set his mark upon.
Take care of that man whom God has marked.
"I went once to a conventicle on a mountain side, in company of a very sage intelligent gentleman, who, seeing the preacher want two joints of each ring finger, having a nail upon the third, he immediately took horse and rode away. I asked him what ailed him? He said, 'God had set a mark upon that man, and he was sure it was not for nothing.' This man proved a great plague to his country, was the death of a great many, and came to a violent end himself."—Kelly.
"I once went to a meeting on a mountainside with a very wise and insightful man. When he noticed that the preacher was missing the two joints of each ring finger, with a nail on the third, he immediately got on his horse and rode away. I asked him what was wrong. He said, 'God has marked that man, and I’m sure it’s for a good reason.' This man turned out to be a huge troublemaker for his country, caused a lot of deaths, and met a violent end himself."—Kelly.
Tak a man by his word and a cow by her horn.
Take a man at his word and a cow by her horn.
Tak him up on his fine eggs, and ane o' them rotten.
Tak him up on his good eggs, and one of them rotten.
Tak nae mair on your back than ye're able to bear.
Take no more on your back than you can handle.
Tak pairt o' the pelf when the pack's dealing.
Tak part of the money when the group is dealing.
Tak the bit and the buffet wi't.
Tak the bit and the buffet with it.
Let's never run away,
But take our part when it is good,
And buffet with it.
Bear patiently taunts and ill usage, if advantages come with them.
Bear patiently with teasing and mistreatment if there are benefits that come with them.
Tak the readiest to serve the needfu'ist.
Take the one who is most ready to help those in need.
Tak the will for the deed.
Tak the will for the deed.
Tak time ere time be tint.
Tak time ere time be tint.
"For time will not stay."
Tak your ain will and ye'll no dee o' the pet.
Tak your own will and you won't die of the pet.
Tak your ain will o't, as the cat did o' the haggis—first ate it, and then creepit into the bag.
Take your own will of it, just like the cat did of the haggis—first ate it, and then crawled into the bag.
This and the preceding proverb, Kelly says, "are spoken to them who obstinately persist in an unreasonable design."
This and the earlier proverb, Kelly says, "are meant for those who stubbornly cling to an unreasonable plan."
Tak your meal wi' ye an' your brose will be thicker.
Take your meal with you and your porridge will be thicker.
Used sarcastically by those who take a good meal before they go to partake of one with a friend; signifying that they do not expect to be too well treated.
Used sarcastically by those who have a good meal before they go to have one with a friend; indicating that they don't expect to be treated very well.
Tak your thanks to feed your cat.
Tak your thanks to feed your cat.
Tak your venture, as mony a gude ship has done.
Take your venture, as many a good ship has done.
Tak your will, you're wise enough.
Take your will, you're smart enough.
Tak wit wi' your anger.
Take it easy with your anger.
Tam-tell-truth's nae courtier.
Tam-tell-truth's not a flatterer.
Tappit hens like cock-crowing.
Tappit hens like roosters crowing.
Tarry breeks pays nae freight.
Tarry pants pay no freight.
Persons in the same trade are generally willing to oblige one another. "Pipers don't pay fiddlers."—English. "One barber shaves another."—French.
People in the same trade usually help each other out. "Pipers don't pay fiddlers."—English. "One barber shaves another."—French.
Tell nae tales out o' schule.
Tell no stories outside of school.
Tell the truth and shame the deil.
Tell the truth and shame the devil.
Thank ye for cakes, I have scones in my pocket.
Thank you for the cakes; I have scones in my pocket.
That bolt came ne'er out o' your bag.
That bolt never came out of your bag.
That is, such a thing is better done or told than you could do it.
That is, it's better for someone else to do it or tell it than for you to do it yourself.
That'll be a sap out o' my bicker.
That'll be a drain on my resources.
Or will injure me by reducing my income or prospects.
Or will hurt me by lowering my income or opportunities.
That's abune your thoom.
That's above your pay grade.
Spoken to a person who is about to attempt a thing of which he is considered incapable.
Spoken to someone who is about to try something that others believe they're not capable of.
That's a piece a stepmother never gied.
That's a gift a stepmother never gives.
A hearty expression accompanying a substantial "piece" or meal.
A warm expression that goes with a big "piece" or meal.
That's a sair hair in my neck.
That's a sore spot on my neck.
"I canna but think I maun hae made a queer figure without my hat and my periwig, hanging by the middle like bawdrons, or a cloak flung ower a cloakpin. Bailie Grahame wad hae an unco hair in my neck an he got that tale by the end."—Rob Roy.
"I can't help but think I must have looked pretty odd without my hat and wig, just hanging there like rags, or a cloak tossed over a cloak pin. Bailie Grahame would have a serious issue with me if he heard that story."—Rob Roy.
That's as ill as the ewes in the yaird and nae dogs to hunt them.
That's as bad as the ewes in the yard with no dogs to herd them.
The "yaird" being the safest place where the ewes could be, the proverb means that a thing is quite right.
The "yaird" is the safest spot for the ewes, so the proverb suggests that everything is perfectly fine.
That's a tale o' twa drinks.
That's a story of two drinks.
That's a tee'd ba'.
That's a tee'd ball.
That's but ae doctor's opinion.
That's just one doctor's opinion.
That's equal aqual.
That's equal aqua.
"Mr Novit, ye'll no forget to draw the annual rent that's due on the yerl's band—if I pay debt to other folk, I think[273] they suld pay it to me—that equals aquals.—Jock, when ye hae naething else to do, ye may be aye sticking in a tree; it will be growing, Jock, when ye're sleeping. My father tauld me sae forty years sin', but I ne'er fand time to mind him."—Heart of Midlothian.
"Mr. Novit, don’t forget to collect the annual rent that’s due on the lord’s land—if I owe money to others, I think they should pay it to me—that’s fair. Jock, when you have nothing else to do, you might as well be planting a tree; it will grow, Jock, while you’re sleeping. My father told me that forty years ago, but I never found the time to remember it."—Heart of Midlothian.
That's felling twa dogs wi' ae stane.
That's killing two birds with one stone.
That's for that, as butter's for fish.
That's for that, like butter is for fish.
Meaning that such a thing is exactly what is wanted.
Meaning that this is precisely what is desired.
That's for the faither, and no for the son.
That's for the father, not for the son.
"Spoken when a thing is done with slight materials, and, consequently, will not be lasting."—Kelly.
"Used to describe something that is made with minimal materials and, therefore, won’t last long."—Kelly.
That's Halkerston's cow, a' the ither way.
That's Halkerston's cow, by the way.
Halkerston, a lawyer and landed proprietor, gave permission to one of his tenants to graze an ox. The tenant's ox was gored to death by a heifer belonging to the lawyer. The tenant went to Halkerston, and told the story the reverse of what had occurred. "Why, then," said the lawyer, "your ox must go for my heifer—the law provides that." "No," said the man, "your heifer killed my ox." "Oh," said Halkerston, "the case alters there," and forthwith reversed his tactics.
Halkerston, a lawyer and landowner, allowed one of his tenants to graze an ox. The tenant’s ox was killed by a heifer belonging to the lawyer. The tenant approached Halkerston and told the story in the opposite way to what really happened. “Well then,” said the lawyer, “your ox must be given for my heifer—the law says so.” “No,” the man replied, “your heifer killed my ox.” “Oh,” said Halkerston, “that changes things,” and immediately changed his approach.
That's ill paid maut siller.
That's poorly paid death money.
"Metaphorically, a benefit ill requited."—Jamieson.
"Metaphorically, a benefit unreturned."—Jamieson.
That's like seekin' for a needle in a windlin o' strae.
That's like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That's my gude that does me gude.
That's my friend who does good things for me.
That's my tale, whaur's yours?
That's my story, where's yours?
Spoken by a person who has forestalled another by telling the same news or story which the other was about to do.
Spoken by someone who has prevented another from sharing the same news or story the other was about to share.
That's no a heel to my shoe.
That's not a heel on my shoe.
That's the ane the souter killed his wife wi'.[274]
That's the one the shoemaker killed his wife with.[274]
That's the best gown that gaes up and down the house.
That's the best dress that goes up and down the house.
That's the way to marry me, if ere you should hap to do it.
That's how you should marry me, if you ever decide to.
A sharp reply to those who presume to be too familiar.
A quick comeback for those who think they can be overly casual.
That's waur and mair o't.
That's worse and more of it.
That which God will gie the deil canna reeve.
That which God gives, the devil cannot take away.
"Spoken when we have attained our end in spite of opposition."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we've achieved our goal despite facing resistance." —Kelly.
That will be when the deil's blind, and he's no bleer-ee'd yet.
That will be when the devil's blind, and he hasn't lost his sight yet.
That winna be a mote in your marriage.
That won't be a problem in your marriage.
The ass that's no used to the sunks bites his crupper.
The donkey that's not used to the sun bites his own hindquarters.
"'Sunks,' a sort of saddle made of cloth, and stuffed with straw, on which two persons can sit at once."—Jamieson.
"'Sunks,' a type of cloth saddle filled with straw, designed for two people to sit on at the same time."—Jamieson.
The back and the belly hauds ilka ane busy.
The back and the belly keep each other busy.
The ba' maun aye row some way.
The ba' maun are moving in some direction.
The banes bear the beef hame.
The bans are carrying the beef ham.
The banes o' a great estate are worth the picking.
The troubles of a great estate are worth dealing with.
The best is aye the cheapest.
The best is always the cheapest.
The best laid schemes o' mice and men gang aft agley.
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go wrong.
The best o' wabs are rough at the roons.
The best of webs are rough at the edges.
The best that can happen to a poor man is that ae bairn dee and the rest follow.
The best that can happen to a poor man is that his child dies and the others follow.
Kelly is democratically angry at the questionable sentiment of this proverb,—"A cursed distrustful proverb!" he says. "God is able to maintain the poor man's child as well as the young master or young miss, and often in a more healthy and plump condition."
Kelly is understandably upset about the dubious message of this proverb—“What a cursed and mistrustful saying!” he exclaims. “God can take care of the poor man's child just as well as the rich young master or young miss, and often in a healthier and plumper state.”
The better day the better deed.
The better the day, the better the deed.
The jocular answer of a person who is blamed for doing something on Sunday.
The funny response of someone who gets blamed for doing something on a Sunday.
The biggest horse is no aye the best traveller.
The biggest horse isn’t always the best traveler.
The biggest rogue cries loudest out.
The biggest troublemaker speaks the loudest.
The bird maun flicher that has but ae wing.
The bird can't fly that only has one wing.
The bird that can sing, an' winna sing, should be gar'd sing.
The bird that can sing but won't sing should be made to sing.
The black ox ne'er trod on his foot.
The black ox never stepped on his foot.
"The black ox is said to tramp on one who has lost a near relation by death, or met with some severe calamity."—The Antiquary.
"The black ox is said to trample on someone who has lost a close family member to death or has faced a severe misfortune."—The Antiquary.
As you would have it measured, you should meet; You don't know what your fate may be. In later days,
The black cow hasn’t made any noise yet. Up on your toes.
The blind horse is aye the hardiest.
The blind horse is always the toughest.
The blind man's peck should be weel measured.
The blind man's peck should be well measured.
The blind mear's first in the mire.
The blind mare's first in the mud.
The bonny moon is on her back, mend your shoon and sort your thack.
The beautiful moon is shining down, fix your shoes and straighten up your thatch.
"When the new moon is in such a part of the ecliptic as to appear turned much over upon her back, wet weather is expected."—Robert Chambers.
"When the new moon is in a part of the sky that makes it look like it's tipped over onto its back, people expect rainy weather."—Robert Chambers.
The breath o' a fause friend's waur than the fuff o' a weasel.
The breath of a false friend is worse than the puff of a weasel.
The cart doesna lose its errand when it comesna hame toom-tail.
The cart doesn't lose its purpose when it comes back home empty.
"To come back toom-tail is to go away with a load and come back empty."—Jamieson.
"To come back toom-tail is to leave with a burden and return empty."—Jamieson.
The proverb is applied to those who accomplish more than their errand.
The saying refers to those who achieve more than what they set out to do.
The cat kens whase lips she licks.
The cat knows whose lips she licks.
The cat's oot o' the pock.
The cat's out of the bag.
The cause is gude, and the word's "fa' tae."
The cause is good, and the word is "fa' tae."
A profane grace of hungry persons who sit down to a good meal.
A crude charm of hungry people who sit down to a nice meal.
The clartier the cosier.
The clearer, the cozier.
Literally, the dirtier the more comfortable. Whether true or not we cannot say.
Literally, the dirtier, the more comfortable. Whether that's true or not, we can't say.
The cost owergangs the profit.
The cost outweighs the profit.
The cow may dee ere the grass grow.
The cow might die before the grass grows.
"While the grass is growing the steed is starving."—German.
"While the grass is growing, the horse is starving."—German.
The cow may want her tail yet.
The cow might still want her tail.
"You may want my kindness hereafter, though you deny me yours just now."—Kelly.
"You might want my kindness in the future, even though you're not showing me any right now."—Kelly.
The cow that's first up gets the first o' the dew.
The first cow up gets the first of the dew.
Used as an incentive to diligence and industry.
Used as a motivation for hard work and effort.
"The early bird catches the worm."—English.
"The early bird gets the worm."—English.
The cure may be waur than the disease.
The cure might be worse than the disease.
The day has een, the night has lugs.
The day has ended, and the night has arrived.
Prudence and caution are necessary at all times.
Prudence and caution are essential at all times.
The day you do weel there will be seven munes in the lift and ane on the midden.
The day you do well, there will be seven moons in the sky and one in the trash.
The inference is, that the person addressed has a very remote chance indeed of ever doing well.
The implication is that the person being spoken to has very little chance of ever succeeding.
The death o' ae bairn winna skail a house.
The death of a child won't tear a house apart.
The death o' his first wife made sic a hole in his heart that a' the lave slippit easily through.
The death of his first wife left such a big hole in his heart that everything else slipped away easily.
"It is supposed that he who has lost the wife of his youth and love will easily bear the loss of a second or third, who are commonly married rather for convenience than love."—Kelly.
"It is believed that a man who has lost the wife he loved in his youth will find it easier to cope with losing a second or third wife, who are usually married more for practicality than for love."—Kelly.
The deil and the dean begin wi' ae letter; when the deil gets the dean the kirk will be better.
The devil and the dean start with one letter; when the devil gets the dean, the church will be better.
The deil aye drives his hogs to an ill market.
The devil always leads his pigs to a bad market.
The deil bides his time.
The devil bides his time.
The deil doesna aye show his cloven cloots.
The devil doesn’t always show his cloven hooves.
The deil gaes awa when he finds the door steekit against him.
The devil goes away when he finds the door locked against him.
The deil gaes ower Jock Wabster.
The devil goes over Jock Wabster.
"And Pate misca's you more than words can say."
The deil gae wi' ye and a sixpence, and ye'll neither want money nor company.
The devil go with you and a sixpence, and you’ll have all the money and company you need.
The deil made souters sailors that can neither steer nor row.
The devil made shoemakers into sailors who can neither steer nor row.
Applied to those who undertake work of which they are incapable.
Applied to those who take on work they are unable to do.
The deil ne'er sent a wind out o' hell but he sail'd wi't.
The devil never sent a wind out of hell that he didn't ride with it.
The deil's a busy bishop in his ain diocese.
The devil's a busy bishop in his own territory.
The deil's aye gude to his ain.
The devil is always good to his own.
The deil's cow calves twice in ae year.
The devil's cow gives birth twice a year.
The deil's greedy, but ye're mislear'd.
The devil's greedy, but you're mistaken.
The deil's greedy, sae are ye.
The devil's greedy, so are you.
The deil's gude when he's pleased.
The devil's good when he's happy.
The deil's journeyman ne'er wants wark.
The devil's apprentice never lacks for work.
The deil's no sae black as he's ca'd.
The devil's not as black as he's made out to be.
"'Hout tout, neighbour, ye maunna tak the warld at its word,' said Saddletree; 'the very deil is no sae ill as he's ca'd; and I ken mair than ae advocate that may be said to hae some integrity as weel as their neighbours; that is, after a sort o' fashion o' their ain.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Hey neighbor, you can't take the world at face value,' said Saddletree; 'the devil isn't as bad as people make him out to be; and I know more than one lawyer who has some integrity, just like the others; in their own way, that is.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
The deil's ower grit wi' you.
The devil's too much for you.
"Ower grit," too familiar.
"Over grit," too familiar.
The deil's pet lambs lo'e Claverse's lads.
The devil's pet lambs love Claverse's guys.
A saying of the Covenanters, that the followers of Graham of Claverhouse were on affectionate terms with the favourites of the Evil One.
A saying among the Covenanters was that the followers of Graham of Claverhouse had a close relationship with the favorites of the Evil One.
The deil was sick, the deil a monk wad be; the deil grew hale, syne deil a monk was he.
The devil was sick, the devil would be a monk; the devil got better, then he was no monk.
Meaning that promises of amendment made on a sick-bed are seldom kept.
Meaning that promises of change made while lying sick in bed are rarely kept.
"All criminals preach under the gallows."—Italian.
"All criminals preach under the gallows."—Italian.
The deil will tak little or he want a'.
The devil will take little unless he wants it all.
The dorty dame may fa' in the dirt.
The dirty lady might fall in the mud.
"Dorty," says Jamieson, "is applied to a female who is saucy with her suitors." That she may have to marry a more ineligible person than the one refused is here implied.
"Dorty," says Jamieson, "is used for a woman who is cheeky with her admirers." It suggests that she might end up marrying someone even less suitable than the one she turned down.
The drucken sot gets aye the drucken groat.
The drunken fool always gets the drunken coin.
The e'ening brings a' hame.
The evening brings a home.
The Englishman greets, the Irishman sleeps, but the Scotchman gangs till he gets it.
The Englishman greets, the Irishman sleeps, but the Scotsman keeps going until he gets it.
"A pretended account of the behaviour of these three nations when they want meat."—Kelly.
"A fake story about how these three nations act when they want meat."—Kelly.
The farther ben the welcomer.
The farther away, the better.
The farther in the deeper.
The deeper, the farther in.
The farthest way aboot is aft the nearest way hame.
The longest way around is the shortest way home.
The fat sow's tail's aye creeshed.
The fat sow's tail is always twitching.
Those who have sufficient money or property already are always getting additions to their stores.
Those who already have enough money or assets are always adding to their wealth.
The feathers carried awa the flesh.
The feathers carried away the flesh.
The feet are slow when the head wears snaw.
The feet move slowly when the head feels heavy.
The first dish is aye best eaten.
The first dish is best eaten.
The first fuff o' a fat haggis is aye the bauldest.
The first bite of a big haggis is always the boldest.
Or the first threat of a boaster or coward is always the worst.
Or the first threat from a bragger or a coward is always the worst.
The first gryce and the last whalp o' a litter are aye the best.
The first pig and the last pup of a litter are always the best.
The fish that sooms in a dub will aye taste o' dirt.
The fish that swims in a pond will always taste like dirt.
The flesh is aye fairest that's farthest frae the bane.
The flesh is always fairest that's farthest from the bone.
However, although fairest, it is not the best, for another proverb of our own says, "Nearer the bane the sweeter."
However, even though it’s the most beautiful, it’s not the best, because another saying of ours goes, "The closer the poison, the sweeter it is."
The foot at the cradle and the hand at the reel, is a sign that a woman means to do weel.
The foot at the cradle and the hand at the reel, is a sign that a woman intends to do well.
The foremost hound grips the hare.
The lead hound catches the hare.
The fu'er my house, the toomer my purse.
The fuller my house, the emptier my wallet.
The goat gies a gude milking, but she ca's ower the cog wi' her feet.
The goat gives a good milking, but she kicks over the bucket with her feet.
Spoken of useful people who are, however, as troublesome as they are useful.
Spoken of useful people who are just as annoying as they are helpful.
The grace o' a grey bannock is in the bakin' o't.
The beauty of a gray scone is in its baking.
The grace o' God is gear enough.
The grace of God is enough.
The grandsire buys, the faither bigs, the son sells, and the grandson thigs.
The grandfather buys, the father builds, the son sells, and the grandson takes.
Alluding to the uncertainty of earthly things; meaning, literally, that the grandsire buys estates on which the father builds, the son sells the property, and forces the grandson again in turn to beg.
Referring to the instability of worldly matters; it means, literally, that the grandfather acquires land, the father develops it, the son sells the property, and then the grandson ends up having to beg again.
The gravest fish is an oyster; the gravest bird's an ool; the gravest beast's an ass; an' the gravest man's a fool.
The most serious fish is an oyster; the most serious bird is an owl; the most serious beast is a donkey; and the most serious man is a fool.
The greatest burdens are no the maist gainfu'.
The greatest burdens are not the most rewarding.
The greatest clerk's no aye the wisest man.
The greatest clerk isn't always the wisest man.
The greedy man and the cook are sure friends.
The greedy man and the cook are good friends.
The greedy man and the gileynour are weel met.
The greedy man and the trickster are well matched.
The gude dog doesna aye get the best bane.
The good dog doesn't always get the best bone.
The gude man's mither is aye in the gait.
The good man's mother is always in the way.
"The husband's mother is the wife's devil."—Dutch.
"The husband's mother is the wife's worst enemy."—Dutch.
The gude or ill hap o' a gude or ill life, is the gude or ill choice o' a gude or ill wife.
The good or bad fate of a good or bad life comes from the good or bad choice of a good or bad wife.
"He who has a good wife can bear any evil; he who has a bad wife can expect no happiness that can be so called."—Spanish.
"A man with a good wife can handle any hardship; a man with a bad wife can expect no real happiness."—Spanish.
The happy man canna be herried.
The happy man cannot be hurried.
The haughty hawk winna stoop to carrion.
The proud hawk won’t stoop to scavenging.
The height o' nonsense is supping soor milk wi' an elshin.
The height of nonsense is drinking sour milk with a straw.
This is equalled by a saying of another country, which has "keeping the sea back with a pitchfork" as its type of nonsense.
This is matched by a saying from another country, which has "holding back the sea with a pitchfork" as its example of nonsense.
The hen's egg gaes to the ha' to bring the goose's egg awa.
The hen's egg goes to the house to bring the goose's egg away.
"Spoken when poor people give small gifts to be doubly repaid."—Kelly.
"Spoken when those in need offer small gifts hoping to receive even more in return."—Kelly.
The higher climb the greater fa'.
The higher you climb, the bigger the fall.
The higher the hill the laigher the grass.
The taller the hill, the greener the grass.
The higher the tree the sweeter the plooms; the richer the souter the blacker his thooms.
The taller the tree, the sweeter the plums; the wealthier the shoemaker, the darker his thongs.
The king lies doun, yet the warld rins round.
The king lies down, yet the world keeps spinning.
Applied to persons who have an exaggerated idea of their own importance.
Applied to people who have an inflated sense of their own importance.
The king may come in the cadger's gait.
The king might walk with a beggar's stride.
This proverb, which is exclusively Scottish, means that a person who has been slighted, or whose services have been despised, may have an opportunity of retaliating at a future time.
This Scottish proverb means that someone who has been insulted or whose efforts have been undervalued might get a chance to pay back the slight in the future.
The king may come to Kelly yet, and when he comes he'll ride.
The king might still come to Kelly, and when he does, he'll arrive on horseback.
"It signifies that the time may come that I may get my revenge upon such people, and then I will do it to purpose."—Kelly.
"It means that there might come a time when I can get my revenge on those people, and when that happens, I'll make sure to do it right."—Kelly.
The kirk's aye greedy.
The church is always greedy.
The kirk's muckle, but ye may say mass i' the end o't.
The church is big, but you can still say mass at the end of it.
"Spoken when people say something is too much, intimating that they need take no more than they have need for."—Kelly.
"Spoken when people say something is too much, implying that they should take only what they need."—Kelly.
The laird may be laird, and still need the hind's help.
The lord might be a lord, but he still needs the peasant's help.
The laird's brither's an ill tenant.
The laird's brother is a bad tenant.
The langer we live we see the mair ferlies.
The longer we live, the more wonders we see.
The langest day has an end.
The longest day has an end.
The lass that has ower mony wooers aft wales the warst.
The girl who has too many suitors often chooses the worst one.
The lass that lightlies may lament.
The girl that acts carelessly might regret it.
To "lightlie" is to despise or treat with contempt.
To "lightlie" means to despise or treat someone with contempt.
The lazy lad maks a stark auld man.
The lazy boy makes a harsh old man.
The lean dog is a' fleas.
The skinny dog has fleas.
The leeful man is the beggar's brither.
The cheerful man is the beggar's brother.
The less debt the mair dainties.
The less debt, the more treats.
"The less I lee."
"The less I see."
This is merely a phrase, but a very expressive one. It implies emphatically that "the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," has been told.
This is just a phrase, but it's quite powerful. It strongly suggests that "the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," has been shared.
The less wit a man has, the less he kens the want o't.
The less clever a person is, the less they realize they lack it.
The loudest bummer's no the best bee.
The loudest buzz isn't the best sound.
The lucky pennyworth sells soonest.
The lucky penny sells fastest.
The mair cost the mair honour.
The more it costs, the more honor it brings.
The mair dirt the less hurt.
The more dirt, the less hurt.
The mair mischief the better sport.
The more trouble, the more fun.
The mair the merrier; the fewer better cheer.
The more, the merrier; the fewer, the better.
The mair ye steer the mair ye'll sink.
The more you steer, the more you'll sink.
The maister's brither's an ill servant.
The master's brother is a bad servant.
The maister's ee maks the horse fat.
The master's eye makes the horse fat.
A fat man riding upon a lean horse was asked how it came to pass that he was so fat while his horse was so lean? "Because," said he, "I feed myself, but my servant feeds the horse."
A fat man on a skinny horse was asked how he could be so fat while his horse was so thin. "It's simple," he replied, "I feed myself, but my servant feeds the horse."
"The master's eye puts meat on the horse's ribs."—Irish.
"The master's eye adds meat to the horse's ribs."—Irish.
The maister's foot's the best measure.
The master's foot is the best measure.
The man may eithly tine a stot that canna count his kine.
The man may either train a horse that can’t count his cattle.
Or the man who does not know his business cannot look properly after it.
Or a man who doesn't know his business can't manage it properly.
The man wha sits on the silk goun-tail o' the wife wha's tocher bought it, never sits easy.
The man who sits on the silk gown tail of the wife whose dowry bought it, never sits comfortably.
The maut's abune the meal.
The food's above the meal.
"Donald Bean Lean, being aware that the bridegroom was in request, and wanting to cleik the cunzie (that is, hook the siller), he cannily carried off Gilliewhackit ae night when he was riding dovering hame (wi' the maut rather abune the meal), and with the help of his gillies he[284] gat him into the hills with the speed of light, and the first place he wakened in was the Cove of Vaimh an Ri."—Waverley.
"Donald Bean Lean, knowing that the groom was wanted, and wanting to get his hands on the money, cleverly took Gilliewhackit one night when he was riding home (with the drink a bit too strong), and with the help of his servants, he[284] got him to the hills in no time, and the first place he woke up in was the Cove of Vaimh an Ri."—Waverley.
