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left as in the original. Ellipses match the original. A few typographical
errors have been corrected. A complete list follows
the text.
Transcriber's Notes: Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been left as in the original. Ellipses match the original. A few typographical errors have been corrected. A complete list follows the text.
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[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
A
DICTIONARY
OF
ENGLISH PROVERBS
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
THE FAMILIAR QUOTATIONS SERIES OF BOOKS.
THE FAMILIAR QUOTATIONS SERIES OF BOOKS.
Price 1s. cloth; 1s. 6d. half-bound in leather, red edges.
Price 1s. for cloth; 1s. 6d. for half-bound in leather with red edges.
1. Familiar Latin Quotations & Proverbs.
Common Latin Quotes & Sayings.
2. Familiar French Quotations & Proverbs.
2. Common French Quotes & Proverbs.
3. Familiar English Quotations.
3. Famous English Quotes.
4. A Handy Classical Dictionary.
4. A Useful Classical Dictionary.
5. Bible Truths with Shakespearian Parallels. By J. B.
Selkirk.
5. Bible Truths with Shakespearean Parallels. By J. B. Selkirk.
6. A Handy Book of Synonyms, containing about 33,000 English
Words.
6. A Helpful Book of Synonyms, with about 33,000 English Words.
7. The Secretary's Assistant and Correspondent's Guide.
Nineteenth Edition.
7. The Secretary's Assistant and Correspondent's Handbook.
Nineteenth Edition.
8. Tourist's French Pronouncing Handbook.
8. Tourist's French Pronunciation Guide.
9. Reasons why we believe the Bible. By the Rev. James
Copland, M.A.
9. Reasons why we trust the Bible. By Rev. James Copland, M.A.
10. Tales from Shakspeare. By Charles Lamb.
10. Tales from Shakespeare. By Charles Lamb.
11. A Dictionary of Daily Blunders correcting them.
11. A Dictionary of Daily Mistakes that fixes them.
12. Rasselas. By Dr. Johnson.
12. Rasselas. By Dr. Johnson.
13. Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia.
13. Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia.
15. A Dictionary of English Proverbs.
15. A Dictionary of English Proverbs.
16. Plutarch's Lives of Illustrious Men.
16. Plutarch's Lives of Notable Figures.
17. De Quincey's Opium-Eater.
17. De Quincey's Opium Eater.
18. The Story of the New Testament. By the Rev. A. Carter,
M.A.
18. The Story of the New Testament. By Rev. A. Carter, M.A.
19. A Dictionary of Mythology.
A Dictionary of Mythology.
20. Moore's Irish Melodies.
20. Moore's Irish Melodies.
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1. Handbook for Writers & Readers (English).
Writer's & Reader's Handbook (English).
2. Reference Handbook of Quotations, English, French and
Latin.
2. Reference Book of Quotes, English, French, and
Latin.
3. Lamb's Tales from Shakspeare, Rasselas, & Elizabeth.
3. Lamb's Stories from Shakespeare, Rasselas, & Elizabeth.
4. Reference Handbook for Bible & General Readers.
4. Reference Handbook for Bible & General Readers.
5. Handbook for Writers & Readers (Classical); Classical
Dictionary, Plutarch, and Mythology.
5. Writer's & Reader's Handbook (Classical); Classical Dictionary, Plutarch, and Myths.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
A
DICTIONARY
OF
English Proverbs
AND
Proverbial Phrases
A COPIOUS INDEX OF PRINCIPAL WORDS
BY THE AUTHOR OF
'A DICTIONARY OF DAILY BLUNDERS,'
'A HANDY BOOK OF SYNONYMS,'
ETC. ETC.
BY THE AUTHOR OF
'A DICTIONARY OF DAILY BLUNDERS,'
'A HANDY BOOK OF SYNONYMS,'
ETC. ETC.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
"The genius, wit, and spirit of a nation are discovered by
their proverbs."—Bacon.
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PREFACE.
Long before writing and books were in common use, proverbs were the
principal means of imparting instruction. In modern times there is not
so much need to apply these old sayings as a means of educating the
people, but they are still constantly met with in the newspapers and in
general literature, and they are rightly considered as "The texts of
common life."
Long before writing and books were common, proverbs were the main way to teach people. Today, we don’t rely on these old sayings as much for education, but we still see them frequently in newspapers and various literature, and they are rightly regarded as "The texts of common life."
The late Earl Russell very aptly described a proverb as "The wisdom of
many and the wit of one." We value proverbs chiefly as moral maxims
teaching some practical lesson set forth in concise, pithy sentences,
which are fixed in the memory without effort, and retained without being
burdensome. They have been found useful for guidance in almost every
condition of life; but, on the other hand, it is quite true that many
dangerous precepts have been propounded in proverbs, and some of the
older ones [vi]gave such questionable advice, or were couched in such
objectionable language, that they have been very properly omitted from
every collection intended, as this is, for general use. Other old
proverbs have become obsolete, and as their meaning is now obscure, they
have not been included in the Dictionary.
The late Earl Russell very insightfully described a proverb as "The wisdom of many and the wit of one." We appreciate proverbs mainly as moral lessons that convey practical advice in concise, impactful sentences that are easy to remember and not burdensome to retain. They have proven helpful for guidance in almost every situation in life; however, it's also true that many harmful teachings have been expressed through proverbs, and some of the older ones [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]offered questionable advice or were worded in a way that is now seen as objectionable, leading to their rightful exclusion from any collection intended for general use, like this one. Other older proverbs have become outdated, and since their meanings are now unclear, they have not been included in the Dictionary.
This series of "Handy Books" would hardly be complete without a
collection of English Proverbs. Many books on the subject have been
written, but it is hoped that this collection will, in some respects, be
found to be an improvement on all its predecessors. Like The Dictionary
of Daily Blunders, this Dictionary of English Proverbs has been
framed so as to enable the reader to find what he wants without
difficulty. The Dictionary itself is arranged according to the principal
words, and there is also a Copious Index of additional principal words.
This series of "Handy Books" wouldn’t be complete without a collection of English Proverbs. Many books on the topic have been written, but we hope this collection will, in some ways, be better than all the ones that came before it. Like The Dictionary of Daily Blunders, this Dictionary of English Proverbs is designed to help readers find what they’re looking for easily. The Dictionary itself is organized by key words, and there’s also a detailed Index of additional key words.
Other modern collections profess to give an "Alphabetical Index," but
such an index is of little use when we find that it is framed on the
rule that because a proverb begins with the article A, it should
therefore be indexed under that letter. As, "A bald head is soon
shaven." In another similar Index we find the proverb, "'Tis the second
blow makes the fray," inserted under the letter T. In one index of
this kind there are no less than twenty-two pages of A's [vii]and almost
as many of The's. Indeed the whole index is compiled without the
slightest regard to the subject of the proverbs. On this subject
Disraeli, in his essay on the "Philosophy of Proverbs," says "The
arrangement of proverbs has baffled the ingenuity of every one of their
collectors. Ray, after long premeditation, has chosen a system with the
appearance of an alphabetical order, but it turns out that his system is
no system, and his alphabet is no alphabet. After ten years' labour the
good man could only arrange his proverbs by commonplaces." In this
little Dictionary, as we have already stated, the proverbs are arranged
in alphabetical order, according to the leading words, and are
consecutively numbered. But, in order to avoid repetition (as most of
the proverbs contain, at least, two leading words), the subject words
are used for the Dictionary, and the other principal words will be found
in the Index, with a numerical reference to the proverb. The great
advantage of this arrangement is, that if only one important word of a
proverb be remembered, that word can be turned to in the Dictionary,
and, if not found there, will certainly be in the Index. Nearly two
thousand of the leading words are thus indexed—enough to make it almost
impossible to miss finding what is wanted. This plan has also the
effect [viii]of bringing together the proverbs on kindred subjects, which is
often a matter of importance to writers, and is, moreover, most amusing
to those who only read the book to while away a leisure hour. Ready
reference is further facilitated in the Index by the addition of
associated words. If one word only had been given, the reader might have
had to refer to eleven proverbs before he found the one he required; as,
for example, in the case of Dog.
Other modern collections claim to provide an "Alphabetical Index," but such an index is not very helpful when it's based on the idea that a proverb should be indexed under the letter that its first word starts with. For example, "A bald head is soon shaven." In another similar index, the proverb "'Tis the second blow makes the fray" is listed under the letter T. In one of these indexes, there are at least twenty-two pages of A's [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__] and almost as many of The's. In fact, the entire index is created without considering the actual subjects of the proverbs. Regarding this issue, Disraeli, in his essay on the "Philosophy of Proverbs," states, "The arrangement of proverbs has puzzled every collector. Ray, after much thought, picked a system that looks alphabetical, but it turns out his system is no true system, and his alphabet is not an actual alphabet. After ten years of effort, the poor man could only sort his proverbs by common phrases." In this little Dictionary, as we've already mentioned, the proverbs are organized in alphabetical order based on the main words and are consecutively numbered. To avoid repetition (since most proverbs have at least two main words), the subject words are used for the Dictionary, while the other key words can be found in the Index with a numerical reference to the proverb. The great advantage of this setup is that if only one important word of a proverb is remembered, it can be looked up in the Dictionary, and if it’s not there, it will definitely be in the Index. Nearly two thousand leading words are indexed this way—enough to make it nearly impossible to not find what you're looking for. This method also helps group together proverbs on related subjects, which is often important for writers and is also quite entertaining for those who read the book just to pass the time. Quick reference is further improved in the Index by adding related words. If only one word were provided, the reader might have had to check eleven proverbs before finding the one they needed; for example, with Dog.
It may be convenient to state that the Dictionary has been compiled
principally from Ray's collection, first published in 1670. The
remainder of the proverbs have been collected from ancient and modern
literature; but some few of them will not be found in any other
published collection.
It might be easier to say that the Dictionary has mainly been put together from Ray's collection, which was first published in 1670. The rest of the proverbs have been gathered from both old and new literature; however, a few of them won't be found in any other published collection.
It only remains to remind the reader that this is a collection of
English Proverbs only; and we may appropriately conclude our Preface
with a further extract from Disraeli's essay, wherein he very justly
remarks that "The experience of life will throw a perpetual freshness
over these short and simple texts; every day may furnish a new
commentary; and we may grow old and still find novelty in proverbs by
their perpetual application."
It’s important to remind you that this is just a collection of English Proverbs. We can appropriately end our Preface with another quote from Disraeli's essay, where he wisely states, "The experience of life brings a constant freshness to these short and simple texts; every day can provide a new commentary, and we can grow old while still discovering something new in proverbs through their ongoing relevance."
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
A Dictionary of English Proverbs.
A
1. Absence. Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones.
1. Missing. Being apart calms mild feelings and sparks intense ones.
2. Absent. The absent are always at fault.
2. Not here. Those who are absent are always to blame.
3. Absent. Long absent, soon forgotten.
3. Absent. Long gone, soon forgotten.
4. Aching teeth. Who hath aching teeth, hath ill tenants.
4. Toothache. If you have aching teeth, you have bad tenants.
5. Adversity. Adversity makes a man wise, not rich.
5. Challenges. Challenges make a person wise, not wealthy.
6. Adversity. Adversity tries friends.
Adversity tests friendships.
7. Adversity. Adversity flattereth no man.
7. Adversity flatters no one.
8. Advice. Give neither advice nor salt until you are asked for it.
8. Tips. Don't give advice or salt unless someone asks for it.
9. Advice. What every one asks, what every one gives, but what very few
take—advice.
9. Guidance. Everyone asks for it, everyone offers it, but very few actually take it—advice.
10. Advice. In vain he craves advice who will not follow it.
10. Tips. It's pointless to ask for advice if you're not going to take it.
11. Advice. Advice comes too late when a thing is done.
11.Tips. Advice is useless when it's too late to do anything about it.
[2]12. Afraid of wounds. He that's afraid of wounds must not come nigh a
battle.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]12. Fear of wounds. Anyone who is scared of getting hurt shouldn't go near a fight.
13. Afraid. More afraid than hurt.
13. Afraid. More scared than hurt.
14. Age. Age before honesty.
15. Age (old). Old age is honourable.
16. Agree. Two of a trade seldom agree.
16. Sure. It's rare for two people in the same trade to see eye to eye.
17. Agree. Agree, for law is costly.
Agree. It’s cheaper than a lawsuit.
A spring fever,
Is medicine for a king.
19. Agues. Agues come on horseback, but go away on foot.
19. Fever. Fevers arrive on horseback, but leave on foot.
20. Air. A man cannot live by the air.
20. Air. A man can't survive on air alone.
21. Alchemy. No alchemy like saving.
21. Alchemy. No magic like saving.
22. Ale. Good ale is meat, drink, and cloth.
22. Beer. Good ale is food, drink, and clothing.
Whoever buys land buys many stones,
Whoever buys meat also buys a lot of bones,
Whoever buys eggs buys a lot of shells,
Whoever buys ale buys nothing else.
24. Ale-house. Every one has a penny to spend at a new ale-house.
24. Bar. Everyone has a penny to spend at a new pub.
25. All's well. All's well that ends well.
25. All good. Everything's good when it ends well.
No living person
Everything is possible.
27. Almost. Almost was never hanged.
Almost. Almost was never caught.
28. Alms. Steal the goose, and give the giblets in alms.
28. Charity. Steal the goose, and give the leftovers as charity.
29. Anger. Anger is short-lived in a good man.
29. Anger. A good person’s anger doesn’t last long.
30. Anger. Keep from the anger of a great man.
30. Anger. Stay away from the anger of a powerful person.
[3]31. Angry men. Angry men seldom want woe.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]31. Angry guys. Angry men rarely seek trouble.
32. Angry. He that is angry without a cause must be pleased without
amends.
32. Mad. Someone who gets angry for no reason will easily be satisfied without any apologies.
33. Another's burden. None knows the weight of another's burden.
33. Someone else's burden. No one knows the weight of someone else's burden.
Apples, eggs, and nuts,
One can eat after sluts.
35. April. April and May are the keys of the year.
35. April. April and May are the highlights of the year.
When April calls,
It's great for both hay and corn.
37. April. April borrows three days of March, and they are ill.
37. April. April takes three days from March, and they aren't well.
March winds and April rain
Bring on May flowers.
39. Argus. Argus at home, but a mole abroad.
39. Argus. Argus is attentive at home, but sneaky outside.
40. Ashamed. Never be ashamed to eat your meat.
40. Embarrassed. Never be embarrassed to eat your meat.
41. Ashes. Every man must eat a peck of ashes before he dies.
41. Remains. Every person has to deal with their share of hardships before they pass away.
42. Ask. Ask but enough, and you may lower as you list.
42. Inquire. Ask but just enough, and you might lower your expectations as you go.
43. Ask. Ask thy purse what thou shouldst buy.
43. Inquire. Ask your wallet what you should buy.
44. Asking. Lose nothing for asking.
45. Ass. The ass that brays most, eats least.
45. Donkey. The donkey that makes the loudest noise eats the least.
46. Ass. Every ass thinks himself worthy to stand with the king's
horses.
46. Asst. Every donkey believes he deserves to stand with the king's horses.
August hot and dry,
Harvest does no harm.
If August twenty-fourth is nice and clear,
Then look forward to a successful autumn that year.
49. August. A wet August never brings dearth.
49. August. A rainy August never leads to scarcity.
50. Author. Like author, like book.
B
51. Bachelors. Bachelors grin, but married men laugh till their hearts
ache.
51. Bachelors' degrees. Bachelors smile, but married men laugh until their hearts hurt.
52. Bachelors' wives. Bachelors' wives and maids' children are always
well taught.
52. Bachelors' spouses. Bachelors' wives and maids' children are always well educated.
53. Bad. Where bad's the best, naught must be the choice.
53. Not good. When bad is the best option, nothing has to be the choice.
54. Bad company. Better be alone than in bad company.
54. Toxic people. It's better to be alone than to be with bad company.
55. Bad day. A bad day never hath a good night.
55. Rough day. A bad day never has a good night.
56. Bad market. He that cannot abide a bad market deserves not a good
one.
56. Poor market. Anyone who can't handle a bad market doesn't deserve a good one.
57. Bagpipe. Bring not a bagpipe to a man in trouble.
57. Bagpipes. Don't bring a bagpipe to someone who's in trouble.
58. Bags. He is most loved that hath most bags.
58. Bags. The person who has the most money is the one who is most loved.
59. Bail. Be bail and pay for it.
59. Release. Provide bail and cover the cost.
60. Balance. The balance distinguishes not between gold and lead.
60. Balance. Balance doesn’t differentiate between gold and lead.
61. Bald head. A bald head is soon shaven.
61. Bald head. A bald head gets shaved quickly.
62. Banquet. There's no great banquet but some fare ill.
62. Dinner party. There’s no grand feast, but some people are having a tough time.
63. Barber's chair. Like a barber's chair, fit for every buttock.
63. Barber chair. Just like a barber's chair, it's designed for everyone.
[5]64. Barber. One barber shaves not so close but another finds work.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]64. Hair stylist. One barber doesn’t shave as closely, but that gives another one business.
65. Barefooted. Barefooted men should not tread on thorns.
65. Barefoot. Men without shoes shouldn't step on thorns.
66. Bare foot. Better a bare foot than no foot at all.
66. Barefoot. Better to be barefoot than to have no foot at all.
67. Bargain. Make the best of a bad bargain.
67. Deal. Make the most of a bad deal.
68. Bargain. A bargain is a bargain.
69. Bargain. At a great bargain make a great pause.
69. Deal. When you find a great deal, take a moment to think it over.
70. Bark. What! keep a dog and bark myself?
70. Bark. What! Own a dog and bark myself?
71. Barkers. The greatest barkers are not always the sorest biters.
71. Promoters. The loudest barkers aren't always the ones that bite the hardest.
When the sloe tree is as white as a sheet,
Plant your barley, regardless of whether it's dry or wet.
73. Barleycorn. Sir John Barleycorn is the strongest knight.
73. Barleycorn. Sir John Barleycorn is the mightiest knight.
74. Barley straw. Barley straw's good fodder when the cow gives water.
74. Barley straw. Barley straw is good feed when the cow is milking.
75. Barrel. You cannot know wine by the barrel.
75. Barrel. You can't really understand wine just from the barrel.
76. Batchelor. Commend a wedded life, but keep thyself a batchelor.
76. Bachelor. Praise marriage, but remain a bachelor.
77. Bean. Every bean has its black.
78. Beans. Sow beans in the mud, they'll grow like wood.
78. Beans. Plant beans in the mud, they'll grow like crazy.
79. Beans. Beans should blow before May doth go.
79. Beans. Beans should be ready to harvest before May ends.
80. Bear. A man may bear till his back breaks.
80. Bear. A man can endure until his back gives out.
81. Bear. Bear and forbear.
81. Bear. Endure and be patient.
82. Bear. Bear with evil and expect good.
82. Bear. Endure the bad and look forward to the good.
83. Beat. 'Tis easy to find a staff to beat a dog.
83. Beat. It's easy to find a stick to hit a dog.
[6]84. Beaten. Better to be beaten than be in bad company.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]84. Defeated. It's better to be defeated than to be around the wrong people.
A spaniel, a woman, and a walnut tree,
The more they are challenged, the better they become.
86. Beauty. Beauty buys no beef.
87. Beauty. Beauty is no inheritance.
88. Beauty. Beauty is but skin deep.
Beauty is only skin deep.
89. Bed. As you make your bed so you must lie on it.
89. Bed. You have to deal with the consequences of your actions.
90. Bed. He who lies long in bed his estate feels it.
90. Bed. If you spend too much time in bed, it will affect your situation.
A swarm of bees in May is worth a lot of hay,
But a swarm of bees in July isn't worth anything.
92. Bees. Where bees are there is honey.
92. Bees. Wherever there are bees, there's honey.
93. Before. He that hires the horse must ride before.
93. Before. Whoever hires the horse must ride in front.
94. Beggar. Better be a beggar than a fool.
94. Homeless person. It's better to be a beggar than an idiot.
95. Beggar. A beggar can never be bankrupt.
95. Homeless person. A beggar can never run out of money.
96. Beggar. The beggar is never out of his way.
96. Homeless person. The beggar is never in a hurry.
97. Beggars. Beggars must not be choosers.
Beggars can't be choosers.
98. Beggars. Beggars on horseback will ride to the devil.
98. Homeless people. Beggars on horseback will go to hell.
99. Beggary. Trash and trumpery is the highway to beggary.
99. Panhandling. Junk and nonsense lead straight to begging.
100. Begging. Begging is an ill trade on a fast-day.
100. Panhandling. Begging is a bad practice on a fasting day.
101. Beginning. A good beginning makes a good ending.
101. Beginning. A strong start leads to a successful finish.
102. Beginning. Such a beginning, such an end.
102. Beginning. What a start, what a finish.
103. Begin well. Good to begin well; better to end well.
103. Start off on the right foot. It's good to start right; even better to finish strong.
[7]104. Begun. Well begun is half done.
104. Well begun is half done.
105. Behind. When two ride together one must ride behind.
105. In the back. When two people ride together, one has to ride behind.
106. Believe. You would make me believe the moon is made of green
cheese.
106. Believe. You could convince me that the moon is made of green cheese.
107. Believe. Believe well and have well.
107. Believe. Believe positively and be well.
108. Bell. Fear not the loss of the bell more than the loss of the
steeple.
108. Notification. Don't worry about losing the bell any more than you would about losing the steeple.
109. Bend. Bend the twig while it is young.
109. Bend. Bend the branch while it's still young.
110. Bent. As the twig is bent the tree's inclined.
110. Bent. As the twig bends, so the tree inclines.
111. Best. The best is cheapest.
Best. The best is the cheapest.
112. Best. The best lie is the worst.
112. Best. The best lie is the worst.
113. Best. Make the best of a bad bargain.
113. Best. Make the most of a poor deal.
114. Best dog. Let the best dog leap the stile first.
114. Best dog ever. Let the best dog jump over the gate first.
115. Bet. Any fool can bet.
Bet. Anyone can place a bet.
116. Better. The better the day, the better the deed.
116. Improved. The nicer the day, the nicer the action.
117. Beware. Beware of "Had I wist."
117. Beware. Watch out for "Had I known."
118. Bidden. Do as you are bidden and you'll never be to blame.
118. Summoned. Follow the instructions given to you, and you'll never be at fault.
119. Birchen Twigs. Birchen twigs break no ribs.
119. Birch Twigs. Birchen twigs won’t cause any harm.
120. Bird. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
120. Bird. A bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.
121. Bird. Every bird must hatch her own egg.
121. Bird. Every bird has to hatch its own egg.
122. Bird. One beats the bush and another catcheth the bird.
122. Bird. One person stirs things up while another catches the bird.
123. Birds. Birds of a feather flock together.
123. Birds. Birds with similar interests stick together.
124. Bird. The bird that can sing and will not sing, must be made to
sing.
124. Bird. The bird that can sing but refuses to sing must be forced to sing.
[8]125. Birds (small). Even small birds must have meat.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]125. Little Birds. Even tiny birds need meat.
126. Bite. If you cannot bite, never show your teeth.
126. Bite it. If you can't bite, never show your teeth.
127. Bites. He that bites on every weed must needs light on poison.
127. Bites. If you take a bite out of every weed, you're bound to come across some poison.
128. Bit. A bit in the morning is better than nothing all day.
128. Bit. A little in the morning is better than nothing all day.
129. Bitter bird. Thou art a bitter bird, said the raven to the
starling.
129. Angry bird. You are a bitter bird, said the raven to the starling.
130. Black plum. A black plum is as sweet as a white.
130. Black cherry. A black plum is just as sweet as a white one.
The louder the blast,
It will last shorter.
132. Blind. As blind as a bat.
133. Blind. Who so blind as he that will not see?
133. Visually impaired. Who is more blind than someone who refuses to see?
134. Blind man. A blind man would be glad to see it.
134. Visually impaired man. A blind man would be happy to see it.
135. Blind man. Like a treatise on light and colours by a blind man.
135. Blind person. Like an essay on light and colors written by a blind person.
136. Blood. You cannot get blood out of a stone.
136. Blood. You can’t squeeze blood from a stone.
137. Blot. 'Tis a blot on his escutcheon.
137. Spot. It's a stain on his reputation.
138. Blushing. Blushing is virtue's colour.
Blushing is the color of virtue.
139. Blusters. He who blusters without reason has most reason to
bluster.
139. Talks tough. The person who boasts without justification has the most to prove.
140. Boast. Great boast, small roast.
Boast. Big talk, small reward.
141. Boil Snow. Whether you boil snow or pound it, you will have but
water from it.
141. Boil snow. No matter if you boil snow or crush it, you'll just end up with water.
142. Bone. Give a dog a bone in his mouth, and you may kick him and he
can't bite.
142. Bone. Give a dog a bone to hold in his mouth, and you can kick him, and he can't bite back.
[9]143. Bone. I have a bone in my arm.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]143. Bone. I have a bone in my arm.
144. Bone. The nearer the bone the sweeter the meat.
144. Bone. The closer the bone, the sweeter the meat.
145. Born. He that is born to be hanged shall never be drowned.
145. Born. Someone who is destined to be hanged will never drown.
146. Borrowed garments. Borrowed garments never fit well.
146. Loaned clothes. Borrowed clothes never fit properly.
147. Bought wit. Bought wit is best.
147. Purchased wisdom. Purchased wisdom is best.
148. Bought wit. Bought wit makes folk wise.
148. Purchased knowledge. Bought wisdom makes people wise.
149. Bound. They that are bound must obey.
149. Bound. Those who are bound must obey.
150. Bow. A bow long bent at last waxeth weak.
150. Bow. A bow that's been bent for too long finally weakens.
151. Bowl. It is easy to bowl down hill.
Bowl. It's easy to bowl downhill.
152. Boys. Boys will be boys.
153. Brag. Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast is a better.
153. Show off. Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is better.
154. Brag. Brag's a good dog, but that he hath lost his tail.
154. Show off. Brag's a good dog, but he has lost his tail.
155. Brag. Brag's a good dog if he be well set on; but he dare not bite.
155. Show off. Brag is a good dog if he's well trained, but he shouldn't bite.
156. Braggers. Great braggers, little doers.
Great braggers, few doers.
157. Brain. The brain that sows not corn, plants thistles.
157. Brain. A brain that doesn't plant seeds grows weeds.
158. Bran. Much bran, little meal.
Those who have no other food,
Bread and butter are happy to be eaten.
160. Breakfast. He who would have a hare for breakfast must hunt over
night.
160. Breakfast. Anyone who wants to have rabbit for breakfast needs to hunt for it the night before.
161. Breaking. The best horse needs breaking, and the best child needs
teaching.