"The meal cheap and shoon dear," quo' the souter's wife, "I'd like to hear."
"The meal's cheap and the shoes are expensive," said the shoemaker's wife, "I’d like to hear."
The miller mouters best wi' his ain hand.
The miller works best with his own hands.
The morn's the morn.
The morning's the morning.
And check out those heights and looks, girl,
Then left around the bumper whirl,
And blew the horn;
Hold on tightly to the quickly passing hours,
The morning's the morning.
The moudiwart feedsna on midges.
The moudiwart feeds on midges.
Them that canna get a peck maun put up wi' a stimpart.
Those who can't get a little must put up with a lot.
A "stimpart" is the fourth part of a peck. They who cannot obtain luxuries must content themselves with necessaries.
A "stimpart" is one-fourth of a peck. Those who can't afford luxuries must make do with essentials.
Them that canna ride maun shank it.
Those who can't ride have to walk.
"'To shank,' to travel on foot."—Jamieson.
"'To shank' means to walk."—Jamieson.
Them that likesna water brose will scunner at cauld steerie.
Those who don't like water porridge will be disgusted by cold oatmeal.
"'Cauld steerie,' sourmilk and meal stirred together in a cold state."—Jamieson.
"'Cauld steerie,' sour milk and meal mixed together in a cold state."—Jamieson.
Used as a taunt to those who complain of common food.
Used as a jab at those who whine about basic food.
Them that winna work maun want.
Those who won't work must go without.
Them that's ill fleyed are seldom sair hurt.
Them that are poorly treated are rarely deeply hurt.
Them that's slack in gude are eydent in ill.
Those who are lazy in good are active in bad.
The muck midden is the mither o' the meal kist.[285]
The muck pile is the source of the meal chest.[285]
Them wha gae jumpin' awa aft come limpin' hame.
Them who went jumping away later came limping home.
Them wha stand on a knowe's sure to be noticed.
Those who stand on a hill are sure to be noticed.
Or they who elevate themselves to a public position are sure to be conspicuous.
Or those who raise themselves to a public position are bound to stand out.
Then's then, but noo's the noo.
Then was then, but now is now.
Neither know the harm of lies or a loss.
But no, the situation has changed very much.
The name o' an honest woman's muckle worth.
The name of an honest woman is extremely valuable.
The nearer e'en the mair beggars.
The closer you get, the more beggars there are.
A jocular salutation to those who drop in to visit a friend.
A cheerful greeting to those who stop by to visit a friend.
The next time ye dance, ken wha ye tak by the hand.
The next time you dance, know who you take by the hand.
"Spoken to them who have imprudently engaged with some who have been too cunning or too hard for them."—Kelly.
"Talked to those who have foolishly gotten involved with people who are either too clever or too tough for them."—Kelly.
The peasweep aye cries farthest frae his ain nest.
The peacock always cries farthest from its own nest.
The piper wants muckle that wants the nether chaft.
The piper wants a lot that wants the lower part.
"Spoken when a thing is wanting which is actually necessary."—Kelly.
"Used when something essential is missing."—Kelly.
The poor man is aye put to the warst.
The poor man is always put in the worst situation.
The poor man pays for a'.
The poor man pays for a'.
The poor man's shilling is but a penny.
The poor man's shilling is just a penny.
The proof o' the pudding's the preein' o't.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
The proudest nettle grows on a midden.
The proudest nettle grows on a garbage heap.
And a very proud person may have sprung from a poor family.
And a very proud person might have come from a poor family.
The rain comes scouth when the wind's in the south.
The rain falls softly when the wind is from the south.
To rain "scouth," is to rain abundantly or heavily.
To rain "scouth" means to rain a lot or heavily.
There are great stots in Ireland, but they canna get here for horns.
There are great ideas in Ireland, but they can't get here for some reason.
There are mair foxes than there are holes for.
There are more foxes than there are holes for.
There are mair knaves in my kin than honest men in yours.
There are more crooks in my family than honest people in yours.
There are mair maidens than maukins.
There are more girls than cats.
Literally, there are more maidens than young hares. Figuratively, he has lost one sweetheart, but he'll soon get another.
Literally, there are more young women than young rabbits. Figuratively, he has lost one girlfriend, but he'll soon find another.
There are mair married than gude house hauders.
There are more married people than good housekeepers.
Or more persons in the capacity of householders than are competent for the duties of the position.
Or more people in the role of householders than are qualified for the responsibilities of the position.
There are mair wark-days than life-days.
There are more workdays than life days.
There are nane sae weel shod but may slip.
There are none so well-shod but may slip.
There belangs mair to a bed than four bare legs.
There’s more to a bed than just four bare legs.
Spoken to persons about to marry, signifying that more expenses are incurred in housekeeping than they are aware of.
Spoken to people about to get married, indicating that there are more costs involved in running a household than they realize.
There belangs mair to a ploughman than whistling.
There’s more to a farmer than just whistling.
There grows nae grass at the market cross.
There’s no grass growing at the market cross.
There ne'er was a bad that couldna be waur.
There never was a bad situation that couldn't be worse.
There ne'er was a fair word in flyting.
There never was a fair word in a verbal fight.
There ne'er was a fire without some reek.
There’s never a fire without some smoke.
There ne'er was a poor man in his kin.
There never was a poor man in his family.
There ne'er was a slut but had a slit, or a daw but had twa.
There was never a woman who didn't have a way in, or a crow that didn't have two.
There ne'er was a five pound note but there was a ten pound road for't.
There was never a five-pound note without a ten-pound road for it.
Such was the reply of a respected lady friend of ours when asked what she did with all the money she got. It does not appear in any previous collection, but it is too good to be lost.
Such was the reply of a respected lady friend of ours when asked what she did with all the money she received. It doesn't appear in any previous collection, but it's too good to be lost.
There's a day coming that'll show wha's blackest.
There's a day coming that will reveal what's the darkest.
There's a difference between fen o'er and fair well.
There's a difference between a shallow goodbye and a genuine farewell.
"There is a great difference between their way of living who only get a little scrap to keep them alive, and theirs who get every day a full meal."—Kelly.
"There is a huge difference between the way people live who only get a little bit to stay alive, and those who get a full meal every day."—Kelly.
There's a difference between the piper and his bitch.
There's a difference between the piper and his dog.
There's a difference between "Will you sell?" and "Will you buy?"
There's a difference between "Are you selling?" and "Are you buying?"
There's a dub at every door, and before some doors there's twa.
There's a knock at every door, and in front of some doors, there are two.
A "dub" is a pool or puddle of water. Proverbially, there is a skeleton in every house.
A "dub" is a pool or puddle of water. It's often said that there's a skeleton in every house.
There's ae day o' reckoning and anither day o' payment.[288]
There's a day of reckoning and another day of payment.[288]
There's a flee in my hose.
There's a flea in my house.
"That is, I have some trouble of mind or body about me that takes up my thought."—Kelly.
"Basically, there's something going on with my mind or body that’s occupying my thoughts."—Kelly.
There's a gude and a bad side to everything; a' the airt is to find it out.
There's a good and a bad side to everything; all you need to do is figure it out.
There's a gude shape in the shears' mouth.
There's a good shape in the shears' mouth.
But it requires talent and skill to bring it forth.
But it takes talent and skill to make it happen.
There's a het hurry when there's a hen to roast.
There's a mad rush when there's a chicken to roast.
"There's a mote in't," quo' the man when he swallowed the dishclout.
"There's a speck in it," said the man when he swallowed the dishcloth.
There's an act in the Laird o' Grant's court, that no abune eleven speak at ance.
There's a rule in the Laird o' Grant's court that no more than eleven people can talk at once.
A jocular remark when too many speak at once: that it is founded on fact is questionable.
A humorous comment when too many people talk at the same time: whether it's based on fact is debatable.
"There's an unco splutter," quo' the sow i' the gutter.
"There's a crazy mess," said the sow in the gutter.
There's a reason for ye, an' a rag about the foot o't.
There's a reason for you, and a rag about the bottom of it.
The meaning of this is, that a very trifling or lame reason has been given for something having been done.
The meaning of this is that a very minor or weak reason has been provided for why something was done.
There's as gude fish in the sea as ever came out o't.
There's as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it.
"I jalouse it's neither siller nor the Kirk o' Scotland that's fashing him. If I'm no mista'en, he's vexing himsel' a hantle mair about Miss Migummerie; but he needna be sic a fule—there's as gude fish in the sea as ever yet cam oot o't—that's a' that I'll say."—The Disruption.
"I guess it's neither money nor the Church of Scotland that's bothering him. If I'm not mistaken, he's worrying a lot more about Miss Migummerie; but he shouldn't be such a fool—there are just as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it—that's all I'll say."—The Disruption.
There's a sliddery stane before the ha' door.
There's a slippery stone in front of the hall door.
"Signifying the uncertainty of court favour, and the promises of great men."—Kelly.
"Showing the unpredictability of court approval and the assurances of powerful individuals."—Kelly.
There's as mony Johnstones as Jardines.
There's as many Johnstones as Jardines.
Meaning that there are as many on the one side as there are on the other; that the chances are equal.
Meaning that there are as many on one side as there are on the other; that the chances are equal.
There's a storm in somebody's nose, licht where it like.
There's a storm in someone's nose, like it wants to.
Spoken when we see a person angry, and about to break into a passion.
Spoken when we see someone angry and about to explode.
There's a time to gley and a time to look straught.
There's a time to be quiet and a time to look straight.
There's a tough sinew in an auld wife's heel.
There's a tough tendon in an old woman's heel.
There's a whaup i' the raip.
There's a bird in the rope.
There is a knot in the rope—there is something wrong.
There’s a knot in the rope—something’s not right.
There's a word in my wame, but it's ower far down.
There's a word in my stomach, but it's too far down.
Spoken by a person who is at a loss for a particular word to express himself.
Spoken by someone who can't find the right word to express themselves.
There's aye a glum look where there's cauld crowdy.
There's always a gloomy look when it's cold and crowded.
Glum looks when there is cold shoulder of mutton for dinner, in England, are proverbial.
Glum faces when there’s cold mutton for dinner in England are well-known.
There's aye a wimple in a lawyer's clew.
There's always a twist in a lawyer's argument.
"'The judge didna tell us a' he could hae tell'd us, if he had liked, about the application for pardon, neighbours,' said Saddletree; 'there is aye a wimple in a lawyer's clew; but it's a wee bit o' a secret.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'The judge didn't tell us everything he could have told us, if he wanted to, about the application for pardon, neighbors,' said Saddletree; 'there's always a twist in a lawyer's story; but it's a bit of a secret.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
There's aye enough o' friends when folk hae ought.
There's always plenty of friends when people have something.
"Daft Will Speirs was sitting on the roadside picking a large bone, when the Earl of Eglinton came along. 'Weel, Will,' said the Earl, 'what's this you've got noo?'[290] 'Ay, ay,' said Will, 'anew o' friends when folk has ocht; ye gaed by me a wee sin', an' ne'er loot on ye saw me.'"—The Scotch Haggis.
"Crazy Will Speirs was sitting by the road picking at a large bone when the Earl of Eglinton passed by. 'Well, Will,' said the Earl, 'what do you have there now?' [290] 'Yep, yep,' said Will, 'new friends when people have something; you walked by me a little while ago, and never even noticed me.'"—The Scotch Haggis.
There's aye ill-will among cadgers.
There's always bad blood among sellers.
Synonymous with "Two of a trade seldom agree."—French.
Synonymous with "People in the same profession rarely get along."—French.
There's aye life in a living man.
There's always life in a living man.
There's aye some water where the stirkie drowns.
There's always some water where the calf drowns.
There's aye sorrow at somebody's door.
There's always sorrow at someone's door.
"There's baith meat and music here," quo' the dog when he ate the piper's bag.
"There's both meat and music here," said the dog when he ate the piper's bag.
There's beild beneath an auld man's beard.
There's gold beneath an old man's beard.
Beild, that is, shelter or protection.
Beild, meaning shelter or protection.
There's brains enough ootside his head.
There's enough brains outside his head.
There's but ae gude wife in the warld, and ilka ane thinks he has her.
There's only one good wife in the world, and everyone believes they have her.
"This rule admits large exceptions, for some are fully apprised of the contrary."—Kelly.
"This rule has big exceptions because some people are completely aware of the opposite."—Kelly.
There's life in a mussel as lang as it cheeps.
There's life in a mussel as long as it cheeps.
There's little for the rake after the shool.
There's not much left for the rake after the school.
"There is little to be gotten of such a thing when covetous people have had their will of it."—Kelly.
"There isn't much to gain from something once greedy people have had their way with it."—Kelly.
There's little wit in the pow that lichts the candle at the lowe.
There's not much cleverness in the power that lights the candle at the flame.
He has little wit who does a thing in a dangerous or extravagant manner. There is an addition to this saying common in the north, "And as little in the croon, that kindles 't ower far doon."
He’s not very clever if he does something in a risky or wasteful way. There’s an addition to this saying that's common up north: "And just as little in the croon, that kindles 't ower far doon."
"There's little to reck," quo' the knave to his neck.
"There's not much to worry about," said the scoundrel to his neck.
There's mair ado than a dish to lick.
There's more to it than just a dish to lick.
There's mair knavery among kirkmen than honesty amang courtiers.
There's more trickery among church officials than honesty among courtiers.
There's mair knavery on sea and land than all the warld beside.
There's more trickery on sea and land than anywhere else in the world.
"A facetious bull, upon mentioning of some knavish action."—Kelly.
"A joking bull, upon mentioning some dishonest act."—Kelly.
There's mair room without than within.
There's more space outside than inside.
A churlish remark of one who thinks his company is not wanted.
A rude comment from someone who believes that his presence is unwanted.
There's mair ways o' killing a dog than hanging him.
There's more ways to kill a dog than hanging him.
There's mair ways than ane o' keeping craws frae the stack.
There are more ways than one to keep crows away from the stack.
There's mair ways to the wood than ane.
There's more than one way to the woods.
There's mair whistling wi' you than gude red land.
There's more whistling with you than good red land.
Or more play than work.
Or more fun than work.
"'Red land,' ground turned up with the plough."—Jamieson.
"'Red land,' soil turned up by the plow."—Jamieson.
There's measure in a' things, even in kail supping.
There's a limit to everything, even when it comes to eating kale.
"There is reason in roasting of eggs."—English.
"Cooking eggs makes sense."—English.
There's mirth among the kin when the howdie cries "A son."
There's joy among the family when the announcement comes, "It's a boy."
There's mony a tod hunted that's no killed.
There's many a fox hunted that isn't killed.
"'Oh, I hae nae friend left in the warld!—O, that I were lying dead at my mother's side in Newbattle kirkyard!'—'Hout, lassie,' said Ratcliffe, willing to show the interest which he absolutely felt, 'dinna be sae dooms doon-hearted as a' that; there's mony a tod hunted that's no killed. Advocate Langtale has brought folk through waur snappers than a' this, and there's no a cleverer agent than Nichil Novit e'er drew a bill o' suspension.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'Oh, I have no friends left in the world!—Oh, that I were lying dead next to my mother in Newbattle graveyard!'—'Come on, girl,' said Ratcliffe, wanting to show the interest he genuinely felt, 'don't be so heartbreakingly down about everything; there are many a fox hunted that hasn’t been killed. Advocate Langtale has gotten people through worse situations than this, and there’s no smarter agent than Nichil Novit ever drew up a bill of suspension.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
There's mony chances, baith o' gude and ill, befa' folk in this warld.
There's a lot of opportunities, both good and bad, before people in this world.
There's muckle ado when dominies ride.
There's a lot of fuss when teachers ride.
When people engage in a thing to which they are unaccustomed the necessity must be urgent. A Peeblesshire couplet embodies the same meaning:—
When people get involved in something they're not used to, it has to be for a good reason. A Peeblesshire couplet expresses the same idea:—
"Boots and spurs, and everything you need!"
There's muckle between the word and the deed.
There's a big difference between what people say and what they actually do.
There's muckle hid meat in a goose's ee.
There's a lot of hidden treasure in a goose's eye.
There's muckle love in bands and bags.
There's a lot of love in relationships and gatherings.
And silver and gold have a nice shine; But beauty and cleverness, and goodness in tattered clothes,
Master the art of winning love.
There's my thoom, I'll ne'er beguile thee.
There's my friend, I will never deceive you.
This is the name of an old Scottish song, but is often used as a proverb.
This is the title of an old Scottish song, but it's often used as a saying.
There's nae breard like middling breard.
There's no beard like a medium beard.
Applied to low-born people who suddenly come to wealth and honour; in allusion to the stalks of corn which spring up on a dunghill.
Applied to low-born people who suddenly gain wealth and status; referring to the stalks of corn that grow on a dung heap.
There's nae birds this year in last year's nest.
There's no birds this year in last year's nest.
There's nae corn without cauf.
No grain without chaff.
There's nae fey folk's meat in my pat.
There's no fairy folk's meat in my pie.
There's nae friend like the penny.
There's no friend like a penny.
There's nae friend to friend in mister.
There's no friend to friend in mystery.
There's nae fules like auld fules.
There's no fools like old fools.
"Your auntie's no past the time o' day yet for jumping at a man if she just had the offer. There's no fules like auld fules; and tak ye my word for't, Maister James, neither your lass nor mines cares half as muckle about mautrimony as your aunty."—The Disruption.
"Your aunt isn't past the time of day yet for jumping at a man if she just had the chance. There are no fools like old fools; and take my word for it, Master James, neither your girl nor mine cares half as much about marriage as your aunt."—The Disruption.
There's nae hair sae sma' but has its shadow.
There's no hair so small that it doesn't cast a shadow.
There's nae hawk flees sae high but he will fa' to some lure.
There's no hawk that flies so high that it won't be caught by some bait.
"There's nae ill in a merry mind," quo' the wife when she whistled through the kirk.
"There's no harm in a cheerful mind," said the wife when she whistled through the church.
There's nae iron sae hard but rust will fret it; there's nae claith sae fine but moths will eat it.
There’s no iron so strong that rust won’t eventually wear it down; there’s no fabric so fine that moths won’t eat it.
There's nae lack in love.
There's no lack of love.
There's nae reek but there's some heat.
There's no smoke, but there's some heat.
There's nae remede for fear but cut aff the head.
There's no cure for fear except to cut off its head.
There's nae sel sae dear as our ainsel.
There's no self so dear as our own.
There's nae sport where there's neither auld folk nor bairns.
There's no sport without old folks or kids.
There's naething for misdeeds but mends.
There's nothing for mistakes but fixes.
There's naething sae gude on this side o' time but it might hae been better.[294]
There's nothing so good on this side of time that it couldn't have been better.[294]
There's naething ill said that's no ill ta'en.
There's nothing bad said that isn't taken badly.
There's naething sae like an honest man as an arrant knave.
There's nothing quite like an honest man as a complete rogue.
There's nae woo sae coorse but it'll take some colour.
There's no wood so coarse that it won't take some color.
There's nane sae blind as them that winna see.
There's none so blind as those who won't see.
There's nane sae busy as him that has least to do.
There's no one as busy as him who has the least to do.
There's nane sae deaf as them that winna hear.
There's none so deaf as those who won't listen.
There's ne'er a great feast but some fare ill.
There's never a great feast without someone having a bad time.
There's ower mony nicks in your horn.
There's too many nicks in your horn.
That is, you are too knowing or cunning for me.
You’re too clever or sly for me.
There's plenty o' raible when drink's on the table.
There's plenty of noise when there's drinks on the table.
To "raible" is to speak in a riotous, careless, or loose manner.
To "raible" is to speak in a chaotic, casual, or sloppy way.
There's remede for a' but stark dead.
There's a remedy for everyone but those who are completely dead.
Except for pure love, or than stark death,
Help can be found from the hands of men,
Throw medicines to make remedy.
There's skill in gruel making.
Making gruel takes skill.
"There's sma sorrow at our pairting," as the auld mear said to the broken cart.
"There's some sorrow at our parting," as the old mare said to the broken cart.
"'If ye dinna think me fit,' replied Andrew, in a huff, 'to speak like ither folk, gie me my wages, and my board-wages, and I'se gae back to Glasgow—there's sma sorrow at our pairting, as the auld mear said to the broken cart.'"—Rob Roy.
"'If you don't think I'm fit,' replied Andrew, annoyed, 'to speak like other people, give me my pay and my board money, and I'll go back to Glasgow—there's not much sadness in our parting, as the old mare said to the broken cart.'"—Rob Roy.
There's steel in the needle point, though little o't.
There's steel in the needle's point, even if there's not much of it.
"Spoken when a thing, commendable for its kind, is found fault with for its quantity."—Kelly.
"Used when something that's good in its category is criticized for how much of it there is."—Kelly.
There's the end o' an auld sang.
There's the end of an old song.
Or, all the information I can give you.
Or, that’s all the information I can give you.
There's tricks in a' trades but honest horse-couping.
There's tricks in all trades but honest horse trading.
There's twa enoughs, and ye hae got ane o' them.
There's enough for two, and you've got one of them.
"That is, big enough and little enough; meaning that he has gotten little enough. An answer to them who, out of modesty, say they have enough."—Kelly.
"That is, big enough and small enough; meaning that he has gotten small enough. An answer to those who, out of modesty, say they have enough."—Kelly.
There's twa things in my mind, and that's the least o' them.
There's two things on my mind, and that's the least of them.
Spoken by a person who declines to give a reason for a thing which he does not wish to do.
Spoken by someone who refuses to explain why they don’t want to do something.
There was anither gotten the night that you was born.
There was another gotten the night you were born.
"If one won't another will."—English.
"If one won't, another will."
There was mair lost at Sherramuir, where the Hielandman lost his faither and his mither, and a gude buff belt worth baith o' them.
There was more lost at Sherramuir, where the Highlander lost his father and his mother, and a good buff belt worth both of them.
Spoken jocularly when a person meets with a trifling loss. Sheriffmuir is the name of the field between Stirling and Dunblane, where a disastrous battle between the Scots and English was fought during the rebellion of 1715.
Spoken jokingly when someone experiences a minor loss. Sheriffmuir is the name of the area between Stirling and Dunblane, where a disastrous battle between the Scots and English took place during the rebellion of 1715.
There was ne'er a gude toun but there was a dub at the end o't.
There was never a good town that didn’t have a pond at the end of it.
Or never a thing so perfect as to be faultless.
Or never a thing so perfect that it doesn't have flaws.
There was ne'er a height but had a howe at the bottom o't.
There was never a height that didn't have a hill at the bottom of it.
There ne'er was a silly Jocky but there was a silly Jenny.
There was never a silly Jocky without a silly Jenny.
There was ne'er a thrifty wife wi' a clout about her head.
There was never a frugal wife with a cloth wrapped around her head.
There was ne'er enough when naething was left.
There was never enough when nothing was left.
The scabbit head loesna the kame.
The scabbit head loesna the kame.
The scholar may waur the maister.
The scholar may wear the master.
The shortest road's the nearest.
The shortest path is the closest.
The shortest road's where the company's gude.
The shortest route is where the company's guide is.
The silliest strake has aye the loudest "hech."
The silliest joke always gets the loudest laugh.
This means, literally, that the silliest stroke is accompanied by the loudest exclamation: those who pretend to do most perform least.
This means, literally, that the most ridiculous actions are met with the loudest reactions: those who act like they’re doing the most actually do the least.
The slothfu' man maks a slim fortune.
The lazy man makes a small fortune.
The smith has aye a spark in his throat.
The blacksmith always has a spark in his throat.
The smith's mear and the souter's wife are aye warst shod.
The blacksmith's mare and the shoemaker's wife are always the worst shod.
The snail is as sune at its rest as the swallow.
The snail is just as still at rest as the swallow.
The souter gae the sow a kiss; "grumph," quo' she, "it's for a birse."
The shoemaker gave the sow a kiss; "grumph," she said, "that's for a bristle."
"Spoken of those whose service we suppose to be mercenary."—Kelly.
"Referring to those whose service we think is motivated by self-interest."—Kelly.
The stoup that gaes often to the well comes hame broken at last.
The pitcher that often goes to the well comes home broken eventually.
"The pitcher that goes often to the well leaves either its handle or its spout."—Spanish.
"The pitcher that goes to the well too often ends up losing either its handle or its spout."—Spanish.
The stoutest head bears langest oot.
The strongest head takes the longest to catch on.
"The broadsword's pursuer, or plaintiff, as you Englishers ca' it, and the target is defender; the stoutest head bears langest out;—and there's a Hieland plea for ye."—Rob Roy.
"The pursuer of the broadsword, or plaintiff, as you English people call it, and the target is the defender; the strongest head lasts the longest;—and there's a Highland argument for you."—Rob Roy.
The strongest side taks aye the strongest right.
The strongest side takes the strongest right.
The sun is nae waur for shining on the midden.
The sun isn't worse for shining on the garbage.
The thatcher said unto his man, "Let's raise this ladder if we can."—"But first let's drink, maister."
The thatcher said to his man, "Let's raise this ladder if we can." — "But first let's have a drink, boss."
"Spoken when one proposes something to be done, and another proposes to take a drink before we begin."—Kelly.
"Spoken when someone suggests doing something, and another person suggests having a drink before we start."—Kelly.
The thiefer-like the better sodger.
The thief is like the better soldier.
The thing that liesna in your gait breaksna your shins.
The thing that affects your walk hurts your shins.
The thing that's dune's no to do.
The thing that's done is not to do.
The thing that's fristed's no forgi'en.
The thing that's frustrating is not forgiven.
The third time's lucky.
Third time's a charm.
The thrift o' you and the woo o' a dog wad mak a braw wab.
The thrift of you and the charm of a dog would make a beautiful fabric.
A sarcastic manner of informing a person that he is lazy.
A sarcastic way of telling someone that they're lazy.
The thrift o' you will be the death o' your gudewife.
The way you save so much money will drive your wife to her breaking point.
The time ye're pu'in' runts ye're no setting kail.
The time you're pulling weeds, you're not planting kale.
The tod keeps aye his ain hole clean.
The fox always keeps his own den clean.
"'Hout-tout, Dame Elspeth,' said Tibb, 'fear ye naething frae Christie; tods keep their ain holes clean. You kirk-folk make sic a fasherie about men shifting a wee bit for their living!'"—The Monastery.
"'Hout-tout, Lady Elspeth,' said Tibb, 'don't worry about Christie; foxes keep their own dens clean. You church folks make such a fuss about men doing a little to make a living!'"—The Monastery.
The tod ne'er sped better than when he gaed his ain errand.
The fox never moved faster than when he was on his own business.
"Every man is most zealous for his own interest. Spoken to advise a man to go about such a business himself."—Kelly.
"Every person is most passionate about their own interests. It’s best to encourage someone to handle such matters on their own."—Kelly.
The tod ne'er fares better than when he's bann'd.
The fox never does better than when he's banned.
"Spoken when we are told that such people curse us, which we think is the effect of envy, the companion of felicity. The fox is cursed when he takes our poultry."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we hear that certain people are cursing us, which we believe is a result of envy, the friend of happiness. The fox is cursed when he steals our chickens."—Kelly.
The tod's whalps are ill to tame.
The tod's whalps are difficult to train.
The tree doesna aye fa' at the first strake.