161. Breaking news. The finest horse needs to be trained, and the best child needs guidance.
[10]162. Bred. That which is bred in the bone will never be out of the
flesh.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]162. Raised. What is ingrained in you will always be a part of you.
163. Brevity. Brevity is the soul of wit.
163. Conciseness. Being concise is the essence of intelligence.
164. Brew. As you brew, so shall you bake.
164. Brew coffee. The way you brew is how you bake.
165. Bribe. A bribe will enter without knocking.
Bribes appear without invitation.
166. Brimmer. There is no deceit in a brimmer.
166. Brimmer. A brimmer is honest.
167. Broken leg. A broken leg is not healed by a silk stocking.
167. Fractured leg. You can't heal a broken leg with a silk stocking.
168. Burden. A burden which one chooses is not felt.
168. Load. A burden that you choose doesn't feel heavy.
169. Burden. The back is made for the burden.
169. Load. The back is built to handle the load.
170. Burden. No one knows the weight of another's burden.
170. Load. No one knows the weight of someone else's burden.
171. Burdens. The greatest burdens are not the gainfullest.
171. Struggles. The heaviest burdens often don't bring the greatest rewards.
172. Burnt child. A burnt child dreads the fire.
172. Burnt kid. A child who has been burned fears the fire.
173. Business. Business is the salt of life.
173. Business. Business is the essence of life.
174. Business. Every man as his business lies.
174. Biz. Everyone has their own business to attend to.
175. Bush. A bad bush is better than the open field.
175. Shrub. A bad bush is better than being out in the open.
176. Busy. Who more busy than they that have least to do.
176. Swamped. Who is busier than those who have the least to do?
177. Butcher. Better pay the butcher than the doctor.
177. Meat shop. It's better to pay the butcher than the doctor.
178. Butter. Butter is gold in the morning, silver at noon, lead at
night.
178. Butter. Butter is like gold in the morning, silver at noon, and lead at night.
179. Butter. Why, butter would not melt in his mouth!
179. Butter. It's as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth!
180. Butter. What is a pound of butter amongst a kennel of hounds?
180. Butter. What does a pound of butter mean in a group of dogs?
[11]181. Butter. Once a year butter is in the cow's horn.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]181. Butter. Once a year, butter is in the cow's horn.
182. Buttered. He knows on which side his bread is buttered.
182. Buttered up. He knows where his advantages lie.
183. Buy. Do not buy a pig in a poke.
183. Purchase. Don’t buy something you haven’t seen or checked out.
184. Buyer. Let the buyer look out for himself.
184. Customer. The buyer needs to take care of himself.
Those who buy need a hundred eyes.
Whoever sells needs one.
C
186. Cake. You cannot eat your cake and have it.
186. Cake. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
187. Calm sea. In a calm sea every man is a pilot.
187. Tranquil ocean. In a calm sea, everyone thinks they can navigate.
188. Calm weather. Calm weather in June sets corn in tune.
188. Clear skies. Calm weather in June helps corn grow well.
189. Can. A man can do more than he can.
189. Can. A man can do more than he thinks he can.
190. Candle. Burn not your candle at both ends at once.
190. Candle. Don't burn the candle at both ends at the same time.
191. Candlemas. On Candlemas day you must have half your straw and half
your hay.
191. Candlemas. On Candlemas day, you need to keep half your straw and half your hay.
If Candlemas Day is clear and bright,
Winter will have another trip;
If it rains on Candlemas day,
Winter is over and won't return.
When Candlemas day has arrived and passed,
The snow rests on a hot stone.
The deer would rather see his wife in a coffin,
Candlemas day is expected to be nice and clear.
[12]195. Candlemas day. On Candlemas day throw candle and candle-stick away.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]195. Candlemas. On Candlemas day, get rid of the candle and candle holder.
196. Cap. If the cap fit, wear it.
196. Cap. If the cap fits, wear it.
197. Captain. Be captain of your own ship.
197. Captain. Be the captain of your own ship.
198. Carcase. Where the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered
together.
198. Carcass. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will gather.
199. Cards. Many can pack the cards that cannot play.
199. Playing cards. Many can carry the cards that aren't playable.
200. Care. Care's no cure.
Care doesn't solve everything.
201. Care. Care will kill a cat.
202. Care. Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of
themselves.
202. Care. Take care of the small amounts of money, and the larger sums will take care of themselves.
203. Care not. "Care not," would have.
203. Don't worry. "Don't worry," would have.
204. Carry. Don't run away with more than you can carry.
204. Carry. Don't take on more than you can handle.
205. Carrying coals. Like carrying coals to Newcastle.
205. Carrying coal. Like bringing coals to Newcastle.
206. Castles. Tis easy to build castles in the air.
206. Castles. It's easy to build castles in the air.
207. Cash. Rolling in cash he can't use, like a cat in a corn-bin.
207. Cash. Loaded with cash he can't spend, like a cat in a grain bin.
208. Castle. An Englishman's house is his castle.
208. Castle. An Englishman's home is his castle.
When the cat's gone,
The mice will have fun.
210. Cat. A cat may look at a king.
210. Cat. A cat can look at a king.
211. Cat. The cat is hungry when a crust contents her.
211. Cat. The cat gets hungry when there's only a crust left for her.
212. Cat. The cat sees not the mouse ever.
212. Cat. The cat never sees the mouse.
213. Cats. I'll keep no more cats than will catch mice.
213. Cats. I won’t keep any more cats than needed to catch mice.
[13]214. Cat. A cat has nine lives, yet care will kill a cat.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]214. Cat. A cat has nine lives, but stress can take its toll on a cat.
215. Cat. When the cat winketh, little wots the mouse what the cat
thinketh.
215. Cat. When the cat winks, the mouse has no idea what the cat is thinking.
216. Cat. Though the cat winks awhile, yet sure she is not blind.
216. Cat. Although the cat seems to wink for a bit, she’s definitely not blind.
217. Cat. A cat loves fish, but she's loth to wet her feet.
217. Cat. A cat loves fish, but she's reluctant to get her feet wet.
218. Catch. Catch that catch may.
Catch that catch if you can.
219. Cause. It's a bad cause that none dare speak in.
219. Reason. It's a terrible cause that no one dares to talk about.
220. Caution. Those are wise who learn caution from their own
experience; but those are wiser who learn it from the experience of
others.
220. Warning. It's smart to learn caution from your own experiences, but it's even smarter to learn it from the experiences of others.
221. Certain. There is nothing certain in this life but death and taxes!
221. Sure. The only things we can be sure of in this life are death and taxes!
222. Certainty. Never quit certainty for hope.
Certainty. Never trade certainty for hope.
223. Chaff. I'm too old a bird to be caught by chaff.
223. Chaff. I'm too old to be fooled by nonsense.
224. Chalk. As like as chalk and cheese.
224. Chalkboard. As different as night and day.
225. Chamber. The chamber of sickness is the chapel of devotion.
225. Room. The room of illness is the place of prayer.
226. Chance. Look to the main chance.
226. Chance. Focus on the big opportunity.
Whoever abandons certainty and clings to chance,
When fools play music, he might dance.
228. Chanceth. It chanceth in an hour that comes not in seven years.
228. Chance. It happens in an hour that won't come in seven years.
229. Change. Change of pasture makes fat calves.
Changing fields produces healthy calves.
230. Charitable. The charitable give out at the door, and God puts in at
the window.
230. Charitable. The generous share their wealth openly, and God rewards them in unexpected ways.
[14]231. Charity. Charity begins at home.
232. Chastiseth. He that chastiseth one, amendeth many.
232. Fields of study. The person who disciplines one corrects many.
"Cheese is a grumpy elf,"
It digests everything except itself.
234. Cheese. After cheese comes nothing.
Cheese. After cheese comes nothing.
If you want good cheese and not old,
You have to think carefully before you act.
236. Cherry. A cherry year, a merry year.
236. Cherry. A year of cherries, a year of joy.
237. Chickens. Count not your chickens before they are hatched.
237. Chickens. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
238. Chiding. Woe to the house where there is no chiding.
238. Criticizing. Unfortunately, in a home where there is no criticism, it is a sad situation.
239. Child. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old
he will not depart from it.
239. Kid. Teach a child the right path to follow, and when they grow up, they won't stray from it.
240. Child. A child may have too much of his mother's blessing.
240. Kid. A child might receive an excess of their mother's blessing.
241. Child's pig. Child's pig, but father's bacon.
241. Kid's pig. Child's pig, but father's bacon.
242. Children. Children and fools speak the truth.
242. Kids. Kids and fools tell the truth.
243. Children. Children and fools have merry lives.
243. Kids. Kids and fools have joyful lives.
244. Children. Children and chickens must be always picking.
244. Children. Kids and chickens are always pecking around.
245. Children. Children are poor men's riches.
Children are the rich man's wealth.
246. Children. Children should hear, see, and say nothing.
246. Kids. Kids should not hear, see, or say anything.
247. Children. When children stand quiet they have done some harm.
247. Kids. When children are quiet, they’ve usually done something wrong.
[15]248. Children. Children are certain cares, but very uncertain comforts.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]248. Kids. Kids can bring definite worries, but they are not always reliable sources of comfort.
249. Children. Children suck the mother when they are young, and the
father when they are old.
249. Kids. Kids rely on their moms when they're little and on their dads as they grow older.
250. Chink. So we have the chink, we'll bear the stink.
250. Chink. So we have the chink, we'll deal with the stink.
251. Chip. A chip of the old block.
251. Chip. A chip off the old block.
252. Christmas. Christmas comes but once a year.
252. Christmas. Christmas comes only once a year.
253. Christmas. Green Christmas, white Easter.
Christmas. Green Christmas, white Easter.
254. Christmas. They talk of Christmas so long that it comes.
254. Christmas. They talk about Christmas for so long that it finally arrives.
If Christmas Day falls on a Monday,
You'll see a wonderful winter that year.
256. Church. Where God hath His church the devil will have his chapel.
256. Church. Where God has His church, the devil will have his chapel.
257. Church. The nearer the church the farther from God.
257. Place of worship. The closer you are to the church, the farther away you are from God.
258. Churches. Pater-noster built churches, and Our Father pulls them
down.
258. Places of worship. Pater-noster built churches, and Our Father tears them down.
259. Civil words. Civil words cost nothing, and go a long way.
259. Polite words. Polite words don't cost anything and make a big difference.
260. Claw. Claw me, and I will claw you.
260. Claw. If you claw me, I'll claw you back.
261. Clear. As clear as mud.
262. Clerk. 'Tis the clerk makes the justice.
262. Office worker. It's the clerk who creates the justice.
263. Climb. Climb not too high, lest the fall be the greater.
263. Climb up. Don't climb too high, or the fall will be much worse.
264. Climbed. Who never climbed, never fell.
Climbed. Those who never try, never fail.
[16]265. Climbers. Hasty climbers have sudden falls.
Climbers. Hasty climbers face sudden falls.
266. Cloak. Have not the cloak to make when it begins to rain.
266. Coat. Don't wait to make the cloak until it starts to rain.
267. Cloak. Though the sun shines, leave not your cloak at home.
267. Coat. Even when the sun is shining, don’t forget to take your cloak with you.
268. Clock. The clock goes as it pleases the clerk.
268. Watch. The clock moves at the will of the clerk.
269. Close mouth. A close mouth catcheth no flies.
269. Stay quiet. A shut mouth catches no flies.
270. Clothes. It is good keeping his clothes who is going to swim.
270. Clothing. It's wise to keep the clothes of someone who is about to swim.
271. Cloud. Every cloud hath a silver lining.
271. Cloud computing. Every cloud has a silver lining.
272. Clouds. Clouds that the sun builds up darken him.
272. Clouds. Clouds that the sun creates cast a shadow over him.
When the clouds are over the hills,
They'll come down by the mills.
274. Clouds. After clouds comes clear weather.
Clouds. After clouds, clear skies.
275. Cloudy. Cloudy mornings turn to clear evenings.
275. Overcast. Cloudy mornings change into clear evenings.
276. Clover. He is in clover.
277. Clown. Even a clown clings to his cloak when it rains.
277. Jester. Even a clown holds onto his cloak when it rains.
278. Coat. Cut your coat according to your cloth.
278. Jacket. Make sure to tailor your expenses to your budget.
279. Coat. It's not the gay coat that makes the gentleman.
279. Jacket. It's not the fancy coat that makes the gentleman.
Those who can repair and patch,
Will have work when others don't.
281. Cobbler. Let not the cobbler go beyond his last.
281. Shoe repair person. A cobbler shouldn't overreach beyond their skills.
282. Cobbler's wife. Who goes worse shod than the cobbler's wife?
282. Cobbler's spouse. Who is worse shod than the cobbler's wife?
If the rooster sheds its feathers before the hen,
We'll have good weather and bad;
But if the hen molts before the rooster,
The weather will be as tough as a rock.
284. Cock. The cock crows and the hen goes.
284. Rooster. The rooster crows and the hen moves on.
285. Cock. Every cock is proud on his own dunghill.
285. Rooster. Every rooster feels proud on its own territory.
286. Coin. Where coin's not common, commons must be scant.
286. Coin. Where money isn't common, resources must be limited.
287. Coin. Much coin much care.
287. Money. More money, more trouble.
288. Cold April. A cold April a barn will fill.
288. Chilly April. A chilly April will fill a barn.
A chilly May with strong winds.
Fills up a barn and makes a discovery.
290. Coldest flint. In the coldest flint there is hot fire.
290. Chilled flint. In the coldest flint, there is hot fire.
291. Colours. It's an ill battle where the devil carries the colours.
291. Colors. It's a bad fight when the devil is carrying the colors.
292. Colt. When you ride a young colt see your saddle be well girt.
292. Pistol. When you ride a young colt, make sure your saddle is properly secured.
293. Company. Two's company and three's none.
293. Company. Two's a company, three's a crowd.
294. Company. Tell me what company you keep, and I will tell you who you
are.
294. Business. Show me the people you hang out with, and I'll tell you who you are.
295. Company. It's good to have company in trouble.
295. Business. It's nice to have someone by your side when things get tough.
Company in trouble,
Reduces hassle.
297. Companion. A merry companion on the road is as good as a nag.
297. Friend. A cheerful friend on the journey is just as valuable as a trusty horse.
298. Companion. There's no companion like a penny.
298. Friend. There's no companion quite like a penny.
299. Comparisons. Comparisons are odious.
Comparisons are terrible.
300. Complain. They complain wrongfully of the sea, who twice suffer
shipwreck.
300. File a complaint. They wrongfully complain about the sea, which causes them to suffer shipwreck twice.
[18]301. Complexion. Cold of complexion, good of condition.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]301. Skin tone. Cool in demeanor, healthy in condition.
302. Conceals. A woman conceals what she knows not.
302. Hides. A woman hides what she doesn't know.
303. Confession. A generous confession disarms slander.
Confession. A sincere confession disarms slander.
304. Confession. Confession of a fault makes half amends for it.
304. Confession. Admitting a mistake goes a long way in making up for it.
305. Confession. Open confession is good for the soul.
305. Confession. Being open about your mistakes is good for the soul.
306. Conquest. It is no small conquest to overcome yourself.
306. Conquest. It's not a small victory to conquer yourself.
307. Conscience. A clear conscience is a sure card.
307. Consciousness. A clear conscience is a guaranteed win.
308. Constant dropping. Constant dropping wears the stone.
308. Constant dripping. Consistent dripping wears down the stone.
309. Consumed. When all is consumed repentance comes too late.
309. Eaten. When everything is used up, it’s too late to repent.
310. Content. Content is the true philosopher's stone.
310. Content. Content is the real philosopher's stone.
311. Contented. A contented mind is a continual feast.
311. Content. A satisfied mind is a constant source of happiness.
312. Contented. He that hath nothing is not contented.
312. Satisfied. Whoever has nothing is not content.
313. Contented. He may well be contented who needs neither borrow nor
flatter.
313. Satisfied. He can truly be content who neither needs to borrow nor flatter.
314. Contented. People are sometimes better contented full than fasting.
314. Satisfied. Sometimes, people prefer being satisfied and full over going hungry.
315. Contentment. The greatest wealth is contentment with a little.
315. Satisfaction. The greatest wealth is being happy with a little.
Check on your corn in May,
You'll leave in tears;
Check it out in June.
You'll come home feeling different.
317. Corn. Corn is cleansed with the wind, and the soul with chastening.
317. Corn. Corn is purified by the wind, and the soul is purified through discipline.
318. Cottage. I'll not change a cottage in possession for a kingdom in
reversion.
318. House. I wouldn't trade a cottage I own for a kingdom I might inherit.
319. Counsel. Counsel is never out of date.
320. Counsels. Counsels in wine seldom prosper.
Counsels in wine rarely succeed.
321. Counsel. In wiving and thriving men should take counsel of all the
world.
321. Advice. In marrying and succeeding, men should seek advice from everyone around them.
322. Counsel. Three may keep counsel, if two be away.
322. Advice. Three can share secrets as long as two are absent.
323. Counselled. He that will not be counselled cannot be helped.
323. Counseled. A person who refuses to listen to advice cannot be helped.
324. Count. Count not your chickens before they be hatched.
324. Count. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
325. Country. In every country the sun riseth in the morning.
325. Nation. In every country, the sun rises in the morning.
326. Country. You must go into the country to hear what news at London.
326. Country. You need to head out to the countryside to find out the latest news from London.
327. Couple. Every couple is not a pair.
327. Couple. Not every couple is just a pair.
328. Court. A friend at court is better than a penny in the purse.
328. Courtroom. Having a friend in court is worth more than having a penny in your pocket.
329. Court. Far from court, far from care.
329. Courtroom. Away from the court, away from worries.
330. Courts. Courts have no almanacks.
Courts don't have calendars.
331. Courtesy. Less of your courtesy, and more of your purse.
331. Politeness. Less of your politeness, and more of your wallet.
[20]332. Courtesy. Courtesy on one side never lasts long.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]332. Kindness. Courtesy from one person alone doesn't last very long.
333. Courtship. Men dream in courtship but in wedlock wake.
333. Dating. Men fantasize during courtship but realize reality in marriage.
334. Cousin. Call me cousin; but cozen me not.
334. Cousin. Call me cousin, but don’t deceive me.
335. Coverlet. Stretch your legs according to your coverlet.
335. Throw blanket. Stretch your legs based on your blanket.
336. Covers. He covers me with his wings, and bites me with his bill.
336. Covers. He shields me with his wings and pecks me with his beak.
337. Covet. Covet nothing over much.
337. Covet nothing too much.
338. Covetousness. Covetousness brings nothing home.
338. Greed. Greed brings nothing home.
339. Cow. Many a good cow hath had a bad calf.
339. Cow. Many good cows have had bad calves.
340. Cow. Look to the cow, and the sow, and the wheat mow, and all will
be well enow.
340. Cow. Pay attention to the cow, and the pig, and the wheat harvest, and everything will be just fine.
341. Cowards. Cowards are always cruel.
341. Cowards. Cowards are always ruthless.
342. Cowardice. Cowardice is afraid to be known or seen.
342. Fearfulness. Cowardice is the fear of being acknowledged or observed.
343. Crabs. The greatest crabs are not always the best meat.
343. Crabs. The biggest crabs aren't always the tastiest.
344. Crack. He must crack the nut that would eat the kernel.
344. Cracked. He must break the nut to get to the seed inside.
345. Craft. Craft bringeth nothing home.
345. Craft. Craft brings nothing home.
346. Crafts. Of all crafts, to be an honest man is the master-craft.
346. Artisanal work. Out of all the crafts, being an honest person is the most important one.
347. Crafty. Crafty evasions save not the truth.
347. Clever. Clever tricks can’t hide the truth.
348. Crazy ship. To a crazy ship all winds are contrary.
348. Wild ship. To a crazy ship, every wind is against it.
349. Creaking gate. A creaking gate hangs longest on its hinges.
349. Squeaky gate. A creaking gate stays on its hinges the longest.
[21]350. Creaks. The worst wheel of a cart creaks most.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]350. Creaking sounds. The loudest wheel on a cart makes the most noise.
351. Credit. Credit lost is a Venice glass broken.
351. Credit. Lost credit is like a broken piece of Venetian glass.
352. Creditors. Creditors have better memories than debtors.
Creditors remember more than debtors.
353. Creep. First creep and then go.
354. Critics. Critics are like brushers of other men's clothes.
354. Critics. Critics are like people who fluff up someone else's outfit.
355. Crooked. A crooked tree will have a crooked shadow.
355. Bent. A crooked tree will cast a crooked shadow.
356. Crooked. Crooked logs make straight fires.
Crooked logs make straight fires.
357. Cross. No cross, no crown.
358. Cross. Every cross has its inscription.
358. Cross. Every cross has its message.
359. Crosses. Crosses are ladders for getting to heaven.
359. Crosses. Crosses are like ladders leading to heaven.
360. Crosses. Crosses are ladders that lead to heaven.
360. Crosses. Crosses are like ladders that take you to heaven.
361. Crow. The crow thinks her own bird fairest.
361. Crow. The crow believes her own bird is the prettiest.
362. Crow. A crow is never the whiter for washing herself often.
362. Crow. A crow doesn't become any whiter just by washing itself frequently.
363. Crows. It never goes well when the hen crows.
363. Crows. Things never turn out right when the hen crows.
364. Cruelty. Cruelty is a tyrant always attended by fear.
364. Cruelty. Cruelty is a ruler always accompanied by fear.
365. Cruelty. Cruelty is a devil's delight.
Cruelty is the devil's joy.
366. Crumbs. Where are the crumbs there are the chickens.
366. Bits. Where there are crumbs, there are chickens.
367. Cry. Don't cry out before you're hurt.
367. Scream. Don't cry out until you're actually hurt.
368. Cry. Great cry and little wool.
Cry. Big fuss, little result.
When the cuckoo arrives at the bare thorn,
Sell your cow and buy your corn,
But when she truly engages,
Sell your corn and buy your sheep.
370. Cured. What cannot be cured must be endured.
370. Healed. What can't be fixed must be dealt with.
371. Curses. Curses are like chickens, they come home to roost.
371. Curses. Curses are like chickens; they eventually come back to you.
372. Custom. Custom is second nature.
373. Custom. Once a use and ever a custom.
373. Personalized. Once something is used, it becomes a tradition.
374. Custom. Custom makes anything easy.
Custom makes everything easy.
375. Custom (bad). A bad custom is like a good cake, better broken than
kept.
375. Custom (not great). A bad habit is like a good cake; it's better to break it than to hold onto it.
376. Cut. Cut and come again.
377. Cut. No cut like unkindness.
Cut. No cut like cruelty.
378. Cut. I had not cut my wise teeth.
378. Cut. I hadn’t reached the point of gaining wisdom.
379. Cuts. Desperate cuts must have desperate cures.
Cuts. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
D
380. Dance. No longer pipe, no longer dance.
380. Dance. No more pipe, no more dance.
381. Dances. He dances well to whom fortune pipes.
381. Dance styles. He dances well to whoever fortune plays for.
382. Dancing. They love dancing well that dance among thorns.
382. Dancing. They really enjoy dancing, even when it’s among thorns.
383. Danger. The danger's past, and God's forgotten.
383. Danger. The danger is over, and God has been forgotten.
384. Dainty Dogs. Dainty dogs may have to eat dirty puddings.
384. Cute Dogs. Dainty dogs might have to eat messy treats.
385. Dark. It is as good to be in the dark as without light.
385. Dark. Being in the dark is just as good as being without light.
[23]386. Dark man. A dark man's a jewel in a fair woman's eye.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]386. Dark guy. A dark man is a treasure in the eyes of a beautiful woman.
387. Dark. He that gropes in the dark finds that he would not.
387. Dark. Those who search in the dark discover that they would rather not.
My son is my son until he gets married.
But my daughter is my daughter every day of her life.
Whoever wants to win the daughter,
You must start with the mother first.
390. Daylight. Daylight will peep through a small hole.
390. Daylight. Light will shine through a small hole.
391. Dead. As dead as a door-nail.
Dead. As dead as a doornail.
392. Dead man's shoes. He that waits for a dead man's shoes may go long
enough barefoot.
392. Last will and testament. Those who wait for someone to die before they get what they want might end up waiting a long time without any shoes.
393. Deaf. There are none so deaf as those who will not hear.
393. Hard of hearing. There are none so deaf as those who refuse to listen.
394. Deaf man. Tell that tale to a deaf man.
394. Deaf individual. Share that story with a deaf guy.
395. Dearth. It's a wicked thing to make a dearth one's garner.
395. Scarcity. It's a terrible thing to make a scarcity your harvest.
396. Death. Death keeps no calendar.
397. Death. Death is deaf and hears no denial.
397. Death. Death is deaf and doesn’t listen to any denial.
398. Death. Nothing is surer than death.
Death. Nothing is certain but death.
399. Death. After death the doctor.
399. Death. After death, the doctor.
400. Debt. Debt is the worst kind of poverty.
400. Debt. Debt is the worst form of poverty.
401. Debt. Out of debt, out of danger.
402. Deepest water. In the deepest water is the best fishing.
402. Deepest waters. The best fishing happens in the deepest water.
[24]403. Deeds. Deeds are fruits, words are but leaves.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]403. Activities. Actions are the results, words are just empty talk.
404. Deeds. A life spent worthily should be measured by deeds—not
years.
404. Actions. A life lived well should be judged by actions—not by the number of years.
405. Delays. Delays are dangerous.
406. Depth. Never venture out of your depth until you can swim.
406. Depth. Don't go beyond your abilities until you know how to swim.
407. Desert. Desert and reward seldom keep company.
407. Desert. Desert and reward rarely go hand in hand.
408. Deserve. First deserve and then desire.
Deserve first, then desire.
409. Desires. Desires are nourished by delays.
Desires grow with delays.
410. Despises. What one man despises, another craves.
410. Hates. What one person hates, another wants.
411. Destiny. Hanging and wiving go by destiny.
411. Fate. Marriage and relationships are determined by fate.
412. Devil. Talk of the devil and he'll be sure to appear.
412. Satan. Mention the devil, and he’ll definitely show up.
413. Devil. He that hath shipped the devil must make the best of him.
413. Devil. If you've dealt with the devil, you have to make the best of it.
414. Devil. Give the devil his due.
415. Devil. Make not the devil blacker than he is.
415. Demon. Don't make the devil worse than he is.
416. Devil. He needs must go that the devil drives.
416. Devil. He has to do what the devil pushes him to do.
417. Devil. One must sometimes hold a candle to the devil.
417. Demon. Sometimes, you have to shine a light on the devil.
418. Devil. The devil is not always at one door.
418. Devil. The devil isn’t always at just one door.
The Devil was sick; he wanted to be a monk;
The Devil Grew Well, the Devil Was a Monk.