The tree doesn’t always fall with the first strike.
The warld is bound to nae man.
The world doesn’t belong to anyone.
The warst may be tholed when it's kenn'd.
The worst can be endured when it’s understood.
The warst warld that ever was some man won.
The worst world that ever existed was conquered by some man.
The water will ne'er waur the widdie.
The water will never wear the willow.
The water will never cheat the gallows; of similar meaning to "He that's born to be hanged," q. v.
The water will never betray the gallows; similar to "He that's born to be hanged," see above.
"A neighbour of mine was so fully persuaded of the truth of this proverb, that being in a great storm, and dreadfully afraid, espies in the ship a graceless rake whom he supposed destined to another sort of death, cries out, O Samuel, are you here? why then, we are all safe, and so laid aside his concern."—Kelly.
A neighbor of mine was so convinced of the truth of this saying that during a huge storm, feeling extremely scared, he spotted a reckless guy on the ship whom he thought was meant to die in a different way. He shouted, "Oh Samuel, is that you? Then we’re all safe,” and stopped worrying. —Kelly.
The waur luck now the better anither time.
The worse luck now, the better another time.
The weakest gangs to the wa'.
The weakest gangs to the war.
The wife's aye welcome that comes wi' a crooked oxter.
The wife's always welcome that comes with a crooked arm.
That person is always welcome who brings presents. The "oxter" is crooked because the arm is engaged carrying them.
That person is always welcome who brings gifts. The "oxter" is crooked because the arm is busy carrying them.
The wife's ae dochter and the man's ae cow, the taen's ne'er weel and the tither's ne'er fu'.
The wife's one daughter and the man's one cow, one of them is never well and the other is never full.
The willing horse is aye worked to death.
The willing horse is always worked to death.
The wolf may lose his teeth, but ne'er his nature.
The wolf may lose his teeth, but never his nature.
The word o' an honest man's enough.
The word of an honest man is enough.
The worth o' a thing is best kenned by the want o't.
The value of something is best known by the lack of it.
The worth o' a thing is what it will bring.
The value of something is what someone is willing to pay for it.
The wyte o' war is at kings' doors.
The threat of war is at the kings' doors.
"You and me, Gilhaize, that are but servants, needna fash our heads wi' sic things; the wyte o' wars lie at the doors of kings, and the soldiers are free o' the sin o' them."—Galt's Ringan Gilhaize.
"You and I, Gilhaize, who are just servants, don't need to worry about such things; the blame for wars rests with the kings, and the soldiers aren't guilty of their sins."—Galt's Ringan Gilhaize.
They are eith hindered that are no furdersome.
They are either hindered by those who are not burdensome.
They who are unwilling to do a thing are easily hindered.
Those who are unwilling to do something are easily held back.
They are sad rents that come in wi' tears.
They are sad tears that come with the rents.
They buy gudes cheap that bring hame naething.
They buy goods cheaply that bring home nothing.
They craw crouse that craw last.
They crawl close that crawl last.
Because they who "craw" last exult that a matter is definitely known to be in their own favour.
Because those who "caw" last celebrate that something is clearly in their own favor.
They hae need o' a canny cook that hae but ae egg to their dinner.
They need a clever cook who only has one egg for dinner.
They draw the cat harrow.
They draw the cat diagram.
"That is, they thwart one another."—Kelly.
"That means they interfere with each other."—Kelly.
Brought in a bird to fill the nest; To be a watchman to his core,
They started to draw at the cat-harrow.
They'll flit in the Merse for a hen's gerse.
They'll flutter in the marsh for a hen's feather.
"They will flit for a matter of very small importance. Formerly in Berwickshire every hind was allowed to keep a few hens; and some of them actually removed for the sake of the hen's keep. Hence the saying."—G. Henderson.
"They will dart around over something really insignificant. In the past, in Berwickshire, every farmer was allowed to keep a few hens, and some of them even moved just to have the hens' upkeep. That's where the saying comes from."—G. Henderson.
They gang far aboot that never meet.
They hang out a lot but never meet.
They'll gree better when they gang in by ither kirk doors.
They'll greet each other better when they go in through either church door.
Spoken of two persons who have quarrelled, meaning that they should avoid each other.
Spoken of two people who have fought, meaning that they should stay away from each other.
They maun be sune up that cheat the tod.
They must be quick to deal with that trickster.
They maun hunger in frost that winna work in fresh.
They must go hungry in the cold if they won't work in the fresh.
They may dunsh that gie the lunch.
They may demand that they give the lunch.
"Dunsh" is a word for which there is no perfect equivalent in English. It means to jog or thrust in a violent manner; but those who know its proper application will see how feeble these meanings are. Jamieson approaches it when he says it is to "push as a mad bull." The proverb here means that they upon whom we depend can do with us as they please.
"Dunsh" is a word that doesn’t have a perfect match in English. It means to jog or thrust violently, but those who understand its true meaning will see how weak these descriptions are. Jamieson gets close when he says it’s to "push like a mad bull." The proverb here suggests that those we rely on can do whatever they want with us.
They may ken by your beard what ye had on your board.
They can tell by your beard what you had to eat.
They need muckle that will be content wi' naething.
They need a lot that will be content with nothing.
They ne'er baked a gude cake but may bake an ill ane.
They never baked a good cake but might bake a bad one.
They ne'er gie wi' the spit but they gat wi' the ladle.
They never give with the spit but they get with the ladle.
Or they never confer a small favour, or give a trifling gift, but they expect a greater in return.
Or they never do even a small favor or give a little gift without expecting something bigger in return.
They ne'er saw great dainties that thought a haggis a feast.
They never saw great delicacies that considered a haggis a feast.
They're a' ae sow's pick.
They're all a sow's pick.
Or all one kind—all bad alike.
Or all the same—just as bad.
"They're a bonny pair," as the craw said o' his feet.
"They're a good-looking pair," as the crow said about his feet.
"They're a bonny pair," as the deil said o' his cloots.
"They're a beautiful pair," as the devil said about his clothes.
They're a' gude that gies.
They're a good that gives.
They're a' gude that's far awa.
They're all good that's far away.
They're a' tarr'd wi' ae stick.
They're all covered with one stick.
"'For my part,' said Macwheeble, 'I never wish to see a kilt in the country again, nor a red coat, nor a gun, for that matter, unless it were to shoot a paitrick. They're a' tarr'd wi' ae stick.'"—Waverley.
"'For my part,' said Macwheeble, 'I never want to see a kilt in the country again, nor a red coat, nor a gun for that matter, unless it’s to shoot a partridge. They're all tarred with the same brush.'"—Waverley.
They're aye gude will'd o' their horse that hae nane.
They're always good to those who have no horse.
"He's free of his fruit that wants an orchard."—English.
"He's free from his desire for an orchard."—English.
They're as thick as three in a bed.
They're as close as three people in a bed.
"They're curly and crookit," as the deil said o' his horns.
"They're curly and crooked," as the devil said about his horns.
They're fremit friends that canna be fash'd.
They're weird friends that can't be bothered.
That is, they are strange or false friends who will not allow themselves to be troubled in the least about their relations.
That is, they are odd or insincere friends who won't let themselves be bothered at all about their relationships.
They're keen o' company that taks the dog on their back.
They're eager for company that takes the dog on their back.
They're lightly harried that hae a' their ain.[302]
They're a bit stressed out because they have everything on their own. [302]
They're like the grices, if ye kittle their wame they fa' on their backs.
They're like the grice; if you tickle their belly, they fall on their backs.
Synonymous with "Give him an inch and he'll take an ell."—English.
Synonymous with "Give him an inch and he'll take a mile."—English.
They're no a' saints that get the name o't.
They're not all saints that get the name of it.
They're no to be named in the same day.
They're not to be named on the same day.
Or they are so different that there is no room for comparison.
Or they are so different that there's no way to compare them.
They're queer folk that hae nae failings.
They're unusual people who have no flaws.
They're scant o' horseflesh that ride on the dog.
They're short on riders who can handle the dog.
They're weel guided that God guides.
They're guided by God.
They rin fast that deils and lasses drive.
They run fast that devils and girls drive.
They should kiss the gudewife that wad win the gudeman.
They should kiss the good wife who would win the good man.
They speak o' my drinking, but ne'er think o' my drouth.
They talk about my drinking, but never consider my thirst.
"They censure my doing such a thing who neither consider my occasions of doing it, or what provocations I have had."—Kelly.
"They criticize me for doing this without considering the reasons behind it or the things that provoked me."—Kelly.
They that bourd wi' cats may count upon scarts.
They who mess with cats should expect scratches.
They that burn you for a witch will lose their coals.
Those who burn you as a witch will lose their coals.
Applied to stupid people who pretend to be very clever. "Nobody will take you for a conjuror."—English.
Applied to foolish people who act like they're very smart. "Nobody will see you as a magician."—English.
They that come wi' a gift dinna need to stand lang at the door.
Those who come with a gift don’t need to stand long at the door.
They that deal wi' the deil get a dear pennyworth.[303]
Those who make deals with the devil get a bad bargain.[303]
They that drink langest live langest.
They who drink the most live the longest.
They that get neist best are no ill aff.
They who get the next best are not doing badly.
"'Well, my good friend,' said Tyrrel, 'the upshot of all this is, I hope, that I am to stay and have dinner here?' 'What for no?' replied Mrs Dods. 'And that I am to have the Blue room for a night or two—perhaps longer?' 'I dinna ken that,' said the dame. 'The Blue room is the best—and they that get neist best are no ill aff in this warld.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'Well, my good friend,' Tyrrel said, 'the bottom line is that I hope I'm staying here for dinner?' 'Why not?' Mrs. Dods replied. 'And that I get to have the Blue room for a night or two—maybe longer?' 'I don't know about that,' the woman said. 'The Blue room is the best—and those who get the next best aren't doing too badly in this world.'"—St Ronan's Well.
They that get the word o' sune rising may lie a' day.
They who hear the news of the sunrise can stay in bed all day.
They that hae maist need o' credit seldom get muckle.
They who need credit the most often get little.
They that herd swine think aye they hear them grumphin'.
Those who tend to pigs always think they hear them grunting.
They that hide ken where to seek.
They who hide know where to look.
"What! the siller?—Ay, ay—trust him for that—they that hide ken best where to find—he wants to wile him out o' his last guinea, and then escape to his ain country, the landlouper."—The Antiquary.
"What! The money?—Yeah, yeah—he's good at that—they who hide know best where to look—he wants to trick him out of his last guinea, and then flee to his own country, the landloper."—The Antiquary.
They that laugh in the morning will greet ere night.
Those who laugh in the morning will greet it again by night.
They that lie down for love should rise up for hunger.
Those who lie down for love should get up for hunger.
They that like the midden see nae motes in't.
Those who like the garbage don’t see any specks in it.
They that live langest fetch wood farthest.
They who live the longest gather wood from the farthest places.
They that lose seek, they that find keep.
Those who lose search, and those who find hold on.
They that marry in green, their sorrow is sune seen.
Those who marry in green, their sorrow is soon seen.
"It is rather strange that green, the most natural and agreeable of all colours, should have been connected by superstition with calamity and sorrow.... To this day, in the north of Scotland, no young woman would wear such attire on her wedding day."—Robert Chambers.
"It’s quite odd that green, the most natural and pleasing of all colors, has been linked by superstition to disaster and sadness.... To this day, in the north of Scotland, no young woman would wear such a color on her wedding day."—Robert Chambers.
They that love maist speak least.
Those who love the most often speak the least.
They that never filled a cradle shouldna sit in ane.
Those who have never rocked a cradle shouldn't sit in one.
"Because such will not consider whether there may be a child in it; whereas they who have had children will be more cautious."—Kelly.
"Because they won't think about whether there might be a child involved; while those who have had children will be more careful."—Kelly.
They that rise wi' the sun hae their wark weel begun.
Those who rise with the sun have their work well started.
They that see but your head dinna see a' your height.
Those who only see your head don’t see your full height.
"Spoken to men of low stature and high spirits."—Kelly.
"Talked to guys who are short in height but big in attitude."—Kelly.
They that see you through the day winna break the house for you at night.
Those who see you during the day won't break into the house for you at night.
This ungallant proverb signifies that the person addressed is not very good-looking.
This unkind saying means that the person being talked to isn’t very attractive.
They that sin the sin maun bear the shame.
Those who commit a sin must bear the shame.
They that stay in the howe will ne'er mount the height.
Those who remain in the lowlands will never rise to great heights.
They walk fair that naebody finds faut wi'.
They walk in a way that nobody finds fault with.
They were never fain that fidged, nor fu' that lickit dishes.
They were never eager to fidget, nor full enough to lick plates clean.
"Spoken when people shrug their shoulders, as if it was a sign that they were not content."—Kelly.
"Spoken when people shrug their shoulders, as if it were a sign that they weren't satisfied."—Kelly.
They were never first at the wark wha bade God speed the wark.[305]
They were never the first at the work who wished God luck with the work.[305]
They were scant o' bairns that brought you up.
They had very few kids that raised you.
They wha are early up, and hae nae business, hae either an ill wife, an ill bed, or an ill conscience.
Those who get up early and have no work to do have either a bad wife, a bad bed, or a bad conscience.
They wist as weel that didna speir.
They knew just as well as those who didn’t ask.
There are those who are more concerned for my welfare than you are, but do not make so many outward protestations of it.
There are people who care more about my well-being than you do, but they don't make as many outward claims about it.
They wyte you an' you're no wyteless.
They blame you and you're not to blame.
Things maun aye be someway, even if they're crookit.
Things have to be a certain way, even if they're twisted.
Thirteen o' you may gang to the dizzen.
Thirteen of you can go to the gathering.
This and better may do, but this and waur will never do.
This and better might work, but this and worse will never work.
This world's a widdle as weel as a riddle.
This world is a puzzle as well as a mystery.
"'A widdle,' a wriggling motion; metaphorically, a struggle or bustle."—Jamieson.
"'A little,' a wriggling motion; metaphorically, a struggle or hustle."—Jamieson.
Thole weel is gude for burning.
Thole well is good for burning.
"Patience and posset-drink cure all maladies."—English.
"Patience and a soothing drink can heal all ailments."—English.
Though auld and wise still tak advice.
Though old and wise still take advice.
Thoughts are free, and if I daurna say I may think.
Thoughts are free, and if I dare say, I can think.
Thoughts beguile maidens.
Thoughts enchant young women.
Though ye tether time and tide, love and light ye canna hide.
Though you can control time and tide, you can't hide love and light.
Three can keep a secret when twa are awa.
Three can keep a secret when two are away.
Three failures and a fire make a Scotsman's fortune.[306]
Three failures and a fire make a Scotsman's fortune.[306]
Thrift's gude revenue.
Thrift's good revenue.
Time and thinking tame the strongest grief.
Time and reflection soften the deepest sorrow.
Time and tide for nae man bide.
Time and tide wait for no man.
Time tint is never found.
Time tint is never found.
Time tries a', as winter tries the kail.
Time tests everything, like winter tests the greens.
Time tries whinstanes.
Time tests stones.
Tine heart, tine a'.
Tiny heart, tiny all.
"'I couldna maybe hae made muckle o' a bargain wi' yon lang callant,' said David, when thus complimented on his valour; 'but when ye deal wi' thae folk, it's tine heart, tine a'.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'I probably couldn't have made much of a deal with that tall kid,' said David, when he was complimented on his bravery; 'but when you deal with those people, it's all heart, all in.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
Tine needle, tine darg.
Tine needle, tine darg.
If you lose your needle you lose your day's work. Spoken to shiftless persons who complain loudly on the least trifle going wrong with them.
If you lose your needle, you lose all your work for the day. This is said to unmotivated people who whine about every little thing that goes wrong for them.
Tine thimble, tine thrift.
Tine thimble, tine thrift.
Tit for tat's fair play.
Tit for tat is fair game.
To fazarts hard hazards are death ere they come nigh.
To face harsh dangers can lead to death before they even get close.
Dread, danger, or despair,
To face hard hazards "Is dead or they come there."
To hain is to hae.
To have is to own.
Toom barrels mak maist din.
Empty barrels make the most noise.
Toom be your meal pock, and mine ne'er hang on your pin.
To be your meal bag, and mine never depend on your pin.
Touch a gaw'd horse on the back an he'll fling.
Touch a goddamn horse on the back and it will buck.
"Spoken when you have said something to a man that intrenches upon his reputation, and so have put him in a passion."—Kelly.
"Spoken when you have said something to a man that attacks his reputation, and so have made him angry."—Kelly.
To work for naething maks folk dead-sweer.
To work for nothing makes people really resentful.
"'Dead-sweer,' extremely averse to exertion."—Jamieson.
"'Dead-sweer,' really opposed to effort."—Jamieson.
Traitors' words ne'er yet hurt honest cause.
Traitors' words have never harmed a genuine cause.
Tramp on a snail, and she'll shoot oot her horns.
Trample on a snail, and she'll poke out her horns.
Tramp on a worm and she'll turn her head.
Trample on a worm and she'll turn her head.
Tramping straw makes trottin' owsen.
Stepping on straw makes cows trot.
Travell'd men are sindle trow'd.
Travelers are seldom trusted.
Trot faither, trot mither; how can the foal amble?
Trot, Dad, trot, Mom; how can the foal walk?
"It is hard for those who have had a bad parentage, and, consequently, an ill education, to be good."—Kelly.
"It’s tough for people who grew up with bad parents and, as a result, received a poor education to be good."—Kelly.
True blue will never stain, but dirty red will dye again.
True blue will never fade, but dirty red will stain again.
True love is aye blate.
True love is always shy.
True love kythes in time o' need.
True love shows up in times of need.
"Kythes," that is, shows itself.
"Kythes," meaning, shows itself.
True love's the waft o' life, but it whiles comes through a sorrowfu' shuttle.
True love is the breath of life, but it often comes through a painful journey.
Truth and honesty keep the crown o' the causey.
Truth and honesty are the foundation of a good reputation.
Truth and oil come aye uppermost.
Truth and oil always rise to the top.
Truth hauds lang the gate.
Truth stands long at the gate.
Try before you trust.
Test it before you trust.
Twa blacks winna mak ae white.
Two black people won’t make one white.
Twa cats and ae mouse, twa mice in ae house, twa dogs and ae bane, ne'er will agree in ane.
Two cats and a mouse, two mice in one house, two dogs and one bone, will never get along in one.
Twa fools in ae house are a pair ower mony.
Two fools in one house are too many.
Twa gudes seldom meet—what's gude for the plant is ill for the peat.
Twa good things seldom come together—what's good for the plant is bad for the peat.
Twa hands may do in ae dish, but ne'er in ae purse.
Two hands can work well together on one dish, but never in one purse.
"Twa heads are better than ane," as the wife said when she and her dog gaed to the market.
"Two heads are better than one," as the wife said when she and her dog went to the market.
Twa heads are better than ane, though they're but sheep's anes.
Two heads are better than one, even if they’re just sheep’s heads.
Spoken when a person offers a suggestion to another who is considering how he will do a thing.
Spoken when someone suggests something to another person who is thinking about how to approach a task.
Twa heads may lie upon ae cod, and nane ken whaur the luck lies.
Two heads may lie on one pillow, and no one knows where the luck lies.
"Spoken when either husband or wife is dead, and the sorrowing party goes back in the world after."—Kelly.
"Spoken when either the husband or wife has passed away, and the grieving person returns to the world afterward."—Kelly.
Twa hungry meltiths makes the third a glutton.
Two hungry wolves make the third one a glutton.
Twa things ne'er be angry wi'—what ye can help and what ye canna.
Two things you should never be angry about—what you can change and what you can’t.
Twa words maun gang to that bargain.
Two words must go to that bargain.
Addressed to a person who is in too great a hurry to conclude a bargain, indirectly implying that the speaker is not quite satisfied with the article or terms.
Addressed to someone who's rushing to seal a deal, subtly hinting that the speaker isn't fully happy with the item or the conditions.
Twine tow, your mother was a gude spinner.
Twine tow, your mom was a good spinner.
"Spoken to those who curse you or rail upon you, as if you would say, take what you say to yourself."—Kelly.
"Talk to those who insult you or criticize you, as if you were saying, take your own advice."—Kelly.
nco folk's no to mird wi'.
nco folk's no to murder with.
So you must first go to fix things with the lady. It's not good to mix with strange people, you see,
"Nor is the blurry vision easily cleared from their eye."
Under water dearth, under snaw bread.
Water shortage, under snow bread.
If a field has been inundated with water the crop will be spoiled; but if covered with snow it will be improved, as the soil is warmed and nourished thereby.
If a field has been flooded with water, the crop will be ruined; but if it's covered with snow, it will be enhanced, as the soil gets warmed and enriched by it.
Unseen, unrued.
Unseen, unregretted.
"Unsicker, unstable," quo' the wave to the cable.
"Unstable, sick," said the wave to the cable.
"'Unsicker,' not secure, not safe, unsteady."—Jamieson.
"'Unsicker,' not secure, not safe, unsteady."—Jamieson.
Upon my ain expense, as the man built the dyke.
Upon my own expense, as the man built the dam.
"Taken from an inscription upon a churchyard in Scotland—
"Taken from an inscription on a churchyard in Scotland—
I built this cemetery for fifty (feet?) at my own expense.'"
Untimeous spurring spoils the steed.
Rushing spoils the horse.
Up hill spare me, doun hill tak tent o' thee.
Uphill, spare me; downhill, take care of yourself.
Use maks perfyteness.
Use max perfection.
The Scottish version of the very common saying, "Practice makes perfect."
The Scottish version of the well-known saying, "Practice makes perfect."
ad ye gar us trow that the mune's made o' green cheese, or that spade shafts bear plooms?
ad do you really think that the moon is made of green cheese, or that shovel handles grow plums?
That is, Would you really try to make us believe anything so false or absurd as we know such a thing to be?
That is, would you actually try to make us believe something so false or ridiculous as we know that to be?
Waes the wife that wants the tongue, but weel's the man that gets her.
Woe to the woman who lacks a voice, but lucky is the man who has her.
Waes unite faes.
Waes unite faes.
Wae tae him that lippens to ithers for tippence.
Woe to him who relies on others for a penny.
Or, who trusts to another for a small obligation.
Or, who relies on someone else for a minor obligation.
Wae tae the wame that has a wilfu' maister.
Woe to the stomach that has a stubborn master.
"Wae worth ill company," quo' the daw o' Camnethan.
"Woe to bad company," said the jackdaw of Camnethan.
"Spoken when we have been drawn by ill company into an ill thing. A jack-daw in Camnethan (Cambusnethan) learned this word from a guest in the house when he was upon his penitentials after hard drinking."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we’ve been led astray by bad company into a bad situation. A jackdaw in Camnethan (Cambusnethan) picked up this word from a guest in the house while he was reflecting on his mistakes after a night of heavy drinking."—Kelly.
Walk as your shoes will let ye.
Walk as your shoes will allow you.
Waly, waly! bairns are bonny; ane's enough and twa's ower mony.
Woe is me! Kids are lovely; one is enough and two are too many.
Want o' cunning's nae shame.
Want of cunning's no shame.
Wanton kittens mak douce cats.
Playful kittens make sweet cats.
Want o' warld's gear aft sunders fond hearts.
Want of the world's possessions often tears apart loving hearts.
Want siller, want fish.
Want money, want fish.
Wark bears witness wha does weel.
Wark shows what is done well.
War maks thieves and peace hangs them.
War creates thieves and peace punishes them.
War's sweet tae them that never tried it.
War's appealing to those who have never experienced it.
"'A soldier! then you have slain and burnt, and sacked, and spoiled?' 'I winna say,' replied Edie, 'that I have been better than my neighbours—it's a rough trade—war's sweet to them that never tried it.'"—The Antiquary.
"'A soldier! So you’ve killed, burned, looted, and ruined?' 'I won’t say,' Edie replied, 'that I’ve been better than others—it's a tough job—war seems nice to those who’ve never experienced it.'"—The Antiquary.
Waste water, waste better.
Waste water, waste less.
Watch harm, catch harm.
Watch for harm, catch harm.
Wealth has made mair men covetous than covetousness has made men wealthy.
Wealth has made more men greedy than greed has made men wealthy.
Wealth, like want, ruins mony.
Wealth, like poverty, ruins many.
Wealth maks wit waver.
Wealth makes wisdom waver.
"'Weel, weel,' said the banker, 'that may be a' as you say, sir, and nae doubt wealth makes wit waver; but the country's wealthy, that canna be denied, and wealth, sir, ye ken——' 'I know wealth makes itself wings,' answered the cynical stranger; 'but I am not quite sure we have it even now.'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'Well, well,' said the banker, 'that might be true, sir, and no doubt wealth can make someone indecisive; but the country is wealthy, that can't be denied, and wealth, sir, you know—' 'I know wealth has a way of flying away,' replied the cynical stranger; 'but I'm not so sure we have it even now.'"—St Ronan's Well.
Weapons bode peace.
Weapons bring peace.
We are a' life-like and death-like.
We are both alive and dead.
We are aye tae learn as lang as we live.
We are always learning as long as we live.
We are bound to be honest, and no to be rich.
We are obligated to be honest, not to be wealthy.
We can live without our kin, but no without our neighbours.
We can live without our family, but not without our neighbors.
We canna baith sup and blaw.
We can't both eat and sing.
That is, we cannot do two things at once.
That is, we can't do two things at the same time.
We can poind for debt, but no for unkindness.[312]
We can be held accountable for debt, but not for being unkind.[312]
We can shape their wylie-coat, but no their weird.
We can shape their cunning disguise, but not their strange nature.
Literally, we can shape a person's article of clothing, but cannot foretell his destiny.
We can literally change a person's clothes, but we can't predict their future.
Wedding and ill wintering tame baith man and beast.
Wedding and harsh winter affect both man and beast.
Wee things fley cowards.
Small things scare cowards.
Weel begun is half done.
Well begun is half done.
Weel is that weel does.
What goes around comes around.
Weel kens the mouse when pussie's in.
Well knows the mouse when the cat's around.
"When the cat's away the mice will play."—English.
"When the cat's away, the mice will play."—English.
Whichever of their talking makes a truce, The boys and girls are all growing up quietly,
And spare their noise;
For sure, the story goes, 'Well knows the mouse
When the cat's in!
"Weel!" quo' Willie, when his ain wife dang him.
"Weel!" said Willie, when his own wife knocked him down.
We presume that this was intended by Willie as an expression of indifference at the punishment which was being administered to him.
We believe that Willie meant this as a way of showing indifference towards the punishment he was receiving.
Weel's him and wae's him that has a bishop in his kin.
Weel's him and wae's him who has a bishop in his family.
"Because such may be advanced, and perhaps disappointed."—Kelly.
"Because that might be put forward, and maybe let down."—Kelly.
Weel won corn should be housed ere the morn.
We should store the corn before morning.
"'Won corn,' corn dried by exposure to the air."—Jamieson.
"'Won corn,' corn that has dried out from being exposed to the air."—Jamieson.
Weel worth a' that gars the plough draw.
Weel worth all that makes the plow pull.
Anglice, Good luck to everything by which we earn money.
In English, Good luck to everything we do to make a living.
"We hounds slew the hare," quo' the messan.
"We hounds killed the hare," said the dog.
Welcome's the best dish in the kitchen.
Welcome's the best dish in the kitchen.
We'll bark oursels ere we buy dogs sae dear.
We'll work hard ourselves before we spend so much on dogs.
Addressed to persons who ask exorbitant prices for their wares: meaning that sooner than agree to their terms, we will do without the article altogether.
Addressed to those who ask outrageous prices for their goods: meaning that rather than agreeing to their terms, we will do without the item entirely.
We'll bear wi' the stink when it brings in the clink.
We'll put up with the smell if it brings in the money.
We'll meet ere hills meet.
We'll meet before the hills.
"Men may meet: but mountains never."—English.
"People can come together: but mountains never will."—English.
We'll ne'er big sandy bourochs thegither.
We'll never have big sandy beaches together.
"This refers," says Jamieson, "to the custom of children building houses in the sand for sport." The proverb means, after such an occurrence we need never expect to be on terms of intimacy again.
"This refers," says Jamieson, "to the practice of kids making sandcastles for fun." The proverb means that after something like this happens, we can never expect to be close again.
We maun a' gang ae gate.
We all have to go at once.
"'Ay—and is it even sae?' said Meg; 'and has the puir bairn been sae soon removed frae this fashious world? Ay, ay, we maun a' gang ae gate—crackit quart-stoups and geisen'd barrels—leaky quaighs are we a', and canna keep in the liquor of life—Ohon, sirs!'"—St Ronan's Well.
"'Oh, is it really true?' said Meg; 'Has the poor child been taken from this troublesome world so soon? Yes, yes, we all must go one way—broken jugs and spilled barrels—we're all leaky vessels and can't hold onto the essence of life—Oh dear!'"—St Ronan's Well.
We maun live by the living, and no by the dead.
We must live for the living, not for the dead.
We maun tak the crap as it grows.
We have to deal with the crap as it comes.
We may ken your meaning by your mumping.
We can understand what you mean by your sulking.
"To mump, to hint, to aim at."—Jamieson.
"To complain, to suggest, to target."—Jamieson.
We ne'er ken the worth o' water till the well gae dry.
We never know the value of water until the well runs dry.
Were it no for hope the heart wad break.
Were it not for hope, the heart would break.
Wersh parritch, neither gude to fry, boil, or sup cauld.
Wersh porridge, not good for frying, boiling, or eating cold.
West wind north about never hauds lang out.
West wind from the north doesn’t stay around for long.
Wet your wizen or else it'll gizen.
Wet your wisdom or else it'll fade away.
Spoken to a person who is telling a story. It may be either meant kindly or as a signification that the story is too "long-winded."
Spoken to someone who is telling a story. It might be said kindly or as a hint that the story is too "long-winded."
Wha burns rags will want a winding-sheet.
Who burns rags will need a shroud.
Wha can haud wha will awa?
Wha can hold what will go away?
Wha can help misluck?
What can help misfortune?
"Wha can help sickness?" quo' the wife when she lay in the gutter.
"Wha can help sickness?" said the wife as she lay in the gutter.
Wha canna gie will little get.
What you can't give, you'll get little in return.
Wha comes oftener, and brings you less?
What comes more often and gives you less?
Spoken jocularly by a person who is in the habit of visiting a friend frequently.
Spoken in a playful way by someone who often visits a friend.
Wha daur bell the cat?
Who dares to bell the cat?
In addition to the fabulous illustration of the mice and the cat, this proverb has also an historical fact attached to it, which is well known in Scotland. The Scottish nobles of the time of James the Third proposed to meet at Stirling in a body, and take Spence, the king's favourite, and hang him. At a preliminary consultation, Lord Gray remarked, "It is well said, but wha will bell the cat?" The Earl of Angus undertook the task—accomplished it—and till his dying day was called Archibald Bell-the-cat.
In addition to the amazing illustration of the mice and the cat, this proverb is also connected to a historical fact that's well-known in Scotland. The Scottish nobles during the time of James the Third planned to gather at Stirling and capture Spence, the king's favorite, and hang him. In an early discussion, Lord Gray said, "That's a good idea, but who will bell the cat?" The Earl of Angus took on the task—managed to do it—and was called Archibald Bell-the-cat for the rest of his life.
Wha never climbs never fa's.
Who never climbs never falls.
What a'body says maun be true.
What everybody says must be true.
For "There's never much talk of a thing but there's some truth in it."—Italian.
For "There's never much talk about something without some truth to it."—Italian.
What better is the house where the daw rises soon?
What could be better than the house where dawn breaks soon?
"Spoken often by mistresses to their maids when they have been early up, and done little work."—Kelly.
"Spoken often by mistresses to their maids when they've been up early and haven't done much work."—Kelly.
"Early up, and never the nearer."—English.
"Up early, and still not any closer."—English.
What carlins hain, cats eat.
What carlins have, cats eat.
What fizzes in the mou' winna fill the wame.
What bubbles in the mouth won’t fill the stomach.
What is pleasant to the palate may be very unsubstantial for the stomach.
What tastes good might not really be good for your stomach.
What maks you sae rumgunshach and me sae curcuddoch?
What makes you so strange and me so confused?
Literally, why are you so rude or unkind to me when I am so anxious to please or be kind to you?
Literally, why are you so rude or unkind to me when I'm really eager to please or be nice to you?
What may be done at ony time will be done at nae time.
What can be done at any time will be done at no time.
What may be mayna be.
What will be will be.
What puts that in your head that didna put the sturdy wi't?
What makes you think that when it didn't occur to the strong?
"Spoken to them that speak foolishly, or tell a story that you thought they had not known."—Kelly.
"Talk to those who are being foolish, or share a story that you assumed they didn't know."—Kelly.
What's gotten ower the deil's back is spent below his belly.
What's gotten over the devil's back is spent below his belly.
What's gude for sick John's gude for hail Janet.
What's good for sick John is good for healthy Janet.
What's in your wame's no in your testament.
What's in your stomach is not in your will.
An injunction to a person to eat more: if they eat what is before them they will not leave it in their will.
An encouragement for someone to eat more: if they eat what's in front of them, they won't regret it later.
What's like a dorty maiden when she's auld?
What's it like for a dirty maiden when she's old?
"'Dorty,' applied to a female who is saucy to her suitors."—Jamieson.
"'Dorty,' used for a woman who is flirtatious with her admirers."—Jamieson.
What's my case the day may be yours the morn.
What's my case today might be yours tomorrow.
What's nane o' my profit shall be nane o' my peril.
What's my profit will not be my danger.
That is, I must decline to run any risk if I do not share the profit.
I won't take any risks if I don't get a share of the profit.
"What's no i' the bag will be i' the broo," quo' the Hielandman when he dirked the haggis.
"What's not in the bag will be in the stew," said the Highland man when he stabbed the haggis.
What's pleasure to you bodes ill to me.
What brings you pleasure brings me trouble.
An epitome of Æsop's "Boys and the Frogs."
An example of Æsop's "Boys and the Frogs."
What's waur than ill luck?
What's worse than bad luck?
What's your horse the day, may be his mare the morn.
What's your horse today might be his mare tomorrow.
What's yours is mine, what's mine's my ain.
What's yours is mine, and what's mine is my own.
A maxim occasionally adopted by a selfish husband to enable him to distinguish his own property from that of his wife.
A saying sometimes used by a selfish husband to help him identify his own belongings separate from his wife's.
What we first learn we best ken.
What we learn first, we understand best.
What will ye get frae an oily pat but stink?
What will you get from an oily jar but a bad smell?
What winna do by might do by slight.
What won't be done by strength can be done by cunning.
What winna mak a pat may mak a pat lid.
What can't make a pot can make a pot lid.
What ye do when you're drunk ye may pay for when you're dry.
What you do when you're drunk, you might regret when you're sober.
What ye gie shines aye, what ye get smells ill next day.[317]
What you give always shines, what you get smells bad the next day.[317]
What ye want up and doun you hae hither-and-yont.
What you want up and down you have here and there.
"'Hither-and-yont,' topsy turvy; in a disjointed state."—Jamieson.
"'Here and there,' upside down; in a mixed-up state."—Jamieson.
If you have not the thing complete, you have everything necessary for making it so.
If you don't have the whole thing finished, you have everything you need to complete it.
What ye win at that ye may lick aff a het girdle.
What you win at that you might enjoy on a hot griddle.
The inference is that his prospect of success is very poor.
The implication is that his chances of success are quite low.
What your ee sees your heart greens for.
What your eye sees, your heart longs for.
When ae door steeks anither opens.
When one door closes, another opens.
As one door shuts another opens: as one opportunity is lost another occurs.
As one door closes, another one opens: when one opportunity is missed, another appears.
When a ewie's drowned she's dead.
When a ewe's drowned, she's dead.
"Spoken when a thing is lost and past recovery."—Kelly.
"Spoken when something is lost and can't be recovered."—Kelly.
When a fool finds a horseshoe he thinks aye the like to do.
When a fool finds a horseshoe, he thinks it's lucky.
When a' fruits fail, welcome haws.
When fruits fail, welcome haws.
When a hundred sheep rin, how mony cloots clatter?
When a hundred sheep run, how many feet clatter?
When a' men speak, nae man hears.
When all men speak, no man listens.
When ane winna, twa canna cast out.
When one won't, two can't throw out.
When a's in, and the slap dit, rise herd and let the dog sit.
When it's in, and the noise is gone, stand up and let the dog sit.
"'Slap dit,' gate shut. Jocosely spoken to herd boys after harvest, as if there was no further use for them."—Kelly.
"'Slap it,' gate shut. Jokingly said to the farm boys after the harvest, as if there was no more need for them."—Kelly.
When death lifts the curtain it's time to be startin'.
When death opens the door, it’s time to get going.
When drink's in wit's out.[318]
When you drink, you forget.
When folk's missed then they're moaned.
When people are missed, they’re mourned.
When friends meet hearts warm.
When friends meet, hearts glow.
When gude cheer is lacking friends go a-packing.
When good times are missing, friends start to leave.
When he dees of age ye may quake for fear.
When he comes of age, you might tremble with fear.
When I did weel I heard it never; when I did ill I heard it ever.
When I did well, I never heard it; when I did poorly, I always heard it.
"A reflection of servants upon hard and passionate masters, who are liberal in their reproofs, but sparing in their commendations."—Kelly.
"A look at servants dealing with demanding and intense masters, who are quick to criticize but slow to praise."—Kelly.
When ilka ane gets his ain the thief will get the widdie.
When each one gets what’s theirs, the thief will get what's coming to them.
When lairds break carls get lands.
When landlords fall, commoners gain land.
"When the tree falls every one gathers sticks."—Danish.
"When the tree falls, everyone gathers sticks."—Danish.
When love cools fauts are seen.
When love cools, faults become apparent.
When my head's doun my house is theiked.
When my head's down, my house feels small.
"Spoken by those who are free from debts, concerns, or future projects: as common tradesmen, day labourers, and servants, who work their work and get their wages, and commonly are the happiest part of mankind."—Kelly.
"Spoken by those who are free from debts, worries, or future plans: like ordinary tradespeople, day laborers, and service workers, who do their jobs and get paid, and are often the happiest part of humanity."—Kelly.
When petticoats woo breeks come speed.
When skirts attract pants, things happen quickly.
"Time to marry when the maid wooes the man; parallel to that Cheshire proverb, 'It is time to yoke when the cart comes to the caples,' i.e., horses."—Ray.
"Time to get married when the maid courts the man; similar to that Cheshire saying, 'It is time to join when the cart gets to the horses.'"—Ray.
When poverty comes in at the door love flies out at the window.
When poverty comes through the door, love goes out the window.
When pride's in the van, begging's in the rear.
When pride is at the forefront, begging comes later.
When she doesna scold she shores.
When she doesn't scold, she helps.
That is, when she does not scold directly, she threatens to do it.
That is, when she doesn't scold directly, she threatens to.
When the barn's fu' ye may thresh afore the door.
When the barn's full, you can thresh in front of the door.
When the burn doesna babble, it's either ower toom or ower fu'.
When the fire isn’t crackling, it’s either too empty or too full.
When the cow's in the clout she soon runs out.
When the cow's in the pasture, she quickly runs out.
Meaning that when the cow has been sold and converted into money, the proceeds soon come to an end, as "Ready money will away."—English.
Meaning that when the cow is sold and turned into cash, the money doesn't last long, as "Ready money will go away."—English.
When the craw flees her tail follows.
When the crow flies away, her tail follows.
When the gudeman drinks to the gudewife a' wad be weel; when the gudewife drinks to the gudeman a's weel.
When the husband drinks to the wife, it's all good; when the wife drinks to the husband, it's all good.
This will give English readers but a poor opinion of conjugal courtesy in Scotland—that when a man drinks to the good health of his wife, it is more from fear than from affection—more from a desire that she should have things properly done when they are not so.
This will lead English readers to have a negative view of marital courtesy in Scotland—that when a man raises a toast to his wife's health, it's more out of fear than love—more out of a wish for her to manage things well, even when they aren't.
When the gudeman's awa the board claith's tint; when the gudewife's awa the keys are tint.
When the man's away, the tablecloth's lost; when the woman's away, the keys are lost.
Kelly prints this as two sayings, and says of them respectively—First, "Because the commons will then be short." Second, "For if she be not at home you'll get no drink."
Kelly presents this as two sayings and comments on them accordingly—First, "Because the common areas will then be limited." Second, "If she’s not home, you won’t get any drinks."
When the heart's fu' o' lust the mou's fu' o' leasing.
When the heart is full of desire, the mouth is full of lies.
When the heart's past hope the face is past shame.
When the heart has lost hope, the face shows no shame.
When the hen gaes to the cock the birds may get a knock.
When the hen goes to the rooster, the birds might get a hit.
"Spoken when widows, who design a second marriage, prove harsh to their children."—Kelly.
"Spoken when widows, who are planning to remarry, are tough on their kids."—Kelly.
When the heart's fu' the tongue canna speak.
When the heart's full, the tongue can't speak.
When the horse is at the gallop the bridle's ower late.
When the horse is galloping, the bridle's too late.
When the man's fire and the wife's tow, the deil comes in and blaws't in lowe.
When the man's fire and the wife's tow go out, the devil comes in and blows it back to life.
When the pat's fu' it'll boil ower.
When the pot's full, it'll boil over.
When the pea's in bloom the mussel's toom.
When the pea is in bloom, the mussel is empty.
Where the pig's broken let the sherds lie.
Where the pig is broken, let the pieces stay.
"A proverbial phrase, applied to death, as expressive of indifference with respect to the place where the body may be interred."—Jamieson.
"A common saying about death that shows a lack of concern for where the body is buried."—Jamieson.
Where the scythe cuts, and the sock rives, hae done wi' fairies and bee-bykes.
Where the scythe cuts and the sock tears, let's be done with fairies and beehives.
"Meaning that the ploughing, or even the mowing, of the ground tends to extirpate alike the earth-bee and the fairy. In various places, the fairies are described as having been seen on some particular occasion to gather together and take a formal farewell of the district, when it had become, from agricultural changes, unfitted for their residence."—Robert Chambers.
"Which means that plowing, or even mowing, the land tends to wipe out both the earth-bee and the fairy. In different areas, people have reported seeing the fairies come together on certain occasions to say a formal goodbye to the area when it became unsuitable for them due to agricultural changes."—Robert Chambers.
When the tod preaches tak tent o' the lambs.
When the fox warns, be careful of the lambs.
"When the fox preaches, take care of the geese."—English.
"When the fox speaks, watch out for the geese."—English.
When the tod wins to the wood he caresna how mony keek at his tail.
When the fox gets to the woods, he doesn't care how many people are watching his tail.
When the wame's fu' the banes wad be at rest.
When the stomach is full, the bones will be at rest.
When the wame's fu' the tongue wags.
When the belly is full, the tongue wags.
Of everything that's nice or new,
They never fire;[321] An old proverb says, 'When bellies are full' People will talk.
When the will's ready the feet's light.
When the will is strong, the feet feel light.
When we want, friends are scant.
When we need them, friends are few.
When wine sinks words soom.
When wine silences words.
When ye are poor, naebody kens ye; when ye are rich, a'body lends ye.
When you're poor, no one knows you; when you're rich, everyone wants to lend to you.
When ye are weel, haud yoursel sae.
When you are well, hold yourself that way.
When ye ca' the dog out o' your ain kail-yaird, dinna ca't into mine.
When you take the dog out of your own backyard, don't let it into mine.
When ye can suit your shanks to my shoon ye may speak.
When you can fit your legs into my shoes, you may speak.
When you are placed in a position similar to mine you will be competent to speak on the subject.
When you find yourself in a situation like mine, you'll be able to discuss the topic effectively.
When ye christen the bairn ye should ken what to ca't.
When you name the baby, you should know what to call it.
When you're gaun and comin' the gate's no toom.
When you're coming and going, the gate's not empty.
When you're ser'd a' the geese are watered.
When you're served, the geese are watered.
When your hair's white, ye wad hae it lockering.
When your hair is white, you would want it to be styled nicely.
"'Locker,' curled. Spoken of one who is immoderate in his desires."—Jamieson.
"'Locker,' curled. Refers to someone who is excessive in their desires."—Jamieson.
When your neighbour's house is in danger tak tent o' your ain.
When your neighbor's house is in danger, take care of your own.
Where drums beat laws are dumb.
Where drums sound, the laws are meaningless.
Where the buck's bound there he may bleat.
Where the deer roams, it can call out.
"Men must bear these hardships to which they are bound either by force or compact."—Kelly.
"Men have to endure these hardships that they are either forced into or have agreed to."—Kelly.
Where the deer's slain the blude will lie.
Where the deer is killed, the blood will remain.
Where the head gaes the tail will follow.
Where the head goes, the tail will follow.
Where there are gentles there are aye aff-fa'in's.
Where there are kind people, there are always falling outs.
There is such abundance of good prepared, that something may be reasonably expected for the poor. It may also be a delicate allusion to the failings of the aristocracy.
There is so much good prepared that something can reasonably be expected for the poor. It might also subtly point to the flaws of the aristocracy.
Where there's muckle courtesy there's little kindness.
Where there's a lot of politeness, there's often not much kindness.
Where there's naething the king tines his right.
Where there's nothing, the king loses his claim.
While ae gab's teething anither's growing teethless.
While one is teething, the other is growing without teeth.
Whiles you, whiles me, sae gaes the bailierie.
Whiles you, whiles me, so goes the bailiwick.
"Spoken when persons and parties get authority by turns."—Kelly.
"Spoken when people and groups take turns gaining authority."—Kelly.
White legs wad aye be rused.
White legs would always be raised.
Whitely things are aye tender.
White things are always tender.
White siller's wrought in black pitch.
White silver's worked in black pitch.
Wi' an empty hand nae man can hawks lure.
With an empty hand, no man can lure hawks.
"If you would have anything done for you, you must give something, for people will not serve you for nothing."—Kelly.
"If you want anything done for you, you have to give something in return, because people won’t help you for free."—Kelly.
Wide lugs and a short tongue are best.
Wide lugs and a short tongue work best.
Wide will wear, but tight will tear.
Wide will last, but tight will rip.
Addressed to those who complain that a new article of dress is too wide for them.
Addressed to those who say that a new piece of clothing is too loose for them.
Wiles help weak folk.
Wiles assist vulnerable people.
Wilfu' waste maks woefu' want.
Wilfu' waste causes woefu' want.
Will and wit strive wi' you.
Will and wit struggle with you.
Wink at sma' fauts, ye hae great anes yoursel.[323]
Wink at small faults; you have big ones yourself.[323]
Winter thunder bodes summer hunger.
Winter thunder signals summer hunger.
Wipe wi' the water and wash wi' the towel.
Wipe with the water and dry with the towel.
Wiser men than you are caught by wiles.
Wiser men than you get tricked by schemes.
Wishers and woulders are poor house hauders.
Wishers and dreamers are poor homeowners.
Wit bought maks wise folk.
Wit makes wise people.
Wit is worth a weel-turned leg.
Wit is as valuable as a well-shaped leg.
Wives maun be had whether gude or bad.
Wives must be had, whether good or bad.
Wives maun hae their wills while they live, for they mak nane when they dee.
Wives must have their wishes while they’re alive, because they make none when they die.
Women and bairns layne what they ken na.
Women and children hide what they don't know.
That is, conceal what they know not.
That is, hide what they don't know.
Women and wine, dice and deceit, mak wealth sma' and want great.
Women and wine, dice and deception, make wealth small and desire great.
Women laugh when they can, and greet when they will.
Women laugh when they want to, and greet when they feel like it.
Women's wark is never dune.
Women's work is never done.
Wood in a wilderness, moss on a mountain, and wit in a poor man's pow, are little thought o'.
Wood in the wild, moss on a mountain, and cleverness in a poor man's head are rarely appreciated.
Woo sellers ken aye woo buyers.
Woo sellers can also woo buyers.
"Roguish people know their own consorts."—Kelly.
"Roguish people know their own companions."—Kelly.
Wonder at your auld shoon when ye hae gotten your new.
Wonder at your old shoes when you have gotten your new ones.
A pert reply to persons who say they wonder how you could have done so and so.
A cheeky response to people who say they’re curious about how you could have done that.
Words are but wind, but seein's believing.
Words are just empty talk, but seeing is believing.
Words gang wi' the wind, but dunts are out o' season.[324]
Words go with the wind, but blows are out of season.[324]
Work legs and win legs, hain legs and tine legs.
Work legs and win legs, hain legs and tine legs.
Worth may be blamed, but ne'er be shamed.
Worth may be criticized, but should never be ashamed.
Wrang count is nae payment.
Wrang count is not payment.
Wrang has nae warrant.
Wrang has no warrant.
Wyte your teeth if your tail be sma'.
Wyte your teeth if your tail is small.
e breed o' auld maids, ye look high.
e breed of old maids, you think highly of yourselves.
Ye breed o' gude maut, ye're lang o' comin'.
Ye breed of good malt, you're long in coming.
Ye breed o' Lady Mary, when you're gude ye're ower gude.
You kind of Lady Mary, when you're good you're too good.
"A drunken man begg'd Lady Mary to help him on his horse, and having made many attempts to no purpose, he always reiterated the same petition; at length he jumped quite over. 'O, Lady Mary,' said he, 'when thou art good, thou art ower good.'"—Kelly.
"A drunk guy asked Lady Mary to help him onto his horse, and after trying many times without success, he kept asking the same thing. Finally, he just jumped over. 'Oh, Lady Mary,' he said, 'when you're good, you're too good.'"—Kelly.
Ye breed o' our laird; ye'll no do right, and ye'll tak nae wrang.
You group of our lord; you won't do right, and you won't take wrong.
Ye breed o' Saughton swine, ye're neb's never oot o' an ill turn.
Ye breed of Saughton pigs, your noses are always up to no good.
Ye breed o' the baxters, ye loe your neighbour's browst better than your ain batch.
You bunch of bakers, you love your neighbor's brew more than your own batch.
Ye breed o' the chapman, ye're aye to handsel.
You breed of the trader, you're always ready to start.
"Spoken to those who ask us hansel (that is, the first bit in the morning, the first money for their parcels of wares, or the like). Taken from pedlars who, coming into a house, will say, 'Give us hansel.'"—Kelly.
"Talked about those who ask us for hansel (which means the first bit in the morning, the first money for their packages or things like that). It's something taken from peddlers who, when they enter a house, say, 'Give us hansel.'"—Kelly.
Ye breed o' the chapman, ye're never oot o' your gate.
You lot of traders, you're never out of your business.
Spoken to those who do business wherever they go.
Spoken to those who conduct business wherever they travel.
Ye breed o' the craw's tail, ye grow backwards.[326]
You bunch of craw's tails, you grow backwards.[326]
Ye breed o' the gowk, ye hae ne'er a rhyme but ane.
You bunch of fools, you only have one rhyme.
Or you are always talking on one subject.
Or you're always talking about one topic.
Ye breed o' the gudeman's mither, ye're aye in the gate.
You breed of the good man's mother, you're always in the way.
Ye breed o' the herd's wife, ye busk at e'en.
Ye breed of the farm's wife, you dress up in the evening.
Ye breed o' the miller's dochter, that speir'd what tree groats grew on.
The daughter of the miller asked what kind of tree groats grew on.
"Spoken when saucy fellows, bred of mean parentage, pretend ignorance of what they were bred with."—Kelly.
"Spoken when cheeky guys, raised by lowly parents, act like they have no idea where they came from."—Kelly.
Ye breed o' the tod's bairns, if ane be gude, they're a' gude.
You breed of the fox's young, if one is good, they're all good.
Ye breed o' the tod, ye grow grey before ye grow gude.
You bunch of cunning ones, you get old before you become good.
Ye breed o' the witches, ye can do nae gude to yoursel.
You bunch of witches, you can't do any good for yourselves.
Ye breed o' water-kail and cock-lairds, ye need muckle service.
You bunch of watercress and boastful nobles, you need a lot of help.
Used by servants whose employers are troublesome.
Used by workers whose bosses are demanding.
Ye ca' hardest at the nail that drives fastest.
You can hit the nail the hardest that drives in the fastest.
Meaning that a person pretends to work much harder than is really required.
Meaning that a person acts like they’re working much harder than is actually necessary.
Ye cangle about uncoft kids.
You complain about annoying kids.
Literally, quarrel about unbought goods.
Literally, argue over unsold goods.
Ye canna do but ye ower-do.
You can’t help but go overboard.
Ye canna fare weel but ye cry roast-meat.
You can’t go far without craving roast meat.
"Bolt thy fine meal, and eat good paste without report or trumpet blast. They that are thirsty drink silently."—French.
"Bolt your good meal, and enjoy solid food without any fuss or loud announcements. Those who are thirsty drink quietly."—French.
Ye canna gather berries aff a whinbush.
You can't pick berries from a gorse bush.
Ye canna get leave to thrive for thrang.
You can't get a chance to succeed because you're too busy.
Literally, you are so busy that you have no time to get rich.
Literally, you’re so busy that you don’t have time to get rich.
Ye canna mak a silk purse out o' a sow's lug.
You can't make a silk purse out of a pig's ear.
Ye canna preach oot o' your ain pu'pit.
You can't preach out of your own pulpit.
Applied to persons who are diffident in the house of a stranger, or who are backward in describing an article out of their usual way of business.
Applied to people who are shy in someone else's home, or who struggle to explain something outside of their usual line of work.
Ye canna put an auld head upon young shouthers.
You can't put an old head on young shoulders.
Ye canna see the wood for trees.
You can't see the forest for the trees.
On a par with the man who went to London, but could not see the town for houses!
On the same level as the guy who went to London but couldn’t see the city for all the buildings!
Ye come o' the house o' Harletillem.
You come from the house of Harletillem.
"To 'harle,' to draw to one's-self by gripping or violent means."—Jamieson.
"To 'harle,' to pull towards oneself using forceful or aggressive methods."—Jamieson.
Ye come o' the M'Taks, but no o' the M'Gies.
You come from the M'Taks, but not from the M'Gies.
That is, you take all you can get, but take care to give nothing.
That is, you grab everything you can, but make sure to give nothing back.
Ye come to the gait's house to thig woo.