420. Dew. St. Bartholomew brings the cold dew.
420. Dew. St. Bartholomew brings the chilly dew.
[25]422. Die. Young men may die, old men must.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]422. Pass away. Young men can die, but old men have to.
423. Diligence. Diligence is a good patrimony.
Diligence is a valuable asset.
424. Diligence. Diligence is the mother of good fortune.
424. Hard work. Hard work is the key to good luck.
425. Dinner. After dinner sit awhile, after supper walk a mile.
425. Dinner. After dinner, relax for a bit; after supper, take a walk for a mile.
426. Dinner. He who would enjoy his friend's dinner should not look into
the kitchen.
426. Dinner. If you want to enjoy your friend's dinner, you shouldn't peek into the kitchen.
427. Distress. Two in distress make sorrows less.
427. Stress. When two people are in distress, their sorrows feel lighter.
428. Discourse. Sweet discourse makes short days and nights.
428. Discussion. Engaging conversations make days and nights feel shorter.
429. Discreet. Discreet women have neither eyes nor ears.
429. Subtle. Discreet women are oblivious to what goes on around them.
430. Discretion. An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit.
430. Discretion. A little bit of discretion is more valuable than a lot of cleverness.
431. Disease. Disease is oft the tax of pleasure.
431. Illness. Illness is often the price you pay for enjoyment.
432. Disease. To know the disease is half the cure.
432. Illness. Understanding the disease is part of the solution.
433. Dish. The first dish pleaseth all.
The first dish pleases everyone.
434. Do. Do as you would be done by.
434. Do. Treat others how you want to be treated.
435. Do. We must do as we may, if we cannot do as we would.
435. Do it. We have to do what we can, if we can't do what we want.
436. Dock. In dock, out nettle.
436. Dock. In dock, out sting.
437. Doctor. A doctor and a clown know more than a doctor alone.
437. Doc. A doctor and a clown know more than just a doctor.
438. Doctor. An old doctor, a young lawyer.
438. Doctor. An elderly doctor, a young lawyer.
439. Dog. Every dog has his day.
440. Dog. A good dog deserves a good bone.
440. Dog. A good dog deserves a good bone.
441. Dog. It's a bad dog that deserves not a crust.
441. Dog. It's a bad dog that doesn't deserve a crumb.
[26]442. Dogs bark. Dogs bark before they bite.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]442. Dogs bark. Dogs bark before they bite.
443. Done. If you wish a thing done, go; if not, send.
443. Done. If you want something done, do it yourself; if not, have someone else do it.
444. Doomsday. A thousand pounds and a pottle of hay is all one thing at
doomsday.
444. Doomsday. A thousand pounds and a jug of hay is all the same at doomsday.
445. Door. When one door shuts another opens.
445. Door. When one door closes, another one opens.
446. Do well. Do well, and have well.
446. Do your best. Succeed and you'll do fine.
447. Down. He that's down, down with him.
447. Down. Anyone who's down, bring them down with you.
448. Draw. You may draw him which way you will, with a twine thread.
448. Sketch. You can pull him in any direction you want, using a piece of string.
449. Drowning man. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
449. Drowning person. A drowning man will grab at anything.
450. Drink. Drink water like an ox, wine like a king of Spain.
450. Drink up. Drink water like a beast of burden, wine like a Spanish king.
451. Drink. He who drinks when he is not dry, will be dry when he has no
drink.
451. Beverage. If you drink when you're not thirsty, you'll be thirsty when there's nothing to drink.
452. Drive. Drive not a second nail till the first is clenched.
452. Drive. Don't drive in a second nail until the first one is secure.
453. Drops. Many drops make a shower.
Drops. Many drops make a rain.
If the ash appears before the oak,
There has been, or there will be, a drought.
455. Drowned. Pour not water on a drowned mouse.
455. Drowned. Don't pour water on a drowned mouse.
456. Drunk. Ever drunk, ever dry.
Drunk. Always drunk, always sober.
457. Drunken. A drunken night makes a cloudy morning.
457. Drunk. A night of heavy drinking leads to a foggy morning.
458. Drunken folk. Drunken folk often speak truth.
458. Drunk people. People who are drunk often speak the truth.
[27]459. Drunkenness. What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals.
Drunkenness: What sober hides, drunk reveals.
460. Dry bread. Dry bread at home is better than roast beef abroad.
460. Stale bread. Dry bread at home is better than fancy meals elsewhere.
461. Dry cough. A dry cough is the trumpeter of death.
461. Dry cough. A dry cough is the herald of death.
A dry May and a rainy June,
Definitely brings everything into harmony.
E
Go to bed early and wake up early,
Makes a man healthy, rich, and smart.
464. Early. Early sow, early mow.
Early sow, early harvest.
465. Early bird. 'Tis the early bird catches the worm.
465. Early riser. The early bird catches the worm.
466. Ears. Little pitchers have long ears.
Little pitchers have big ears.
467. Ears. Walls have ears.
468. Ears. Wider ears and a shorter tongue.
468. Ears. Larger ears and a shorter tongue.
469. Ease. A pennyworth of ease is worth a penny.
469. Comfort. A little bit of comfort is worth a little bit.
470. Ease. Think of ease, but work on.
470. Comfort. Consider ease, but keep pushing forward.
471. Easily done. That which is easily done is soon believed.
471. Simple enough. What’s easy to do is quickly accepted as true.
472. Eat. Live not to eat, but eat to live.
472. Eat. Don’t live to eat, but eat to live.
473. Eat. Eat a bit before you drink.
473. Eat. Have a little something to eat before you drink.
Eat what you like,
Drink in moderation.
475. Eating. Eating and drinking takes away one's appetite.
475. Dining. Eating and drinking diminishes your appetite.
[28]476. Edged Tools. It is ill meddling with edged tools.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]476. Sharp Tools. It's dangerous to mess with sharp tools.
477. Eel. You cannot hide an eel in a sack.
477. Eel. You can't hide an eel in a bag.
478. Eggs. Don't put all your eggs into one basket.
478. Eggs. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
479. Egg-shell. 'Tis hard to sail o'er the sea in an egg-shell.
479. Eggshell. It's tough to sail across the sea in an egg shell.
480. Elbow. Rub your sore eye with your elbow.
480. Elbow. Use your elbow to rub your sore eye.
481. Elbow grease. Give it plenty of elbow grease.
481. Hustle. Put in a lot of hard work.
482. Empty house. Better an empty house than a bad tenant.
482. Vacant house. An empty house is better than having a bad tenant.
483. Empty purse. An empty purse fills the face with wrinkles.
483. Empty wallet. An empty purse makes your face wrinkle.
484. Empty purse. That's but an empty purse that's full of other men's
money.
484. Empty wallet. That's just an empty purse filled with other people's money.
485. Empty vessels. Empty vessels make the greatest sound.
485. Empty vessels. Empty vessels make the loudest noise.
486. End. Everything hath an end, and a pudding hath two.
486. End. Everything has an end, and a pudding has two.
487. Endureth. He that endureth is not overcome.
487. Endures. Those who endure are not defeated.
488. England. England is the Paradise of women.
488. England. England is the dream destination for women.
489. Englishman. An Englishman's house is his castle.
489. Brit. An Englishman's home is his fortress.
490. Enough. Enough is as good as a feast.
490. Enough. Having enough is just as good as having a feast.
491. Enough. Enough and to spare is too much.
491. Enough. Having enough and more than enough is excessive.
492. Enough. There's never enough where nothing's left.
492. Enough. There's never enough when there's nothing left.
493. Envied. Better be envied than pitied.
Better to be envied than pitied.
494. Envy. Envy never enriched any man.
Envy never enriched anyone.
495. Epitaph. He lies like an epitaph.
[29]496. Err. To err is human; to forgive divine.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]496. Um. Making mistakes is human; forgiving is divine.
497. Errand. Send a wise man on an errand and say nothing to him.
497. Chore. Send a smart person on an errand and say nothing to them.
498. Escapes. 'Tis a hard battle where none escapes.
498. Getaways. It’s a tough fight where no one gets away.
499. Estate. He that throws away his estate with his hands, goes
afterwards to pick it upon his feet.
499. Property. Someone who squanders their wealth with their own hands will later have to pick it up using their feet.
500. Esteems. He that knows himself best, esteems himself least.
500. Respects. The person who knows themselves the best thinks the least of themselves.
An evening red and a morning grey,
It's a sign of a good day.
502. Everybody. He had need rise betimes that would please everybody.
502. Everyone. He needed to get up early to make everyone happy.
503. Everybody's business. Everybody's business is nobody's business.
503. Everyone's business. When everything is everyone's responsibility, it often ends up being nobody's responsibility.
504. Every man. Every man for himself, and God for us all.
504. Every guy. Every man for himself, and God for us all.
505. Every tub. Let every tub stand on its own bottom.
505. Every bathtub. Let each tub stand on its own.
506. Evil. Evil communications corrupt good manners.
Evil communications ruin good manners.
507. Evil. If you must have an evil, choose a little one.
507. Bad. If you have to choose evil, go for a small one.
508. Evil. That which is evil is soon learnt.
508. Malevolent. What is evil is quickly understood.
Evil happens because of lack of thought,
As well as lacking courage.
510. Evil name. The evil wound is cured, but not the evil name.
510. Villain name. The harmful wound is healed, but the bad name remains.
511. Evil gotten. Evil gotten, evil spent.
[30]512. Evil grain. Of evil grain no good seed can come.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]512. Bad seeds. From bad seeds, no good crops can grow.
513. Evils. Of two evils choose the lesser.
513. Wrongdoings. When faced with two bad options, pick the one that is not as bad.
514. Example. Example teaches more than precept.
Example teaches more than words.
515. Exchange. Exchange is no robbery.
516. Excuse. A bad excuse is better than none at all.
516. Excuse me. A poor excuse is better than having no excuse at all.
517. Expenses. Proportion your expenses to what you have, not to what
you expect.
517. Costs. Adjust your spending based on what you have, not what you hope to earn.
518. Experience. Experience is a dear school, but it is the only one we
are apt to learn in.
518. Experience. Experience is an expensive teacher, but it's the only one we tend to learn from.
519. Experience. Experience is the mistress of fools.
519. Experience. Experience is the teacher of those who are foolish.
520. Extremes. Extremes seldom last long.
Extremes rarely last long.
521. Extremes. Extremes meet.
521. Extremes. Opposites attract.
522. Eye. Better one eye than quite blind.
522. Eye. One eye is better than being completely blind.
523. Eye. What the eye sees not, the heart rues not.
523. Eye. What the eye doesn't see, the heart won't regret.
524. Eye. You should never touch your eye but with your elbow.
524. Eye. You should only touch your eye with your elbow.
525. Eye. What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve for.
525. Eye. What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't feel sad about.
526. Eye-witness. One eye-witness is better than ten hearsays.
526. Eyewitness. One eye-witness is better than ten rumors.
F
527. Face. Her face was her fortune.
Her looks were her fortune.
528. Fact. A single fact is worth a ship-load of argument.
528. Fact. One single fact is worth more than a ton of debate.
529. Faint heart. Faint heart never won a fair lady.
529. Timid spirit. A timid heart never won a beautiful woman.
530. Faint praise. Faint praise is disparagement.
Faint praise is criticism.
[31]531. Fair and foolish.
Fair and foolish, bold and proud,
Long and lazy, small and loud.
532. Fair and softly. Fair and softly go far in a day.
532. Take it easy. Taking it easy gets you far in a day.
533. Fair faces. Fair faces need no paint.
533. Beautiful faces. Beautiful faces need no makeup.
534. Fair face. A fair face may hide a foul heart.
534. Good looks. A pretty face might conceal an ugly heart.
535. Fair feathers. Fair feathers make fair fowls.
535. Beautiful feathers. Beautiful feathers make beautiful birds.
536. Faith. Love asks faith, and faith asks firmness.
536. Belief. Love requires faith, and faith requires consistency.
537. Fall. One may sooner fall than rise.
537. Autumn. It's easier to fall than to rise.
538. Fall. If a man once fall, all will tread on him.
538. Autumn. If a man falls, everyone will step on him.
539. Falls. When the tree falls every man runs with his hatchet.
539. Falls. When the tree falls, everyone rushes in with their axes.
540. Falling. Keeping from falling is better than helping up.
540. Falling down. Preventing someone from falling is more valuable than lifting them up afterward.
541. False report. A false report rides post.
541. Fake news. A false report is making its way.
542. Familiarity. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Familiarity breeds contempt.
After a shortage in the stable,
A famine arrives in the hall.
544. Famine. Under water famine, under snow bread.
Famine. Starving underwater, freezing in snow.
545. Famine. A famine in England begins at the horse-manger.
545. Food shortage. A famine in England starts at the horse feed.
546. Fancy. Fancy passes beauty.
547. Fancy. Fancy goes a long way.
547. Fancy. Style goes a long way.
548. Fancy. Fancy may bolt bran and think it flour.
548. Fancy. Fancy might confuse bran for flour.
549. Fare worse. You may go farther and fare worse.
549. Struggle more. You might go further and have a harder time.
[32]550. Fashion. As good to be out of the world as out of the fashion.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]550. Style. It's just as good to be out of touch with the world as it is to be out of style.
551. Fast bind. Fast bind, fast find.
551. Quick bind. Quick bind, quick find.
552. Fat hog. Every one basteth the fat hog, while the lean one burneth.
552. Fat pig. Everyone praises the fat hog, while the lean one gets burned.
553. Fault. Every one puts his fault on the times.
553. Error. Everyone blames their mistakes on the times.
554. Fault. A fault once denied is twice committed.
554. Error. A mistake that’s once ignored is made again.
555. Fault-finders. Fault-finders should be fault-menders.
555. Critics. Critics should be problem-solvers.
556. Faults. Every one's faults are not written on their foreheads.
556. Errors. Not everyone's faults are obvious to see.
557. Faults. Every man hath his faults.
557. Faults. Everyone has their flaws.
558. Faults. God send me a friend that may tell me my faults; if not, an
enemy, he will be sure to.
558. Flaws. God, send me a friend who will point out my faults; if not, an enemy will definitely do that.
559. Faulty. The faulty stands on his guard.
559. Faulty. The faulty is on guard.
560. Feast. A feast is not made of mushrooms only.
560. Banquet. A feast isn’t just about mushrooms.
561. Feast-making. Merry is the feast-making until we come to the
reckoning.
561. Feast preparation. The celebration is joyful until we have to face the consequences.
562. Feasts. Fools make feasts, and wise men eat them.
562. Festivals. Fools throw parties, and wise people enjoy the food.
563. Feathers. Fine feathers make fine birds.
Fine feathers make fine birds.
564. Feather. Feather by feather the goose is plucked.
564. Feather. One by one, the goose is plucked of its feathers.
565. February. February makes a bridge, and March breaks it.
565. February. February builds a bridge, and March shatters it.
February fills the dike, whether it’s black or white;
But if it's white, it's better to like it.
[33]567. Feed sparingly. Feed sparingly, and defy the physician.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]567. Eat in moderation. Eat in moderation, and ignore the doctor.
Don't stretch your feet.
Beyond the sheet.
569. Fellowship. Love and lordship like no fellowship.
569. Community. Love and leadership are unlike any friendship.
570. Fetters. No man loves his fetters, though of gold.
570. Chains. No one loves their chains, even if they're made of gold.
571. Few friends. Have but few friends, though many acquaintances.
571. A few friends. I have only a few friends, even though I know many people.
Where hearts are real
Less is more.
573. Fiddler. The fifer don't pay a fiddler.
573. Violinist. The fifer doesn't pay a fiddler.
Don't let the fiddler play the fife,
Nor fifer plays the fiddle.
575. Fiddler's fare. Fiddler's fare; meat, drink, and money.
575. Fiddler's menu. Fiddler's fare; food, drinks, and cash.
576. Fields. Fields have eyes, and woods have ears.
576. Fields. Fields can see, and woods can hear.
577. Finger. He wants to have a finger in every pie.
577. Finger. He wants to be involved in everything.
578. First blow. The first blow is half the battle.
578. First hit. The first blow is half the battle.
579. First come. First come, first served.
First come, first served.
580. Fire and water. Fire and water are good servants but bad masters.
580. Fire and water. Fire and water can be helpful tools but terrible leaders.
581. Fire. Well may he smell of fire whose gown burneth.
581. Flame. It’s no surprise he smells like smoke when his gown is on fire.
582. Fish. He that would catch fish must not mind getting wet.
582. Fish. If you want to catch fish, you can't be afraid of getting wet.
583. Fish. 'Tis good fish if it were but caught.
583. Fish. It's good fish if it were only caught.
[34]584. Fish. The best fish are near the bottom.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]584. Fish. The best fish are found at the bottom.
585. Fish. I have other fish to fry.
585. Fish. I have other things to take care of.
586. Fish. Make not fish of one, and flesh of another.
586. Fish. Don't consider one as fish and another as meat.
587. Fish. Fish are not to be caught by a birdcall.
587. Fish. You can't catch fish with a birdcall.
588. Fish (good). There's as good fish in the sea as were ever caught.
588. Fish (great). There’s just as good fish in the sea as there ever was.
When the wind blows from the south,
It blows the bait into the fish's mouth.
590. Fisheth on. He fisheth on that catcheth one.
590. He's still fishing. He fishes on until he catches one.
591. Fishing. It's good fishing in troubled waters.
591. Fishing. It's great fishing in challenging times.
592. Fits. Every shoe fits not every foot.
592. Fits. Not every shoe fits every foot.
He's up at 5,
And he'll thrive.
594. Flax. Get thy spindle and thy distaff ready, and God will send thee
flax.
594. Flax seed. Get your spindle and your distaff ready, and God will provide you with flax.
595. Flay. No man can flay a stone.
595. Skin. No one can flay a stone.
596. Fleeceth. Where every hand fleeceth, the sheep go naked.
596. Fleeces. When everyone takes advantage, the sheep are left bare.
597. Flood. A May flood never did good.
597. Flooding. A flood in May never brings anything good.
598. Flowers. Flowers are the pledge of fruit.
598. Flowers. Flowers are a promise of fruit.
599. Flourish. It is one thing to flourish and another to fight.
599. Thrive. It's one thing to thrive and another to struggle.
600. Flying. No flying without wings.
601. Follies. Happy is he who knows his follies in his youth.
601. Foolishness. Blessed is the one who recognizes their mistakes in their youth.
602. Fool. No one is a fool always; every one sometimes.
602. Fool. No one is a fool all the time; everyone is sometimes.
[35]603. Fool. A fool may ask more questions in half an hour than a wise man
can answer in seven years.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]603. Idiot. A fool might ask more questions in half an hour than a wise person can answer in seven years.
604. Fool. A fool may give a wise man counsel.
604. Fool. A fool can give advice to a wise person.
605. Fool. One fool makes many.
Fool. One fool creates many.
606. Fool. Every man is either a fool or a physician after thirty years
of age.
606. Fool. Every man is either a fool or a doctor after thirty years old.
607. Fool (old). An old fool is the worst of fools.
607. Fool (outdated). An old fool is the biggest fool of all.
608. Fool. Better it is to meet a bear bereaved of her whelps, than a
fool in his folly.
608. Fool. It's better to encounter a bear who has lost her cubs than to deal with a fool caught up in his own foolishness.
609. Fool. A fool is fulsome.
609. Fool. A fool is excessive.
610. Fool thinks. As the fool thinks, so the bell chinks.
610. Fool thinks. As the fool thinks, so the bell rings.
611. Fools. Fools set stools for wise folk to stumble at.
611. Fools. Fools create traps for the wise to trip over.
612. Fool's bolt. A fool's bolt is soon shot.
612. Fool's errand. A fool's bolt is quickly released.
613. Fools build. Fools build houses, and wise men buy them.
613. Fools construct. Fools construct houses, while wise men purchase them.
614. Forbearance. Forbearance is no acquittance.
Forbearance is not forgiveness.
615. Forbidden fruit. Forbidden fruit is sweet.
615. Forbidden fruit. Forbidden fruit is tempting.
616. Forced fruits. Forced fruits fail in flavour.
616. Artificial fruits. Artificial fruits lack flavor.
617. Forecast. Forecast is better than work hard.
617. Forecast. Planning is better than working hard.
Skip, forget, forgive,
Then you'll live happily.
619. Foremost dog. The foremost dog catches the hare.
619. Guide dog. The leading dog catches the hare.
620. Forewarned. Forewarned is forearmed.
621. Forget. To forget a wrong is the best revenge.
621. Forget it. Forgetting a wrong is the best form of revenge.
622. Forgive. Forgive and forget.
[36]623. Forgotten. Eaten bread is soon forgotten.
Eaten bread is soon forgotten.
624. Fortune. Fortune favours the brave.
624. Fortune. Fortune favors the bold.
625. Fortune. Every man is the architect of his fortune.
625. Fortune. Every person builds their own fortune.
626. Fortune. Change of fortune is the lot of life.
626. Luck. Changes in fortune are part of life.
627. Fortune. Better a fortune in her than on her.
627. Destiny. It's better to have a fortune inside her than on her.
628. Fortune. When fortune smiles take the advantage.
628. Luck. When luck is on your side, make the most of it.
629. Fortune knocks. Fortune knocks once at least at every man's gate.
629. Opportunity knocks. Fortune shows up at least once in everyone's life.
630. Foul hands. Foul hands befoul all they touch.
630. Dirty hands. Dirty hands ruin everything they touch.
631. Four Farthings. Four farthings and a thimble make a tailor's pocket
jingle.
631. Four Pence. Four pennies and a thimble make a tailor's pocket jingle.
632. Fox. The fox knows much, but more he that catcheth him.
632. Fox. The fox knows a lot, but even more knows the one who catches him.
633. Fox. A fox should not be of the jury at a goose trial.
633. Fox. A fox shouldn't be on the jury for a goose trial.
634. Fox. When the fox preaches, beware of your geese.
634. Fox. When the fox speaks, watch out for your geese.
635. Foxes. Foxes, when they cannot reach the grapes, say they are not
ripe.
635. Foxes. Foxes, when they can't get to the grapes, claim they're not ripe.
636. Fox runs. Though the fox runs the chicken hath wings.
636. Fox is running. Even though the fox runs, the chicken has wings.
Two things you won't worry about,
If you're a wise person—
The thing you can't change,
And the thing you can do.
638. Friday. He that sings on Friday shall weep on Sunday.
638. Friday. Whoever sings on Friday will cry on Sunday.
As the Friday, so the Sunday,
A Sunday sets the tone for the week.
640. Friday's sail. Friday's sail, sure to fail.
640. Friday's sail trip. Friday's sail, definitely going to fail.
641. Friend. A friend is not so soon gotten as lost.
641. Buddy. You don't get a friend easily, but losing one happens quickly.
642. Friend. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
642. Friend. A friend who helps you when you're in trouble is a real friend.
643. Friend. He loseth nothing who keeps God for his friend.
643. Friend. You don't lose anything when you have God as your friend.
644. Friend. Make not thy friend too cheap to thee, nor thyself to thy
friend.
644. Friend. Don’t make your friend seem too cheap to you, nor yourself to your friend.
When times are good, you'll have plenty of friends,
In times of hardship, barely one in twenty.
646. Friends. Save me from my friends.
647. Friends. All are not friends that speak us fair.
647. Buddies. Not everyone who speaks kindly to us is a true friend.
648. Friendship. Love and lordship never like friendship.
648. Friendship. Love and authority never quite match friendship.
649. Frost. What God will, no frost can kill.
649. Frost. What God intends, no frost can destroy.
650. Frosts. So many frosts in March, so many in May.
650. Frost. So many frosts in March, so many in May.
If you want fruit,
You need to bring the leaf to the grave.
652. Fruit. Such as the tree is, such is the fruit.
652. Fruit. The fruit reflects the nature of the tree.
653. Fruit. If you would enjoy the fruit, pluck not the flower.
653. Fruit. If you want to enjoy the fruit, don’t pick the flower.
654. Frugality. Frugality makes an easy chair for old age.
654. Budgeting. Being frugal creates comfort in old age.
655. Frugality. Frugality is an estate.
656. Frying-pan. Out of the frying-pan into the fire.
656. Skillet. Out of the frying pan into the fire.
[38]657. Fuel. Take away fuel, take away flame.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]657. Gas. Remove the fuel, and the fire goes out.
658. Full purse. A full purse makes the mouth to speak.
658. Full wallet. A full wallet makes people talk.
659. Full purse. A full purse never lacketh friends.
659. Loaded wallet. A full purse never lacks friends.
Beneath the furze are hunger and cold.
Under the broom, there’s silver and gold.
G
661. Gains. No gains without pains.
662. Galled horse. Touch a galled horse, and he will wince.
662. Sore horse. If you touch a sore horse, it will flinch.
He who gapes until he is fed
He can stare in amazement until he dies.
664. Garden. Many things grow in the garden that were never planted
there.
664. Garden. Many things grow in the garden that were never intentionally planted there.
Always remember this rule in gardening:
To plant in dry conditions and establish in wet conditions.
666. Garland. One flower makes no garland.
One flower doesn't make a garland.
667. Gems. Gems must not be valued by what they are set in.
667. Jewels. Gems shouldn't be valued based on what they're set in.
668. Gentility. Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary.
668. Refinement. Having an air of gentility without any skill is worse than being a straightforward beggar.
669. Gentle strokes. Gentle strokes make the sweetest harmony.
669. Soft touches. Gentle strokes create the sweetest harmony.
Get what you can, and hold on to what you get,
It's the stone that will turn your lead into gold.
671. Gift horse. Look not a gift horse in the mouth.
671. Gift horse. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
[39]672. Gift. A gift with a kind countenance is a double gift.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]672. Present. A gift accompanied by a warm smile is like giving two gifts.
673. Give. To give and keep there is need of wit.
673. Donate. To give and hold on requires cleverness.
674. Giveth. He giveth twice who gives in a trice.
674. Gives. He gives twice who gives in an instant.
Donating to the poor
Increase your store.
676. Gladness. A man of gladness seldom falls into madness.
676. Joy. A happy person rarely goes crazy.
677. Glass. What your glass tells you will not be told by counsel.
677. Glass. What your glass reveals won't be shared by advice.
Who loves his drink without a G,
Remove L and that's him.
679. Glass houses. Those who live in glass houses should not throw
stones.
679. Glass houses. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
680. Glasses. The more women look in their glasses, the less they look
to their houses.