You come to the gate's house to gather a proposal.
Or, you come for a thing which I have not to give. "You beg of him who is ready to steal."—English.
Or, you come for something that I can't provide. "You ask from someone who is about to take."—English.
Ye crack crousely wi' your bannet on.
You crack loudly with your hat on.
A hint to a person that his conduct is too familiar.
A suggestion to someone that their behavior is too casual.
Ye cut before the point.
You cut before the point.
Ye cut lang whangs aff ither folk's leather.
You cut long strips off other people's leather.
Spoken to persons who are very liberal with things which do not belong to them.
Spoken to people who are very generous with things that aren’t theirs.
Ye daur weel but ye downa.
Ye daur weel but ye downa.
Or try to do well, but cannot.
Or try to do well, but can't.
Ye didna draw sae weel when my mear was in the mire.
You didn’t handle things so well when my horse was stuck in the mud.
You did not assist me so much as I now assist you.
You didn’t help me as much as I’m helping you now.
Ye didna lick your lips since ye leed last.
You didn't lick your lips since you lied last.
Ye drive the plough before the owsen.
You drive the plow in front of the oxen.
Ye fand it where the Hielandman fand the tangs.
You found it where the Highlander found the tongs.
That was, in their proper place, at the fireside. A proverbial manner of saying that a thing has been stolen, in reply to those who say they found it.
That was, in its right place, by the fireside. A common way of saying that something has been stolen, in response to those who claim they found it.
Ye fike it awa, like auld wives baking.
You stuff it away, like old women baking.
"'To fike,' to dally about a business; to lose time by procrastination while appearing to be busy."—Jamieson.
"'To fike,' to waste time on a task; to put things off while pretending to be busy."—Jamieson.
Ye gae far about seeking the nearest.
You should go look for the nearest one.
Ye gang round by Lanark for fear Linton dogs bite you.
You guys go around Lanark to avoid getting bitten by Linton's dogs.
Ye gae gude counsel, but he's a fool that taks 't.
You can give good advice, but it's foolish to take it.
Ye glower like a cat oot o' a whinbush.
You glare like a cat out of a gorse bush.
Ye got ower muckle o' your ain will, and ye're the waur o't.
You have too much of your own way, and it's making things worse for you.
Ye had aye a gude whittle at your belt.
You always had a good knife at your belt.
Ye hae a conscience like Coldingham common.
You have a conscience like Coldingham common.
"Coldingham moor, or common, was an undivided waste of above 6000 acres. The saying is applied to persons of lax principles, who can accommodate their consciences to all circumstances."—G. Henderson.
"Coldingham moor, or common, was an unbroken stretch of over 6000 acres. This saying refers to people with loose morals, who can adjust their principles to fit any situation."—G. Henderson.
Ye hae a lang nose, and yet ye're cut lugget.
You have a long nose, and yet you're hard of hearing.
In appearance you have an advantage in one way, but not in another.
In terms of looks, you have one advantage, but not another.
Ye hae a saw for a' sairs.
You have a saying for every pain.
Ye hae a streak o' carl hemp in you.
You have a bit of roughness in you.
Figuratively this means that a person possesses firmness, or strength of mind.
Figuratively, this means that a person has determination or mental strength.
Ye hae aye a foot oot o' the langle.
You always have one foot out of the long run.
Ye hae as muckle pride as wad ser' a score o' clergy.
You have as much pride as would serve a score of clergy.
Ye hae baith your meat and your mense.
You have both your food and your common sense.
Applied to a person who has invited another to dine with him, but who has refused, or failed to make his appearance; meaning that you have both the meat he would have eaten, and the honour of having invited him.
Applied to someone who invited another to dinner but has either declined or failed to show up; meaning that you have both the food they would have eaten and the honor of having extended the invitation.
Ye hae been gotten gathering nits, ye speak in clusters.
You have been gathering nits, you speak in groups.
Ye hae been lang on little eird.
You have been gone from this little world for a long time.
Ye hae to be pitied and prayed for, either to end ye or mend ye.
You have to be pitied and prayed for, either to end you or help you change.
Ye hae been smelling the bung.
You have been smelling the barrel.
That is, you have been tippling.
That is, you have been drinking.
Ye hae brought the pack to the pins.
You have brought the pack to the pins.
"You have dwindled away your stock."—Kelly.
"You've run out of your supplies."—Kelly.
Ye hae ca'd your pigs to an ill market.
You have brought your pigs to a bad market.
Ye hae come aff at the loupin-on-stane.
You have come off at the jumping stone.
"'Loupin-on-stane,' a stone, or several stones, raised one above another, like a flight of steps, for assisting one to get on horseback. Metaphysically, to leave off any business in the same state as when it was begun; also, to terminate a dispute without the slightest change of mind in either party."—Jamieson.
"'Loupin-on-stane,' a stone, or a stack of stones, arranged like steps to help someone get on a horse. Metaphysically, it means to finish any task in the same condition it was started; also, to end a disagreement without either side changing their mind."—Jamieson.
Ye have fasted lang, and worried on a midge.[330]
You have fasted for a long time and worried over a tiny issue.[330]
Ye hae come in time to tine a darg.
You have come just in time to finish the job.
To "tine a darg," is to lose a day's work: you have arrived too late.
To "tine a darg" means to miss out on a day's work: you showed up too late.
Ye hae found a mear's nest, and laugh at the eggs.
You have found a mare's nest and are laughing at the eggs.
Ye hae gien the wolf the wedders to keep.
You have given the wolf the sheep to take care of.
"You have entrusted a thing to one who will lose it, spoil it, or use it himself."—Kelly.
"You've handed something over to someone who will either lose it, ruin it, or take it for themselves."—Kelly.
Ye hae got a stipend—get a kirk when ye like.
You’ve got a salary—get a church whenever you want.
Ye hae got baith the skaith and the scorn.
You have both the harm and the contempt.
Ye hae gotten a ravelled hesp to redd.
You have a tangled mess to sort out.
That is, you have a very difficult matter to arrange.
That means you have a really tough issue to deal with.
"Before you get free, you need to untangle a mess."
Ye hae gotten the chapman's drouth.
You’ve caught the vendor's attention.
"From the severe exercise of a pedlar who travels on foot, the chapman's drouth is a proverbial phrase for hunger."—Jamieson.
"From the hard work of a traveling pedlar, the chapman's drouth is a common saying for hunger."—Jamieson.
Ye hae grown proud since ye quatted the begging.
You have become proud since you stopped begging.
Applied satirically to persons who pass their acquaintance in a proud manner.
Applied satirically to people who look down on their acquaintances in a proud way.
Ye hae gude manners, but ye dinna bear them about wi' you.
You have good manners, but you don’t carry them with you.
Ye hae little need o' the Campsie wife's prayer, "That she might aye be able to think enough o' hersel'."
Ye have little need of the Campsie wife's prayer, "That she might always be able to think enough of herself."
A reflection upon conceited or selfish people.
A reflection on arrogant or selfish people.
Ye hae mind o' yer meat though ye hae little o't.[331]
You think about your food even though you have very little of it.[331]
Ye hae missed that, as ye did your mither's blessing.
You missed that, just like you missed your mother's blessing.
Ye hae nae mair need for't than a cart has for a third wheel.
You have no more use for it than a cart has for a third wheel.
Ye hae nae mair sense than a sooking turkey.
You have no more sense than a sucking turkey.
"I ken I hae a gude deal o' the cuddy in me, when I'm straikit against the hair; and my mother used to say, I had mair than eneuch o' the sookin' turkey in me!"—The Disruption.
"I know I have a good amount of stubbornness in me when I'm going against the grain; and my mother used to say I had more than enough of the whiny child in me!"—The Disruption.
Ye hae ower foul feet tae come sae far ben.
You have too dirty feet to come this far in.
Spoken jocularly to persons who, when they go to visit a friend, ask, "Will they come in?"
Spoken playfully to people who, when visiting a friend, ask, "Are they coming in?"
Ye hae ower muckle loose leather about yer chafts.
You have too much loose leather around your calves.
"Spoken to them that say the thing they should not."—Kelly.
"Talked to those who say things they shouldn't."—Kelly.
Ye hae put a toom spune in my mouth.
You have put an empty spoon in my mouth.
A country farmer complained of having been fed with a "toom spune," when he had listened to the exhortations of a very poor preacher.
A country farmer complained about being fed with an "empty spoon" after he listened to the sermons of a very poor preacher.
Ye hae run lang on little ground.
You have run a long way on a little bit of land.
Ye hae sew'd that seam wi' a het needle and a burning thread.
You have sewn that seam with a hot needle and a burning thread.
Spoken facetiously when an article of clothing, which has been hurriedly mended, gives way soon.
Spoken jokingly when a piece of clothing, which has been quickly fixed, falls apart shortly after.
Ye hae sitten your time, as mony a gude hen has done.
You have spent your time, just like many a good hen has done.
Ye hae skill o' man and beast and dogs that tak the sturdy.
You have the skills of both man and beast, and dogs that are strong.
Addressed satirically to persons who pretend to be very wise by those who do not admit their pretensions.
Addressed with sarcasm to people who act like they're really smart by those who don't buy into their claims.
Ye hae stayed lang, and brought little wi' ye.
You have stayed a long time and brought very little with you.
Ye hae ta'en the measure o' his foot.
You have taken the measure of his foot.
Ye hae ta'en't upon you, as the wife did the dancin'.
You’ve taken it on just like the wife took on the dancing.
Ye hae the best end o' the string.
You have the best end of the stick.
Or the best of the argument.
Or the best part of the argument.
Ye hae the wrang sow by the lug.
You have the wrong end of the stick.
Ye hae tied a knot wi' your tongue you winna loose wi' your teeth.
You’ve tied a knot with your tongue that you won’t be able to untie with your teeth.
Ye hae tint the tongue o' the trump.
You have lost the sound of the trumpet.
"That is, you have lost the main thing."—Kelly.
"That means you've lost the most important thing."—Kelly.
Ye hae tint yer ain stamach an' found a tyke's.
You have lost your own stomach and found a dog's.
Applied to those who, when very hungry, eat a great deal.
Applied to those who, when really hungry, eat a lot.
Ye hae wrought a yoken and loosed in time.
You have made a connection and freed it in time.
You have wrought a day's work in proper time.
You have done a day's work in the right amount of time.
Ye ken naething but milk and bread when it's mool'd into ye.
You know nothing but milk and bread when it's shoved down your throat.
Or you know or care about nothing but your meat.
Or you know or care about nothing except your body.
Ye kenna what may cool your kail yet.
You know what might cool your soup yet.
Ye live beside ill neebors.
You live next to bad neighbors.
"Spoken when people commend themselves, for if they deserved commendation, their neighbours would commend them."—Kelly.
"People say this when they praise themselves, because if they actually deserved praise, their neighbors would praise them too."—Kelly.
Ye'll beguile nane but them that lippen to ye.
You'll only deceive those who trust you.
Ye'll be hang'd and I'll be harried.
You'll be hanged, and I'll be hunted.
Ye'll break your neck as sune as your fast in this house.
You'll break your neck as soon as you're stuck in this house.
Ye'll cool and come to yoursel, like MacGibbon's crowdy when he set it oot at the window-bole.
You'll chill out and come to your senses, like MacGibbon's porridge when he put it out at the windowsill.
Ye'll dee like a trooper's horse—wi' your shoon on.
You'll die like a soldier's horse—with your shoes on.
Ye'll do onything but work and rin errands.
You'll do anything but work and run errands.
Ye'll follow him lang or he'll let five shillings fa'.
You'll follow him long or he'll lose five shillings.
Ye'll gang a grey gate yet.
You'll go through a gray gate yet.
"You will take a bad, evil, or improper course, or meet an evil destiny."—Jamieson.
"You will take a wrong, harmful, or improper path, or face an evil fate."—Jamieson.
Ye'll gar him claw a sair haffit.
You'll make him scratch a sore half.
"'Haffit,' the side of the head."—Jamieson.
"'Haffit,' the side of the head."—Jamieson.
Metaphorically, you will do something to injure or annoy him.
Metaphorically, you will do something to hurt or irritate him.
Ye'll gar me seek the needle where I didna stick it.
You'll make me search for the needle where I didn't put it.
"That is, send me a-begging. Spoken to thriftless wives and spending children."—Kelly.
"That is, send me begging. Spoken to careless wives and spendthrift children."—Kelly.
Ye'll gather nae gowd aff windlestraes.
You'll gather no gold from windlasses.
Ye'll get as muckle for ae wish this year as for twa fernyear.
You'll get as much for one wish this year as for two in the past.
"Fern" signifies the preceding year. The proverb means that wishing begets nothing.
"Fern" represents the previous year. The saying suggests that wishing leads to nothing.
Ye'll get nae mair o' the cat but the skin.
You'll only get the skin of the cat.
Ye'll get waur bodes ere Beltane.
You'll get worse bodies before Beltane.
Addressed to a person who refuses the price offered for an article, meaning that, as worse offers will be made, the seller will be sorry he did not accept the present one.
Addressed to someone who rejects the price offered for an item, indicating that as worse offers come along, the seller will regret not accepting the current one.
Ye'll get your gear again, and they'll get the widdie that stole't.[334]
You'll get your stuff back, and they'll get the gallows for the one who stole it.[334]
Ye'll get your head in your hands and your lugs to play wi'.
You'll get your head in your hands and your ears to play with.
Ye'll get your kail through the reek.
You'll get your cabbage through the smoke.
"The fact is, everybody about the house kens o' the muirburn that the mistress rais'd on you yestreen, for takin' up wi' Miss Migummery. Ye see when your auntie's in an ill key, she gars folk hear that's no hearknin'; an' ye ken yoursel', if she didna gie you your kail through the reek, Maister James."—The Disruption.
"The fact is, everyone in the house knows about the heather burning that the mistress caused because of you being with Miss Migummery yesterday. You see, when your aunt is in a bad mood, she makes sure everyone hears, whether they want to or not; and you know yourself, if she didn’t make you eat your dinner through the smoke, Master James."—The Disruption.
Ye'll hae the half o' the gate and a' the glaur.
You'll have half of the gate and all the mud.
Spoken facetiously when we make a friend take the outside of the footpath.
Spoken jokingly when we make a friend walk on the edge of the sidewalk.
Ye'll hang a' but the head yet.
You'll hang every part except the head yet.
Ye'll let naething tine for want o' seeking.
You'll let nothing be lost for lack of looking.
Yellow's forsaken, and green's forsworn, but blue and red ought to be worn.
Yellow is abandoned, and green is rejected, but blue and red should be worn.
In allusion to the superstitious notions formerly held regarding these colours.
In reference to the superstitious beliefs that people used to have about these colors.
Ye'll ne'er be auld wi' sae muckle honesty.
You'll never be old with so much honesty.
Ye'll ne'er cast saut on his tail.
You'll never throw salt on his tail.
Ye'll ne'er craw in my cavie.
You'll never crawl in my cave.
This means that such a person will never be welcomed in my house.
This means that someone like that will never be welcomed in my home.
Ye'll ne'er grow howbackit bearing your friends.
You'll never grow apart from your friends.
From this we can infer that the person addressed does not allow himself to be troubled by his friends.
From this, we can tell that the person being addressed doesn't let his friends bother him.
Ye'll ne'er harry yersel wi' your ain hands.
You'll never harm yourself with your own hands.
Ye'll ne'er mak a mark in your testament by that bargain.
You'll never make a mark in your will with that deal.
That is, you will lose money by that transaction.
You will lose money on that transaction.
Ye'll ne'er rowte in my tether.
You'll never mess with my boundaries.
Of similar meaning to "Ye'll ne'er craw in my cavie."
Of similar meaning to "You'll never crawl in my hole."
Ye'll neither dance nor haud the candle.
You'll neither dance nor hold the candle.
Ye'll neither dee for your wit nor be drowned for a warlock.
You'll neither die for your intelligence nor be drowned for a sorcerer.
A saying used to signify that a person is neither very wise nor very clever.
A saying that means a person is neither very smart nor very clever.
Ye'll no dee as lang as he's your deemster.
You'll not die as long as he's your judge.
Ye'll no let it be for want o' craving.
You'll not let it be for lack of desire.
Ye'll no mend a broken nest by dabbing at it.
You'll never fix a broken nest by just poking at it.
Ye'll play a sma' game before you stand out.
You'll play a small game before you stand out.
Ye'll see the gowk in your sleep.
You'll see the fool in your sleep.
"When you awake in the morning you will see matters differently."—Jamieson.
"When you wake up in the morning, you'll see things differently."—Jamieson.
Ye'll sit till ye sweat and work till ye freeze.
You'll sit until you sweat and work until you freeze.
Ye'll tak mair in your mou' than your cheeks will haud.
You'll take more in your mouth than your cheeks will hold.
Ye'll worry in the band like M'Ewen's calf.
You'll worry in the group like M'Ewen's calf.
"In plain English, you'll be hanged."—Kelly.
"In simple terms, you're going to be hanged."—Kelly.
Ye loe a' ye see, like Rab Roole when he's ree.
Ye loe a' ye see, like Rab Roole when he's drunk.
Addressed to covetous, greedy persons. When Rab Roole was "ree," he was crazy with drink.
Addressed to greedy, covetous individuals. When Rab Roole was "ree," he was out of control from drinking.
Ye look as bauld as a blackfaced wedder.
You look as bold as a black-faced sheep.
Ye look as if butter wadna melt in your mou', but cheese will no choke ye.
You look like butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, but cheese won't choke you.
"I am beginning to think ye are but a queer ane—ye look as if butter wadna melt in your mouth, but I sall warrant cheese no choke ye.—But I'll thank ye to gang your ways into the parlour, for I'm no like to get muckle mair out o' ye."—St Ronan's Well.
"I’m starting to think you’re just a strange one—you look like butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth, but I bet cheese wouldn’t choke you. But I’d appreciate it if you’d head into the parlor, because I’m not likely to get much more from you."—St Ronan's Well.
Ye look as if ye had eaten your bedstrae.
You look like you just rolled out of bed.
"Ye look like a rinner," quo' the deil to the lobster.
"You're looking like a loser," said the devil to the lobster.
"Spoken to those who are very unlikely to do what they pretend to."—Kelly.
"Talking to people who probably won’t do what they claim they will."—Kelly.
Ye look like Let-me-be.
You look like Let-me-be.
That is, very quiet and inoffensive.
That is, very calm and harmless.
Ye look liker a deil than a bishop.
You look more like a devil than a bishop.
Ye look liker a thief than a horse.
You look more like a thief than a horse.
Yelping curs will raise mastiffs.
Yapping dogs will raise mastiffs.
Ye maun be auld ere ye pay sic a gude wad.
You must be old before you pay such a good price.
Literally, you will be very old ere you can perform such a promise; proverbially, of course, that you look upon that promise as of no value.
Literally, you'll be very old before you can fulfill such a promise; proverbially, of course, you see that promise as worthless.
Ye maun hae't baith simmered and wintered.
You must have sat through summer and winter.
"'To simmer and winter,' to spend much time in forming a plan; to ponder; to ruminate."—Jamieson.
"'To simmer and winter,' to spend a lot of time making a plan; to think; to reflect."—Jamieson.
It also means, to trifle, to dilly-dally, to go round about a subject.
It also means to waste time, to put things off, to avoid getting straight to the point.
"'His heart was amaist broken.' 'It maun be unco brittle,' said Claud, with a hem. 'But what's the need o' this summering and wintering anent it? Tell us what has happened.'"—The Entail.
"'His heart was almost broken.' 'It must be really fragile,' said Claud, with a cough. 'But what's with all this going back and forth about it? Just tell us what happened.'"—The Entail.
Ye maun redd your ain ravelled clue.
You must untangle your own mess.
That is, you must extricate yourself from your difficulties without assistance.
That is, you have to get yourself out of your problems without help.
Ye maun spoil or ye spin.
You have to risk it or you can't make any progress.
Ye maun tak the will for the deed.
You must take the will for the deed.
Ye maunna throw awa the cog, tho' Crummie fling't.
You shouldn't throw away the cog, even if Crummie tossed it.
Ye may be godly, but ye'll ne'er be cleanly.[337]
You might be righteous, but you'll never be clean.[337]
Ye may be greedy, but ye're no greening.
You may be greedy, but you're not growing.
Ye may dight yer neb and flee up.
You can clean your face and take off.
An expression of indifference, addressed to a person whose opinion we consider of no value.
An expression of indifference directed at someone whose opinion we see as worthless.
Ye may be heard where ye're no seen.
You can be heard even when you’re not seen.
Ye may dance at the end o' a raip yet without teaching.
You can dance at the end of a rope without guidance.
Ye may drive the deil into a wife, but ye'll ne'er ding him oot o' her.
You can push the devil into a wife, but you’ll never kick him out of her.
Ye may end him, but ye'll ne'er mend him.
You can end him, but you’ll never fix him.
Ye may gang farther and fare waur.
You can go further and fare worse.
Ye may gape lang enough ere a bird flee into your mou'.
You might stare for a long time before a bird flies into your mouth.
Ye may live and no pree the tangs.
You may live and not taste the flavors.
Ye may tak a drink out o' the burn when ye canna tak a bite out o' the brae.
You can take a drink from the stream when you can’t take a bite from the hillside.
Ye may tine the faither looking for the son.
You may find the father looking for the son.
Ye may wash aff dirt, but never dun hide.
You can wash off dirt, but you can never hide it.
Ye mete my peas wi' your ain peck.
You measure my peas with your own scoop.
Ye needna mak a causey tale o't.
You don't need to make a big deal out of it.
That is, I have told you so-and-so, but do not speak of it—do not publish it.
That is, I’ve told you this and that, but don’t talk about it—don’t share it.
Ye ne'er see green cheese but your een reels.
You never see green cheese without your eyes spinning.
Meaning that the person spoken to is very covetous of everything he sees.
Meaning that the person being addressed really desires everything he sees.
Ye rave unrocked, I wish your head was knocked.
Ye rave unrocked, I wish your head was knocked.
"Spoken to them that speak unreasonable things, as if they raved."—Kelly.
"Talked to those who say unreasonable things, as if they were ranting."—Kelly.
Ye're a' blawin' like a burstin' haggis.
You're all blowing like a bursting haggis.
Ye're a day after the fair.
You're a day after the fair.
Ye're a deil and nae cow, like the man's bull.
You're a devil and not a cow, like the man's bull.
"Ye're a fine sword," quo' the fool to the wheat braird.
"You're a great sword," said the fool to the wheat sprout.
Ye're a foot behint the foremost.
You're a step behind the leader.
Ye're a' grease, but I'm only grushie.
You're all greasy, but I'm just a little dirty.
Ye're a gude seeker but an ill finder.
You're a good seeker but a bad finder.
Ye're a' made o' butter, an' sew'd wi' soor milk.
You're all made of butter and sewn with sour milk.
Ye're a maiden marrowless.
You're a heartless maiden.
Satirically applied to conceited maidens who hold high opinions of themselves, that they are unequalled.
Satirically used for self-absorbed young women who have an inflated view of themselves, believing they are unmatched.
Ye're a man amang geese when the gander's awa.
You're a man among geese when the gander's away.
Ye're ane o' Cow-Meek's breed, ye'll stand without a bonoch.
You're one of Cow-Meek's kind, you'll stand without a bonnet.
Ye're ane o' snaw-ba's bairn time.
You're one of Snowball's kids.
"That is, such as health and prosperity make worse, or who insensibly go behind in the world."—Kelly.
"That is, things like health and prosperity make it worse, or people who unknowingly fall behind in life."—Kelly.
Ye're ane o' the tender Gordons—you daurna be hang'd for ga' in your neck.
You're one of the sensitive Gordons—you can't be hanged for going to your neck.
Ye're an honest man, and I'm your uncle—that's twa big lees.
You're an honest guy, and I'm your uncle—that's two big lies.
Ye're a' out o't and into strae.
You're all out of it and into straw.
That is, you are quite mistaken about the matter.
You are totally wrong about this.
Ye're a queer fish no to hae fins.
You're a strange fish not to have fins.
Ye're as braw as Bink's wife,—like the sun on shairney water.[339]
You're as fine as Bink's wife—like the sun on smooth water.[339]
Ye're as daft as ye're days auld.
You're as silly as you are old.
Ye're as fu' o' maggots as the bride o' Preston, wha stopt half way as she gaed to the kirk.
You're as full of maggots as the bride of Preston, who stopped halfway on her way to the church.
"We have not been able to learn who the bride o' Preston really was; but we have frequently heard the saying applied to young women, who are capricious and changeable.
"We haven't been able to find out who the bride of Preston really was; but we've often heard the saying used to describe young women who are fickle and unpredictable."
She wouldn't go by the West Mains to get married.'"
Ye're as fu' o' mischief as an egg's fu' o' meat.
You're as full of mischief as an egg is full of meat.
Ye're as lang tuning your pipes as anither wad play a spring.
You're taking as long to tune your pipes as someone else would to play a tune.
Ye're as mim as a May puddock.
You're as quiet as a May frog.
Ye're as sma' as the twitter o' a twined rash.
You're as small as the twitter of a twisted rush.
Ye're as souple sark alane as some are mither naked.
You're as flexible as a shirt alone as some are completely naked.
Ye're as stiff as a stappit saster.
You're as stiff as a stuffed sister.
"'Stappit saster,' a crammed pudding."—Jamieson.
"'Stappit saster,' a stuffed pudding."—Jamieson.
Ye're a widdiefu' gin hanging time.
You're a widow for a long time.
Ye're aye in a hurry, and aye behint.
You're always in a hurry, and always behind.
Ye're best when ye're sleeping.
You're best when you're sleeping.
Ye're black aboot the mou' for want o' kissing.
You're gloomy because you haven't been kissed.
"A jest upon a young maid when she has a spot about her mouth, as if it was for want of being kissed."—Kelly.
"A joke about a young woman when she has a mark around her mouth, as if it’s from not being kissed."—Kelly.
Ye're bonny enough to them that loe ye, and ower bonny to them that loe ye and canna get ye.
You're beautiful enough for those who love you, and too beautiful for those who love you and can't have you.
"Spoken as a comfort to people of an ordinary beauty."—Kelly.
"Spoken as a reassurance to people of average beauty."—Kelly.
Ye're busy to clear yoursel when naebody files you.
You're busy trying to clear yourself when nobody is bothering you.
Ye're buttoned up the back like Achmahoy's dog.
You're buttoned up the back like Achmahoy's dog.
Ye're but young cocks—your craw's roupy.
You're just young roosters—your throat's rough.
Ye're cawking the claith ere the wab be in the loom.
You're putting the cart before the horse.
Or plucking your geese before they are caught.
Or catching your geese before they’re taken.
Ye're come o' blude, and sae's a pudding.
You're made of blood, and so is a pudding.
A taunt upon those who boast of their gentle blood.
A mockery aimed at those who brag about their noble lineage.
Ye're Davy-do-little and gude for naething.
You're Davy-do-little and good for nothing.
Ye're either ower het or ower cauld, like the miller o' Marshach mill.
You're either too hot or too cold, like the miller of Marshach mill.
Ye're feared for the day ye never saw.
You're afraid of the day you never saw.
"You are afraid of far-enough."—English.