680. Eyewear. The more women check themselves out in the mirror, the less they pay attention to their homes.
681. Glitters. All that glitters is not gold.
681. Shimmers. Not everything that looks shiny is valuable.
682. Gnats. Men strain at gnats, and swallow camels!
682. Gnats. People nitpick over tiny issues while missing the bigger problems!
683. Go. If you want a thing done, go; if not, send.
683. Go. If you want something done, go do it; if not, just send someone else.
684. Go about. Better go about than fall into the ditch.
684. Take action. It's better to take action than to end up in trouble.
685. God. God sends meat, and the devil sends cooks.
685. God. God provides the food, and the devil provides the cooks.
686. God. One God, no more; but friends good store.
686. God. One God, no more; but plenty of good friends.
687. Godfathers. When the child is christened, you may have godfathers
enough.
687. Mentors. When the child is baptized, you can have as many godfathers as you want.
688. God wills. When God wills, all winds bring rain.
688. God's plan. When God decides, all winds bring rain.
689. Gold. A man may buy gold too dear.
689. Gold. A man might pay too much for gold.
690. Gold. Gold alone makes not prosperity.
Gold alone doesn’t equal prosperity.
691. Gold. As good as gold.
Gold. Worth its weight in gold.
[40]692. Gold. Gold goes in at any gate, except Heaven's.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]692. Gold. Gold can enter any door, except for the one to Heaven.
No lock will keep out
Against the power of gold.
694. Golden. We must not look for a golden life in an iron age.
694. Gold. We shouldn’t expect to find a perfect life in a tough time.
695. Gold dust. Gold dust blinds all eyes.
695. Gold dust. Gold dust makes everyone blind.
696. Good. Do all the good you talk of; but talk not of all the good you
do.
696. Good. Do all the good you claim to do; but don’t brag about all the good you’ve done.
697. Good. Good and quickly seldom meet.
Good and fast seldom meet.
698. Good. No man knows better what good is than he that has an endured
evil.
698. Good. No one understands what good really is better than someone who has experienced bad times.
699. Good. Though good be good yet better carries it.
699. Good. While good is good, better takes the lead.
700. Good cheer. When good cheer is lacking our friends will be packing.
700. Good vibes. When there's no good cheer, our friends will pack up and leave.
701. Good word. A good word is as soon said as an ill one.
701. Good call. A kind word is just as quick to say as a negative one.
702. Good counsel. Good counsel never comes too late.
702. Great advice. Good advice never comes too late.
703. Good friend. He's a good friend that speaks well of us behind our
backs.
703. Great friend. He's a true friend who talks us up when we're not around.
704. Good harvests. Good harvests make men prodigal, bad ones provident.
704. Great harvests. Good harvests make people wasteful, while bad ones make them careful.
705. Good maxim. A good maxim is never out of season.
705. Great saying. A good saying is always relevant.
706. Good money. It is no use throwing good money after bad.
706. Good pay. There's no point in wasting good money on something that's already a loss.
The wife who hopes to have a good reputation
Is always at home as if she were disabled,
And the maid who is honest finds her greatest joy
Is still to be done from morning to night.
[41]708. Goods. A man may lose his goods for want of demanding them.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]708. Items. A person might lose their belongings simply for not asking for them.
709. Good things. God reacheth us good things with our own hands.
709. Great things. God gives us good things through our own efforts.
710. Good thing. One can never have too much of a good thing.
710. Great! You can never have too much of a good thing.
711. Good turns. One never loseth by doing good turns.
711. Acts of kindness. You never lose by doing good deeds.
712. Good Turn. One good turn deserves another.
712. Good Deed. One good deed deserves another.
Good words, no action
Are rushes and reeds.
714. Gown. The gown is hers who wears it, and the world is his who
enjoys it.
714. Dress. The gown belongs to whoever wears it, and the world belongs to whoever enjoys it.
715. Grasp. Grasp no more than thy hand will hold.
715. Understand. Take only what you can hold in your hand.
716. Grain. Never split timber against the grain.
716. Grains. Never split wood against the grain.
717. Grasp. Grasp all, lose all.
Grasp everything, lose everything.
718. Grass. March grass never did good.
March grass never does well.
If the grass grows in January,
It gets worse throughout the entire year.
720. Grass. While the grass grows the steed starves.
720. Grass. While the grass grows, the horse goes hungry.
721. Grass. Grass grows not upon the highway.
721. Grass. Grass doesn't grow on the highway.
722. Graves. We shall lie all alike in our graves.
722. Tombstones. We'll all end up in the same graves.
723. Great dowry. A great dowry is a bed full of troubles.
723. Nice dowry. A big dowry comes with a lot of problems.
724. Great marks. Great marks are soonest hit.
724. Great grades. Great marks are achieved quickly.
725. Great ones. There would be no great ones if there were no little.
725. Awesome ones. There wouldn't be great ones if there were no little ones.
726. Great ship. A great ship needs deep waters.
726. Awesome ship. A great ship needs deep water.
[42]727. Green wood. Green wood makes a hot fire.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]727. Fresh wood. Freshly cut wood burns hot.
728. Green wound. A green wound is soon healed.
728. Green injury. A green wound heals quickly.
729. Green winter. A green winter makes a fat churchyard.
729. Green winter. A green winter creates a lush graveyard.
730. Grey hairs. Gray hairs are death's blossoms.
730. Gray hair. Gray hairs are the blossoms of death.
731. Grief. Grief pent up will burst the heart.
731. Loss. Suppressed grief will break the heart.
732. Grind. The mill cannot grind with the water that is past.
732. Hustle. The mill can't operate with water that has already flowed by.
733. Guest. An unbidden guest must bring his own stool with him.
733. Visitor. An unexpected guest must bring their own seat with them.
734. Guest. 'Tis an ill guest that never drinks to his host.
734. Visitor. It's a bad guest who never drinks to their host.
735. Guilty conscience. A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
735. Guilty feelings. A guilty conscience doesn’t need anyone to accuse it.
H
736. Hail. Hail brings frost in the tail.
736. Hello. Hail comes with frost following it.
737. Half a loaf. Half a loaf is better than no bread.
737. Half a loaf. Half a loaf is better than nothing.
738. Half hanged. Better be half hanged than ill wed.
738. Half hung. It’s better to be half hanged than poorly married.
739. Hand-saw. A hand-saw is a good thing, but not to shave with.
739. Hand saw. A hand-saw is useful, but it's not for shaving.
740. Hand-saw. He knows not a hawk from a hand-saw.
740. Hand saw. He can't tell a hawk from a hand-saw.
741. Handsome. He who is not handsome at twenty, nor strong at thirty,
nor wise at forty, nor rich at fifty, will never be handsome, strong,
rich, or wise.
741. Attractive. If you're not good-looking at twenty, not strong at thirty, not wise at forty, and not wealthy at fifty, you'll never be good-looking, strong, wealthy, or wise.
742. Hanged. He who is born to be hanged will never be drowned.
742. Executed. Someone who is meant to be hanged will never drown.
[43]743. Hanged. One may as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb.
[a id="Page_43">[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]743. Executed. You might as well get hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.
744. Hanging. There are many ways of killing a dog beside hanging him.
744. Hanging out. There are many ways to kill a dog besides hanging it.
Happy is the bride who the sun shines on,
And the body that the rain falls on.
746. Hare. Where we least think, there goeth the hare away.
746. Rabbit. Where we least expect it, the hare slips away.
747. Hardly ever. "Hardly ever" saves many a lie.
747. Rarely. "Rarely" avoids many deceits.
748. Hare. Little dogs start the hare, but great ones catch it.
748. Hare. Small dogs chase the hare, but big ones catch it.
749. Hare skin. Sell not the hare's skin before you have caught him.
749. Rabbit fur. Don't sell the hare's skin before you've caught it.
750. Harm. Harm watch, harm catch.
751. Harms. Wise men learn by others' harms, fools by their own.
751. Harm. Smart people learn from the mistakes of others, while fools only learn from their own.
752. Harvest. He that hath a good harvest may be content with some
thistles.
752. Gather. A person who has a good harvest can be satisfied with a few thistles.
753. Haste. More haste worse speed.
753. Haste. Faster isn't always better.
754. Haste. Haste trips up its own heels.
755. Haste. Over haste makes certain waste.
755. Haste. Too much haste leads to waste.
756. Haste. Haste over nothing but catching fleas.
756. Rush. Rushing for no reason other than to catch fleas.
757. Hasty men. Hasty men never lack woe.
757. Impulsive individuals. Impulsive people are always filled with sorrow.
758. Hasty resolutions. Hasty resolutions seldom speed well.
758. Quick decisions. Quick decisions rarely go smoothly.
759. Hat. Pull down your hat on the wind side.
759. Hat. Lower your hat on the windy side.
760. Hatchet. When the tree is down, every one runs with his hatchet.
760. Hatchet. When the tree falls, everyone grabs their hatchet and rushes over.
[44]761. Haven. 'Tis safe riding in a good haven.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]761. Sanctuary. It’s safe to dock in a good harbor.
762. Hay. Make hay while the sun shines.
762. Hey. Take advantage of opportunities while you can.
763. Head. Man is the head, but woman turns it.
763. Head. A man is in charge, but a woman influences his direction.
764. Head. He that hath no head, needs no hat.
764. Heading. Someone who doesn't have a head doesn't need a hat.
765. Head. Better be the head of an ass than the tail of a horse.
765. Head. It's better to be the head of a donkey than the tail of a horse.
766. Headache. When the head aches, all the body is the worse.
766. Migraine. When your head hurts, your whole body feels worse.
767. Healed. A man is not so soon healed as hurt.
767. Healed. A man doesn't heal as quickly as he gets hurt.
768. Healeth. God healeth, and the physician hath the thanks.
768. Cures. God heals, and the doctor gets the credit.
769. Health. Health is better than wealth.
Health is better than money.
770. Heart. What the heart thinketh, the tongue speaketh.
770. Heart. What the heart thinks, the tongue speaks.
771. Hearts. Hearts may agree though heads differ.
771. Hearts. Hearts can agree even when minds disagree.
772. Hedge. Where the hedge is lowest, men commonly leap over.
772. Hedge fund. Where the hedge is shortest, people usually jump over.
773. Hedge. A low hedge is easily leapt over.
773. Hedge fund. A low hedge is easy to jump over.
A wall between
Maintains friendships.
775. Hedges. Hedges have eyes, and walls have ears.
775. Borders. Hedges can see, and walls can hear.
776. Heed. Good take heed doth surely speed.
776. Stay alert. Taking good advice definitely helps you move faster.
777. Heels. One pair of heels is often worth two pair of hands.
777. High heels. One pair of heels is often more valuable than two pairs of hands.
778. Hen crows. It is a sad house where the hen crows louder than the
cock.
778. Hen crows. It’s a sad house when the hen crows louder than the rooster.
779. Hid. Love and a cough cannot be hid.
779. Hidden. Love and a cough can’t be hidden.
[45]780. Hide. You cannot hide an eel in a sack.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]780. Hide. You can't hide an eel in a bag.
781. Hide. Hide nothing from thy minister, physician, and lawyer.
781. Hide. Don’t hide anything from your minister, doctor, or lawyer.
782. High places. High places have their precipices.
782. High places. High places have their cliffs.
783. High winds. High winds blow on high hills.
783. High winds. Strong winds blow on tall hills.
784. Himself. Every man is best known to himself.
Himself. Every person knows themselves best.
785. Himself. He is not wise that is not wise for himself.
785. Himself. A person isn't truly wise if they don't have wisdom for themselves.
786. Hind. To fright a hind is not the way to catch her.
786. Hindu. Scaring a doe won't help you catch her.
787. Hindermost dog. The hindermost dog may catch the hare.
787. Last doggo. The last dog may catch the hare.
788. Hobby. Happy is the man that has a hobby.
788. Hobby. A man is fortunate to have a hobby.
789. Hobby-horse. Every man has his hobby-horse.
Hobby-horse. Everyone has their hobby.
790. Hog. A hog in armour is still but a hog.
790. Pig. A hog in armor is still just a hog.
791. Holloa. Do not holloa till you are out of the wood.
791. Hey. Don't shout until you're out of the woods.
792. Home. Home is home, be it ever so homely.
792. Home. Home is home, no matter how cozy it is.
793. Honesty. Honesty is the best policy; but he who acts on this
principle is not an honest man.
793. Truthfulness. Honesty is the best policy, but someone who follows this rule isn’t necessarily an honest person.
794. Honesty. A man never surfeits of too much honesty.
794. Truthfulness. A man never gets tired of too much honesty.
795. Honour. Better poor with honour than rich with shame.
795. Respect. It's better to be poor with honor than wealthy with shame.
796. Honour. Honour and ease are seldom bed-fellows.
796. Respect. Honor and comfort rarely go hand in hand.
797. Honour. Where honour ceaseth, there knowledge decreaseth.
Honor. Where honor ends, knowledge fades.
[46]798. Hoop. He giveth one knock on the hoop, and another on the barrel.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]798. Basketball. He taps once on the hoop and again on the barrel.
799. Hope. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.
799. Hope. Delayed hope makes the heart sick.
800. Hope. Hope humbles more than despair.
Hope. Hope humbles more than despair.
801. Hope. Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper.
801. Hope. Hope is a great way to start the day, but not a good thing to end it with.
802. Hope. If it were not for hope, the heart would break.
802. Hope. Without hope, the heart would shatter.
Until St. James's Day comes and goes,
You might have hops, or you might not have any at all.
804. Horn. All are not hunters that blow the horn.
804. Horn. Not everyone who blows the horn is a hunter.
805. Horse. A good horse cannot be of a bad colour.
805. Horse. A good horse can't be a bad color.
806. Horse. A good horse often wants a good spur.
806. Horse. A strong horse often needs a strong spur.
807. Horse. 'Tis an ill horse will not carry his own provender.
807. Horse. It's a bad horse that won't carry its own feed.
808. Horse. One man may lead a horse to water, but fifty cannot make him
drink.
808. Horse. One person can lead a horse to water, but fifty can’t make it drink.
809. Hot love. Hot love is soon cold.
809. Intense passion. Intense passion fades fast.
810. Hot May. A hot May makes a fat churchyard.
810. Warm May. A hot May leads to a full churchyard.
811. Hounds. Hold not with the hounds and run with the hare.
811. Dogs. Don't side with the hounds while running with the hare.
Whoever buys a house that's already built,
Has many pins and nails for nothing.
813. House. Better one's house too little one day, than too big all the
year round.
813. Home. It's better to make improvements on your house a little at a time than to take on too much and be stuck with it all year.
[47]814. Householders. Wishers and woulders are never good householders.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]814. Homeowners. People who only wish and want things never make good homeowners.
815. Housekeeper. A noble housekeeper needs no doors.
815. Cleaning service. A noble housekeeper requires no doors.
816. Humour. Every man has his humour.
816. Humor. Every guy has his humor.
817. Humours. The stillest humours are always the worst.
817. Humors. The quietest moods are always the most dangerous.
818. Hundred years. It is all one a hundred years hence.
818. Century. It's all a hundred years from now.
819. Hung. As well be hung for a sheep as a lamb.
819. Hung. You might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb.
820. Hunger. Hunger costs little; daintiness much.
Hunger is cheap; daintiness is expensive.
821. Hunger. Hunger will break through stone walls.
821. Hunger. Hunger can break through solid walls.
822. Hunger. Hunger makes short devotion.
Hunger leads to brief prayers.
823. Hunger. Hunger makes hard bones sweet beans.
823. Hunger. Hunger turns tough bones into sweet beans.
824. Hunger. Hunger is the finest sauce.
Hunger is the best spice.
825. Hungry flies. Hungry flies bite sore.
825. Hungry flies. Hungry flies cause pain.
826. Hungry horse. A hungry horse makes a clean manger.
826. Hungry horse. A hungry horse keeps its manger tidy.
827. Hungry man. A hungry man, an angry man.
827. Hungry guy. A hungry man, an angry man.
828. Hungry men. Hungry men think the cook lazy.
828. Hungry guys. Hungry men think the cook is slacking off.
829. Hungry men. Bitter is sweet to hungry men.
829. Hungry people. Bitter tastes sweet to hungry men.
830. Husband. Be a good husband, and you will get a penny to spend, a
penny to lend, and a penny for a friend.
830. Partner. Be a good husband, and you'll get a penny to spend, a penny to lend, and a penny for a friend.
831. Husband. In the husband wisdom, in the wife gentleness.
831. Partner. In the husband’s wisdom, in the wife’s gentleness.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
I
832. Idle brain. An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
832. Resting brain. An idle brain is the devil's playground.
833. Idle folk. Idle folk have the least leisure.
833. Lazy people. Idle people have the least free time.
834. Idle folk. Idle folk take the most pains.
834. Inactive individuals. Inactive people put in the most effort.
835. Idle. A young man idle, an old man needy.
835. Inactive. A young man being lazy, an old man in need.
836. Idle. Better be idle than ill employed.
836. Inactive. It's better to be doing nothing than to be doing something that’s not worthwhile.
837. Idleness. Idleness is the key of beggary.
837. Laziness. Laziness is the gateway to poverty.
838. Idleness. Of idleness comes no goodness.
838. Idleness. Idleness brings no good.
839. Idleness. Idleness is the root of all evil.
839. Doing nothing. Being inactive is the source of all problems.
840. Idleness. Idleness must thank itself if it goes barefoot.
840. Slacking off. If idleness is unproductive, it has only itself to blame.
841. Ignorant. The ignorant think all things wrong which they cannot
understand.
841. Uninformed. Ignorant people believe that everything they can’t understand is wrong.
842. Ill bird. It is an ill bird that defiles its own nest.
842. Sick bird. It's a bad bird that messes up its own nest.
843. Ill dog. 'Tis an ill dog that deserves not a bone.
843. Ill dog. It's a sick dog that doesn't deserve a bone.
844. Ill fortune. He who hath no ill fortune, is dazed with good.
844. Unlucky. Someone who has no bad luck is overwhelmed by good fortune.
845. Ill got. Ill got, ill spent.
Bad money leads to bad spending.
846. Ill gotten. Ill gotten gains seldom prosper.
846. Illegally obtained. Unlawfully obtained money rarely benefits anyone.
847. Ill luck. When ill luck falls asleep, let nobody wake her.
847. Unfortunate. When bad luck goes to sleep, let no one disturb her.
848. Ill news. Ill news comes apace.
849. Ill weeds. Ill weeds grow apace.
850. Ill word. One ill word asketh another.
850. Profanity. One bad word leads to another.
851. Impossible. Nothing is impossible to a willing mind.
851. No way. Nothing is impossible for a determined mind.
[49]852. Impudence. Impudence is not courage.
853. Inch. Give him an inch, and he'll take an ell.
853. Inch. Give him an inch, and he'll take a mile.
854. Inches. God never measures men by inches.
854. Inches. God doesn't measure people in inches.
855. Industry. Industry is fortune's right hand and frugality her left.
855. Industry. Hard work is fortune's right hand, and saving is her left.
856. Infirmities. Jest not at another's infirmities.
Don't mock others' weaknesses.
857. Ingratitude. Ingratitude is the daughter of pride.
857. Ingratitude. Ingratitude stems from pride.
858. Injury. Pocket an injury.
858. Injury. Take an injury.
859. Inn. He goes not out of his way that goes to a good inn.
859. Inn. He doesn't go out of his way to find a good inn.
860. Instinct. Woman's instinct is often truer than man's reasoning.
860. Instinct. A woman's instinct is often more accurate than a man's reasoning.
861. Intentions. Hell is paved with good intentions.
861. Intentions. Hell is filled with good intentions.
862. Irons. He that hath many irons in the fire, some of them will cool.
862. Irons. If you have too many things going on at once, some of them will lose their momentum.
863. Itch. Itch and ease can no man please.
863. Itch. Itch and comfort can’t satisfy anyone.
J
864. Jack. Jack-in-office is a great man.
864. Jack. The person in charge is important.
865. Jack. Every Jack has his Jill.
If the January calends are cheerful and warm,
It will be wintery weather until the beginning of May.
867. Janiveer. Who in Janiveer sows oats, gets gold and groats.
867. Janiveer. Whoever sows oats in January reaps gold and profits.
868. Jest. Better lose a jest than a friend.
868. Joke. It's better to lose a joke than a friend.
869. Jest. Many a true word is spoken in jest.
869. Joke. Many true words are said in jest.
[50]870. Jesting. Jesting lies bring serious sorrows.
Joking lies bring serious sorrows.
871. Jests. Jests, like sweetmeats, are often sour sauce.
871. Jokes. Jokes, like treats, can often come with a bitter aftertaste.
872. Journey. 'Tis a great journey to the world's end.
872. Trip. It's a great journey to the ends of the earth.
873. Joy. No joy without annoy.
873. Joy. No joy without pain.
874. Joy. There's no joy without alloy.
Joy. There's no joy without pain.
875. Joy. Joy surfeited turns to sorrow.
Joy overload leads to sorrow.
876. Judge. Judge not of men or things at first sight.
876. Judge. Don’t judge people or things just by how they appear at first glance.
877. Judge. Judge not a ship as she lies on the stocks.
877. Judgment. Don't judge a ship just because it's still being built.
878. Judgment. He hath a good judgment who is apt to distrust his own.
878. Judgment. A person with good judgment is one who tends to doubt their own.
Nice weather in June
Tunes corn.
If it's rainy weather on the first of July,
It will rain more or less for about four weeks straight.
881. Just. Just is honest, and honest is just.
881. Just. Just is truthful, and truthful is just.
K
882. Keep. Keep a thing seven years, and you will find a use for it.
882. Keep. Hold onto something for seven years, and you’ll discover a use for it.
883. Keep. Keep some till more come.
883. Keep. Save some until more arrive.
884. Kernel. He that will eat the kernel, must crack the nut.
884. Kernel. If you want to eat the kernel, you have to crack the nut.
885. Key. The wife is the key of the house.
885. Key. The wife is the heart of the home.
886. Keys. All the keys hang not at one man's girdle.
886. Keys. Not all the keys are held by a single person.
Still support family
Through ups and downs.
888. Kindled. Wood half burnt is easily kindled.
888. Lit. Wood that's half burnt catches fire easily.
889. Kindness. Kindness will always conquer.
Kindness will always win.
890. Kindnesses. Kindnesses, like grain, increase by sowing.
890. Acts of kindness. Acts of kindness, like seeds, grow when shared.
891. Kinsfolk. Many kinsfolk, few friends.
Many relatives, few friends.
892. Kiss. As easy kiss my hand.
893. Kiss. Many kiss the child for the nurse's sake.
893. Kiss. Many people kiss the child for the nurse's benefit.
894. Kissing. Kissing goes by favour.
Kissing depends on preference.
895. Kitchen. A fat kitchen, a lean will.
895. Kitchen. A huge kitchen, a weak will.
896. Kitchen. The taste of the kitchen is better than the smell.
896. Kitchen. The flavor of the kitchen is better than the scent.
897. Kitchen. Silks and satins put out the fire in the kitchen.
897. Kitchen. Silks and satins extinguished the fire in the kitchen.
898. Knavery. Knavery may serve for a turn, but honesty is best in the
long run.
898. Dishonesty. Dishonesty might work for a while, but being honest is the best approach in the long term.
899. Knaves. Knaves and fools divide the world.
899. Scoundrels. Deceivers and idiots split the world.
900. Knaves. When knaves fall out, true men come by their goods.
900. Rogues. When scoundrels squabble, honest people get what they deserve.
901. Knot. He tied a knot with his tongue he couldn't undo with his
teeth.
901.Knot. He tied a knot with his tongue that he couldn't untie with his teeth.
902. Knots. Fools tie knots and wise men loose them.
902. Tangles. Fools make knots, and wise people untie them.
903. Knotty timber. To split knotty timber use smooth wedges.
903. Knotty wood. To split knotty wood, use smooth wedges.
904. Knowledge. Knowledge is power.
905. Knowledge. Knowledge in youth is wisdom in age.
905. Understanding. What you learn when you’re young becomes your wisdom when you’re older.
[52]906. Knowledge. The knowledge of the disease is half the cure.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]906. Understanding. Understanding the disease is half the cure.
907. Knowledge. Knowledge, like physic, is more plague than profit, if
it arrives too late.
907. Knowledge. Knowledge, like medicine, is more harmful than helpful if it comes too late.
908. Knowledge. An ounce of knowledge may be worth a pound of comfort.
908. Information. A little bit of knowledge can be more valuable than a lot of comfort.
L
909. Labours. He that labours and thrives, spins gold.
909. Work. Those who work hard and succeed create wealth.
910. Labour. Labour warms, sloth harms.
Work warms, laziness harms.
911. Ladle. The ladle cools the pot.
Ladle. The ladle cools the pot.
912. Ladder. Step after step the ladder is ascended.
912. Ladder. Step by step, the ladder is climbed.
913. Lamb's tail. A woman's tongue wags like a lamb's tail.
913. Lamb's tail. A woman's tongue moves like a lamb's tail.
914. Lame. The lame goeth as far as the staggerer.
914. Weak. The lame go as far as the staggering person.
915. Lammas. After Lammas corn ripens as much by night as by day.
915. Lughnasadh. After Lammas, the grain ripens as much at night as it does during the day.
916. Land. Land was never lost for want of an heir.
916. Property. Land was never lost due to a lack of an heir.
Many seek land,
Takes a fool by the hand.
918. Lantern. On a dark night an owl would be glad of a lantern.
918. Lamp. On a dark night, an owl would appreciate a lantern.
919. Last straw. It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back.
919. Last chance. It’s the last straw that breaks the camel's back.
920. Late. Better late than never.
921. Laugh. Let them laugh that win.
Laugh. Let the winners laugh.
922. Laugh. That's where the laugh comes in.
922. Laugh. That's when you chuckle.
[53]923. Laugh. They laugh the loudest who have least to lose.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]923. Laugh out loud. The people who have the least to lose laugh the loudest.
924. Law. In a thousand pounds of law there's not an ounce of love.
924. Law. In a thousand pounds of law, there’s not an ounce of love.
925. Law. The law is not the same at morning and night.
925. Law. The law is different in the morning than at night.
926. Law. He that loves law will get his fill.
926. Law. Those who love the law will find plenty to satisfy them.
927. Law makers. Law makers should not be law breakers.
Lawmakers shouldn't break the law.
928. Laws. Laws catch flies, but let hornets go free.
928. Laws. Laws trap the small pests, but let the dangerous ones roam free.
Laws, like spiders' webs, are created,
Big flies get through, while the small ones get stuck.