"You are afraid of far."—English.
Ye're fit for coorse country wark—ye're rather strong than handsome.
You're suited for rough country work—you’re more strong than good-looking.
Ye're gude to be sent for sorrow.
You're good to be sent for sorrow.
Ye're gude to fetch the deil a priest.
You're good to fetch the devil a priest.
The two last sayings are applied to persons who take a long time to do anything about which they are sent.
The last two sayings refer to people who take a long time to do anything they’ve been asked to do.
Ye're like a bad liver—the last day there's aye maist to do wi' ye.
You're like a bad liver—the last day there's always almost too much to do with you.
Ye're like a hen on a het girdle.
You're like a hen on a hot griddle.
Ye're like an ill shilling—ye'll come back again.
You're like a bad penny—you'll turn up again.
Jocularly addressed to a person who is about to go away.
Jokingly directed at someone who is about to leave.
Ye're like a singed cat—better than ye're bonny.[341]
You're like a singed cat—better than you're beautiful.[341]
Ye're like a Lauderdale bawbee, as bad as bad can be.
You're like a Lauderdale bawbee, as bad as bad can be.
"The obnoxious Duke of Lauderdale, who was at the head of affairs in Scotland's 'persecuting times,' had, it appears, a principal hand in some detested coinage. The bawbee, or halfpenny so issued, soon became base money, and these Lauderdale bawbees were branded with a bad name."—G. Henderson.
"The obnoxious Duke of Lauderdale, who was in charge during Scotland's 'persecuting times,' apparently played a key role in some hated coinage. The bawbee, or halfpenny that was issued, quickly turned into worthless money, and these Lauderdale bawbees earned a bad reputation."—G. Henderson.
Ye're like a rotten nit—no worth cracking for the kernel.
You're like a rotten nut—no point in cracking it for the kernel.
Ye're like Macfarlane's geese—ye hae mair mind o' your play than your meat.
You're like Macfarlane's geese—you care more about your fun than your food.
"Macfarlane (of that ilk) had a house and garden upon the island of Inch-Tavoe. Here James VI. was on one occasion regaled by the chieftain. His majesty had been previously much amused by the geese pursuing each other on the loch. But when one, which had been brought to table, was found to be tough and ill fed, James observed, 'That Macfarlane's geese liked their play better than their meat,'—a proverb which has been current ever since."—Note to The Monastery.
"Macfarlane (of that name) had a house and garden on the island of Inch-Tavoe. One time, James VI. was entertained by the chieftain there. The king had previously found great amusement watching the geese chasing each other on the loch. But when he was served a goose that was tough and poorly fed, James remarked, 'That Macfarlane's geese prefer to play rather than eat,'—a saying that has been used ever since."—Note to The Monastery.
Ye're like a sow—ye'll neither lead nor drive.
You're like a pig—you won't lead or follow.
Ye're like Brackley's tup—ye follow the lave.
You're like Brackley's ram—you follow the herd.
Ye're like laird Moodie's greyhounds—unco hungry like about the pouch lids.
You're like Laird Moodie's greyhounds—really hungry, always around the pockets.
Ye're like me, and I'm nae sma' drink.
You're like me, and I'm not a lightweight.
Ye're like Piper Bennet's bitch—ye lick till ye burst.
You're like Piper Bennet's pet— you lick until you can't anymore.
Ye're like the cooper o' Fogo, ye drive aff better girs than ye ca' on.
You're like the cooper from Fogo; you drive away better girls than you call on.
"Said of those who attempt to reform anything, but who, instead of that, make matters worse."—G. Henderson.
"Said of those who try to change something, but instead just make things worse."—G. Henderson.
Ye're like the corbie messenger—ye come wi' neither alms nor answer.
You're like the crow messenger—you come with neither help nor an answer.
Into the air to see If he saw any dry mountains. Some say the Ruin continued to exist, And come back to the ark again.
Ye're like the cow-couper o' Swinton, ye'll no slocken.
You're like the cowherd of Swinton, you won't be satisfied.
Ye're like the dead folk o' Earlstoun—no to lippen to.
You're like the dead people of Earlstoun—no one can trust you.
"This is founded on a popular story, kept up as a joke against the worthy people of Earlstoun. It is said that an inhabitant of this village, going home with too much liquor, stumbled into the churchyard, where he soon fell asleep. Wakening to a glimmering consciousness after a few hours, he felt his way across the graves; but taking every hollow interval for an open receptacle for the dead, he was heard by some neighbour saying to himself, 'Up and away! Eh, this ane up an away too! Was there ever the like o' that? I trow the dead folk o' Earlstoun's no to lippen to!'"—Robert Chambers.
"This is based on a popular story that's been shared as a joke about the good people of Earlstoun. It's said that a resident of this village, having had too much to drink, stumbled into the churchyard and soon fell asleep. When he woke up a few hours later, he was a bit disoriented and felt his way across the graves. Mistaking every dip he encountered for a grave, he was overheard by a neighbor mumbling to himself, 'Up and away! Oh, this one's up and away too! Has there ever been anything like this? I bet the dead folks of Earlstoun don't trust me!'”—Robert Chambers.
Ye're like the dog o' Dodha', baith double an' twa-faced.
You're like Dodha's dog, both double and two-faced.
Ye're like the dogs o' Dunraggit—ye winna bark unless ye hae your hinder end to the wa'.
You're like the dogs of Dunraggit—you won't bark unless you have your back against the wall.
Spoken to persons who will not complain or "make a noise" about a thing, unless they are guaranteed against any consequences that may ensue.
Spoken to people who won’t complain or "cause a stir" about something unless they’re assured they won’t face any consequences that might follow.
Ye're like the Kilbarchan calves—like best to drink wi' the wisp in your mou'.[343]
You're like the Kilbarchan calves—you prefer to drink with the wisp in your mouth.[343]
Ye're like the lambs—ye do naething but sook and wag your tail.
You're like the lambs—you just suck and wag your tail.
Ye're like the man that sought his horse, and him on its back.
You're like the guy looking for his horse while he's already riding it.
Ye're like the miller's dog—ye lick your lips ere the pock be opened.
You're like the miller's dog—you lick your lips before the pocket is opened.
"Spoken to covetous people who are eagerly expecting a thing, and ready to receive it before it be proffered."—Kelly.
"Addressed to greedy people who are eagerly anticipating something and are ready to take it before it's offered."—Kelly.
Ye're like the minister o' Balie, preaching for selie.
You're like the minister of Balie, preaching for yourself.
Ye're like the swine's bairns—the aulder ye grow ye're aye the thiefer like.
You're like the pig's children—the older you get, the more of a thief you become.
Ye're like Towy's hawks—ye eat ane anither.
You're like Towy's hawks—you eat one another.
"I was ance gain to speir what was the matter, but I saw a curn o' camla-like fallows wi' them, an' I thought they were a' fremit to me, an' sae they might eat ither as Towy's hawks did, for onything that I cared."—Journal from London.
"I was once again about to ask what was wrong, but I saw a bunch of calm-looking strangers with them, and I thought they were all unfamiliar to me, so they could fight among themselves like Towy's hawks for all I cared."—Journal from London.
Ye're looking ower the nest, like the young craws.
You’re looking over the nest, like the young crows.
Ye're minnie's milk is no out o' your nose yet.
You're still drinking your mother's milk.
Ye're mista'en o' the stuff; it's half silk.
You're mistaken about the fabric; it's half silk.
"Jocosely spoken to them that undervalue a person or thing, which we think indeed not very valuable, yet better than they repute it."—Kelly.
"Playfully said to those who undervalue a person or thing, which we actually think is not very valuable, yet still better than they believe."—Kelly.
Ye're nae chicken for a' ye're cheepin.
You're not fooling anyone with all your clucking.
Ye're never pleased, fu' nor fasting.
You're never satisfied, whether you're full or hungry.
Ye're new come ower—your heart's nipping.[344]
You're new here—your heart's racing.
Ye're no light where you lean a'.
You're not a light where you lean at all.
Ye're no worth ca'ing out o' a kail-yaird.
You're not worth calling out of a cabbage patch.
Ye're o' sae mony minds, ye'll never be married.
You're of so many minds, you'll never get married.
Ye're out and in, like a dog at a fair.
You're in and out, like a dog at a fair.
Ye're ower auld farrant to be fley'd wi' bogles.
You're too old and wise to be scared by ghosts.
Ye're ower het and ower fu', sib to some o' the laird's tenants.
You're too hot and too full, similar to some of the lord's tenants.
Ye're queer folk no to be Falkland folk.
You're strange people not to be Falkland people.
Falkland, in Fife, was formerly a Royal residence; and the court manners, contrasted with those of the surrounding country, gave rise to the saying.
Falkland, in Fife, used to be a royal residence, and the courtly behavior there, compared to the local customs, led to the saying.
Ye ride sae near the rump, ye'll let nane loup on ahint you.
You ride so close to the back that you won't let anyone jump on behind you.
Ye rin for the spurtle when the pat's boiling ower.
Ye rin for the spurtle when the pat's boiling ower.
That is, take precautions when it is too late.
That is, be careful when it’s too late.
Ye're sae keen o' clockin', ye'll dee on the eggs.
You're so eager to clock in, you'll die on the eggs.
"Spoken to those who are fond of any new place, condition, business, or employment."—Kelly.
"Talked to those who enjoy any new location, situation, job, or work."—Kelly.
Ye're sair fashed hauding naething thegither.
You're really struggling to hold things together.
Ye're sair stressed wi' stringing the milsey.
You're really stressed with handling the milking.
"A proverb addressed to those who make much ado about nothing, or complain of the weight of that work which deserves not to be mentioned. It refers to the cloth through which the milk is strained, being taken off the wooden frame, wrung out, and tied on again."—Jamieson.
"A proverb aimed at those who fuss a lot over nothing or complain about tasks that aren't even worth mentioning. It talks about the cloth used to strain milk, which is taken off the wooden frame, squeezed out, and then tied on again."—Jamieson.
Ye're seeking the thing that's no tint.
You're looking for something that isn't lost.
Ye're sick, but no sair handled.
You're sick, but not badly hurt.
Ye're the weight o' Jock's cog, brose and a'.[345]
You're the weight of Jock's cog, porridge and all.[345]
Ye're there yet, and your belt hale.
You're there now, and your belt is fine.
"Spoken when people say, 'They will go to such a place, and there do thrive and prosper,' &c., which we think unlikely."—Kelly.
"People often say, 'They will go to this place, and there they will flourish and succeed,' etc., which we find hard to believe."—Kelly.
Ye're thrifty and thro' thriving, when your head gangs doun your bottom's rising.
You're frugal and doing well when your head goes down and your bottom's up.
Ye're unco gude, and ye'll grow fair.
You're really kind, and you'll grow beautiful.
Ye're up in the buckle, like John Barr's cat.
You're in a tight spot, like John Barr's cat.
Ye're very foresighted, like Forsyth's cat.
You're very perceptive, like Forsyth's cat.
Ye're weel awa if ye bide, an' we're weel quat.
You're alright if you stay, and we're doing just fine.
Ye're welcome, but ye'll no win ben.
You're welcome, but you won't win inside.
Ye rin awa wi' the harrows.
Ye rin awa wi' the harrows.
"To run on with a great flow of language, assuming what ought to be proved, or totally disregarding what has been said on the opposite side."—Jamieson.
"To keep going with a smooth flow of words, taking for granted what needs to be proven, or completely ignoring what has been argued on the other side."—Jamieson.
Ye seek grace wi' a graceless face.
You seek grace with a face that lacks it.
Ye ser'd me as the wife did the cat—coost me into the kirn, and syne harl'd me out again.
You treated me like the wife treated the cat—shoved me into the churn, and then dragged me out again.
That is, you have placed me in a good position merely to take me from it again.
That is, you’ve put me in a good spot just to take me out of it again.
Ye'se get your brose out o' the lee side o' the pot.
You should get your porridge from the shady side of the pot.
A promise of the best that the pot contains.
A guarantee of the finest the pot holds.
Ye shanna be niffered but for a better.
You won't be traded unless it's for something better.
Ye shanna want as lang as I hae, but look weel to your ain.
You shouldn't want as long as I have, but take good care of yourself.
Ye shape shune by your ain shauchled feet.
You shape your own path with your own determined steps.
You judge of others by yourself.
You judge others based on your own standards.
Ye shine like a white gir about a shairney cog.[346]
You shine like a white girl on a shiny surface.[346]
Ye shine like the sunny side o' a shairney wecht.
You shine like the sunny side of a shiny object.
"A ridicule upon people when they appear fine."—Kelly.
"A mockery of people when they look good."—Kelly.
Ye sit like craws in the mist.
You sit like crows in the fog.
That is, in the dark.
That is, in the dark.
Ye sleep like a dog in a mill.
You sleep like a dog in a mill.
That is, with one eye open.
That is, with one eye open.
Ye sleep like a dog when the wife's baking.
You sleep like a dog when your wife is baking.
Ye soon weary o' doin' weel.
You quickly get tired of doing well.
Ye tak a bite out o' your ain buttock.
You take a bite out of your own buttock.
Ye tak but a foal's share o' the harrow.
You only take a small portion of the work.
Ye tak the first word o' flyting.
You take the first word of arguing.
"'Wheelie, I'll be as plain as I'm pleasant—mind you're no to expect me to dance with you.' 'It's verra weel o' you, Miss Mary,' replied Andrew pawkily, 'to tak the first word o' flyting; but ye should first ken whether ye're come up to my mark or no.'"—Sir Andrew Wylie.
"'Wheelie, I'll be straightforward while I'm friendly—just don't expect me to dance with you.' 'That's very good of you, Miss Mary,' Andrew replied teasingly, 'to start the banter; but you should first know if you measure up to my standards or not.'"—Sir Andrew Wylie.
Ye tak mair in your gab than your cheeks can haud.
You talk more than you can handle.
Ye wad be a gude Borrowstone sow—ye smell weel.
You would be a good Borrowstone pig—you smell nice.
"Spoken when people pretend to find the smell of something that we would conceal."—Kelly.
"Spoken when people act like they're trying to smell something that we want to hide."—Kelly.
Ye wad be a gude piper's bitch—ye smell out the weddings.
You’d be a good piper’s companion—you can sniff out the weddings.
Ye wad clatter a cat to death.
You would chatter a cat to death.
"'Clatter,' to prattle, to act as a tell-tale."—Jamieson.
"'Clatter,' to chatter, to act as a snitch."—Jamieson.
Ye wad gar me trow my head's cowed, though there's no shears come near't.
You would make me believe my head is shaved, even though no clippers have come near it.
That is, you would make me believe a thing which I know to be quite false.
That is, you would have me believe something that I know is completely untrue.
Ye wad mak a gude wife, ye haud the grip ye get.
You would make a good wife, you hold the grip you get.
Ye wad mak muckle o' me if I was yours.
You would make a big deal out of me if I were yours.
Ye wad marry a midden for the muck.
You would marry a garbage heap for the mess.
Ye wad steal the pocks frae an auld wife, and syne speir where she got them.
You would steal the pockets from an old woman, and then ask where she got them.
Ye was bred about the mill, ye hae mooped a' your manners.
You grew up around the mill, you've picked up all your habits.
"Spoken to inferiors when they show themselves rude in their speech or behaviour."—Kelly.
"Talked to by someone lower in rank when they are disrespectful in their words or actions."—Kelly.
Ye was ne'er born at that time o' the year.
You were never born at that time of year.
"Spoken to them that expect such a place, station, or condition which we think above their birth."—Kelly.
"Talking to those who expect a place, position, or situation that we believe is above their background."—Kelly.
Ye was put out o' the oven for nipping the pies.
He was taken out of the oven for stealing the pies.
With the same meaning, we once heard a vulgar little boy say to another, that he was "Put out of the workhouse for eating the number off his plate!"
With the same meaning, we once heard a rude little boy say to another that he was "kicked out of the workhouse for eating the number off his plate!"
Ye was sae hungry ye couldna stay the grace.
You were so hungry you couldn't wait for the blessing.
Ye watna what's behint your hand.
You don't know what's behind your hand.
Ye watna what wife's ladle may cog your kail.
You never know what your wife's ladle might stir up in your soup.
Ye watna where a blessing may light.
You never know where a blessing might come from.
Ye winna craw trade.
You won't trade with crows.
That is, you will never admit that trade is good.
That is, you will never acknowledge that trade is beneficial.
Ye winna put out the fire wi' tow.
You won't put out the fire with twine.
Ye work by Macfarlane's lantern.
You work by Macfarlane's lantern.
"The clan of MacFarlane, occupying the fastnesses of the western side of Loch Lomond, were great depredators on the Low Countries, and as their excursions were made usually by night, the moon was proverbially called their lantern."—Note to Waverley.
"The MacFarlane clan, who lived on the rugged western side of Loch Lomond, were notorious raiders in the Low Countries, and since they often carried out their raids at night, the moon was famously referred to as their lantern."—Note to Waverley.
Ye yirr and yowl—ye bark, but daurna bite.
You howl and yelp—you bark, but you don't bite.
Young cowtes will canter.
Young cows will canter.
"Meg, on her part, though she often called them 'drunken neer-do-weels, and thoroughbred High Street blackguards,' allowed no other person to speak ill of them in her hearing. 'They were daft callants,' she said, 'and that was all—when the drink was in, the wit was out; ye could not put an auld head upon young shouthers; a young cowt will canter, be it up hill or down—and what for no?' was her uniform conclusion."—St Ronan's Well.
"Meg, for her part, even though she often called them 'drunken good-for-nothings and typical High Street punks,' wouldn’t let anyone else speak badly about them around her. 'They were just foolish kids,' she said, 'and that was it—when they drank, their sense vanished; you can’t give an old head to young shoulders; a young horse will gallop, whether it's uphill or downhill—and why not?' was her usual conclusion."—St Ronan's Well.
Young ducks may be auld geese.
Young ducks may be old geese.
"A man at five may be a fool at fifteen."
"A guy at five can be an idiot at fifteen."
Young folk may dee, auld folk maun dee.
Young people may die, old people must die.
Young saints, auld sinners.
Young saints, old sinners.
"'I hae played wi' him mysel at Glennaquoich, and sae has Vich Ian Vohr, often of a Sunday afternoon.' 'Lord forgie ye, Ensign MacCombich,' said the alarmed Presbyterian; 'I'm sure the colonel wad never do the like o' that.' 'Hout! hout! Mrs Flockhart,' replied the Ensign, 'we're young blude, ye ken; and young saints, auld deils.'"—Waverley.
"'I’ve played with him myself at Glennaquoich, and so has Vich Ian Vohr, often on a Sunday afternoon.' 'God forgive you, Ensign MacCombich,' said the shocked Presbyterian; 'I’m sure the colonel would never do anything like that.' 'Come now, Mrs. Flockhart,' replied the Ensign, 'we're young blood, you know; and young saints, old devils.'"—Waverley.
Your bread's baked, you may hing up your girdle.
Your bread's done baking; you can take off your apron now.
Your een's greedier than your guts.
Your greed is bigger than your stomach.
This is applied to persons who leave a "rough" plate—who, having asked for a dish, are unable to finish it.
This applies to people who leave a "rough" plate—those who, after ordering a dish, are unable to finish it.
Your een's no marrows.
Your genes have no flaws.
Your een's your merchant.
Your een is your merchant.
Your fortune's coming wi' the blind carrier.
Your luck is arriving with the blind courier.
"Deed, Mr Stimperton, I'm no sae daft. Whaur wad the profit o' that be, I wonder? I trow, the principal and[349] interest wad come back to me wi' the blind carrier. Set my nevo up wi' my hard won siller, truly!"—The Disruption.
"Indeed, Mr. Stimperton, I'm not that foolish. I wonder where the profit in that would be? I suppose the principal and[349] interest would come back to me with the blind carrier. Set my nephew up with my hard-earned money, really!"—The Disruption.
Your head canna get up but your stamach follows.
Your head can't get up, but your stomach follows.
Your mind's aye chasing mice.
Your mind is always racing.
Your mou's beguiled your hands.
Your mouth's beguiled your hands.
Your purse was steekit when that was paid for.
Your purse was empty when that was paid for.
A polite manner of intimating that the article in question has not been paid.
A polite way of letting someone know that the article hasn’t been paid for.
Your tongue is nae scandal.
Your tongue is no scandal.
Your tongue rins aye before your wit.
Your tongue runs ahead of your thoughts.
Your tongue wags like a lamb's tail.
Your tongue wags like a puppy's tail.
Your thrift's as gude as the profit o' a yeld hen.
Your thrift is as good as the profit of a barren hen.
"Your will's law," quo' the tailor to the clockin' hen, when she pick'd oot his twa een, and cam for his nose.
"Your will's law," said the tailor to the hen, when she picked out his two eyes and came for his nose.
Your wit will ne'er worry you.
Your wit will never be a problem for you.
Yule is young on Yule even, and auld on Saint Steven.
Yule is young on Yule Eve, and old on Saint Stephen's Day.
GLOSSARY.
GLOSSARY.
GLOSSARY.