930. Laws. Laws were made for rogues.
930. Laws. Laws are made for rule-breakers.
931. Lawyer. A good lawyer, an evil neighbour.
931. Attorney. A great lawyer, a wicked neighbor.
932. Lawyers. Fair and softly as lawyers go to heaven.
932. Attorneys. Smoothly and gently, just like lawyers making their way to heaven.
933. Lazy folk. Lazy folk take the most pains.
933. Lazy individuals. Lazy people put in the most effort.
934. Lead. A man may lead a horse to the water, but he cannot make him
drink unless he will.
934. Lead. A man can take a horse to water, but he can't force it to drink if it doesn't want to.
935. Lead. 'Tis folly to dig for lead with a silver shovel.
935. Lead. It's foolish to search for lead with a silver shovel.
936. Leak. A small leak will sink a great ship.
936. Leak. A tiny leak can sink a big ship.
937. Learn. Never too old to learn.
937. Learn. It's never too late to learn.
938. Learning. Learning makes a man fit company for himself.
938. Learning. Learning makes a person good company for themselves.
939. Least. Least said is soonest mended.
Less said is soonest mended.
940. Least boy. The least boy always carries the greatest fiddle.
940. Youngest boy. The smallest boy always plays the biggest fiddle.
[54]941. Leather. Nothing like leather.
Leather. Nothing beats leather.
942. Leech. The empty leech sucks sore.
The empty leech sucks a wound.
943. Lend. He that doth not lend doth lose his friend.
943. Loan. If you don't lend, you'll lose a friend.
944. Lend. He would not lend his knife to the devil to stab himself.
944. Loan. He wouldn't lend his knife to the devil to use on himself.
945. Liar. A liar should have a good memory.
945. Liar. A liar needs to have a good memory.
946. Liars. Liars have short wings.
Liars. Liars have short wings.
947. Libel. The greater truth, the greater libel.
947. Defamation. The bigger the truth, the bigger the libel.
948. Liberal. The liberal man deviseth liberal things.
948. Progressive. The liberal person comes up with generous ideas.
949. Liberty. Too much liberty spoils all.
949. Liberty. Too much freedom ruins everything.
950. Lie. One lie makes many.
950. Lie. One lie leads to more.
951. Lies. He lies as fast as a dog can trot.
951. Lies. He lies as quickly as a dog can run.
952. Life. Life is full of hazards, which experience neither bought nor
taught will always enable us to foresee.
952. Life. Life is full of risks, and no amount of experience, whether it's bought or learned, can always help us predict them.
953. Life. Life is half spent before we know what it is.
953. Life. Life is already half over before we even understand what it really is.
954. Life. Life is sweet.
955. Life. Life lies not in living, but in liking.
955. Life. Life isn't just about existing, it's about enjoying it.
956. Life. While there's life there's hope.
While there's life, there's hope.
957. Light. He stands in his own light.
957. Light. He stands in his own light.
958. Light. Every light has its shadow.
Light. Every light has a shadow.
959. Light. Every light is not the sun.
959. Luminous. Not every light is the sun.
960. Light gains. Light gains make a heavy purse.
960. Light gains. Easy earnings lead to a full wallet.
961. Like. As like as two peas.
[55]962. Like. Every one as they like best, as the good man said when he
kissed his cow.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]962. Like. Everyone does what they like best, just like the good man said when he kissed his cow.
963. Like. Like father like son.
964. Like. Like will to like.
964. Like. Similar attracts similar.
965. Lion. The lion's not half so fierce as he's painted.
965. Lion. The lion isn't as fierce as people say he is.
966. Lips. Lips however rosy must be fed.
966. Lips. Lips, no matter how rosy, need to be nurtured.
967. Listeners. Listeners never hear good of themselves.
967. Audience. Listeners never hear anything positive about themselves.
968. Little. Little and often fills the purse.
968. Tiny. Small amounts added regularly can fill the wallet.
969. Little. Little mother, little daughter.
Little. Small mom, small daughter.
970. Little birds. Little birds may peck a dead lion.
970. Small birds. Small birds might peck at a dead lion.
971. Little boats. Little boats must keep the shore.
971. Small boats. Little boats should stay close to the shore.
972. Little bodies. Little bodies have large souls.
972. Small bodies. Small bodies have big souls.
973. Little good. A little good is soon spent.
973. Not great. A little good is quickly used up.
974. Little goods. Little goods, little care.
974. Small blessings. Small blessings, small care.
975. Little hole. One may see day at a little hole.
975. Small hole. You can see daylight through a little hole.
A cozy, well-furnished house,
A small piece of land well-farmed,
And a little wife who is well-disposed.
977. Little minds. Little minds, like weak liquors, are soon soured.
977. Narrow-minded. Small minds, like weak drinks, quickly become bitter.
978. Little things. Little things please little minds.
978. Little things. Small things satisfy small minds.
979. Live. Everything would live.
979. Live. Everything will thrive.
980. Live. It's not how long, but how well, we live.
980. Live your life. It's not about how long we live, but how well we live.
981. Live. Live and learn.
[56]982. Live. Live and let live.
983. Liver (longest). The longest liver dies at last.
983. Liver (longest organ). The longest-lived person eventually passes away.
984. Lives. He that lives not well one year sorrows for it seven.
984. Lifes. Those who don’t live well for a year will regret it for seven.
985. Liveth. He liveth long that liveth well.
985. Existences. He lives a long life who lives well.
986. Living dog. A living dog is better than a dead lion.
986. Live dog. A living dog is better than a dead lion.
987. Load. All lay load on the willing horse.
987. Load. Everyone puts their burdens on the willing horse.
988. Lock. You needn't lock the stable door when the steed is stolen.
988. Lock it. There's no point in locking the stable door after the horse has already been stolen.
989. Look. Look before you leap.
990. Look. They look one way and row another.
990. Check it out. They appear one way and act another.
991. Looked for. Long looked for comes at last.
991. Searched for. Finally, what has been long awaited has arrived.
992. Long lane. 'Tis a long lane that has no turning.
992. Long road. It's a long road that has no turns.
993. Longs. He that longs most lacks most.
993. Long pants. The one who desires the most ends up lacking the most.
994. Longest day. The longest day must have an end.
994. Longest day ever. The longest day has to come to an end.
995. Loquacity. The loquacity of fools is a warning to the wise.
995. Chattiness. The talkativeness of fools is a warning to the wise.
996. Lords. New lords new laws.
997. Losers. Losers are always in the wrong.
997. Losers. Losers are always to blame.
He who goes out often faces loss,
Finally, it comes home by Weeping Cross.
999. Lost. 'Tis not lost that comes at last.
999. Missing. It's not truly lost if it eventually comes back.
1000. Love. Love is no lack.
1001. Love. Love is blind.
1001. Love. Love is blind.
1002. Love. Love is the touchstone of virtue.
1002. Love. Love is the foundation of what is good.
[57]1003. Love. Love lives in cottages as well as in courts.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1003. Love. Love exists in both small homes and grand palaces.
1004. Love. Love me little, love me long.
1004. Love. Love me a little, love me for a long time.
1005. Love. Love me, love my dog.
1006. Love. They love too much who die for love.
1006. Love. Those who die for love love too much.
1007. Love. Whom we love best to them we can say least.
1007. Love. The people we love the most are often the ones we say the least to.
1008. Love and a cough. Love and a cough cannot be hid.
1008. Love and a cold. You can’t hide love or a cough.
1009. Love (hot). Hot love is soon cold.
1009. Intense love. Intense love quickly becomes distant.
1010. Lovers. Lovers live on love, as larks on leeks.
1010. Couple. Lovers thrive on love, just like larks thrive on leeks.
1011. Lowly sit. Lowly sit and be richly warm.
1011. Take a seat comfortably. Sit down comfortably and feel pleasantly warm.
1012. Luck. Give a man luck, and throw him into the sea.
1012. Fate. Give a man luck, and toss him into the ocean.
1013. Luck. The devil's children have the devil's luck.
1013. Fortune. The devil's kids have the devil's luck.
1014. Luck (ill). What is worse than ill-luck?
1014. Unlucky. What could be worse than bad luck?
1015. Lucky. It is better to be born lucky than rich.
1015. Fortunate. It's better to be born lucky than wealthy.
1016. Lucky. It's better to be lucky than wise.
1016. Fortunate. It's better to be lucky than smart.
1017. Lucky. Happy go lucky.
1018. Lurch. Never leave a friend in the lurch.
Never leave a friend hanging.
M
1019. Maidens. Maidens must be seen and not heard.
1019. Women. Maidens should be visible but stay quiet.
1020. Malice. Malice is mindful.
1021. Malt. Slow fire makes sweet malt.
Slow fire makes sweet malt.
1022. Man. A man at five may be a fool at fifteen.
1022. Dude. A guy who seems wise at five can be a fool by fifteen.
[58]1023. Man. Man proposes, God disposes.
Man proposes, God disposes.
1024. Man. Man doth what he can, and God what He will.
1024. Dude. Man does what he can, and God does what He wants.
1025. Manners. Manners often make fortunes.
Manners often create opportunities.
1026. Many hands. Many hands make light work.
1026. Many hands make light work. Many hands make the work easier.
March winds and May sunshine,
Make the clothes white and the maids gray.
1028. March. March many weathers.
1028. March. March has many weathers.
1029. March dust. A bushel of March dust is worth a king's ransom.
1029. March dust. A bushel of March dust is worth a fortune.
1030. Market. A man must sell his ware at the rate of the market.
1030. Marketplace. A man must sell his goods at the market price.
1031. Market. Forsake not the market for the toll.
1031. Marketplace. Don't abandon the market for the fee.
1032. Market. If fools went not to market, bad ware would not be sold.
1032. Marketplace. If people didn’t go to the market, poor quality goods wouldn’t sell.
1033. Market. Three women and a goose make a market.
1033. Marketplace. Three women and a goose create a market.
1034. Marriage (ill). An ill marriage is a spring of ill fortune.
1034. Marriage (sick). A bad marriage is a source of bad luck.
1035. Marriage. Marriage halves our griefs, and doubles our joys.
1035. Marriage. Marriage splits our sorrows in half and multiplies our happiness.
1036. Marriages. Marriages are made in heaven.
Marriages are made in heaven.
1037. Marries. He who marries for wealth sells his liberty.
1037. Gets married. Someone who marries for money gives up their freedom.
1038. Marry. Marry in haste, repent at leisure.
1038. Marry. Get married fast, regret later.
Bachelors, before you get married,
Have a house to stay in.
If you consider the old sayings, remember, this is what they mean,
It's bad to get married in the month of May.
1041. Master. Like master like man.
1042. Master. He that will too soon be his own master, will have a fool
for his scholar.
1042. Master. Anyone who tries to be their own master too quickly will end up with a fool as their student.
1043. Master. No man is his craft's master the first day.
1043. Master. No one becomes a master of their craft on the first day.
1044. Master. Marry above your match and you get a master.
1044. Master. If you marry someone who's above your station, you'll end up with a master.
1045. Master. One eye of the master sees more than four of the
servants'.
1045. Boss. One eye of the master sees more than four of the servants'.
1046. Master-craft. Of all the crafts honesty is the master-craft.
1046. Mastercraft. Out of all the skills, honesty is the most important one.
1047. Masters. No man can serve two masters.
1047. Masters. No one can serve two masters.
1048. Master's eye. The master's eye makes the horse fat.
1048. Master's gaze. The master's eye keeps the horse well-fed.
1049. Master's eye. The master's eye does more work than his hands.
1049. Master's gaze. The master's eye does more work than his hands.
1050. Matrimony. Matrimony's a matter of money.
1050. Marriage. Marriage is all about money.
1051. May be. Every "may be" hath a "may not be."
1051. Maybe. Every "maybe" has a "maybe not."
1052. May. A windy March and a rainy April make a beautiful May.
1052. May. A windy March and a rainy April create a beautiful May.
A chilly May,
Lots of corn and hay.
1054. Meadow. A thin meadow is soon mowed.
1054. Field. A narrow meadow is quickly cut.
1055. Measure. Good measure is a merry mean.
1055. Measure. Good measure strikes a happy balance.
1056. Measure. With what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you
again.
1056. Measure. The way you measure for others will be the way it will be measured back to you.
[60]1057. Measure. Measure twice before you cut once.
Measure twice before cutting.
1058. Measures. He measures your corn by his bushel.
1058. Measures. He measures your corn using his bushel.
1059. Meat. Much meat, much maladies.
1059. Meat. More meat, more health issues.
1060. Meat. Meat is much, but manners is more.
1060. Meat. Meat is important, but manners are even more essential.
1061. Medium. There's a medium between painting the face and not washing
it.
1061. Platform. There's a balance between putting on makeup and going bare-faced.
1062. Medlars. Medlars are never good till they be rotten.
1062. Medlar fruit. Medlars aren't good until they're rotten.
1063. Medlars. Time and straw make medlars ripe.
1063. Medlar fruits. Time and straw make medlars ready to eat.
1064. Mend. It is never too late to mend.
1064. Fix. It's never too late to fix things.
1065. Mend. If every one would mend one, all would be mended.
1065. Fix. If everyone fixed one thing, everything would be fixed.
1066. Mend. In the end things will mend.
Fix it. Eventually, everything will improve.
1067. Mercy. Cry you mercy, who killed my cat?
1067. Compassion. Please tell me, who killed my cat?
1068. Merry. He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
1068. Happy. A person with a cheerful heart has a constant celebration.
1069. Merry. It's good to be merry and wise.
1069. Happy. It's great to be cheerful and smart.
1070. Merry. It is good to be merry at meat.
1070. Happy. It’s nice to be cheerful while eating.
1071. Merry. Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again.
1071. Joyful. Good times together, goodbyes, and good times again.
1072. Merry. As long lives a merry heart as a sad.
1072. Joyful. A joyful heart lasts just as long as a sorrowful one.
1073. Merry month. The merry month of May.
1073. Happy month. The joyful month of May.
1074. Mettle. Mettle is dangerous in a blind horse.
1074. Courage. Mettle is risky in a blind horse.
1075. Milk. Milk which will not be made into butter must be made into
cheese.
1075. Milk. Milk that won't be turned into butter has to be turned into cheese.
1076. Milk. Who would keep a cow when he may have a bottle of milk for a
penny!
1076. Milk. Why would anyone bother to own a cow when they can just buy a bottle of milk for a penny!
[61]1077. Mill. No mill, no meal.
1078. Millstone. I can see as far into a millstone as the picker.
1078. Millstone. I can see into a millstone just as well as the picker can.
1079. Millstone. The lower millstone grinds as well as the upper.
1079. Millstone. The bottom millstone grinds just as well as the top one.
1080. Mind. Out of sight, out of mind.
1080. Mind. Out of sight, out of mind.
In the forehead and the eye,
The image in the mind is deceptive.
1082. Mind. A woman's mind and winter wind often change.
1082. Mind. A woman’s thoughts and the winter wind often shift.
1083. Mind. A wise man changes his mind; a fool never.
1083. Mind. A wise person changes their mind; a fool never does.
1084. Mirth. A pennyworth of mirth is worth a pound of sorrow.
1084. Joy. A little bit of joy is worth a lot of sadness.
1085. Mischief. A little mischief is too much.
1085. Naughtiness. A bit of mischief is more than enough.
1086. Mischiefs. Mischiefs come by the pound and go away by the ounce.
1086. Pranks. Troubles come in large amounts and disappear in small ones.
1087. Misfortunes. Misfortunes seldom come alone.
Misfortunes rarely come alone.
1088. Miss. A miss is as good as a mile.
1088. Miss A miss is as good as a mile.
So many mists in March, you see,
There will be so many frosts in May.
1090. Misunderstanding. Misunderstanding brings lies to town.
Misunderstanding brings lies around.
1091. Mob. The mob has many heads, but no brains.
1091. Gang. The mob has a lot of leaders, but no real intelligence.
1092. Mocking. Mocking is catching.
1093. Modesty. Modesty is the handmaid of virtue.
1093. Humility. Modesty is the supporter of virtue.
Monday for money,
Tuesday for wellness,
Wednesday is the best day of all;
Thursday for crosswords,
Friday for losses,
No luck at all Saturday.
1095. Money. Money is more easily made than made use of.
1095. Cash. Money is easier to earn than to use wisely.
Those who have money worry about it,
Those who have none are bothered without it.
1097. Money. Money makes money.
Money. It attracts more money.
1098. Money. Money often makes the man.
Money often defines a person.
1099. Money. The abundance of money ruins youth.
1099. Cash. Having too much money can spoil young people.
1100. Money. A fool and his money are soon parted.
1100. Cash. A fool and his money don't stay together for long.
1101. Money. A fool may make money, but a wise man should spend it.
1101. Cash. A fool can make money, but a wise person knows how to spend it.
1102. Money. 'Tis money makes the mare to go.
1102. Cash. It's money that gets things moving.
1103. Money. He that hath no money needeth no purse.
1103. Cash. If you have no money, you don’t need a wallet
In the twilight of the moon,
A cloudy morning suggests a nice afternoon.
A Saturday night moon
Always arrives too soon.
1106. Moon. The moon's not seen where the sun shines.
1106. Moon. You can't see the moon when the sun is shining.
1107. More. The more the merrier; the fewer the better cheer.
1107. More. The more, the merrier; the fewer, the better.
1108. Morning. Lose an hour in the morning, and you'll be all day
hunting for it.
1108. Morning. If you waste an hour in the morning, you'll spend the rest of the day trying to find it.
[63]1109. Morning sun. The morning sun never lasts a day.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1109. Morning sunlight. The morning sun doesn’t stick around all day.
1110. Most. Do as most do, and fewest will speak ill of thee.
1110. Most. Follow the crowd, and fewer people will criticize you.
1111. Most. Most take all.
1112. Mother's breath. The mother's breath is always sweet.
1112. Mom's breath. A mother's breath is always sweet.
1113. Mother's heart. A mother's heart never grows old.
1113. Mom's heart. A mother's heart never ages.
1114. Mother-wit. An ounce of mother-wit is worth a pound of clergy.
1114. Common sense. A little bit of common sense is worth a lot of religious guidance.
1115. Mountain. Never make a mountain of a mole-hill.
Mountain. Don’t overstate problems.
1116. Mountain. If the mountain will not go to Mahomet, let Mahomet go
to the mountain.
1116. Mountain. If the mountain won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad should go to the mountain.
1117. Mouth civility. Mouth civility costs little but is worth less.
1117. Polite speaking. Being polite doesn't cost much, but it's not very valuable.
1118. Mouths. He that sends mouths sends meat.
1118. Mouths. Whoever feeds mouths provides food.
1119. Much. A fool demands much, but he's a greater that gives it.
1119. A lot. A fool asks for a lot, but it's a bigger person who gives it.
1120. Much. Much is expected where much is given.
1120. A lot. A lot is expected when a lot is given.
1121. Much. Much would have more, and lost all.
1121. A lot. Much would have more, and lost everything.
1122. Muddles. Muddles at home make husbands roam.
1122. Confusion. Messes at home make husbands wander.
1123. Muffled cats. Muffled cats are bad mousers.
1123. Quiet cats. Muffled cats aren’t good at catching mice.
1124. Murder. Murder will out.
1125. Music. Music helps not the toothache.
1125. Music. Music doesn't help toothache.
1126. Music. Where music is no harm can be.
1126. Music. Where there is music, there can be no harm.
[64]1127. Musician. When a musician hath forgot his note, he makes as though
a crumb stuck in his throat.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1127. Artist. When a musician forgets his part, he pretends like there's something stuck in his throat.
1128. Musk. It's no use looking for musk in a dog's kennel.
1128. Musk. You won't find musk in a dog's kennel.
1129. Mute. They are as mute as fishes.
1129. Quiet. They are as silent as fish.
N
1130. Name. A good name is better than riches.
1130. Name. A good name is worth more than wealth.
1131. Name. A good name keeps its lustre in the dark.
1131. Name. A great name maintains its shine even in the dark.
1132. Name. Take away my good name, and take away my life.
1132. Name. Take away my good name, and you take away my life.
1133. Nature. 'Tis the nature of the beast.
1133. Nature. It's the nature of the beast.
1134. Necessity. Necessity knows no law.
1135. Necessity. Make a virtue of necessity.
Make the best of necessity.
1136. Necessity. Necessity is the mother of invention.
1136. Essential. Necessity is the driving force behind innovation.
1137. Need. Need makes the old wife trot.
1137. Need. Need drives the old woman to hustle.
1138. Need. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
1138. Need. A friend who helps you when you need it is a true friend.
1139. Needle. To look for a needle in a pottle of hay.
1139. Syringe. To search for a needle in a haystack.
He who is needy while married
He will be rich when he is buried.
1141. Neighbour. Love thy neighbour, but pull not down thy hedge.
1141. Neighbor. Love your neighbor, but don’t take down your fence.
1142. Neighbour-quart. Neighbour-quart is good quart.
Neighbour-quart is good company.
[65]1143. Neighbour. You must ask your neighbour if you shall live in peace.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1143. Neighbor. You need to ask your neighbor if you can live in peace.
1144. Neighbour's house. When thy neighbour's house is on fire, be
careful of thine own.
1144. Neighbor's place. When your neighbor's house is on fire, take care of your own.
1145. Net. All is fish that comes to his net.
1145. Internet. Everything that comes into his net is fair game.
Don't be the first to try the new thing,
Don't be the last to let go of the old ways.
1147. New broom. A new broom sweeps clean.
1147. New approach. A new broom sweeps clean.
1148. News. No news is good news.
1149. Nimble. A nimble ninepence is better than a slow shilling.
1149. Agile. A quick ninepence is better than a slow shilling.
1150. Nip. Nip it in the bud.
1151. Noble. The more noble the more humble.
1151. Noble. The more noble, the more humble.
1152. Nods. The great Homer himself sometimes nods.
1152. Agrees. Even the great Homer himself occasionally makes mistakes.
A bit of silliness now and then
Is enjoyed by the wisest people.
1154. Notice. It is the part of a wise man to take no notice of many
things.
1154. Announcement. A wise person knows not to pay attention to many things.
1155. Nothing. By doing nothing we learn to do ill.
1155. Nothing. By doing nothing we learn to do wrong.
1156. Nothing. Of nothing comes nothing.
Nothing. From nothing comes nothing.
1157. Nothing. Doing nothing is the hardest work.
1157. Nothing. Sometimes, doing nothing is the toughest job.
1158. Nothing. Nothing came out of the sack but what was in it.
1158. Nothing. Nothing came out of the sack except what was already inside it.
1159. Nothing. It is more painful to do nothing than something.
1159. Nothing. It's more painful to do nothing than to do something.
[66]1160. Nothing. Doing nothing is doing ill.
Nothing. Doing nothing is harmful.
November take flail,
Let ships sail no more.
1163. Nurse. The nurse's tongue is privileged to talk.
Nurse. The nurse can speak openly.
1164. Nutshell. You may as well bid me lade the sea with a nutshell.
1164. In a nutshell. You might as well ask me to load the sea with a nutshell.
O
1165. Oak. An oak is not felled by one blow.
1165. Oak tree. An oak tree can't be taken down with just one strike.
1166. Occasion. An occasion lost cannot be redeemed.
1166. Event. A missed opportunity can't be regained.
Good October, a nice vibe,
To blow the hog acorn and mast.
1168. Offer. Never refuse a good offer.
Never turn down a good offer.
1169. Offender. The offender never pardons.
1169. Offender. The offender never forgives.
1170. Often. Little and often fills the purse.
Often. Small amounts add up.
1171. Old age. When old age is evil, youth can learn no good.
1171. Aging. When old age is negative, youth cannot learn anything positive.
1172. Old. Old young, old long.
1172. Old. Old young, old long.
1173. Old cat. An old cat laps as much as a young kitten.
1173. Aging cat. An old cat drinks as much as a young kitten.
1174. Old cock. As the old cock crows so crows the young.
1174. Old rooster. As the old rooster crows, so does the young one.
1175. Old dog. An old dog barks not in vain.
1175. Old dog. An old dog doesn't bark for no reason.
1176. Old dog. An old dog will learn no tricks.
1176. Aged dog. An old dog won't learn new tricks.
1177. Older. Older and wiser.
[67]1178. Old fools. Old fools are the worst of fools.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1178. Old people. Old fools are the biggest fools.
1179. Old foxes. Old foxes need no tutors.
1179. Sly foxes. Old foxes don’t need teachers.
1180. Old friends. Old friends to meet, old wine to drink, and old wood
to burn.
1180. Longtime friends. Old friends to catch up with, old wine to enjoy, and old wood to burn.
1181. Old friends. Old friends and old wine are best.
1181. Old pals. Old friends and old wine are the best.
1182. Old men. Old men are twice children.
1182. Elderly men. Old men are like children, but twice over.
1183. Old sack. An old sack wanteth much patching.
1183. Old bag. An old sack needs a lot of repairs.
1184. Old saws. Old saws speak the truth.
1184. Proverbs. Old sayings speak the truth.
1185. Old sore. It's ill healing an old sore.
1185. Old wound. It’s hard to heal an old wound.
1186. Omelettes. You can't make omelettes without breaking eggs.
1186. Omelets. You can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs.
1187. Once. Once well done is twice done.
1187. One time. Doing something right once counts as doing it twice.
1188. One. Make much of one, good men are scarce.
1188. One. Value one; good men are hard to find.
1189. One hand. One hand will not clasp.
1189. One hand. One hand cannot hold on.
1190. One hole. The mouse that hath but one hole is easily taken.
1190. One gap. A mouse with just one hole is easily caught.
1191. One thing. Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
1191. One thing. Too much of anything is not good for you.
1192. Opportunity. Opportunity makes the thief.
Opportunity makes the thief.
1193. Opportunity. Opportunity lingers sometimes.
Opportunity hangs around sometimes.
1194. Oppression. Oppression causeth rebellion.
Oppression leads to rebellion.
1195. Orderly. In an orderly house all is soon ready.
1195. Organized. In a tidy home, everything is quickly prepared.
1196. Orts. Evening orts are good morning fodder.
1196. "Regions." Leftover bits from the evening are great for breakfast.
[68]1197. Otherwise. Some are wise, and some are otherwise.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1197. Otherwise. Some people are wise, and some are not.
1198. Ought. Do what thou ought, let come what may.
1198. Should. Do what you should, no matter what happens.
1199. Outbid. Be not too hasty to outbid another.
1199. Outbid. Don’t be too quick to outbid someone else.
1200. Over. Over boots, over shoes.
Over. Over boots, over shoes.
1201. Overtakes. None is so wise but the fool overtakes him sometimes.
1201. Passes. No one is so wise that a fool can't catch up to them sometimes.
1202. Oysters. Oysters are not good in the month that hath not an R in
it.
1202. Oysters. You shouldn't eat oysters in any month that doesn't have an R in its name.
1203. Own dog. A man may cause his own dog to bite him.
1203. My dog. A guy can make his own dog bite him.
P
1204. Pain. Pain is forgotten where gain follows.
1204. Pain. Pain is overlooked when there's something to gain.
1205. Pain. Great pain and little gain make a man soon weary.
1205. Pain. Intense pain and minimal reward make a person tired quickly.
1206. Pains. No pains, no profit.
1207. Pains. Pains are the wages of ill-pleasures.
1207. Aches. Pains are the costs of unhealthy pleasures.
1208. Painting. On painting and fighting look aloof off.
1208. Art. When it comes to painting and fighting, they seem distant from each other.
1209. Pardon. Pardon all men, but never thyself.
1209. Forgive. Forgive everyone, but never forgive yourself.
1210. Parents. Study to be worthy of your parents.
1210. Parents. Aim to be deserving of your parents.
If the partridge had the woodcock's leg,
It would be the greatest bird to ever fly.
1212. Passion. A man in a passion rides a horse that runs away with him.
1212. Enthusiasm. A man in a fit of passion rides a horse that's bolting.
1213. Patch. Patch and sit long, build and soon flit.
1213. Update. Patch and stay for a while, create and then quickly move on.
[69]1214. Patience. Patience is a flower that grows not in every one's
garden.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1214. Patience. Patience is a flower that doesn't grow in everyone's garden.
1215. Patience. Patience is a plaister for all sores.
1215. Patience. Patience is a remedy for all wounds.
1216. Patient. As patient as Job.
1216. Patient. As patient as Job.
1217. Pay. Pay him in his own coin.
1217. Pay up. Pay him with what he deserves.
1218. Pay. Pay as you go.
1219. Pays last. He that pays last never pays twice.
1219. Last pays. The one who pays last never pays twice.
Those who don't plan to pay,
Will pay any day now.
1221. Pearls. Cast not pearls before swine.
1221. Pearls. Don't waste pearls on pigs.
1222. Peas. He who hath most peas may put most in the pot.
1222. Peas. The person with the most peas can add the most to the pot.
1223. Pedlar. A small pack suits a small pedlar.
1223. Peddler. A small pack is perfect for a small pedlar.
1224. Pedlar. Let every pedlar carry his own pack.
1224. Peddler. Every pedlar should carry their own pack.
1225. Pen. Pen and ink are a wit's plough.
1225. Stylus. A pen and ink are tools for a clever mind.
1226. Pence. Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of
themselves.
1226. Pence. Take care of the small change, and the larger amounts will take care of themselves.
1227. Penny. That penny is well spent that saves a groat.
1227. Penny. A penny spent wisely is one that saves you a quarter.
1228. Penny. A penny in my purse will bid me drink when all my friends I
have will not.
1228. Penny. A penny in my wallet will get me a drink when none of my friends will.
1229. Penny. A penny in your pocket is a good companion.
1229. Penny. A penny in your pocket makes for a good companion.
1230. Penny. In for a penny, in for a pound.
1230. Penny. You’ve got to go all in.
1231. Penny. A penny saved is a penny got.
1231. Penny. A penny saved is a penny earned.
1232. Penny wise. Penny wise and pound foolish.
1232. Penny-pinching. Being careful with small amounts of money but careless with larger ones.
1233. Pepper. Pepper is black, yet it hath a good smack.
1233. Pepper. Pepper is black, but it has a great flavor.
[70]1234. Perch. The topmost branch is not the safest perch.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1234. Perch. The highest branch isn't the safest spot to rest.
1235. Peril. Peril proves who dearly loves.
Danger reveals who truly loves.
1236. Perseverance. Perseverance kills the game.
Perseverance wins the game.
1237. Persuasion. The persuasion of the fortunate sways the doubtful.
1237. Influence. The influence of the fortunate convinces the uncertain.
1238. Peter. He robs Peter to pay Paul.
1238. Peter. He takes from Peter to give to Paul.
1239. Physician. Physician heal thyself.
1239. Doctor. Doctor, heal yourself.
The best doctors are Doctor Diet,
Dr. Cheeriman and Dr. Quiet.
1241. Pictures. Painted pictures are dead speakers.
1241. Images. Painted images are silent storytellers.
1242. Pig's tail. You can't make a horn of a pig's tail.
1242. Pigtail. You can't turn a pig's tail into a horn.
1243. Pillow. Sleep on it; the pillow is the best counsellor.
1243. Pillow. Sleep on it; the pillow is the best advisor.
1244. Pilot. Every man is a pilot in a calm sea.
1244. Pilot. Every man is a captain in smooth waters.
1245. Pin. He that will not stoop for a pin, shall never be worth a
point.
1245. Pin. If you won't bend down to pick up a pin, you'll never be worth a point.
If you see a pin, just leave it there,
Want a pin before you die.
1247. Pin. A pin a day is a groat a year.
1247. Pin. A penny saved each day adds up to a year’s worth of savings.
1248. Pinches. No one knows where the shoe pinches so well as him who
wears it.
1248. Pinches. No one knows where the shoe hurts better than the person who wears it.
1249. Pipe. He can ill pipe that wants his upper lip.
1249. Pipeline. He can hardly play his pipe if he’s missing his upper lip.
1250. Pitcher. The pitcher does not go so often to the water, but it
comes home broken at last.
1250. Pitcher. The pitcher doesn't go to the water as often, but it eventually comes home broken.
1251. Pity. Pity, promises, and blame, are always cheap and plentiful.
1251. Sorry. Pity, promises, and blame are always easy to come by and in abundance.
[71]1252. Pity. Foolish pity spoils a city.
Foolish pity ruins a city.
1253. Place. Sit in your place, and none can make you rise.
1253. Location. Stay in your seat, and no one can make you get up.
1254. Place. A place for everything, and everything in its place.
1254. Location. A spot for everything, and everything in its spot.
1255. Plain dealing. Plain dealing's a jewel.
1255. Straight talk. Straight talk's a treasure.
All play and no work,
Gives Tom a worn shirt.
1257. Play. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
1257. Play. All work and no play makes Jack boring.
1258. Play. If you play with a fool at home, he'll play with you in the
market.
1258. Play. If you mess around with a fool at home, he'll mess around with you in the market.
1259. Make everyone happy.
Anyone who wants to please everyone and themselves too,
Takes on what he can't do.
1260. Pleasing. Pleasing ware is half sold.
Pleasing items sell themselves.
1261. Pleasure. Make not a toil of your pleasure.
1261. Enjoyment. Don't turn your pleasure into a chore.
1262. Plenty. Plenty as blackberries.
Plentiful as blackberries.
1263. Plough. Don't stop the plough to catch a mouse.
1263. Plow. Don't halt the plow to catch a mouse.
1264. Plough. A man must plough with such oxen as he hath.
1264. Plow. A man must plough with the oxen he has.
He who wants to succeed by working the land,
He must either hold or drive himself.
1266. Poor. Do not live poor to die rich.
1266. Broke. Don't live poorly just to die wealthy.
1267. Poor. As poor as Job.
1268. Poor folk. Poor folk have few kindred.
1268. Low-income individuals. Poor people have few relatives.
1269. Poor folk. Poor folk are glad of pottage.
1269. Low-income individuals. Poor people are happy to have porridge.
[72]1270. Pope. He that would be Pope must think of nothing else.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1270. Pope. To become Pope, one must focus on nothing but that.
1271. Possession. Possession is nine points of the law, and they say
there are but ten.
1271. Ownership. Possession is nine-tenths of the law, and they say there are only ten.
1272. Pot. A little pot is soon hot.
1272. Pot. A small pot heats up quickly.
1273. Pot. The pot calls the kettle black.
1273. Pot. The pot is calling the kettle black.
1274. Poverty. Poverty parts friends.
Poverty separates friends.
1275. Poverty. Poverty breeds strife.
1275. Poverty. Poverty causes conflict.
1276. Poverty. Poverty is the mother of health.
1276. Poverty. Poverty is the root of health.
1277. Poverty. When poverty comes in at the door, friendship leaps out
of the window.
1277. Poverty. When poverty enters through the door, friendship jumps out the window.
1278. Poverty. Poverty parteth good fellowship.
Poverty makes for good company.
1279. Poverty. Poverty makes a man acquainted with strange bed-fellows.
1279. Poverty. Poverty introduces someone to unusual companions.
1280. Practice. Practice makes perfect.
1281. Praise. True praise takes root and spreads.
1281. Kudos. Genuine praise takes hold and grows.
1282. Praise. Neither praise nor dispraise thyself, thine actions serve
the turn.
1282. Applause. Don’t praise or criticize yourself; your actions speak for themselves.
1283. Praise. Never sound the trumpet of your own praise.
1283. Shoutout. Don't boast about your own achievements.
1284. Praise. Praise a fair day at night.
1284. Props. Celebrate a beautiful day at night.
1285. Praise. Old praise dies, unless you feed it.
1285. Appreciation. Old praise fades away if you don't nurture it.
1286. Prate. Prate is but prate; 'tis money buys land.
1286. Talk. Talking is just talk; it’s money that buys land.
1287. Pray. He that would learn to pray let him go to sea.
1287. Pray. If someone wants to learn how to pray, they should go to sea.
1288. Prettiness. Prettiness makes no pottage.
Prettiness doesn't bring results.
1289. Prettiness. Prettiness dies quickly.
[73]1290. Prevention. Prevention is better than cure.
Prevention is better than treatment.
1291. Prey. Birds of prey do not sing.
1291. Prey. Birds of prey don’t sing.
1292. Pride. Pride feels no pain.
1293. Pride. Pride will have a fall.
Pride comes before a fall.
1294. Pride. Pride goes before, and shame follows after.
1294. Pride. Pride comes before a fall, and shame comes after.
1295. Procrastination. Procrastination is the thief of time.
Procrastination steals your time.
1296. Promise. He is poor indeed that cannot promise nothing.
1296. Promise. He is truly poor who cannot make any promises.
1297. Promise. Be slow to promise, but quick to perform.
1297. Promise. Take your time to make promises, but be prompt in keeping them.
1298. Promise. Apt to promise, apt to forget.
1298. Promise. Quick to make promises, quick to forget them.
1299. Promises. Promises are too much like pie-crusts, made to be
broken.
1299. Promises. Promises are just like pie crusts, easily broken.
1300. Proof. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
1300. Proof. The proof is in the results.
1301. Prosperity. Prosperity gains friends, adversity tries them.
1301. Wealth. Success attracts friends, while tough times test them.
1302. Proud mind. There's nothing agrees worse than a proud mind and a
beggar's purse.
1302. Proud mindset. Nothing is worse than having a proud attitude while being broke.
1303. Proverb. According to the old proverb.
According to the old saying.
1304. Proverbs. Proverbs are the texts of common life.
1304. Sayings. Proverbs capture the essence of everyday life.
1305. Pry. Pry not into other people's affairs.
1305. Snoop. Don't snoop into other people's business.
1306. Pryeth. He that pryeth into every cloud, may be stricken with a
thunder-bolt.
1306. Caution. Those who look too closely into every cloud may get hit by a lightning bolt.
1307. Puddle. Every path hath a puddle.
Puddle. Every path has a puddle.
1308. Puff. Puff not against the wind.
Puff not against the wind.
[74]1309. Pull. Pull gently on a weak rope.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1309. Pull. Pull lightly on a weak rope.
1310. Pull down. It is easier to pull down than to build.
1310. Pull down. It’s easier to tear down than to create.
1311. Punctuality. Punctuality begets confidence.
1311. Punctuality. Being on time builds trust.
1312. Punishment. Many without punishment, none without sin.
1312. Consequences. Many go unpunished, but no one is without wrongdoing.
1313. Purse. Be ruled by your purse.
1313. Purse. Let your wallet guide you.
1314. Purse. Let your purse be your master.
1314. Handbag. Let your wallet be in charge.
1315. Purse. You cannot make a purse of a sow's ear.
1315. Bag. You can't turn a sow's ear into a purse.
1316. Purse. A full purse maketh the mouth to speak.
1316. Bag. A full wallet makes the mouth talk.
1317. Purse. He that shows his purse longs to be rid of it.
1317. Handbag. Someone who shows off their money is eager to get rid of it.
Whether it's better or worse,
Let the one who controls the money be in charge.
1319. Purse. A heavy purse makes a light heart.
1319. Bag. A full wallet brings a happy spirit.
1320. Purse. He who gets four pounds and spends five has no need of a
purse.
1320. Bag. Someone who earns four pounds and spends five has no use for a purse.
1321. Purses (wrinkled). Wrinkled purses make wrinkled faces.
1321. Wrinkled purses. Wrinkled purses create wrinkled faces.
Q
1322. Quarrel. Don't quarrel with the beggar for his bone.
1322. Argument. Don't argue with the beggar over his bone.
1323. Quench. To cast oil in the fire is not the way to quench it.
1323. Hydrate. Throwing oil on a fire isn't the way to put it out.
1324. Quick. Quick at meat, quick at work.
1324. Quick. Fast with food, fast at work.
1325. Quietness. Next to love, quietness.
Quietness. Next to love, stillness.
[75]1326. Quiet life. Anything for a quiet life.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1326. Peaceful life. Anything for a peaceful life.
1327. Quote. The devil can quote Scripture to suit his purpose.
1327. Quote. The devil can use Scripture to fit his agenda.
R
1328. Ragged colt. A ragged colt may make a good horse.
1328. Scruffy colt. A scruffy colt can turn into a great horse.
Rain from the east,
At least two days.
If it rains on Easter Sunday,
There will be a lot of grass and little hay.
1331. Rain. Some rain, some rest.
Rain. Some rain, some rest.
1332. Rain. After rain comes fair weather.
After rain comes sunshine.
1333. Rain. Small rain lays great dust.
Rain. Light rain settles heavy dust.
1334. Rains. It never rains but it pours.
It never rains without pouring.
1335. Raise. Raise no more spirits than you can conjure down.
1335. Increase. Don’t summon more spirits than you can control.
1336. Ready money. Ready money will away.
Ready cash. Ready cash disappears.
1337. Real friend. He is a real friend who assists one in a pinch.
1337. True friend. He is a true friend who helps you out when you’re in trouble.
1338. Reason. If we do not hear reason she will one day make herself be
heard.
1338. Purpose. If we don't listen to reason, she will eventually make herself known.
1339. Reason. There's reason in roasting of eggs.
1339. Reason. There's a reason for roasting eggs.
1340. Receiver. The receiver is as bad as the thief.
1340. Recipient. The receiver is just as guilty as the thief.
1341. Receivers. If there were no receivers there would be no thieves.
1341. Receivers. Without receivers, there would be no thieves.
1342. Reckless youth. Reckless youth makes rueful age.
1342. Reckless young people. Careless young people lead to regretful older age.
[76]1343. Reckons. He that reckons without his host must reckon again.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1343. Thinks. Someone who makes plans without considering the input of others will have to rethink those plans.
1344. Reckoning. Fools always come short of their reckoning.
1344. Accountability. Fools always fall short of their judgment.
1345. Reckoning. Short reckonings make long friends.
Short reckonings make long friends.
1346. Reconcile. Reconcile yourself to present trials, the future may
bring worse.
1346. Make peace. Accept your current struggles; the future might be even tougher.
1347. Recorder. A good recorder sets all in order.
Recorder. A good recorder organizes everything.
1348. Reigns. Man reigns and woman rules.
Man reigns, and woman rules.
1349. Reins. Men hold the reins, but the women tell them which way to
drive.
1349. Ropes. Men may control the reins, but the women steer them in the right direction.
1350. Religion. Better wear a cloak for religion than religion for a
cloak.
1350. Faith. It’s better to put on a cloak for the sake of religion than to use religion merely as a cloak.
1351. Remove. Remove an old tree and it will wither.
1351. Delete. Take out an old tree and it will die.
1352. Removed. A plant often removed cannot thrive.
1352. Removed. A plant that's often taken away can't flourish.
1353. Reproof. A smart reproof is better than smooth deceit.
1353. Criticism. A sharp criticism is better than flattering lies.
1354. Reserve. Reserve the master-blow.
1354. Hold back. Hold back the master-blow.
1355. Re-telling. A story never loses by re-telling.
1355. Re-narrating. A story never loses anything from being told again.
1356. Revenge. To forget wrong is the greatest revenge.
1356. Revenge. The best way to get back at someone is to let go of the hurt.
1357. Revenge. Revenge is sweet.
1358. Rich. God help the rich, the poor can beg.
1358. Wealthy. God help the wealthy, the needy can ask for charity.
1359. Riches. Riches are like muck, which stink in a heap, but spread
abroad make the earth fruitful.
1359. Wealth. Wealth is like waste, which smells when piled up, but when spread out, it makes the world thrive.
1360. Riches. Riches are but the baggage of fortune.
1360. Wealth. Wealth is just the extra weight of luck.
[77]1361. Ride. Better ride on an ass that carries me than a horse that
throws me.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1361. Take a ride. It's better to ride a donkey that supports me than a horse that throws me off.
1362. Right hand. Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth.
1362. Right hand. Don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
1363. Riseth. He that riseth betimes hath something in his head.
1363. Wakes up. Someone who wakes up early has a plan.
1364. River. Follow the river and you'll get to the sea.
1364. River. If you follow the river, you'll reach the sea.
1365. Road. Rich country, bad road.
1366. Roost. A bird can roost upon but one branch.
1366. Nest. A bird can only rest on one branch.
1367. Rolling stone. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
1367. Rolling stone. A rolling stone doesn't collect moss.
1368. Rome. When you are at Rome, do as Rome does.
1368. Rome. When you're in Rome, do what the Romans do.
1369. Rome. Rome was not built in a day.
1369. Rome. Rome wasn't built in a day.
1370. Rudder. He that will not be ruled by the rudder must be ruled by
the rock.
1370. Steering wheel. If you refuse to be guided by the rudder, you will be controlled by the rock.
1371. Rose. The fairest rose at last is withered.
1371. Rose. The most beautiful rose has finally wilted.
1372. Rotten apple. A rotten apple injures its companions.
1372. Bad apple. A bad apple spoils the bunch.
1373. Rugged stone. A rugged stone grows smooth from hand to hand.
1373. Rough stone. A rough stone becomes smooth as it's passed from hand to hand.
1374. Rule. There is no rule without an exception.
1374. Rule. There’s no rule without an exception.
1375. Rules. Love rules his kingdom without a sword.
1375. Rules. Love governs his kingdom without a weapon.
1376. Runs. He that runs fastest gets the prize.
1376. Runs. The person who runs the fastest wins the prize.
1377. Runs fast. He that runs fast will not run long.
1377. Runs quickly. Someone who runs quickly won't be able to keep it up for long.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
S
1378. Sack. It's a bad sack will abide no clouting.
1378. Bag. A bad sack won't take any fixing.
1379. Sack. Nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it.
1379. Bag. Nothing comes out of the sack except what was already inside it.
1380. Saddle. Set the saddle on the right horse.
1380. Saddle. Put the saddle on the correct horse.
1381. Sadness. Sadness and gladness succeed each other.
1381. Sadness. Sadness and happiness follow one another.
On St. David's Day,
Put oats and barley in the clay.
Blessed be St. Stephen;
There's no fasting on his even.
1384. Sail. Make not your sail too large for your ship.
1384. Set sail. Don't make your sail too big for your ship.
1385. Salmon. Salmon and sermon have their season in Lent.
1385. Salmon. Salmon and sermons are in season during Lent.
1386. Salt. Catch a bird by putting salt on its tail.
1386. Salt. Catch a bird by sprinkling salt on its tail.
1387. Sand. You can't make ropes of sand.
1387. Sand. You can't make ropes out of sand.
1388. Sauce. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
1388. Sauce. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
1389. Sauce. Sweet meat must have some sauce.
If young people knew what getting older would desire,
It definitely would work hard to acquire and keep.
1391. Save. Who will not save a penny, shall never have many.
1391. Save. Those who don’t save a penny will never have much.
1392. Saving. Saving is getting.
1393. Saving. It's useless saving at the spigot and spending at the
bung-hole.
1393. Saving money. It's pointless to save at the faucet and spend at the drain.
[79]1394. Saving. Of saving cometh having.
1395. Say. Learn to say before you sing.
1395. Speak. Master speaking before you start singing.
1396. Saying. Saying and doing are two things.
1396. Saying. Speaking and acting are two different things.
1397. Says. If a man says little he thinks the more.
1397. Says. If a man speaks less, he thinks more.
"Say well" and "do well" both end with the same letter;
Saying it’s good is fine, but actually doing good is even better.
1399. Scabbed sheep. One scabbed sheep infects the whole flock.
1399. Infected sheep. One infected sheep can spread the disease to the entire flock.
1400. Scald. Scald not your lips in another man's pottage.
1400. Burn. Don't burn your lips on someone else's stew.
1401. Scalded cat. A scalded cat fears cold water.
1401. Scared cat. A scalded cat is afraid of cold water.
1402. Sceptre. A sceptre is one thing, a ladle another.
1402. Scepter. A scepter is one thing, a ladle is another.
1403. Scholar. A mere scholar a mere ass.
1403. Academic. Just a scholar, just an idiot.
1404. Scholars. The greatest scholars are not always the wisest men.
1404. Academics. The best scholars aren't always the smartest people.
1405. Scorning. Scorning is catching.
1406. Scotch mist. A Scotch mist will wet an Englishman through to the
skin.
1406. Fog. A Scotch mist will soak an Englishman right to the skin.
1407. Sea. On the sea sail; on the land settle.
1407. Ocean. Sail on the sea; settle on the land.
1408. Season. Everything is good in its season.
1408. Season. Everything is good in its own time.
1409. Season. To everything there is a season; and a time to every
purpose under heaven.
1409. Season. There’s a time for everything; and a purpose for every moment in life.
1410. Second blow. 'Tis the second blow that makes a fray.
1410. Second hit. It's the second blow that starts a fight.
1411. Secret. He that revealeth his secret maketh himself a slave.
1411. Confidential. Whoever reveals their secret makes themselves a slave.
1412. Seeing. Seeing is believing.
[80]1413. Seek. Seek till you find, and you'll lose no labour.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1413. Search. Keep searching until you find, and you won’t waste any effort.
1414. Seldom seen. Seldom seen, soon forgotten.
Seldom seen, quickly forgotten.
1415. Self. Self do, self have.
1416. Self Love. Self love's a mote in every man's eye.
1416. Self-love. Self-love is a small flaw in everyone's vision.
1417. Self praise. Self praise is no recommendation.
1417. Self-promotion. Praising yourself doesn't count as a recommendation.
September breezes gently,
Until the fruit is in the loft.
1419. Servants. Good servants make good masters.
Good servants make good masters.
1420. Shadow. Catch not at the shadow and lose the substance.
1420. Shadow. Don't reach for the shadow and miss out on what really matters.
1421. Share. Share and share alike.
1421. Share. Share generously.
1422. Shaving. It's ill shaving against the wool.
1422. Shaving. It's not a good idea to shave against the grain.
Shear your sheep in May,
And cut them all away.
1424. Sheep. One sheep follows another.
1424. Sheep. One sheep follows the other.
1425. Ships. Ships fear fire more than water.
1425. Boats. Ships are more afraid of fire than of water.
1426. Shoe. The finest shoe often hurts the foot.
1426. Shoe. The best shoes often hurt your feet.
1427. Shoe. To know where the shoe pinches.
Shoe. To know where it hurts.
1428. Shoot. Every man will shoot at the enemy, but few will go to fetch
the shaft.
1428. Shoot. Every man will shoot at the enemy, but few will go to retrieve the arrow.
1429. Shop. Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee.
1429. Store. Run your business, and your business will take care of you.
1430. Shorn sheep. God tempers the wind to the shorn sheep.
1430. Sheared sheep. God adjusts the wind for the shorn sheep.
1431. Short cuts. Short cuts are sometimes longest.
1431. Shortcuts. Shortcuts can sometimes take the longest.
1432. Short reckonings. Short reckonings are soon cleared.
1432. Fast settlements. Quick settlements are resolved quickly.
[81]1433. Short and sweet. Short and sweet like a donkey's gallop.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1433. Short and simple. Short and sweet like a donkey's run.
1434. Shrew. Every one can tame a shrew but he that hath her.
1434. Shrew. Anyone can tame a shrew except for the one who has her.
1435. Sigh. Never sigh but send.
1435. Sigh. Never sigh, just send.
1436. Sight. Out of sight out of mind.
1436. Vision. Out of sight, out of mind.
1437. Silence. Silence seldom doth harm.
Silence. Silence rarely causes harm.
1438. Silence. Silence is consent.
1438. Silence. Silence means agreement.
1439. Silence. Silence is the best ornament of a woman.
1439. Quiet. Silence is the best accessory for a woman.
1440. Silver. White silver draws black lines.
Silver. White silver draws black lines.
1441. Silver spoon. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
1441. Privileged upbringing. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
1442. Sing. A bird that can sing and won't sing, must be made to sing.
1442. Sing. A bird that can sing but won’t sing must be made to sing.
1443. Sing. None but fools and fiddlers sing at their meat.
1443. Sing. Only fools and entertainers sing while they eat.
1444. Sings. Who sings drives away care.
Who sings banishes worry.
1445. Sit still. As good sit still as rise up and fall.
1445. Stay still. It's just as good to sit still as to get up and fall down.
1446. Slander. Few people are out of the reach of slander.
1446. Defamation. Almost everyone is vulnerable to slander.
1447. Slander. Slander leaves a score behind it.
Slander leaves a lasting mark.
Account not that work slavery
That brings in penny snacks.
1449. Sleep. One hour's sleep before midnight is worth two hours after.
1449. Rest. One hour of sleep before midnight is equal to two hours after.
1450. Sleeping. There is sleeping enough in the grave.
1450. Sleeping. There's plenty of sleeping in the grave.
1451. Sleeping dog. Don't wake a sleeping dog.
1451. Sleeping dog. Don't disturb a sleeping dog.
[82]1452. Slip. Better that the feet slip than the tongue.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1452. Slide. It's better for your feet to slip than for your tongue to trip you up.
1453. Sloth. Sloth turneth the edge of wit.
1453. Laziness. Laziness dulls the sharpness of the mind.
1454. Sloth. Sloth is the mother of poverty.
1454. Laziness. Sloth is the cause of poverty.
1455. Slow. Slow and sure.
1456. Lazy person's disguise.
The lazy person's disguise,
Reluctant to go to bed and reluctant to get up.
1457. Sluts. Sluts are good enough to make slovens' pottage.
1457. Slutshaming. Sluts are good enough to make slobs' stew.
1458. Small fish. Better are small fish than an empty dish.
1458. Little fish. Small fish are better than an empty plate.
1459. Small things. Small things affect light minds.
1459. Small things. Little things influence shallow minds.
1460. Small things. He that despiseth small things shall fall by little
and little.