A', all. A', everyone. A-be, to let alone. A-be, to leave alone. A'body, every person. Everyone. Aboon, abune, above. Above. Aboot, about. About Adreich, askant. Adreich, skeptical. Ae, one. Ae, one. Aff, off. Aff, turn off. Afore, before. Before Aft, oft, frequently. After, often, frequently. Aften, often. Evening, often. Agley, aside, askant. Agley, aside, askance. Ahint, behind. Hint, behind. Aiblins, perhaps. Maybe, perhaps. Ail, injury, hurt. Ache, injury, pain. Ain, own. Ain, own. Air, soon, early. Air, soon, early. Airn, iron. Iron Airn. Airt, art, direction. Airt, art, direction. Aith, an oath. Aith, a pledge. Aiver, a cart-horse, an old horse. Aiver, a cart horse, an old horse. Ajee, to one side, askant. Ajee, off to the side. Alane, alone. Alane, by herself. Amaist, almost. Almost. Amang, among. Amang, in the middle. An, if. An if. An', and. An' Ance, once. Ance, once. Aneath, beneath. Aneath, under. Anither, another Another | Aqual, equal. Aqual, balanced. A'thing, everything. A thing, everything. Atweel, very well, just so. Absolutely, very well, just so. Atween, between. Between Aucht, to own, possession. Aucht, to own, possession. Auld, old. Old. Auld-farrant, sagacious, shrewd, "old-fashioned." Old-fashioned, wise, clever. Aumrie, a cupboard. Aumrie, a cabinet. Auncient, ancient. Ancient, ancient. Ava, at all. Ava, at all. Awa, away, out of sight. Awa, gone, out of sight. Awfu', awful. Awful. Awmous, alms. Awmous, donations. Ayont, beyond. Beyond. Ba', ball, the game of ball. Ba', ball, the game of ball. Backfriend, one who supports another. Backfriend, someone who supports another. Baillierie, the magistracy. Baillierie, the court. Bairn, a child. Kid, a child. Baith, both. Both. Baken, baked. Baken, baked. Bane, a bone. Bane, a dog bone. Bann, to knock, to malign. Bann, to knock, to slander. Bannet, a bonnet. Bannet, a hat. Bannock, home-baked flour cakes, or "scones." Bannock, homemade flour cakes, or "scones." Bardy-loon, mischievous or impertinent fellow. Bardy-loon, cheeky or impudent guy. Barefit, barefooted. Barefit, barefoot. Barlikhood, obstinacy, ill-nature. Barlikhood, stubbornness, bad attitude. |
Batch, a baking. Batch, a bake. Bauch, insipid, tasteless, useless. Boring, bland, tasteless, pointless. Bauchle, an old shoe. Bauchle, a vintage shoe. Baudrons, a cat. Baudrons, a cat. Bauk, to baulk, to disappoint. Bauk, to balk, to disappoint. Bauld, bold, courageous. Bold, daring, brave. Bawbee, a halfpenny. Bawbee, a half penny. Bawty, a dog. Bawty, a dog. Baxters, bakers. Baxters, bakers. Bear, barley. Bear, barley. Beck, to bow, to curtsy. Beck, to bow, to nod. Bedral, a beadle, church-officer. Bedral, a church officer. Beetle, a heavy wooden mallet. Beetle, a heavy wooden hammer. Behint, behind. Behind. Beild, a shelter, protection, a house. Beild, a shelter, safety, a home. Bein, in comfortable circumstances, well-to-do. Doing well, in comfort. Beit, to renew. Beit, to refresh. Beltane, the first of May, O. S. Beltane, May 1st, O. S. Belyve, immediately, by-and-by. Believe, right away, soon. Ben, inwards. Ben, inside. Bend-leather, thick leather, such as is used for soles of boots. Bend-leather, a type of thick leather used for boot soles. Besom, a broom, a brush. Besom, a broom, a brush. Bicker, a small wooden dish or basin. Bicker, a small wooden bowl or dish. Bide, to stay, to endure. Wait, to stay, to endure. Big, to build. Large, to construct. Biggin, a small house, a building. Biggin, a small house, a building. Bink, a bench, a seat. Bink, a bench, a chair. Birk, birch. Birk, birch. Birn, a burden. Birn, a hassle. Bit, a piece. Bit, a small part. Blad, a blow or slap; cast or throw. Blad, a hit or slap; to toss or throw. Blate, bashful, shy. Timid, reserved, shy. Blattran, rattling. Blattran, rattling. Blaw, to blow, to flatter. Blaw, to boast, to flatter. Bleer-ee'd, bedimmed with tears, weak-sighted. Blear-eyed, dimmed with tears, weak-sighted. Bleeze, a blaze, to blaze. Bleeze, a fire, to ignite. Bletheration, nonsense, foolish language. Bletheration, nonsense, pointless chatter. | Blirt, to gush forth. Blirt, to express excitedly. Blude, blood. Blude, blood. Board-claith, a table-cloth. Board cloth, a tablecloth. Bode, an offer, a portent. Bode, an offer, a sign. Bodle, an ancient Scottish coin, value one-sixth of the English penny. Bodle, an old Scottish coin, worth one-sixth of an English penny. Bogle, bugbear, an object of terror. Bogle, a source of fear, something that scares people. Bonnie, bonny, pretty, beautiful, handsome, good-looking. Bonnie, cute, pretty, beautiful, hot. Bonoch, a cake or bannock. Bonoch, a cake or bannock. Bore, a hole. Drill a hole. Bouk, bulk, compass. Bouk, bulk, compass. Bourd, a jest, to jest. Bourd, a joke, to joke. Bourdna, do not jest. Bourdna, don’t joke around. Bowrock, cluster, heap, clump. Bowrock, group, pile, bunch. Brachens, ferns. Brachens, ferns. Brae, side of a hill, an inclined road. Brae, a hill, a sloped road. Braid, broad. Braid, wide. Braird, blade of grass. Braird, grass blade. Brak, broke, did break. Brak, broke, has broken. Brat, a coarse apron. Brat, a rough apron. Brattle, a rattle. Brattle, a shaker toy. Braw, brawly, finely, gaily dressed. Stylishly, brightly dressed. Bree, broth. Bree, soup. Breed, to resemble, to take after. Breed, to look like, to take after. Breeks, breeches, trousers. Breeks, pants, trousers. Brig, bridge. Brig, bridge. Brither, brother. Brother. Brod, goad to drive oxen. Brod, tool to drive oxen. Brogue, bradawl. Brogue, awl. Broke, kitchen refuse, pigs meat. Discarded, kitchen waste, pig meat. Broo, the fluid part of soup, juice. Broth, the liquid part of soup or juice. Broose, a race at a country wedding. Broose, a race at a rural wedding. Browst, a brewing. Browst, a brewery. Browster, a brewer. Browster, a craft brewery. Brunt, burned. Brunt, scorched. Bubbly-jock, a turkey-cock. Bubbly-jock, a turkey. |
Buirdly, strongly made, stout. Well-built, strong, sturdy. Bum, to buzz like a bee. Bum, to make a buzzing sound like a bee. Bummer, a bee. That sucks, a bee. Burn, a running stream, a brook. Burn, a flowing stream, a brook. Bursten, bursting. Bursten, bursting. Buskit, dressed, bedecked. Buskit, dressed and styled. But-and-ben, two adjoining apartments. But-and-ben, two connected apartments. But, without. But, without. Buz, talk, ado, noise. Buz, chatter, fuss, noise. By, over, past. By, over, past. By-gane, what has passed. Bygone, what has passed. Byre, cowhouse. Cow shed. Ca', to call, to name, to drive. Ca', to call, to name, to drive. Caber, a rafter. Caber, a beam. Cadger, a pedlar, gipsy, beggar. Freeloader, a vendor, traveler, beggar. Cairn, a heap of stones. Cairn, a pile of stones. Callant, a boy, a youth. Callant, a guy, a teen. Cam', did come. Cam', did show up. Cangle, quarrel, differ. Disagree, argue, conflict. Cankered, fretful, ill-natured. Grumpy, irritable, unpleasant. Canna, cannot. Canna, can't. Canty, happy, cheerful. Canty, joyful, upbeat. Carl, carle, old man. Carl, Carle, senior citizen. Carlin, old woman. Carlin, elderly woman. Castock, the core of a cabbage. Castock, the center of a cabbage. Cauff, chaff. Cauff, chaff. Cauld, cold. Cauld, chilly. Causey, the causeway. Causeway. Cawk, chalk Cawk, chalk Ceevil, civil. Ceevil, civil. Chafts, the chops. Chops, the cuts. Chancy, lucky, fortunate. Lucky. Chanter, the drone of a bagpipe. Chanter, the sound of a bagpipe. Chapman, a pedlar. Chapman, a vendor. Chappin, a quart measure. Chappin, a quart container. Chapping-sticks, dangerous tools or weapons. Lip balms, dangerous tools or weapons. Cheatery, fraud, deceit. Scamming, fraud, deception. Cheep, to chirp, to squeak. Cheep, to tweet, to squeak. | Cheil, a fellow, a person, a young man. Cheil, a buddy, a person, a young man. Chow, to chew. Chow, to eat. Chuck, to toss, to play marbles. Chuck, to throw, to play marbles. Chuckie-stanes, pebbles, such as are used for garden walks. Chuckie-stanes, small stones that are used for garden paths. Claes, clothes. Claes, outfits. Claith, cloth. Claith, fabric. Clarty, dirty, bespattered with mud. Messy, dirty, splattered with mud. Claver, to gossip, to talk foolishly. Claver, to chat, to talk nonsense. Claw, to scratch. Claw, to scratch. Cleaving, a cleft. Splitting, a gap. Cleck, to hatch. Cleck, to hatch. Cled, clad. Cled, dressed. Cled-like, well clad. Cled-like, well-dressed. Cleed, to clothe. Cleed, to dress. Clink, money, a blow, to throw down. Clink, cash, a hit, to drop. Clips, tongs for lifting or hanging up a pot. Clips, tools for lifting or hanging a pot. Clishmaclaver, idle talk. Clishmaclaver, gossip. Clockin', clucking of hens. Checking in, clucking of hens. Cloot, a hoof. Cloot, a hoof. Clout, a patch, a rag, a slap with the hand. Clout, a piece of cloth, a rag, a slap with the hand. Clue, a ball of worsted. Clue, a ball of yarn. Clung, empty, collapsed, drawn together. Clung, empty, collapsed, gathered. Cock-laird, a small landed proprietor who farms his own ground. Cock-laird, a small landowner who operates his own farm. Cod, a pillow. Cod, a cushion. Coft, bought. Coft, purchased. Cog, a wooden dish. Cog, a wooden bowl. Come-speed, to succeed. Hurry, to succeed. Coof, a simpleton, a stupid person. Coof, a fool, an idiot. Coorse, coarse. Corse, coarse. Coost, to cast, to throw. Coost, to toss, to throw. Coostin, thrown, cast off. Coostin, rejected, discarded. Corbie, a raven. Corbie, a blackbird. Corn, to feed a horse. Corn, for feeding a horse. Cowed, frightened, coerced. Intimidated, scared, pressured. Cowp, fall, overturn. Cowp, autumn, flip. Cowte, a colt, young horse. Cowte, a young horse. |
Crab, to be angry, peevish. Crabby, to be angry, peevish. Crabbit, angry, ill-natured. Irritable, angry, bad-tempered. Crack, a chat, a familiar conversation, to chat. Chat, a conversation, a casual talk, to talk. Crans, iron rods for supporting the pot while on the fire. Crans, metal rods used to hold the pot over the fire. Crap, crop. Trash, crop. Crappie, the craw or crop of a fowl. Crappie, the crop of a bird. Craw, a crow. Craw, a crow. Craw, to crow, exult, boast. Crow, to boast, brag, gloat. Creel, a basket carried on the back. Creel, a basket worn on the back. Creesh, grease, oil. Creesh, grease, oil. Creeshy, greasy, oily. Greasy, oily. Croon, to hum a tune, to moan. Croon, to hum a song, to complain. Crouse, courageous, lively. Crouse, brave, energetic. Crowdy, gruel, thin brose, q. v. Crowdy, porridge, thin __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, q. v. Crummie, the cow. Crummie, the cow. Crunsh, to break with the teeth. Crunsh, to break with your teeth. Cuddy, a donkey. Cuddy, a donkey. Cumbersome, troublesome. Bulky, annoying. Cunzie, property, money. Cunzie, assets, cash. Curcuddoch, fond, familiar, warm in attentions. Curcuddoch, loving, relatable, and warm in its care. Curly, curled. Curly, styled. Cursour, a stallion, a war-horse. Cursour, a stallion, a warhorse. Cutty, a short spoon, a short clay pipe. Cutty, a small spoon, a small clay pipe. Cutty-stool, a small stool. Cutty stool, a small stool. Dab, dabble, to peck. Dab, dabble, to tap. Dad, a violent knock, a dash with the hand. Dad, a hard knock, a quick motion with the hand. Dae, to do. Dae, to do. Daffin', sport, folly in general. Goofing around, sport, fun in general. Daft, foolish, merry, idiotical. Silly, foolish, cheerful, absurd. Daigh, dough. Daigh, dough. Daidle, to dilly-dally, to do a thing in a slow, sluggish manner. Daidle, to waste time, to do something slowly and lazily. Dang, did ding, q. v. Dang, did __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__, q. v. Darg, a day's work. Darg, a day's grind. Darn, to mend stockings, to conceal. Darn, to fix socks, to hide. | Daur, to dare. Daur, to take a risk. Daurna, dare not. Daurna, do not. Dautie, a pet, fondling. Dautie, a pet, cuddling. Daw, a drab, slattern. Daw, a dull, messy person. Dead-lift, an emergency. Deadlift, an emergency. Dead-sweer, very unwilling, extremely averse to exertion. Dead-sweer, very reluctant, highly opposed to effort. Deave, to deafen with noise. Deave, to drown out with noise. Dee, to die. Dee, to die. Deem, to judge, condemn. Deem, to judge or condemn. Deil, deevil, devil. devil Dight, to wipe, rub, to make ready. Dight, to clean, wipe, or prepare. Dink, to dress neatly, neat, trim. Dink, to dress well, tidy, sharp. Dinna, do not. Don't, do not. Dint, opportunity, chance. Effort, opportunity, chance. Dirk, a Highland dagger, to stab with a dagger. Dirk, a Highland knife, to stab with a knife. Dirl, a sharp stroke, the tremulation caused by a stroke. Dirl, a quick hit, the shaking caused by a hit. Dish-clout, dish-towel, washing-cloth. Dishcloth, dish towel, washcloth. Disna, does not. Disna, doesn't. Dit, to close, to stop a hole. Dit, to finish, to block a gap. Divot, a turf. Divot, a patch of grass. Dizzen, dozen. Dizzen, dozen. Dochter, daughter. Daughter. Dock, to cut the hair, to shorten. Dock, to trim hair, to shorten it. Docken, the dock herb. Dock, the dock herb. Doited, stupid. Idiot, stupid. Dolour, sorrow, grief. Pain, sadness, grief. Donnart, stupid, dull. Donnart, clueless, boring. Donsy, unlucky. Donsy, unlucky. Doo, a dove, pigeon. Doo, a dove, pigeon. Dool, sorrow, woe. Dool, sadness, grief. Dorty, proud, saucy, easily offended. Dorty, proud, sassy, easily offended. Dosen, to settle down, to become cold. Dosen, to settle down, to cool off. Douce, grave, thoughtful, sober. Calm, serious, contemplative, restrained. Dought, strength, power. Grit, strength, power. Doun, down. Doun, lower. |
Dounwith, downwards. Dounwith, down. Doup, the end of a candle, the bottom of an egg. Doup, the tip of a candle, the bottom of an egg. Dovering, stupid, slumbering. Dovering, dumb, sleeping. Dow, to wither, to decay, dirty. Dow, to fade away, to rot, unclean. Dowff, humble. Dowff, modest. Downa, are unable, cannot. Downa, can't. Draff, brewer's grains. Brewery waste. Drap, a drop, to drop, a small quantity of liquor. Drap, a drop, to drop, a small amount of liquor. Draunt, a drawl. Draunt, a slow drawl. Dree, to suffer, endure. Dree, to suffer, endure. Dreigh, slow, tedious, dry. Dreigh, slow, boring, uninteresting. Dronach, penalty, punishment. Dronach, penalty, punishment. Drouth, thirst, drought. Drought, thirst, drought. Drouthy, thirsty, fond of tippling. Thirsty, love drinking. Drucken, drunken. Drucken, drunk. Drudger, a plodding, industrious person. Drudger, a hardworking, diligent person. Drumly, muddy. Drumly, muddy. Dub, a puddle, a pool of water. Dub, a puddle, a pool of water. Dummie, a dumb person. Dummie, an idiot. Dune, done. Dune, finished. Dung, overcome, ill-used. Dung, overwhelmed, mistreated. Dunsh, to jog, to thrust violently. Dunsh, to run, to push forcefully. Dunt, a blow, a large piece. Dunt, a hit, a big chunk. Dyke, dike, a stone wall. Dyke, dike, a stone wall. Ee, eye. Ey, eye. Een, eyes, even so. One, eyes, still. E'en, e'enin', evening. Evening. E'enow, even now, at present. Even now, at present. Eider, more prominently. Eider, more in the spotlight. Eild, age, old age. Eild, age, senior years. Eird, earth. Earth. Eith, easy. Eith, easy. Eithly, easily. Easily. Elbuck, the elbow. Elbuck, the elbow. Eldin, fuel, coal, peat. Eldin, fuel, coal, peat. Elshie, cor. of Alexander. Elshie, short for Alexander. Elshin, shoemaker's awl. Elshin, cobbler's awl. Eme, uncle. Eme, uncle. | Eneugh, enough, sufficient. Enough, sufficient. Ettle, to endeavour, aim, an intention. Ettle, to try, aim for, a purpose. Ewie, a ewe. Ewie, a female sheep. Eydent, eident, thrifty, diligent. Eydent, eident, frugal, hardworking. Fa', to fall. Fa', to drop. Fa'an, has fallen. Fa'an has fallen. Fae, foe. Fae, enemy. Fair-fa', well betide, good luck to. Good luck to you. Faither, father. Dad, father. Fallow, fellow. Fallow, friend. Fand, found. Fand, located. Farden, a farthing. Farden, a small coin. Fash, trouble, annoyance, to vex. Fashion, trouble, annoyance, to annoy. Fashery, trouble, vexation. Fashion, hassle, annoyance. Fashious, troublesome. Fashious, annoying. Faugh, fallow land. Gross, uncultivated land. Fauld, to fold, embrace; a sheepfold. Fauld, to fold, hug; a sheep pen. Fause, false. Faux, false. Fausehood, falsehood. Falsehood. Faut, fault. Fault. Fazart, a coward, dastard. Fazart, a coward, villain. Fearsome, fearful, awful. Intimidating, scary, terrible. Februar, February. February Feckfu, strong, courageous. Feckfu, tough, brave. Feckless, feeble, silly, weak—mentally or physically. Useless, weak, foolish, fragile—either mentally or physically. Feigh! an expression of disgust. Gross! an expression of disgust. Fend, to work. Work. Ferlie, a wonder, to wonder at. Ferlie, something amazing, to be amazed by. Fernyear, the preceding year. Fernyear, the previous year. Fey, predestined, fatality. Fated, destined, doom. Fiddle, violin. Fiddle, violin. Fidge, to fidget. Fidge, to fidget. Fidging, anxious, skittish, fidgeting. Fidgeting, anxious, nervous, restless. Findsilly, apt to find. Findsilly, likely to discover. Fit, foot. Fit, footwear. Fiz, to hiss. Fiz, to make a hissing sound. Flae, a flea. Flae, a flea. Flee, a fly, to fly. Run, a fly, to fly. Fleech, to flatter. Fleech, to suck up. |
Flether, to persuade, to influence. Flether, to convince, to sway. Fley, to frighten. Fley, to scare. Fleyer, a coward. Fleyer, a wimp. Flicher, to flatter. Flicher, to compliment. Fling, to jilt, kick, throw off. Fling, to reject, abandon, toss away. Flisket, easily annoyed, fretful. Flisket, easily annoyed, anxious. Flit, to remove from one house to another. Flit, to move from one house to another. Flounders, soles, plaice. Flounders, soles, plaice. Flyte, to rage, quarrel, scold. Flyte, to fight, argue, insult. Fog, moss. Fog, moss. Foisonless, insipid, tasteless. Dull, bland, flavorless. Foot-rot, a disease affecting the feet of sheep. Foot-rot is a disease that affects the feet of sheep. Forecast, forethought, premeditation. Prediction, planning, intention. Foregather, to meet with, to overtake. Foregather, to meet up with, to catch up to. Forfoughten, fatigued. Fought for, exhausted. Forgie, forgive. Forgie, forgive me. Forejeskit, jaded, worn out. Forejeskit, tired, burned out. Forejidged, prejudged. Prejudged. Forpit, the fourth of a peck. Forpit, the fourth of a peck. Fou, drunk. Wasted, drunk. Founder, stumble. Founder, trip. Frae, from. From. Freets, superstitious omens. Freets, superstitious signs. Fremit, foreign, not akin, strange. Fremit, foreign, unfamiliar, strange. Fresh, a thaw after frost. Fresh, a thaw after freeze. Frist, to delay. First, to postpone. Fu', full. Fool, full. Fuff, to puff, boast, threaten. Fuff, to brag, threaten. Furdersome, industrious, pushing. Hardworking, driven, persistent. Fyke, to trifle. Fyke, to mess around. Fyle, to soil, defile, dirty. Fyle, to dirty. Gab, the mouth; to speak. Gab, to chat. Gae, go. Gae, let's go. Gate, gait, road, way. Gate, walk, road, way. Gaislin', gosling; a stupid child. Gaislin', gosling; a silly kid. Gane, gone. Gane, gone. Gang, to go. Let's go. Gar, to cause, force, compel. Gar, to cause, force, compel. | Gat, did get. Gat got it. Gatty, old-like, ill-natured. Gatty, grumpy and bad-tempered. Gaud, a rod or goad. Gaud, a stick or goad. Gaun, going. Gaun, going. Gaunt, to yawn. Gaunt, to yawn. Gaw, to gall. Gaw, to annoy. Gawsie, plump, jolly, stately. Gawsie, chubby, cheerful, dignified. Gaylie, middling. Gaylie, average. Gear, wealth, property, goods. Gear, assets, property, items. Geary, having riches or wealth. Geary, being wealthy. Gellock, gavelock, an iron crowbar or lever. Gellock, gavelock, an iron crowbar or lever. Ghaist, a ghost. Ghaist, a ghost. Gien, given. Gien, got it. Giff-gaff, exchange of gifts, mutual obligations. Giffgaff, sharing gifts, mutual responsibilities. Gileynour, a deceiver, a cheat. Gileynour, a con artist, a fraud. Gillies, followers. Gillies, fans. Gin, if. Gin, if. Gir, girth, hoop. Gir, girth, hoop. Gird, to keep fast. Gird, to secure. Girdle, a circular iron plate used for baking bread. Girdle, a round iron plate used for baking bread. Girn, a snare. Girn, a trap. Girnin', grinning, fretful. Girnin', smiling, anxious. Gizen, to become leaky from drouth. Gizen, to become leaky from dryness. Glaiket, wanton, foolish, playful, trifling. Glaiket, reckless, silly, playful, trivial. Glaum, to snatch at, to aspire to. Glaum, to grab at, to strive for. Glaur, mud, mire. Glaur, sludge, muck. Gled, a kite. Gled, a bird of prey. Gleg, smart, sharp-sighted, ready-witted, acute. Gleg, smart, quick-witted, sharp. Glib, quick, ready in speaking. Smooth, quick, articulate in speaking. Gliff, a fright; a passing sight. Gliff, a scare; a quick glance. Glitty, smooth, glossy. Shiny, smooth, glossy. Gloom, frown. Sad face. Glower, to stare. Glare, to stare. Glum, morose, sour, sulky. Gloomy, moody, cranky, grumpy. Glunshes, glooms. Glunshes, sadness. Goavin', staring, looking intently. Gazing, staring, looking intently. |
Gowd, gold. Gold. Gowdspink, goldfinch. Goldfinch. Gowk, a simpleton, one easily imposed on; a cuckoo. Gowk, a fool, someone who's easily tricked; like a cuckoo. Gowpen, the two hands joined to contain anything, as grain; also the quantity so contained. Gowpen, the two hands coming together to hold something, like grain; also the amount that can be held. Graip, a dung fork. Graip, a manure fork. Graith, harness, horse-clothing. Graith, harness, equine apparel. Gramashes, riding hose, gaiters. Grandmothers, riding pants, boots. Grane, to groan. Grane, to complain. Grape, to grope, search. Grape, to search. Grat, did weep, cry. Grat wept and cried. Gree, to agree. Gree, to agree. Green, to covet, long for, desire. Green, to desire. Greet, to cry, weep. Greet, to cry, weep. Greive, overseer, steward, factor. Grieve, manager, steward, agent. Grewsome, sullen, quarrelsome. Grumpy, moody, argumentative. Grip, to catch, take hold of; a hold, a grip. Grip, to catch or take hold of; a hold or grasp. Grit, intimate, familiar. Grit, close, personal. Groat, fourpence. Groat, 4 pence. Groats, milled oats. Groats, ground oats. Grosset, gooseberry. Grosset, gooseberry. Grumph, to grunt. Grumph, to grunt. Grund, the ground, to be ground on a grindstone. Grund, the ground, to be ground on a grindstone. Grundstane, grindstone. Grindstone. Grushie, thick, flabby, frowsy. Grushie, thick, overweight, unkempt. Gryce, a pig. Gryce, a pig. Gude, good. Good, good. Gudely, comely, handsome. Good-looking, attractive, handsome. Gudes, goods, possessions. Stuff, belongings, possessions. Gudeman, husband, master of the house. Gudeman, husband, head of the household. Gudemither, mother-in-law. Mother-in-law. Gudewife, wife, mistress of the house. Gudewife, wife, head of the household. Gully, a large pocket knife. Gully, a big pocket knife. Gutcher, grandfather. Grandpa. Guts, the stomach, belly. Guts, the stomach, belly. | Ha', a hall. Ha', a venue. Hadden, held, kept. Hadden, held, kept. Hae, have, take. Hae, have, take. Haffit, the cheek, side of the head. Haffit, the cheek, side of the head. Haggis, a pudding peculiar to Scotland. Haggis is a traditional dish from Scotland. Hail, hale, whole, sound, healthy. Hail, healthy, whole, sound. Hain, to economize, to use sparingly. Hain, to save, to use carefully. Hairst, harvest. Haircut, harvest. Haly, holy. Haly, sacred. Hamald, homely, poor. Hamald, cozy, low-income. Hame, home. Home. Hamely, homely, frank, affable. Homey, genuine, friendly, personable. Handfu', handful. Handful. Hansel, the first money received for goods, a present at a particular season of the year. Hansel, the first money collected for items, a gift during a specific time of the year. Hantle, a number or quantity. Hantle, a number or amount. Hap, to cover; chance. Hap, to cover; luck. Harn, coarse linen cloth. Harn, rough linen fabric. Harns, brains. Smart brains. Harigals, the heart, liver, &c., of a sheep. Harigals, the heart, liver, etc., of a sheep. Hastrie, reckless haste. Hastrie, reckless rush. Haud, to hold, keep. Haud, to hold, keep. Haurl, to drag. Haurl, to pull. Hause, the throat; to embrace. Hause, the throat; to hug. Haver, to gossip, to talk foolishly. Haver, to chat, to talk nonsense. Haws, the fruit of the hawthorn. Haws, the fruit of the hawthorn. Hech! an expression of surprise, sorrow, or fatigue; an exclamation. Hech! an expression of surprise, sadness, or tiredness; an exclamation. Hecht, a promise. Hecht, a commitment. Heft, the handle of a knife. Heft, the grip of a knife. Here-awa, hereabout. Hereabouts. Herry, to plunder. Herry, to loot. Hersel, herself. Herself. Hesp, reeled yarn. Hesp, spun yarn. Het, hot. It's hot. Hetly, hotly. Hetly, hotly. Heuk, hook. Heuk, hook. Hieland, Highland. Highland, Highland. Himsel, himself. Himself. |