1460. Little things. Anyone who disregards small things will gradually decline.
1461. Smoke. Where there is smoke there is fire.
Where there's smoke, there's fire.
1462. Snake. Put a snake in your bosom, and when it is warm it will
sting you.
1462. Snake. If you hold a snake close to your chest, when it warms up, it will bite you.
1463. Snow. A snow year, a rich year.
1463. Snow. A snowy year, a bountiful year.
1464. Softly. He that goes softly goes surely.
1464. Gently. He who moves gently moves with certainty.
1465. Soft words. Soft words butter no parsnips.
1465. Gentle words. Soft words don’t get things done.
1466. Soldiers. Soldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer.
1466. Troops. Soldiers during peacetime are like chimneys in the summer.
My son is my son until he gets himself a wife,
But my daughter is my daughter every day of her life.
1468. Soon hot. Soon hot, soon cold.
1468. Soon hot. Hot soon, cold soon.
1469. Sooner said. 'Tis sooner said than done.
1469. Easier said than done. It’s easier said than done.
[83]1470. Sorrow. Sorrow and bad weather come unsent for.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1470. Sadness. Sadness and bad weather show up without an invitation.
1471. Sorrow. Sorrow will pay no debt.
Sorrow won't settle any debts.
1472. Sorrow. A fat sorrow is better than a lean one.
1472. Sadness. A big sorrow is better than a small one.
1473. Sorrow. Sorrow is good for nothing but sin.
1473. Sadness. Sorrow serves no purpose other than to lead to sin.
1474. Sorrow. Sorrow will wear away in time.
Sadness will fade with time.
1475. Sorrow. When sorrow is asleep, wake it not.
1475. Sad. When sadness is asleep, don't wake it.
1476. Sorrow. Sorrow comes unsent for, and, like the unbidden guest,
brings his own stool.
1476. Sadness. Sorrow arrives uninvited, and, much like an unexpected guest, brings its own seat.
1477. Sorrowing. He goes a-sorrowing, who goes a-borrowing.
1477. Feeling Down. He feels sad who goes asking for loans.
1478. Sound. As sound as a nut.
1479. Sour grapes. "Sour grapes," as the fox said when he could not
reach them.
1479. Sour grapes. "Sour grapes," the fox said when he couldn't reach them.
1480. Sow. Every sow to her own trough.
1480. Plant. Every sow gets her own feeding spot.
1481. Sows. Who sows in May gets little that way.
1481. Female pigs. If you plant in May, you won't get much out of it.
1482. Sows. What a man sows, that shall he also reap.
1482. Pigs. A man will reap what he sows.
1483. Spare. 'Tis too late, to spare when the bottom is bare.
1483. Spare. It's too late to save when you're completely out.
1484. Spare. It is better to spare at the brim than the bottom.
1484. Spare. It's wiser to save at the top than at the bottom.
1485. Spare. Spare when young and spend when old.
1485. Save. Save when you're young and spend when you're old.
1486. Spare. Spare to speak and spare to spend.
1486. Thrifty. Be cautious with your words and careful with your expenses.
1487. Speak. There is a time to speak as well as to be silent.
1487. Talk. There’s a time to talk and a time to be quiet.
1488. Speak. Speak well of the dead.
Speak kindly of the dead.
[84]1489. Speak. Many speak much that cannot speak well.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1489. Talk. A lot of people talk a lot but don’t express themselves well.
1490. Speak. Speak fair and think what you will.
1490. Talk. Speak nicely and think whatever you want.
Anyone who speaks kindly to me but doesn't truly love me,
I'll be polite to him but won't trust him.
1492. Speculation. Speculation completes what extravagance began.
1492. Speculation. Speculation finishes what extravagance started.
1493. Speech. Speech is the picture of the mind.
1493. Talk. Speech is the expression of our thoughts.
1494. Spend. Spend not where you may save; spare not where you must
spend.
1494. Spend money. Don't spend where you could save; don't hold back where you need to spend.
1495. Spend. Carefully spend, and God will send.
1495. Expend. Spend wisely, and God will provide.
1496. Spend. Spend and be free, but make no waste.
1496. Spend money. Spend and enjoy your freedom, but don't waste anything.
1497. Spender. To a good spender God is the treasurer.
1497. Shopper. For someone who spends wisely, God is the one in charge of the funds.
1498. Spenders. Great spenders are bad lenders.
1498. Spenders. Big spenders are bad lenders.
He who spends more than he is worth,
He uses a rope to end his life;
Whoever spends more than necessary,
Will not have to spend when he wants to.
1500. Spends. You may know by a penny how a shilling spends.
1500. Expenditures. You can tell by a penny how a shilling is spent.
1501. Spendthrift. It is the thrift of a spendthrift which ruins him
most effectually.
1501. Big spender. It's the frugality of a spendthrift that ultimately brings about their downfall.
1502. Spice. Who hath spice enough may season his meat as he pleaseth.
1502. Flavor. Those who have enough spice can season their meat however they like.
1503. Spite. Don't cut your nose off to spite your face.
1503. Malice. Don't do something harmful to yourself just to get back at someone else.
[85]1504. Spits. Who spits against the wind spits in his own face.
[a id="Page_85">[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1504. Spitting. If you spit against the wind, you're just spitting in your own face.
1505. Split. He would split a hair.
1505. Split. He would split hairs.
1506. Spoil. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
1506. Pamper. Too many cooks mess up the dish.
1507. Spoil. Spoil not the ship for a penn'orth of tar.
1507. Spoil. Don't wreck the ship over a tiny cost of tar.
1508. Spoken of. Better be ill spoken of by one before all, than by all
before one.
1508. Discussed. It's better to be criticized by one person in front of everyone than to be criticized by everyone in front of one person.
1509. Sport. It's poor sport that is not worth the candle.
1509. Sports. It's bad sportsmanship that isn't worth the trouble.
1510. Sport. No sport, no pie.
1511. Spots. Rich men's spots are covered with money.
1511. Specks. Wealthy people's spots are filled with cash.
1512. Sprat. Throw a sprat to catch a whale.
1512. Sprat fish. Offer a small reward to get something much bigger.
1513. Spur. Do not spur a free horse.
1513. Spur. Don’t use a spur on a free horse.
1514. Stable. Being born in a stable does not make a man a horse.
1514. Steady. Just because someone is born in a stable doesn’t mean they’re a horse.
1515. Stake. An ill stake standeth longest.
1515. Stake. A bad stake lasts the longest.
1516. Standers by. Standers by see more than the gamesters.
1516. Bystanders. Onlookers see more than the players.
1517. Standing. The higher the standing the lower the fall.
1517. Standing up. The higher your position, the less likely you are to fall.
1518. Standing pools. Standing pools gather filth.
1518. Stagnant water. Stagnant water gathers dirt.
1519. Stars. Stars are not seen during sunshine.
1519. Stars. You can’t see stars when it’s sunny.
1520. Starve. He would starve in a cook-shop.
1520. Starving. He would starve in a restaurant.
1521. Steal. He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.
1521. Take. Someone who will steal an egg will steal an ox.
1522. Steal. He that will steal a pin will steal a better thing.
1522. Shoplift. Someone who will steal a pin will steal something more valuable.
[86]1523. Steal. One man may better steal a horse than another look over the
hedge.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1523. Take. One person might be able to steal a horse more easily than another can just peek over the fence.
1524. Steed. When the steed is stolen the stable door shall be shut.
1524. Horse. When the horse is stolen, the stable door should be closed.
1525. Step by step. Step by step the ladder is climbed.
1525. Step by step. The ladder is climbed one step at a time.
1526. Sticks. Little sticks kindle the fire, but great ones put it out.
1526. Sticks. Small sticks ignite the fire, but large ones extinguish it.
1527. Stile. He that will not go over the stile must be thrust through
the gate.
1527. Style. If someone refuses to go over the stile, they will have to be pushed through the gate.
1528. Still water. Trust not still water nor a silent man.
1528. Calm water. Don't trust still water or a quiet person.
1529. Still water. Keep me from still water; from that which is rough I
can keep myself.
1529. Calm water. Protect me from calm waters; I can handle the rough stuff myself.
1530. Still waters. Still waters run deep.
1530. Calm waters. Calm waters run deep.
1531. Stinking fish. Never cry "Stinking fish."
1531. Bad news travels fast. Never cry "Bad news."
1532. Stitch. A stitch in time saves nine.
1532. Sew. Taking care of things early prevents bigger problems later.
1533. Stock. Whoso lacketh a stock, his gain's not worth a chip.
1533. Stock. Whoever doesn't have a stock, their gain isn't worth a dime.
1534. Stolen kisses. Stolen kisses are sweet.
1534. Stolen kisses. Stolen kisses are irresistible.
1535. Stomach. The full stomach loatheth the honeycomb, but to the
hungry every bitter thing is sweet.
1535. Belly. A full stomach hates honeycomb, but for the hungry, even the bitterest thing tastes sweet.
1536. Stomach. With stomach, wife, and conscience keep on good terms.
1536. Belly. Stay on good terms with your stomach, your spouse, and your conscience.
Hard on hard creates a weak stone wall;
But gentle on gentle makes no impact at all.
1538. Stools. Between two stools he comes to the ground.
1538. Chairs. He falls to the ground between two stools.
[87]1539. Stoop. He must stoop that hath a low door.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1539. Bend down. You have to bend down to enter through a low door.
1540. Storm. After a storm comes a calm.
After a storm, there’s calm.
1541. Store. Store is no sore.
Store. Store is not a sore.
1542. Story. One story is good until another's told.
1542. Story. One story is great until another one comes along.
1543. Straight trees. Straight trees have crooked roots.
1543. Straight trees. Straight trees have twisted roots.
1544. Stratagem. By stratagem, not valour.
By strategy, not bravery.
1545. Stream. No striving against the stream.
Stream. Don't swim against the current.
1546. Strife. Weight and measure take away strife.
1546. Conflict. Using accurate weights and measures eliminates conflict.
1547. Strife. Haste makes waste, and waste makes want, and want makes
strife between the good man and his wife.
1547. Conflict. Rushing leads to waste, and waste leads to lack, and lack creates conflict between a good man and his wife.
1548. Strike. Strike while the iron is hot.
1548. Strike. Strike while the iron is hot.
1549. Strokes. Little strokes fell great oaks.
Little efforts can achieve great results.
1550. Study. Morning is the time for study.
1550. Study. Morning is the time to study.
1551. Stumbles. He that runs in the night stumbles.
1551. Trips. The person who runs at night trips.
1552. Stumbles. He that stumbles twice over the same stone, deserves to
break his shins.
1552. Stumbles. Anyone who trips over the same stone twice deserves to hurt themselves.
1553. Stumbles. 'Tis a good horse that never stumbles, and a good wife
that never grumbles.
1553. Fumbles. It's a good horse that never stumbles, and a good wife that never complains.
1554. Subjects' love. The subjects' love is the king's lifeguard.
1554. Subjects' love. The love of the subjects is the king's protection.
1555. Success. Nothing succeeds like success.
Success. Nothing works like success.
It's not in humans to control success,
But we'll do more, Sempronius; we'll earn it.
1557. Suckers. The young suckers drain the old tree.
1557. Suckers. The young suckers drain the old tree.
1558. Sufferance. Of sufferance comes ease.
[88]1559. Sufficient. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1559. Enough. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1560. Suit. That suit is best that best fits me.
1560. Suit. The best suit is the one that fits me perfectly.
1561. Sunshine. No sunshine but hath some shadow.
1561. Sunshine. There is no sunshine without a little shade.
1562. Supperless. Better go to bed supperless than to rise in debt.
1562. No dinner. It's better to go to bed without dinner than to wake up in debt.
1563. Suppers. Light suppers make long lives.
Light dinners lead to long lives.
1564. Sure. Sure bind, sure find.
Sure. What you bind, you find.
1565. Surgeon. A good surgeon must have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart,
and a lady's hand.
1565. Surgeon. A great surgeon needs the sharp vision of an eagle, the courage of a lion, and the delicate touch of a woman.
1566. Swallow. One swallow does not make a summer.
1566. Swallow. Just because you see one swallow doesn't mean it's summer.
1567. Swallow. One swallow makes not a spring, nor one woodcock a
winter.
1567. Swallow it. One swallow doesn't make a spring, nor does one woodcock make a winter.
1568. Sweat. No sweat, no sweet.
1569. Sweep. Sweep before your own door.
1569. Sweep. Clean up your own space.
1570. Sweep. They have need of a besom that sweep the house with a turf.
1570. Sweep the floor. They need a broom to sweep the house with a turf.
1571. Sweet. He deserves not the sweet that will not taste the sour.
1571. Cool. He doesn't deserve the sweetness that has never experienced the sour.
1572. Swim. He must needs swim that's held up by the chin.
1572. Swim. He has to swim when he's held up by the chin.
1573. Swim. Never trust yourself out of your depth till you can swim.
1573. Swim now. Don't rely on yourself in deep water until you know how to swim.
1574. Sword. He that strikes with the sword shall be beaten with the
scabbard.
1574. Sword. Whoever attacks with the sword will be struck with the scabbard.
1575. Sword. Who draws his sword against his prince must throw away the
scabbard.
1575. Blade. Anyone who draws their sword against their leader must discard the scabbard.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
T
1576. Table. A poor man's table is soon spread.
1576. Table. A poor man's table is quickly set.
1577. Table. Who depends upon another man's table often dines late.
1577. Table. Those who rely on someone else's hospitality often eat late.
1578. Tale-bearer. Remove the tale-bearer and contention ceaseth.
1578. Rumors. Get rid of the gossip and the conflict stops.
1579. Tale-bearers. Put no faith in tale-bearers.
Put no faith in gossipers.
1580. Talk. Talk of the devil and his imp appears.
1580. Chat. Speak of the devil, and he shows up.
1581. Talkers. The greatest talkers are always the least doers.
1581. Speakers. The biggest talkers are usually the ones who do the least.
1582. Talking. Talking pays no toll.
1583. Taste. To him that hath lost his taste, sweet is sour.
1583. Flavor. To someone who has lost their sense of taste, sweet things taste sour.
1584. Teacheth. He teacheth ill who teacheth all.
1584. Teaches. He teaches poorly who teaches everything.
1585. Tears. Nothing dries up sooner than tears.
1585. Tears. Nothing dries up faster than tears.
1586. Teeth. A man may dig his grave with his teeth.
1586. Teeth. A man can dig his own grave with his teeth.
1587. Temperance. Temperance is the best physic.
1587. Temperance. Moderation is the best medicine.
1588. Tempter. The tempter is the greater rogue.
1588. Tempted. The tempter is the bigger trickster.
1589. Thanks. He loseth his thanks who promiseth and delayeth.
1589. Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize. He loses his thanks who promises and delays.
1590. Thatched. When I have thatched his house he would throw me down.
1590. Thatch. When I thatched his house, he would throw me out.
1591. Thief. Give a thief rope enough and he'll hang himself.
1591. Criminal. Give a thief enough rope, and he will hang himself.
1592. Thief. The thief's sorry because he is caught, not because he is
the thief.
1592. Shoplifter. The thief feels bad because he got caught, not because he stole.
1593. Thief. Set a thief to take a thief.
1593. Stealer. Use one thief to catch another thief.
[90]1594. Thieves. All are not thieves that dogs bark at.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1594. Crooks. Not everyone that dogs bark at is a thief.
1595. Think. One may think that dares not speak.
1595. Consider. Some might believe that those who are afraid to speak only think.
1596. Think. Think twice before you speak once.
1596. Consider. Think carefully before you say anything.
1597. Think. Think much, speak little, and write less.
1597. Consider. Think more, talk less, and write even less.
Whoever wants to live must live to think,
Otherwise, the mind and body will lose their connection.
1599. Thinks. The horse thinks one thing, and he that rides him another.
1599. Thinks. The horse has one thought, while the rider has another.
1600. Thinkers. Thinkers govern toilers.
1601. Thistles. Gather thistles, expect prickles.
Thistles: pick them and expect prickles.
1602. Thistles. He that sows nothing plants thistles.
1602. Thistles. If you don’t plant anything, you’ll just get thistles.
1603. Thorn. No rose without a thorn.
1604. Thorn. The thorn comes forth with his point forwards.
1604. Thorn. The thorn emerges with its point facing forward.
1605. Thorns. Roses, mind you, have thorns.
Roses, remember, have thorns.
1606. Thorns. He that handles thorns shall prick his fingers.
1606. Thorns. Anyone who deals with thorns will hurt their fingers.
1607. Thoughts. Second thoughts are best.
Second thoughts are best.
1608. Thoughts. Thoughts are free.
1609. Threatened. There are more threatened than struck.
1609. In danger. There are more endangered than harmed.
1610. Threepence. If you make not much of threepence you'll ne'er be
worth a groat.
1610. Three pence. If you don’t value threepence, you’ll never be worth a penny.
1611. Thrifty. Thrifty men are fond of thrifty sayings.
1611. Frugal. Thrifty people appreciate frugal sayings.
If you want to succeed, you have to get up at five.
Those who have succeeded can sleep in until seven.
[91]1613. Thunder. Thunder in December foretells fine weather.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1613. Thunder. Thunder in December indicates nice weather ahead.
1614. Thunders. When it thunders the thief becomes honest.
1614. Thunder. When it thunders, the thief becomes honest.
1615. Thyself. For what thou canst do thyself rely not on another.
1615. Yourself. For what you can do, don’t depend on someone else.
1616. Tide. There is a tide in the affairs of man which, taken at the
flood, leads on to fortune.
1616. Tide. There’s a tide in human affairs that, if taken at its peak, leads to success.
1617. Tide. Every tide has its ebb.
1618. Tide. The tide will fetch away what the ebb brings.
1618. Tide. The tide will take away what the outgoing water brings in.
1619. Time. Take time by the forelock.
1619. Time. Seize the moment.
1620. Time. A mouse, in time, may bite in two a cable.
1620. Time. Eventually, a mouse can chew through a cable.
1621. Time. Take time when time is, for time will away.
1621. Time. Make the most of your time while you have it, because time will pass quickly.
1622. Time. Time and tide tarry for no man.
1622. Time. Time and tide wait for no one.
1623. Time. Time assuages the greatest grief.
Time eases the greatest grief.
1624. Time. Time cures sorrow.
1624. Time. Time heals grief.
1625. Time. Time is the rider that breaks youth.
1625. Time. Time is the force that ages youth.
1626. Time. Time tries all.
1627. Timely. Timely blossom timely ripe.
Timely. Blossom and ripen on time.
1628. Title. Simon Noland, clown, is a better style and title than
Humphrey Hadland, gent.
1628. Title. Simon Noland, clown, has a better style and title than Humphrey Hadland, gentleman.
1629. To-day. To-day me, to-morrow thee.
1630. Tom. He's Tom Tell-troth.
1630. Tom. He's Tom Truth-teller.
1631. To-morrow. To-morrow comes never.
[92]1632. Tongue. A man may hold his tongue in an ill time.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1632. Tongue. A person can keep quiet at the wrong moment.
1633. Tongue. Temper the tongue.
1633. Tongue. Watch your words.
1634. Tongue. Confine your tongue, lest it confine you.
1634. Tongue. Control your tongue, or it may end up controlling you.
1635. Tongue. Keep your tongue within your teeth.
1635. Tongue. Keep your tongue behind your teeth.
Words can hurt deeply,
Though it has none.
1637. Tongue. The tongue's not steel, yet it cuts.
1637. Tongue. The tongue isn't made of steel, but it still cuts.
1638. Tongue. The tongue talks at the head's cost.
1638. Tongue. The tongue speaks at the expense of the mind.
1639. Tongue. One tongue is enough for a woman.
1639. Tongue. One tongue is enough for a woman.
1640. Tongue. Who has not a good tongue, ought to have good hands.
1640. Tongue. If someone doesn't have a good way with words, they should at least have good skills with their hands.
1641. Too late. Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.
1641. Too late now. It’s better to be three hours early than one minute late.
1642. Tools. A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
1642. Tools. A poor worker blames their tools.
1643. Tools. What is a workman without his tools?
1643. Tools. What is a worker without their tools?
1644. Too far. Too far east is west.
1644. Too far away. Too far east is west.
1645. Too much. He that grasps at too much, holds fast nothing.
1645. Too much. Those who try to grab too much end up with nothing.
1646. Top sawyers. We can't all be top sawyers.
1646. Top woodworkers. Not everyone can be a top sawyer.
1647. Trade. He that hath a trade hath an estate.
1647. Trade. Someone who has a trade has a stable livelihood.
1648. Trade. Every man to his trade.
1648. Work. Everyone to their job.
1649. Trade. Trade knows neither friends nor kindred.
1649. Trade. Trade doesn’t recognize friends or family.
1650. Trade. Trade is the mother of money.
1650. Commerce. Trade is the foundation of money.
1651. Trades. Jack of all trades, and master of none.
1651. Skills. Jack of all trades, master of none.
1652. Tradesman. A tradesman who gets not loseth.
1652. Contractor. A tradesman who does not lose.
[93]1653. Travels. He that travels far knows much.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1653. Travel. Whoever travels a lot learns a lot.
1654. Tree. A tree is known by its fruit, and not by its leaves.
1654. Tree. You can tell a tree by its fruit, not by its leaves.
1655. Tree. Remove an old tree and it will wither to death.
1655. Tree. Cut down an old tree and it will die.
1656. Trees. Set trees poor, and they will grow rich; set them rich, and
they will grow poor.
1656. Trees. Plant trees in poor soil, and they will thrive; plant them in rich soil, and they will struggle.
1657. Trees. You cannot see wood for trees.
1657. Trees. You can't see the forest for the trees.
1658. Trifle. Fall not out with a friend for a trifle.
1658. Dessert. Don't fall out with a friend over something trivial.
1659. Trouble. He who seeketh trouble never misseth it.
1659. Problems. Those who seek trouble always find it.
1660. Troubled waters. Never fish in troubled waters.
1660. Turbulent times. Don't fish in troubled waters.
1661. Troubles. Never make troubles of trifles.
Troubles. Don't make a fuss over small things.
1662. Troubles. Hidden troubles disquiet most.
Hidden troubles disturb everyone.
1663. True word. There's many a true word spoken in jest.
1663. Truth. A lot of true things are said in humor.
1664. True. That is true which all men say.
True. What everyone says is true.
If you trust before you test,
You might regret it before you die.
1666. Trust. Trust in God, and keep your powder dry.
1666. Trust. Trust in God, and stay prepared.
1667. Trust not. Trust not a broken staff.
1667. Don't trust. Don't trust a broken stick.
1668. Trust not. Trust not a horse's heel, nor a dog's tooth.
1668. Don't trust. Don't trust a horse's heel, nor a dog's tooth.
1669. Truth. Truth lies in a well.
1670. Truth. Truth is stranger than fiction.
Truth is weirder than fiction.
1671. Truth. Fair fall truth and daylight.
1671. Truth. May truth and daylight shine.
1672. Truth. Speak the truth and shame the devil.
1672. Truth. Tell the truth and expose the devil.
[94]1673. Truth. Truth hath a good face, but bad clothes.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1673. Truth. Truth looks good on the outside, but might not be dressed well.
1674. Truth. Truth may be blamed, but it can't be shamed.
1674. Truth. Truth might be criticized, but it can't be embarrassed.
No matter what you do, no matter what you say,
Always tell your doctor and lawyer the truth.
1676. Try. Try your friend before you trust him.
1676. Try. Test your friend before you trust him.
1677. Tub. Every tub must stand on its own bottom.
1677. Bathtub. Every tub has to stand on its own.
1678. Turn. One good turn deserves another.
One good deed deserves another.
1679. Turned. Swine, women, and bees are not to be turned.
1679. Turned around. Pigs, women, and bees should not be turned.
1680. Twelfth day. At twelfth-day the days are lengthened a cock's
stride.
1680. Twelfth day. On Twelfth Night, the days are getting longer by a rooster's stride.
1681. Twenty. As good twenty as nineteen.
Twenty. Just as good as nineteen.
1682. Twice. If things were to be done twice, all would be wise.
1682. Twice. If things were to be done twice, everyone would be wise.
1683. Two faces. Never carry two faces under one hat.
1683. Two faces. Never wear two faces under one hat.
1684. Two heads. Two heads are better than one.
1684. Two people. Two heads are better than one.
1685. Two places. One cannot be in two places at once.
1685. Two locations. You can't be in two places at the same time.
1686. Two Sundays. When two Sundays come in one week—that is, never.
1686. Two Sundays. When two Sundays happen in one week—that is, never.
U
1687. Unhappy. An unhappy lad may make a good man.
1687. Sad. An unhappy boy can grow up to be a good man.
1688. Units. The greatest number is made up of units.
1688. Units. The largest quantity consists of units.
[95]1689. Unknown. Unknown, unmissed.
1690. Unminded. Unminded, unmoaned.
Unnoticed, unacknowledged.
1691. Untaught. Better untaught than ill-taught.
Better untaught than poorly taught.
1692. Use. Use is second nature.
1692. Use. Using it becomes second nature.
1693. Use. Use the means, and God will give the blessing.
1693. Utilize. Take advantage of the resources available, and God will provide the blessing.
1694. Utility. Utility is preferable to grandeur.
Utility is better than grandeur.
V
On Valentine's Day, a good goose will lay,
If she's a good goose, her owner will pay well,
She will lay two eggs before Valentine's Day.
1696. Valley. He who stays in the valley will never get over the hill.
1696. Valley. If you stay in the valley, you’ll never get over the hill.
1697. Valour. Valour can do little without discretion.
1697. Bravery. Courage can't achieve much without good judgment.
1698. Valour. Valour that parleys is near yielding.
1698. Bravery. Courage that negotiates is close to giving in.
1699. Venture. Nothing venture nothing win.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
1700. Venture. Venture a small fish to catch a great one.
1700. Adventure. Take a small risk to achieve a bigger reward.
1701. Venture. Venture not all in one ship.
1701. Explore. Don't put all your investments in one place.
1702. Very last. Fools think themselves wise to the very last.
1702. Final one. Fools believe they are wise until the very end.
1703. Vicar of Bray. The vicar of Bray will be vicar of Bray still.
1703. Vicar of Bray. The vicar of Bray will continue to be the vicar of Bray.
1704. Vice. Vice is nourished by being concealed.
1705. Vine. Make the vine poor, and it will make you rich.
1705. Vine video. If you use the vine wisely, it can bring you wealth.
[96]1706. Vinegar. The sweetest wine makes the sharpest vinegar.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1706. Vinegar. The sweetest wine turns into the sharpest vinegar.