Hing, to hang, to suspend. Hing, to hang or suspend. Hirdy-girdy, a state of confusion. Hirdy-girdy, a state of chaos. Hirsel, a flock. Hirsel, a group. Hommel-corn, grain that has no beard. Hommel-corn, grain that doesn't have a beard. Hooly, slowly, steadily. Slowly but surely. Horse-couper, horse-dealer. Horse trader, horse dealer. Hottle, hotel. Hottle, hotel. Houssie, a housewife; diminutive of house. Houssie, a homemaker; a shortened form of house. Hout! exclamation, fy! tut! Wow! exclamation, yikes! tsk! Howdie, a midwife. Hey, a midwife. Howe, a hollow. Howe, an empty space. Howkit, dug, hollowed. Howkit, excavated, hollowed. Hudderin-dudderin, slovenly, flabby, loose. Sloppy, lazy, overweight, loose. Hurlbarrow, wheelbarrow. Hurlbarrow, wheelbarrow. Hutch, a poor cottage. Hutch, a rundown cottage. I', in. I’m in. Iceshogels, icicles. Iceshogels, ice spikes. Ilka, every, each. Ilka, every, each. Ill-faured, ill-favoured. Unattractive. Ill-willy, ill-natured, malicious, spiteful. Mean, ill-natured, malicious, spiteful. Ingle, the fireside. Ingle, the fireplace. Ither, other; not the same. Ither, different; not the same. Itsel, itself. Itsel, itself. Januar, January. January Jauping, plashing. Jauping, splashing. Jaw, a wave or dash of water. Jaw, a surge or splash of water. Jawp, to throw water upon a person, to bespatter. Jawp, to splash water on someone, to splatter. Jig, to creak. Jig, to squeak. Jilt, a slight dash of water. Jilt, a small splash of water. Joe, a sweetheart. Joe, a great guy. Jouk, to stoop, to avoid a blow; to yield to circumstances. Jouk, to duck, to dodge a hit; to go along with what’s happening. Jundie, a passing thrust. Jundie, a brief encounter. Kail, colewort; broth is commonly termed kail; but, properly speaking, it is not kail until the second day. Kail, colewort; broth is commonly called kail; but, to be accurate, it isn’t considered kail until the second day. | Kail-yaird, a kitchen garden. Kail-yaird, a backyard garden. Kame, to comb, a comb. Kame, to comb, a comb. Kamester, a woolcomber. Kamester, a wool worker. Kavel, a mean fellow. Kavel, a nasty guy. Kebbuck, a cheese. Kebbuck, a type of cheese. Kekle, to cackle, to be noisy. Kekle, to laugh loudly, to make a commotion. Keek, to peep. Keek, to sneak a look. Kemper, a diligent worker. Kemper, a hard worker. Ken, to know. Ken, to understand. Kent, known, did know. Kent, known, did know. Kep, to catch. Kep, to grab. Keytch, to throw up, to turn over. Keytch, to vomit, to flip over. Kimmer, a female gossip. Kimmer, a girl who gossips. Kirk, a church. Kirk, a church. Kirkyaird, churchyard. Kirkyard, churchyard. Kirn, a churn. Kirn, a butter churn. Kirtle, a petticoat, a short-gown. Kirtle, a petticoat, a short dress. Kist, a chest, a coffin. Kist, a box, a coffin. Kith, acquaintance. Friend, acquaintance. Kittle, to tickle; ticklish, difficult. Kittle, to tickle; ticklish, tricky. Kittlen, a kitten. Kittlen, a kitty. Knibblich, a small stone. Knibblich, a small rock. Knowe, a hillock. Knoll, a small hill. Kyte, the belly. Kyte, the belly. Kythe, to appear. Kythe, to show up. Lack, to depreciate, discommend. Insufficient, to lower, disapprove. Laddie, diminutive of lad. Laddie, short for lad. Lade, a load, laden. Lade, a load, loaded. Laigh, low. Low. Laird, landlord, proprietor, lord of the manor. Laird, landowner, owner, lord of the estate. Laith, loth, reluctant. Laith, unwilling, resistant. Laithfu', shy, modest, bashful. Laithfu', shy, humble, reserved. Landward, rustic. Countryside, rustic. Landlouper, an unsettled, changeable person. Landlouper, an unpredictable person. Lang, long. Lang, extended. Langle, a rope by which the fore and hinder feet of a horse or cow are fastened together. Langle, a rope used to tie the front and back feet of a horse or cow together. |
Langing, longing, wishing. Langing, longing, wishing. Lang-kail, boiled coleworts. Lang-kail, boiled greens. Lang-shanket, long-handed or shafted. Lang-shanket, long-handled or shafted. Langsyne, long ago, old times. Langsyne, long ago, old days. Lap, did leap. Lap, did jump. Lassie, girl, diminutive of lass. Lassie, girl, short for lass. Lathron, a lazy, idle person. Lathron, a slacker. Lave, the rest, others, remainder. Lave, the rest, others, remainder. Laverock, a lark. Laverock, a songbird. Lawin', a tavern reckoning. Lawin', a trendy bar. Layne, conceal. Layne, hide. Leal, true, honest, faithful. Loyal, true, honest, faithful. Lear, to learn, learning. Lear, to learn, learning. Leddy, lady. Leddy, girl. Lee, to lie. Lee, to tell a lie. Leear, liar. Leear, liar. Len', lend, a loan. Len', lend, a loan. Let-a-bee, to let alone. Let it be, to let alone. Licht, alight. Light, on. Lichtit, alighted. Lichtit landed. Lightlie, to undervalue, decry; to make light of. Lightlie, to underestimate, belittle; to treat as unimportant. Lift, the firmament. Raise, the sky. Linn, a waterfall between two rocks. Linn, a waterfall between two rocks. Lint, flax. Lint, flax. Lippen, depend upon, trust to. Lips, rely on, trust in. List, agile, active. List, nimble, engaged. Lither, sleepy, lazy. Lither, drowsy, laid-back. Loan, a lane; an open space near a farm or village where the cows are milked. Loan, a pathway; an area near a farm or village where the cows are milked. Loe, to love, to be in love. Loe, to love, to be in love. Loof, the palm of the hand. Loof, the palm of the hand. Loon, a clown, a rogue. Loon, a jester, a trickster. Loup, to leap. Loup, to jump. Lout, to stoop, submit. Lout, to bow, submit. Lowe, a flame. Lowe, a fire. Lowin', flaming. Low-key, lit. Lown, calm, sheltered. Lown, calm, sheltered. Loose, to loose. Loose, to release. Lug, the ear; the handle of an article. Lug, the ear; the handle of an object. Lumm, a chimney. Lumm, a fireplace. | Lunnun, London. London. Madge-howlet, an owl. Madge-howlet, an owl. Mailin', a farm. Mailin', a farm. Mair, more. Mair, more, please. Maist, most. Most. Maister, master; an over-match. Master; a superior opponent. Maistry, management, superiority. Masters, management, superiority. Mak, make. Mak, create. Makna, make not. Meaning, do not make. Malison, malediction, curse. Malison, curse. Manteel, a mantle. Manteel, a coat. Marrow, an equal, a match. Marrow, an equal, a match. Maukin, a hare. Maukin, a rabbit. Maun, must. Maun, need to. Maunna, must not. Maunna, shouldn't. Maut, malt. Malt, malt. Mavis, a thrush. Mavis, a songbird. May be, perhaps. Maybe, perhaps. Mayna, may not. Mayna, may or may not. Mease, to settle; to appease. Mease, to resolve; to calm. Mear, a mare. Mear, a female horse. Meltith, a meal. Meltith, a dish. Mends, amends, satisfaction. Repairs, corrections, fulfillment. Mense, manners, discretion. Manners, discretion, and respect. Menseless, unmannerly, ill-bred, forward. Rude, disrespectful, poorly raised, pushy. Menyie, the follower of a chieftain. Menyie, the follower of a chief. Messan, a mongrel dog. Messan, a mixed breed dog. Midden, a dunghill. Midden, a garbage pile. Middlin', moderately. Middlin', average. Midge, a gnat. Midge, a tiny gnat. Mim, primness, affectation. Irritation, pretentiousness, insincerity. Mint, to aim, to endeavour. Mint, to target, to strive. Mird, jest. Mird, joke. Mirk, dark, obscure. Dark and mysterious. Misca', to abuse, to nickname. Misca', to insult, to nickname. Misken, neglect, overlook. Misken, neglect, overlook. Mislear'd, mischievous, wild. Misunderstood, mischievous, wild. Misluck, misfortune. Misluck, bad luck. Misrid, entangled, confused. Misrid, tangled, confused. |
Misterfu', needy, begging. Misterfu', desperate, pleading. Mither, mother. Mom Moaned, lamented. Complained, mourned. Moistify, to moisten, to drink. Moistify, to hydrate, to drink. Mony, many. Money, plenty. Mool, to crumble; the earth of a grave. Mool, to break apart; the soil of a grave. Moop, to mump, to impair. Moop, to mess up, to impair. Mou, the mouth. Mou, the mouth. Moudiewart, a mole. Moudiewart, a mole. Mouter, grist; a miller's perquisite for grinding. Mouter, grain; a miller's benefit for milling. Mow, a heap, as of hay, fuel, &c. Mow, a pile, like hay, fuel, etc. Mows, jests. Mows, jokes. Moyen, influence, interest. Moyen, influence, interest. Muck, dung. Muck, waste. Muckle, great, tall, much. Muckle, big, tall, a lot. Muckledom, muckleness, greatness in size. Muckledom, muckleness, greatness in size. Muir, a moor, a heath. Muir, a marsh, a heath. Mump, to hint, to aim at. Mump, to imply, to focus. Mune, moon. Mune, moon. Muslin-kail, a very poor broth. Muslin-kail, a really bad broth. Mutch, a woman's cap. Mutch, a women's hat. Mysel, myself. Mysel, myself. Na, nae, no, not. Nah, no way. Naesay, a refusal. Naesay, a no. Naething, nothing. Nothing, nothing. Naig, a nag. Nagging. Nancie, Agnes. Nancie, Agnes. Nane, none. Nane, none. Neb, a point, a bird's bill; the nose. Neb, a tip, a bird's beak; the nose. Neeboor, neighbour. Neeboor, neighbor. Needna, need not. Needna, doesn't need to. Neist, next. Next, Neist. Neuk, a nook, a corner. Neuk, a nook, a corner. Nicher, to neigh, to laugh. Nicher, to neigh, to laugh. Nieve, the fist, the hand. Nieve, the fist, the hand. Niffer, to barter, to exchange. Niffer, to trade, to swap. Nip, to pinch. Nip, to pinch. Nit, a nut. Nit, a nut. Nitty-now, a lousy-head. Nitwit, a loser. | No, not. No, not. Nowte, black cattle. Nowte, black cows. O', on, of. O', on, of. Oe, a grandchild. Oe, a grandchild. Olite, active, nimble, ready. Olite, quick, agile, prepared. Ony, any. Ony, any. Oo, wool. Oo, wool. Ool, an owl. Owl. Oot, out. Out. Ort, to reject, throw aside; select. Ort, to reject, throw away; choose. Orts, that which is rejected or set aside. Orts, what is discarded or put aside. Ou, very well; an expression of surprise or indifference. Ou, alright; an expression of surprise or indifference. Oursel, ourself. Ourselves, ourself. Oursels, ourselves. Ourselves. Ower, owre, over, across, too much, too. Ower, owre, over, across, too much, too. Owercome, overcome; the issue, the surplus. Overcome, overcome; the problem, the excess. Owergang, to overrun, to exceed. Owergang, to overrun, to surpass. Owk, meek. Okay, meek. Owsen, oxen. Oxen, cattle. Oxter, the armpit. Armpit. Paiks, chastisement. Paiks, punishment. Pairt, part. Part, part. Paitrick, a partridge. Paitrick, a partridge. Parritch, oatmeal porridge. Oatmeal porridge. Partan, the common sea-crab. Partan, the common crab. Pasche, Easter. Pastel, Easter. Pat, pot. Pat, weed. Patfu', a potful. Patfu', a full pot. Peasweep, the lapwing. Peasweep, the plover. Peat, turf, vegetable fuel. Peat, turf, biofuel. Pechan, the stomach, the crop. Pechan, the stomach, the gullet. Penny-wheep, a common kind of beer; small beer. Penny-wheep, a type of inexpensive beer; light beer. Perfyteness, perfection. Perfyteness, perfection. Pick, to choose, to select. Pick, to choose, to select. Pickle, a small quantity. Pickle, a small amount. Pig, an earthen pitcher. Pig, a clay pitcher. |
Pike, to pick, to scratch with the finger nails. Pike, to choose, to scratch with the fingernails. Pintstoup, a pint measure. Pintstoup, a pint size. Pirn, a reel, a bobbin. Pirn, a spool or bobbin. Pit, to put. Pit, to place. Plack, two bodles, one-third of the English penny. Plack, two bodles, one-third of a British penny. Pliskie, a mischievous trick. Pliskie, a playful trick. Ploom, a plum. Ploom, a type of plum. Ploy, a merry meeting, an excursion. Ploy, a fun gathering, an outing. Pock, a bag, a sack. Bag, sack. Poind, to distrain for rent. Poind, to seize for rent. Poortith, poverty. Poortith, poverty. Pouch, the pocket. Pouch, the small bag. Pouse, to despoil. Pouse, to plunder. Pow, the head. Pow, the leader. Powther, gunpowder. Powther, gunpowder. Pree, to taste. Pree, to try. Preen, a pin. Preen, a hairpin. Prent, printed. Prent, published. Primsie, precise, demure. Primsie, sharp, modest. Puddin, pudding. Pudding, pudding. Puddock, a frog. Puddock, a frog. Pund, a pound weight. Pund, a pound. Quaich, a small, shallow, drinking cup of wood or metal, with two handles. Quaich is a small, shallow drinking cup made of wood or metal, featuring two handles. Quat, to quit, to relinquish, to give over. Quat, to stop, to let go, to hand over. Quey, a young cow. Calf, a young cow. Quire, the choir of a church. Choir, the church choir. Quo', quoth, said. Quo', said. Raible, a rhapsody of nonsense. Raible, a melody of nonsense. Raggit, ragged. Raggit, worn out. Raip, a rope. Raip, a rope. Rash, a rush. Rash, a fast action. Ravelled, confused. Tangled, confused. Raw, a row or line. Raw, a line. Rax, to stretch. Rax, to extend. Reavers, robbers, thieves. Reavers, bandits, criminals. Red-wud, stark mad. Red-wud, totally crazy. | Redd, to put in order, to counsel, to caution. Redd, to organize, to advise, to warn. Rede, afraid. Rede, scared. Ree, half-drunk, tipsy. Ree, tipsy. Reek, smoke. Stink, smoke. Reeky, smoky. Stinky, smoky. Reem, cream, froth. Reem, cream, foam. Reik, to reach, to stretch out the hand. Reik, to reach, to extend the hand. Reird, a scolding or noisy tongue. Reird, a harsh or loud voice. Remede, remedy. Remedy, remedy. Reive, reeve, to rob, to steal. Reive, reeve, to rob, to steal. Riggin', the ridge of a house. Rooftop, the top of a house. Rin, to run. Run. Rip, a handful of unthrashed corn. Rip, a small amount of unthreshed corn. Rippling-kame, a flax-comb. Rippling-kame, a flax comb. Rive, a tear, a rent. Rive, a tear, a rip. Rock, a distaff. Rock, a spinning wheel. Roon, a selvedge, a shred. Roon, a selvage, a shred. Rooser, a boaster. Rooser, a braggart. Roupy, hoarse. Roupy, raspy. Routh, plenty, abundance. Routh, lots, plenty. Row, to roll up. Row, to roll up. Rowan tree, the mountain ash. Rowan tree, the mountain ash. Rowte, a roar, a lowing of cattle. Rowte, a roar, the sound of cattle mooing. Royt, forward, rude, disorderly. Royt, forward, impolite, unruly. Ruse, to praise, to commend. Ruse, to hype, to compliment. Sab, to sob. Sab, to cry. Sae, so. Sae, yeah. Saft, soft. Soft. Sair, sore, sorely. Suffer, ache, painfully. Sairy, poor, silly. Sairy, unfortunate, foolish. Sang, a song. Sang, a tune. Sap, a sop. Sap, a waste. Sark, a shirt. Sark, a top. Sauch, saugh, a willow-tree. Sauch, saugh, a willow tree. Saucht, peace, ease. Chill, peace, relax. Saunt, a saint. Saint, a holy person. Saut, salt. Sauté, salt. Saw, a proverb, an old saying; salve, plaster. Saw, a saying, an old proverb; ointment, bandage. Sawn, sown. Sawed, planted. |
Sax, six. Sax, 6. Sca'd, scabbed, scared. Irritated, injured, afraid. Scambler, "a bold intruder upon one's generosity at table." Scambler, "a brazen person who takes advantage of someone's kindness at a meal." Scant, scarcity, want. Few, lack, need. Scart, a scratch, to scratch. Scart, a scratch, to scratch. Scaur, to scare, to be scared. Scaur, to frighten, to feel afraid. Schule, school. Schule, school. Sclate, a slate. Sclate, a tablet. Scone, a common flour cake. Scone, a popular flour cake. Scouth, ease, liberty, freedom to say or do anything. Scouth, comfort, independence, the freedom to express or act in any way. Scouther, to scorch, to singe, to burn slightly. Scouther, to scorch, to singe, to burn lightly. Scrimpit, straitened, oppressed. Scrimping, struggling, oppressed. Scunner, to be disgusted, to loathe. Scunner, to feel disgusted, to hate. Sea-maw, a sea-gull. Sea-mew, a seagull. Seil, happiness, salvation. Seil, joy, salvation. Sel, self. Sel, self. Selgh, a seal. Selgh, a seal. Ser', to serve. Ser', to serve. Shae, a shoe. Shae, a pair of shoes. Shairney, befouled with dung. Shairney, covered in dung. Shank, to travel on foot. Walk Shanks, the legs, the feet. Shanks, the lower legs, the feet. Shanna, shall not. Shanna, will not. Shauchle, to go slip-shod, to walk lazily. Shauchle, to walk carelessly, to stroll lazily. Shaup, a husk. Shaup, a shell. Shaw, to show. Shaw, to display. Shear, to reap, to cut close. Shear, to harvest, to cut closely. Shearer, a reaper. Shearer, a harvester. Shears, scissors. Shears, scissors. Sheeled, shelled. iSheeled, shelled. Shent, confounded, blamed, disturbed, ashamed. Shent, confused, blamed, upset, ashamed. Shoo, force, persuade. Shoo, coerce, convince. Shool, a shovel. Shool, a spade. Shoon, shune, shoes. Shoes. Shore, to threaten. Shore, to intimidate. Shot, a stroke in play, a move in chess or draughts. Shot, a hit in a game, a play in chess or checkers. Shouther, shoulder. Shoulder. | Shute, to push. Shute, to promote. Sib, akin, related. Sib, similar, related. Sic, such. Sic, like that. Sicker, sure, certain. More sick, sure, certain. Siller, silver, money. Cash, silver, money. Simmer, summer. Chill, summer. Sindle, seldom. Sindle, rarely. Sindry, separately. Sindry, apart. Skail, to disperse, to scatter. Skail, to spread out, to scatter. Skaith, harm, injury. Skaith, harm, injury. Skeel, skill. Skeel, skill. Skelp, to whip, to slap. Skelp, to hit, to slap. Skink, a strong soup made of cows' hams. Skink, a hearty soup made from ham. Skreigh, to shriek. Skreigh, to scream. Skyte, to shy, to fly off or against anything. Skyte, to avoid, to rush off or crash into something. Slabber, to besmear. Slabber, to smear. Slid, slippery; wheedling, cunning. Slippery; manipulative, crafty. Sliddry, slippery. Slippery. Slocken, to quench. Slocken, to satisfy thirst. Sma', small. Small. Smit, to infect. Smit, to contaminate. Smoor, to smother. Smoor, to smother. Snapper, to stumble, to err. Snapper, to trip, to make a mistake. Snaw, snow. Snaw, snow. Snawba', snowball. Snowball, snowball. Snite, to blow the nose. Blow your nose. Snodder, neater, tidier. Snodder, more organized, cleaner. Sodger, a soldier. Sodger, a soldier. Sonsy, stout, healthy, thriving. Healthy and thriving. Sooking, sucking. Sooking, sucking. Soom, to swim. Soom, to swim. Soop, to sweep. Soop, to clean up. Soor, sour. Soor, tart. Sooth, true. Truth. Souck, wile, persuade. Souck, charm, convince. Sough, the low, mournful sound of wind. Sough, the soft, sad sound of the wind. Souter, a shoemaker, a cobbler. Souter, a shoemaker. Souther, to solder. Southern, to solder. Sowens, pottage made of the dust in oatmeal seeds steeped and soured. Sowens, a dish made from the dust of oatmeal seeds that have been soaked and fermented. |
Sowp, a little (applied to liquids), a spoonful. Sowp, a small amount (referring to liquids), a spoonful. Spail, a chip of wood. Spail, a piece of wood. Spak, spoke. Spak talked. Speir, speer, to inquire, to ask a question. Speir, speer, to ask, to inquire about something. Spring, a cheerful tune. Spring, an upbeat song. Spune, a spoon. Say, a spoon. Spurtle, a short stick for stirring porridge. Spurtle, a small stick for stirring oatmeal. Stamach, the stomach. Stomach Stane, a stone. Stane, a rock. Stannin', standing. Standing, standing. Stark, strong. Bold, powerful. Starns, stars. Starns, stars. Steek, to close, to shut; a stitch. Steek, to close, to shut; a stitch. Steer, to stir, to trouble. Steer, to stir, to upset. Stey, steep, precipitous. Steep, steep, steep. Stimpart, the fourth part of a peck. Stimpart, a fourth of a peck. Stipend, the salary of a clergyman, a benefice. Stipend, the pay of a clergyman, a church position. Stirk, a young cow or bull. Stirk, a young cow or bull. Stock, a head of cabbage. Stock, a cabbage head. Stook, a stack of corn, consisting of twelve sheaves. Stook, a pile of corn made up of twelve bundles. Stoor, dust. Stoor, dust. Stot, a young bull or ox. Stot, a young bull or steer. Stoup, a jug with a handle, a wooden water pitcher. Stoup, a jug with a handle, a wooden water pitcher. Straa, an expression of defiance. Straa, a bold statement. Strae, straw. Strae, straw. Strake, to stroke; a stroke, a blow. Strake, to touch; a touch, a hit. Strang, strong. Strang, tough. Straught, straight, to straighten. Straught, straight, to straighten. Stravaig, to stroll about idly. Stravaig, to wander around aimlessly. Streek, to stretch. Streek, to extend. Strunt, to offend, sullenness. Strunt, to offend, sulking. Sturdy, a disease among sheep. Sturdy, a disease in sheep. Sturt, rage, anger, trouble. Sturt, anger, conflict. Sumph, a blockhead. Sumph, a clueless person. Sune, soon. Sune, coming soon. | Sunks, a pad used in place of a saddle. Sunks, a pad that is used instead of a saddle. Suld, should. Suld, should. Sute, soot. Soot. Swat, did sweat, to perspire. Swat, to sweat. Sweer, sweird, averse, slow, unwilling, indolent. Sweeter, weirder, reluctant, slow, unmotivated, lazy. Swith, quickly. Switch, quickly. Synd, to rinse. Synd, to wash out. Syne, since, after that, then, late. Syne, since, after that, then, later. Tack, a lease. Tack, a rental agreement. Tacked, nailed to, attached. Tacked, nailed, attached. Tae, to, too; the toe. Tae, to, too; the toe. Taen, one, correlative of tither, the other; taken. Taen, one, related to tither, the other; taken. Taiken, a mark, a token. Taiken, a symbol, a token. Tait, a small quantity. Tait, a little bit. Tak, to take. Tak, to grab. Tam, Thomas. Tam, Thomas. Tangs, the tongs. Tongs. Tap, the top. Tap, the top. Tappit-hen, a hen with a tuft of feathers on her head. Tappit-hen, a hen with a bunch of feathers on her head. Tarrow, to take a loathing at meat; to be nice, particular. Tarrow, to have a strong dislike for meat; to be picky or choosy. Tauld, told. Tauld, said. Taury, tarry. Taury, wait. Tawpie, a foolish or idle woman. Tawpie, a silly or lazy woman. Taws, the leather scourge used by schoolmasters. Taws, the leather strap used by school teachers. Tee, the goal in such games as curling, quoits, &c. Tee, the objective in games like curling, quoits, etc. Tent, to take care of, to observe. Tend, to look after, to watch. Tentless, careless, incautious. Tentless, reckless, negligent. Tether, to tie up, to restrict. Tether, to tie up, to limit. Thae, those. Those. Theek, to thatch. Theek, to cover with grass. Theekit, thatched. Theekit, thatched roof. Thegither, together. Together, together. Thereout, without. Out, without. Thig, to borrow, to beg. Thig, to borrow or beg. |
Thir, these, these here—used only of things at hand. Thir, these, these here—used only for things nearby. Thole, to suffer, to endure, to bear. Thole, to suffer, to endure, to bear. Thoom, the thumb. Thumb, the thumb. Thow, a thaw. Thaw, a thaw. Thrang, throng, busy. Crowded and busy. Thraw, to twist, to oppose, to anger, to form. Thraw, to twist, to go against, to irritate, to shape. Thrawart, cross-tempered. Thwarted, cross-tempered. Thrawn, obstinate. Thrawn, stubborn. Thrist, thirst. Thirst. Thrums, waste threads. Thrums, leftover threads. Thunner, thunder. Thunner, thunder. Ticht, tight. Tight, tight. Tig, to jest or trifle. Tig, to joke or fool around. Till, to. Till, to. Tine, to lose. Tine, to waste. Tinkler, a tinker. Tinkler, a handyman. Tint, lost. Tint, missing. Tippence, twopence. Two pence. Tither, the other. Tither, the other. Tocher, a dowry, fortune. Tocher, a dowry, wealth. Tocherless, without a dowry. Tocherless, no dowry. Tod, a fox. Tod, a fox. Tooly, to fight. Tooly, to battle. Toom, empty, to empty. Toom, vacant, to vacate. Toun, a town. Toun, a town. Toustie, cross. Toustie, crosswalk. Tout, to blow a horn; the blast of a horn. Tout, to sound a horn; the sound of a horn. Touzie, disordered, dishevelled. Touzie, messy, unkempt. Tow, a rope; hemp or flax in a prepared state. Tow, a type of rope made from processed hemp or flax. Trewed, believed, trusted. Trewed, believed, trusted. Trow, to believe, to credit. Trow, to believe, to trust. Tryst, a fair, an appointment. Date, fair, appointment. Tulzie, a quarrel; to quarrel, to fight. Tulzie, a disagreement; to argue, to fight. Tup, a ram. Tup, a male sheep. Twa, two. Two. Twal, twelve. Twelve. Twalpenny, a Scots shilling, of value one penny English. Twalpenny, a Scottish shilling, worth one English penny. | Tyke, tike, a dog, a clumsy person. Tyke, tike, a dog, a clumsy person. Unco, strange, unknown, very, extremely. Unco, weird, unfamiliar, very, super. Uncoft, unbought. Uncoft, unbought. Unsicker, not secure, unsafe. Unsicker, not secure, unsafe. Untimeous, untimely, unseasonable. Out of time, untimely, unseasonable. Uphaud, to support, to uphold. Uphaud, to support. Upwith, upwards, elated. Up with, feeling high. Wa', a wall. Wa', a barrier. Wab, a web. Wab, a website. Wabster, a weaver. Wabster, a weaver. Wad, would; a pledge, a wager. Wad, would; a promise, a bet. Wae, sorrow, woe, sadness. Wae, grief, distress, sadness. Waft, woof. Waft, woof. Wa'gang, a departure, going away. Wa'gang, a departure, leaving. Wair, spend. Wair, use. Wail, wale, to choose. Wail, wale, to pick. Waly, an exclamation of grief. Waly, an expression of sorrow. Wame, the womb, the belly. Wame, the womb, the belly. Wampish, to brandish, to flourish. Wampish, to wave, to display. Wan, won. Wan, won. Wark, work. Wark, job. Warld, the world. World, the world. Warling, a worldling. Warling, a global citizen. Warlock, a witch. Warlock, a male witch. Warst, worst. worst Wast, the west. West. Wat, wet; addicted to tippling. Wet; addicted to drinking. Watna, wot not, know not. Watna, know not. Wastrie, waste, prodigality. Wastefulness, extravagance. Wauk, to awake, to watch. Wake up, to watch. Waukin, to awake. Waukin, to wake up. Waukrife, wakeful. Waukrife, alert. Waur, worse. Worse. Wean, a child. Wean a child. Wee, little. Tiny. Weel, well, properly. Well, really. Ween, to suspect. Ween, to think. |
Weet, to wet. Weet, to moisten. Weird, fate, destiny; proof, confirmation. Strange, fate, destiny; proof, validation. Weise, beguile, attract. Weave, charm, attract. Wersh, insipid, tasteless. Wack, bland, flavorless. Wha, who, who? Who, who, who? Whalp, a whelp. Well, a puppy. Whang, a thong, a large slice. Whang, a strip, a big piece. Whase, whose. Whose. Whaup, a curlew. Whaup, a type of curlew. Whaur, where. Where Wheen, a number. Wheen, a figure. Whilk, which. Which, which. Whilliwha, to cheat, to influence, to cozen. Whilliwha, to trick, to sway, to deceive. Whinger, "a short hanger, used as a knife at meals, and as a sword in broils." Whinger, "a short blade, used as a knife for eating, and as a weapon in fights." Whins, furze. Gorse, furze. Whisquer, windy, blustering. Whisquer, breezy, blustery. Whittle, a knife. Carve with a knife. Whupshaft, a whip handle. Whupshaft, a whip handle. Wi', with. with Widdie, a rope; a gallows. Widdie, a rope; a noose. Widdle, to wriggle, bustle; to attain by violent exertion. Widdle, to squirm, hustle; to achieve through intense effort. Wight, courageous, stout. Wight, brave, strong. Wimple, a curl, an undulation. Wimple, a curl, a wave. Window-bole, "the part of a cottage-window that is filled by a wooden blind, which may occasionally be opened." Window-bole, "the section of a cottage window that is covered by a wooden blind, which can sometimes be opened." Windlin, a bottle of straw or hay. Windlin, a bottle made of straw or hay. | Wink, an instant, a twinkling. Wink, a moment, a flash. Windlestrae, a stalk of ryegrass. Windlestrae, a piece of rye. Winna, will not. Winna, won't. Wist, wished. Wist, wanted. Wisp, to clean; to tie up with straw; a handful of straw. Wisp, to clean; to bundle with straw; a handful of straw. Withershins, the contrary direction. Withershins, the opposite direction. Wizen, weasand, the throat. Wizen, weasand, the throat. Woad, mad. Woad, crazy. Woo, wool. Woo, fleece. Woodie, diminutive of wood. Woodie, short for wood. Worry, to strangle, to suffocate. Anxiety, to choke, to smother. Wow, the cry of a cat. Wow, the sound of a cat. Wrang, wrong, injury, hurt. Wrang, wrong, injury, hurt. Wud, mad. I'm mad. Wuss, to wish. Wuss, to want. Wylie-coat, a flannel vest. Wylie-coat, a flannel jacket. Wyte, to blame, to find fault with. Wyte, to blame, to judge. Yaird, a yard, a kitchen garden. Yaird, a yard, a kitchen garden. Yeld, barren. Yield, barren. Yer, your. Your. Yerk, to writhe, to start with pain. Yerk, to twist, to flinch in pain. Yeuky, itchy. Yeuky, scratchy. Yewns, "the refuse of grains blown away by the fanners." Yewns, "the scraps of grains blown away by the winnowers." Yirr, to snarl like a dog. Yirr, to growl like a dog. Yokin, the time that a horse should be in a cart. Yokin, the time when a horse should be in a cart. Yoursel, yourself. Yourself. Yowl, to howl; the cry of a dog. Yowl, to howl; the sound of a dog. Yule, Christmas. Yule, Christmas. |
Download ePUB
If you like this ebook, consider a donation!