1707. Virtues. Search others for their virtues, thyself for their
faults.
1707. Values. Look for the good in others, but examine yourself for your flaws.
1708. Vows. Vows made in storms are forgotten in calms.
1708. Promises. Vows made in storms are forgotten in calm times.
W
1709. Wager. A wager is a fool's argument.
1709. Wager. A bet is a foolish argument.
1710. Wages. He who serves well need not be afraid to ask his wages.
1710. Pay. If you do a good job, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for your pay.
1711. Waits. He that waits on another man's trencher, makes many a late
dinner.
1711. Waits. Someone who relies on another person's meal often ends up having dinner very late.
1712. Want. The worth of a thing is best known by the want of it.
1712. Desire. You can really understand the value of something when you realize how much you need it.
1713. Want of. For want of a nail the shoe is lost; for want of a shoe
the horse is lost; for want of a horse the rider is lost.
1713. Missing. Because of a missing nail, the shoe is lost; because of a missing shoe, the horse is lost; because of a missing horse, the rider is lost.
1714. War. War, hunting, and law, are as full of trouble as pleasure.
1714. Conflict. War, hunting, and the law are just as full of trouble as they are of enjoyment.
1715. War. War is death's feast.
1716. War. Who preacheth war is the devil's chaplain.
1716. War. Those who preach war are the devil's ministers.
1717. War (good). He that makes a good war makes a good peace.
1717. War is good. Whoever fights a just war establishes a lasting peace.
1718. Wares (good). Good wares make quick markets.
Quality goods sell quickly.
1719. Warm. He that is warm thinks all are so.
1719. Cozy. Someone who feels warm assumes everyone else does too.
1720. Warm. He is wise enough that can keep himself warm in winter.
1720. Cozy. He is smart enough to keep himself warm during winter.
The head and feet stayed warm,
The rest will be fine.
1722. Washing. There's no washing the blackamore white.
1722. Cleaning. You can’t wash the black out of the white.
1723. Waste. Waste not, want not.
1724. Waste. Wilful waste makes woeful want.
Wilful waste leads to need.
1725. Watch. Good watch prevents misfortune.
Keep watch. A good watch prevents misfortune.
1726. Watch. You may be a wise man though you cannot make a watch.
1726. Check it out. You may be a wise person even if you can't make a watch.
1727. Watched pot. A watched pot never boils.
1727. Watched pot. A watched pot doesn't boil.
1728. Water. Water bewitched.
1729. Water. We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.
1729. Water. We never realize how valuable water is until the well runs dry.
1730. Wax. He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.
1730. Wax. Someone with a wax head shouldn’t walk in the sun.
1731. Way. Where there's a will there's a way.
1731. Path. Where there's a determination, there's a path.
1732. Ways (more). There are more ways to kill a dog than hanging.
1732. More ways. There are more ways to kill a dog than just hanging.
1733. Ways. To him that wills ways are not wanting.
1733. Methods. For those who are determined, there are always options available.
1734. Weakest. Let the weakest go to the wall.
1734. Weakest. Let the weakest fend for themselves.
1735. Weakest. Where it is weakest there the thread breaketh.
1735. Weakest. Where it is weakest, there the thread breaks.
1736. Wealth. Their folly pleads the privilege of wealth.
1736. Wealth. Their foolishness claims the right that comes with wealth.
1737. Wearer. The wearer best knows where the shoe pinches.
1737. Person wearing it. The wearer knows best where it hurts.
1738. Wearing. Everything is the worse for wearing.
1738. Wearing. Everything worsens with use.
1739. Wears. Constant dropping wears the stone.
Constant dripping wears away stone.
[98]1740. Weather. 'Tis pity fair weather should do any harm.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1740. Weather. It's a shame that nice weather can cause any trouble.
1741. Weather (change). Any flat can talk of change of weather.
1741. Weather (change). Any flat can discuss changes in the weather.
1742. Wedding. Wedding and ill-wintering tame both man and beast.
1742. Wedding. Weddings and harsh winters can tame both people and animals.
1743. Wedlock. Wedlock is a padlock.
1744. Weds. Who weds ere he be wise shall die ere he thrive.
1744. Wednesday Anyone who gets married before they are wise will die before they succeed.
1745. Weep. As great a pity to see a woman weep, as to see a goose go
barefoot.
1745. Cry. It's just as sad to see a woman cry as it is to see a goose without shoes.
1746. Welcome. As welcome as the flowers in May.
1746. Welcome! Just as welcome as the flowers in May.
1747. Welcome. "Welcome death," quoth the rat, when the trap fell down.
1747. Welcome! "Welcome, death," said the rat when the trap snapped shut.
1748. Welcome. Welcome is the best dish on the table.
1748. Welcome! Welcome is the tastiest thing on the table.
1749. Well. Let well alone.
1750. Well. When the well is dug it is easy enough to pump.
1750. Alright. Once the well is dug, it's pretty easy to pump.
1751. Well-doing. Be not weary of well-doing.
1751. Doing good. Don't get tired of doing good.
1752. Well-ordered. All things are soon prepared in a well-ordered
house.
1752. Well-organized. Everything gets ready quickly in a well-organized home.
1753. Wells. Well-drawn wells give the sweetest water.
1753. Wells. Well-constructed wells provide the best water.
1754. Wept. I wept when I was born, and every day shows why.
1754. Cried. I cried when I was born, and every day proves why.
1755. Whet. A whet is no let [hindrance].
1755. Whet your appetite. A whet is not a hindrance.
1756. Whistle. You may pay too dear for your whistle.
1756. Whistle. You might end up paying a high price for your whistle.
[99]1757. Why. There's ne'er a why, but there's a wherefore.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1757. Why? There’s never a why, but there’s a reason.
1758. Wide. Wide will wear but narrow will tear.
1758. Wide. Wide will hold up, but narrow will break.
1759. Wife. Choose your wife on Saturday, and not on a Sunday.
1759. Spouse. Pick your wife on Saturday, not on a Sunday.
1760. Wife. He that goes far from home for a wife, either intends to
cheat or will be cheated.
1760. Spouse. Anyone who travels far from home to find a wife is either looking to deceive or will end up being deceived.
1761. Wife. A man's best fortune or his worst is his wife.
1761. Spouse. A man's greatest blessing or his biggest curse is his wife.
1762. Wife. There is one good wife in the country, and every man thinks
he hath her.
1762. Spouse. There’s one great wife in the country, and every man believes he has her.
1763. Wife (good). A good wife makes a good husband.
1763. Wife (awesome). A good wife helps create a good husband.
A good partner and health
Are a man's greatest asset.
Says Solomon the wise
A good wife is a treasure.
1766. Wife (news). He that tells his wife news is but newly married.
1766. Wife (update). Anyone who shares news with his wife is probably still a newlywed.
1767. Wild oats. Happy is he who hath sown his wild oats betimes.
1767. Wild oats. Happy is the one who has sown their wild oats early on.
1768. Wiles. Wise men are not caught by wiles.
1768. Wiles. Smart people don’t fall for tricks.
1769. Wilful. If wilful will to water, wilful must be drowned.
1769. Intentional. If you choose to go into the water recklessly, you must face the consequences.
1770. Wilful man. A wilful man never wants woe.
1770. Stubborn guy. A stubborn man never seeks trouble.
1771. Will. Take the will for the deed.
1771. Will. Consider the intention as good as the action.
1772. Will. They that cannot do as they will, must do as they can.
1772. Will. Those who can't do what they want, must do what they can.
1773. Will. Will without reason is blind.
Will without reason is blind.
1774. Will not. If one will not, another will.
1774. No way. If one person won't, another will.
[100]1775. Will (ready). Where the will is ready, the feet are light.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1775. Will (set). When the will is strong, the feet are quick.
1776. Will (way). Where there's a will there's a way.
1776. Willpower. Where there's a will, there's a way.
1777. Willing horse. All lay load on the willing horse.
1777. Eager horse. Everyone takes advantage of the willing horse.
1778. Willing mind. Nothing is impossible to a willing mind.
1778. Open mind. Nothing is beyond the reach of a willing mind.
1779. Willows. Willows are weak, yet they bend other wood.
1779. Willow trees. Willows are weak, yet they can bend stronger wood.
1780. Win. Win first, lose last.
Win. Win first, lose last.
When the wind is coming from the north
You don't need to go out [to fish].
When the wind is coming from the east
The fish will bite the least.
When the wind is coming from the south
The bait goes in their mouth.
When the wind blows from the west
The fish will bite best.
Wherever the wind blows on Candlemas Day
It will stay until the end of May.
When the wind is coming from the east,
It's not good for anyone or anything.
1787. Wind (ill). It's an ill wind that blows nobody good.
1787. Bad wind. It's a bad wind that brings no advantages to anyone.
When the wind is coming from the south
It's in the rain's grip.
No bad weather
If the wind is calm.
[101]1790. Windfalls. None ever yet got fat on windfalls.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1790. Windfalls. No one has ever gotten rich from unexpected gains.
1791. Windmill. You cannot drive a windmill with a pair of bellows.
1791. Wind turbine. You can't operate a windmill with just a pair of bellows.
1792. Wine. More have been drowned in wine than water.
1792. Wine. More people have drowned in wine than in water.
1793. Wine. When wine sinks, words swim.
Wine. When wine sinks, words float.
1794. Wine. Wine is the master's, but the goodness is the drawer's.
1794. Wine. Wine belongs to the master, but the virtue comes from the drawer.
1795. Wine (good). Good wine needs no bush.
1795. Good wine. Good wine doesn't need advertising.
1796. Wine (in). When wine is in, wit is out.
1796. Wine in. When wine flows, common sense goes.
1797. Wine (turncoat). Wine is a turncoat, first a friend, then an
enemy.
1797. Wine (backstabber). Wine is a traitor, initially a buddy, then an adversary.
1798. Wink. Wink at small faults.
1799. Wink. A wink's as good as a nod to a blind horse.
1799. Wink. A wink is as good as a nod to a blind horse.
1800. Winter (good). A good winter brings a good summer.
1800. Winter is great. A good winter leads to a good summer.
1801. Winter. Winter finds out what summer lays up.
1801. Winter. Winter reveals what summer has prepared.
1802. Wisdom. By wisdom peace, by peace plenty.
1802. Wisdom. Through wisdom comes peace, and through peace comes abundance.
1803. Wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
1803. Wisdom. Respect for the Lord is the starting point of wisdom.
1804. Wisdom. Wisdom rides upon the ruins of folly.
1804. Knowledge. Wisdom rides on the remnants of foolishness.
1805. Wise. Better wise than wealthy.
Better to be wise than rich.
1806. Wise men. Wise men care not for what they cannot have.
1806. Wise people. Wise men don't worry about what they can't have.
1807. Wishes. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
1807. Wishes. If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
[102]1808. Wishes. If wishes were thrushes, beggars would eat birds.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1808. Wishes. If wishes were like thrushes, then beggars would feast on birds.
1809. Wishes. If wishes would bide, beggars would ride.
1809. Goals. If wishes came true, beggars would have everything.
1810. Wishes. If wishes were butter-cakes, beggars would bite.
1810. Wishes. If wishes were cakes, everyone would have a slice.
1811. Wit. Wit is the lightning of the mind.
1811. Humor. Wit is the spark of the mind.
1812. Wit. Wit bought is twice taught.
Wit purchased is twice learned.
1813. Wit. You may truss up all his wit in an egg-shell.
1813. Humor. You could fit all his cleverness in an egg shell.
1814. Wit. Wit ill applied is a dangerous weapon.
1814. Humor. Misusing wit can be a harmful weapon.
1815. Wit. Wit is folly, unless a wise man hath the keeping of it.
1815. Humor. Wit is just foolishness unless a wise person is in control of it.
1816. Wit. Wit may be bought too dear.
1816. Humor. You can pay too much for wit.
1817. Wits. He that lives upon his wits, breaks for want of stock.
1817. Smartness. Someone who relies solely on their wits will struggle when they run out of resources.
1818. Wive. A man cannot both wive and thrive in a year.
1818. Wife. A man can't marry and succeed in a year.
1819. Woe. Woe follows wickedness.
1820. Wolf. He had enough to keep the wolf from the door.
1820. Wolf. He had enough to make ends meet.
1821. Wolves. Wolves lose their teeth, but not their memory.
1821. Wolves. Wolves may lose their teeth, but they don't forget.
1822. Woman's strength. A woman's strength is in her tongue.
1822. Women's strength. A woman's strength comes from her words.
1823. Woman's work. A woman's work is never at an end.
1823. Women's work. A woman's work never really finishes.
1824. Women. Discreet women have neither eyes nor ears.
1824. Women. Discreet women are oblivious to everything.
[103]1825. Women (wills). Women must have their wills while they live,
because they make none when they die.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1825. Women (wills). Women need to have their wills made while they're alive, since they can't create one after they pass away.
1826. Wonder. A wonder lasts but nine days.
1826. Amazement. A wonder lasts only nine days.
1827. Woo. To woo is a pleasure in young men, a fault in old.
1827. Woo. To court someone is enjoyable for young men, but a mistake for older ones.
1828. Woodcock. One woodcock does not make a winter.
1828. Woodcock. One woodcock doesn't make a winter.
Dating is fun,
That won't take long.
1830. Wool. Many go for wool and come back shorn.
1830. Wool. Many people aim for wealth and end up having less.
1831. Wool sellers. Wool sellers know wool buyers.
1831. Wool vendors. Wool sellers know wool buyers.
1832. Word. An honest man's word is as good as his bond.
1832. Word. A truthful person's word is as valuable as their promise.
A man of words but not actions,
Is like a garden full of weeds.
Words are just sands,
Money buys land.
Sometimes words
Wounds hurt more than swords.
1836. Words. Words are like weights, gravity gives them effect.
1836. Words. Words are like weights; gravity gives them power.
1837. Words. Words are for women, actions for men.
1837. Words. Words are for women, actions are for men.
Words are just wind,
But unkind blows.
1839. Word (enough). A word is enough to the wise.
1839. Word (enough). A single word is enough for the wise.
1840. Words (evening). Words spoken in an evening the wind carrieth
away.
1840. Words (night). Words spoken in the evening are carried away by the wind.
[104]1841. Words (fair). Fair words butter no parsnips.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1841. Words (fair). Nice words don't lead to results.
1842. Words (fair). Fair words will not keep a cat from starving.
1842. Words (fair). Nice words won't stop a cat from starving.
1843. Words (few). Few words are best.
1843. Words (few). Less is more.
1844. Words (good). Good words cool more than cold water.
1844. Words (great). Kind words soothe more than cold water.
1845. Words (good). Good words fill not a sack.
1845. Words (great). Good words don't fill a bag.
1846. Words (many). Many words will not fill a bushel.
1846. Words (many). A lot of words won't fill a bushel.
1847. Words (soft). Soft words hurt not the mouth.
1847. Soft Words. Gentle words don't hurt the mouth.
1848. Work. They that will not work in heat, must hunger in frost.
1848. Work. Those who refuse to work in the heat will go hungry in the cold.
1849. Workmen (bad). Bad workmen always complain of their tools.
1849. Workers (not great). Poor workers always blame their tools.
1850. World. One half of the world knows not how the other half lives.
1850. World. One half of the world doesn't know how the other half lives.
1851. World. The world is his who knows how to wait for it.
1851. World. The world belongs to those who know how to wait for it.
1852. World. The world was never so dull but if one won't another will.
1852. World. The world has never been so boring, but if one person won't do it, another will.
1853. World. This world is nothing except it tend to the next.
1853. World. This world is nothing unless it leads to the next.
1854. World's pulse. There needs a long time to know the world's pulse.
1854. Global heartbeat. It takes a long time to understand the pulse of the world.
1855. Worm. Tread on a worm and it will turn.
1855. Worm. Step on a worm and it will twist.
1856. Worst. When things get to the worst, they'll mend.
1856. The worst. When things reach their lowest point, they will get better.
1857. Worst spoke. The worst spoke in the cart-wheel breaks first.
1857. Worst mentioned. The weakest spoke in the cartwheel breaks first.
"Whoever didn't take the chance when they had it,
He won't when he wants to.
1859. Wounds. Wounds may heal, but not those made by ill words.
1859. Injuries. Wounds can heal, but not the ones caused by hurtful words.
1860. Wranglers. Wranglers never want words.
Wranglers don't need words.
1861. Wrath. A soft answer turneth away wrath.
A calm reply eases anger.
1862. Wrestle. He that is thrown would ever wrestle.
1862. Wrestle. The one who gets thrown will always keep wrestling.
1863. Wretch. He who maketh others wretched is himself a wretch, whether
prince or peasant.
1863. Wretched. Anyone who makes others miserable is a miserable person themselves, no matter if they are a prince or a peasant.
1864. Wrongs. Two wrongs will not make a right.
1864. Mistakes. Two wrongs don't make a right.
1865. Wrong sow. To take the wrong sow by the ear.
1865. Wrong pig. To grab the wrong sow by the ear.
Y
1866. Year. Say no ill of the year till it is passed.
1866. Year. Don't speak poorly of the year until it's over.
1867. Years. Years know more than books.
Years know more than books.
Between a woman's yes and no,
There’s no room for a pin to fit.
1869. Yorkshire. Yorkshire fashion—every man pay his share.
Yorkshire style—everyone pitches in.
1870. Young. Old young, and old long.
Young. Old young, and old long.
1871. Yourself. Help yourself and your friends will like you.
1871. You. Take care of yourself and your friends will appreciate you.
1872. Yourself. If you want a thing done, do it yourself.
1872. You. If you want something done, do it yourself.
1873. Youth. A growing youth hath a wolf in his stomach.
1873. Young people. A young person has a wolf in their stomach.
If young people understood what older age would desire.
It would both receive and store.
[106]1875. Youth. Youth and white paper take any impression.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]1875. Young people. Youth and blank pages can absorb any impression.
1876. Youth. Youth will have its swing.
1876. Youth. Young people will be carefree.
1877. Yule. Yule is good on Yule even.
1877. Christmas. Yule is great on Yule night.
Z
1878. Zeal. Zeal without knowledge is fire without light.
1878. Passion. Passion without knowledge is like fire without light.
1879. Zeal. Zeal without knowledge is frenzy.
Zeal without knowledge is madness.
1880. Zeal. Zeal without knowledge is the sister of folly.
1880. Passion. Passion without understanding is just blind enthusiasm.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
INDEX
OF PRINCIPAL WORDS.
The Subject Words of the Dictionary are not repeated here.
The subject words of the dictionary aren't repeated here.
| Word |
No. |
| A |
| Ability—gentility |
668 |
| Abroad—beef |
460 |
| Abundance—money |
1099 |
| Accuser |
735 |
| Acorn—October |
1167 |
| Acquittance |
614 |
| Acquaintances |
571 |
| Actions |
1282 |
| Actions for men |
1837 |
| Advantage |
628 |
| Adversity—friends |
645 |
| Adversity tries |
1301 |
| Affairs—others |
1305 |
| Affairs of men |
1616 |
| Afraid—cowardice |
342 |
| Afternoon—fair |
1104 |
| Age—rueful |
1342 |
| Age—save |
1390 |
| Age—youth |
1874 |
| Agrees worse |
1302 |
| Air—castles |
206 |
| Alloy—joy |
874 |
| Almanacks |
330 |
| Alone—better |
54 |
| Amends—angry |
32 |
| Angry man |
827 |
| Another's table |
1577 |
| Answer—fool |
603 |
| Appetite |
475 |
| Apple—rotten |
1372 |
| April—rainy |
1052 |
| Architect |
625 |
| Argument—fact |
528 |
| Argument—wager |
1709 |
| Arm—bone in |
143 |
| Armour—hog |
790 |
| Ash |
454 |
| Asleep—sorrow |
1475 |
| Ass—head |
765 |
| Ass—mere |
1403 |
| Ass—ride |
1361 |
| Autumn |
48 |
| B |
| Bachelors |
1039 |
| Back—the |
169 |
| Bacon—father's |
241 |
| Bad clothes—truth |
1673 |
| Bad company |
84 |
| Bad excuse |
516 |
| Bad sack |
1378 |
| Baggage—riches |
1360 |
| Bait—fishes' mouth |
589 |
| Bait—wind |
1783 |
| Bake—brew |
164 |
| Bankrupt—beggar |
95 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Bare—spare |
1483 |
| Barefoot |
392 |
| Bargain—bad |
113 |
| Bark at—thieves |
1594 |
| Barks—old dog |
1175 |
| Barley—St. David's |
1382 |
| Barrel—knock |
798 |
| Bartholomew—St. |
420 |
| Basket—one |
478 |
| Bat—blind |
132 |
| Battle—afraid |
12 |
| Battle—colours |
291 |
| Battle—hard |
498 |
| Beast—nature |
1133 |
| Beauty—fancy |
546 |
| Bed—early to |
463 |
| Bed—supperless |
1562 |
| Bed-fellows |
796 |
| Bed-fellows—poverty |
1279 |
| Beef—buys |
86 |
| Bees—turned |
1679 |
| Beg—poor |
1358 |
| Beggar—quarrel |
1322 |
| Beggars—bite |
1810 |
| Beggars—eat birds |
1808 |
| Beggars—ride |
1809 |
| Beggars—wishes |
1807 |
| Beggar's purse |
1302 |
| Beggary |
837 |
| Bellows—windmill |
1791 |
| Besom—sweep |
1570 |
| Best day—Wednesday |
1094 |
| Better—good |
699 |
| Bide—wishes |
1809 |
| Bill—bites |
336 |
| Bind—fast |
551 |
| Bind—sure |
1564 |
| Bird—best |
1211 |
| Birdcall |
587 |
| Bird—catch |
1386 |
| Bird—early |
465 |
| Bird—fairest |
361 |
| Bird—old |
223 |
| Bird—roost |
1366 |
| Bird—sing |
1442 |
| Birds—little |
970 |
| Birds of prey |
1291 |
| Bite—bark |
442 |
| Bite best—fish |
1784 |
| Bite—beggars |
1810 |
| Bite—fish |
1782 |
| Bite—own dog |
1203 |
| Biters—barkers |
71 |
| Bitter—sweet |
829 |
| Bitter thing |
1535 |
| Blackamore |
1722 |
| Blackberries |
1262 |
| Blame—bidden |
118 |
| Blame—pity |
1251 |
| Blamed—truth |
1674 |
| Blessing—God |
1693 |
| Blind—will |
1773 |
| Blind horse—mettle |
1074 |
| Blind horse—wink |
1799 |
| Blind—love |
1001 |
| Blossom—timely |
1627 |
| Blow—felled |
1165 |
| Blow—first |
578 |
| Blow—second |
1410 |
| Blows—unkind |
1838 |
| Blows—wind |
1787 |
| Boast—great |
140 |
| Body—think |
1598 |
| Bond—honest man's |
1832 |
| Bone—bred |
162 |
| Bone—tongue |
1636 |
| Bones—buys |
23 |
| Book—author |
50 |
| Books—years |
1867 |
| Born—stable |
1514 |
| Born—wept |
1754 |
| Borrow—contented |
313 |
| Borrowing |
1477 |
| Bosom—snake |
1462 |
| Bottle—milk |
1076 |
| Bottom—bare |
1483 |
| Bottom—fish |
584 |
| Bottom—spare |
1484 |
| Bottom—tub |
505 |
| Bought wit |
1812 |
| Brain—idle |
832 |
| Brains—mob |
1091 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Branch—roost |
1366 |
| Brave—the |
624 |
| Bray—vicar of |
1703 |
| Bread—buttered |
182 |
| Bread—dry |
460 |
| Bread, no |
737 |
| Bread—eaten |
623 |
| Bread—snow |
544 |
| Breakfast |
801 |
| Breath—mother's |
1112 |
| Bride—sun |
745 |
| Brim—spare |
1484 |
| Broken at last |
1250 |
| Broken—promises |
1299 |
| Broken staff |
1667 |
| Broom—furze |
660 |
| Broth—cooks |
1506 |
| Brusher's—critics |
354 |
| Bud—nip |
1150 |
| Build—flit |
1213 |
| Build houses |
613 |
| Build—pull down |
1310 |
| Built—Rome |
1369 |
| Bung-holes |
1393 |
| Buried—rich |
1140 |
| Burneth—gown |
581 |
| Bush—beats |
122 |
| Bush—bird |
120 |
| Bush—wine |
1795 |
| Bushel—corn |
1058 |
| Business |
503 |
| Butter—cheese |
1075 |
| Butter—parsnips |
1465 |
| Butter-cakes |
1810 |
| Buttock |
63 |
| Buy—houses |
613 |
| Buyers—wool |
1831 |
| C |
| Cable—mouse |
1620 |
| Cake—good |
375 |
| Calendar |
396 |
| Calends |
866 |
| Calf—bad |
339 |
| Calm—storm |
1540 |
| Calm sea—pilot |
1244 |
| Calms—vows |
1708 |
| Calves—fat |
229 |
| Camel's back |
919 |
| Camels—gnats |
682 |
| Candle—devil |
417 |
| Candle-stick |
195 |
| Candle—sport |
1509 |
| Candlemas—wind |
1785 |
| Care—coin |
287 |
| Care—court |
329 |
| Care—goods |
974 |
| Care—kill |
214 |
| Care—sings |
1444 |
| Cares—children |
248 |
| Cart—creaks |
350 |
| Cart-wheel |
1857 |
| Castle—house |
489 |
| Cat—care |
201 |
| Cat—fair words |
1842 |
| Cat—mercy |
1067 |
| Cat—old |
1173 |
| Cat—scalded |
1401 |
| Cats—muffled |
1123 |
| Catch bird |
1386 |
| Caught—thief |
1592 |
| Certainty |
227 |
| Chance—main |
226 |
| Change mind |
1083 |
| Change of weather |
1741 |
| Chapel of devotion |
225 |
| Chastening |
317 |
| Cheap—pity |
1251 |
| Cheapest—best |
111 |
| Cheeriman—Doctor |
1240 |
| Cheese—butter |
1075 |
| Cheese—chalk |
224 |
| Chickens—count |
324 |
| Chickens—crumbs |
366 |
| Chickens—curses |
371 |
| Chickens—picking |
244 |
| Child—nurse |
893 |
| Child—train |
239 |
| Children—devil's |
1013 |
| Children—maid's |
52 |
| Children—twice |
1182 |
| Chimneys |
1466 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Chin—swim |
1572 |
| Chip—stock |
1533 |
| Choice—the |
53 |
| Choosers—beggars |
97 |
| Christened |
687 |
| Churchyard—fat |
729 |
| Churchyard—May |
810 |
| City—pity |
1252 |
| Civility |
1117 |
| Clasp—one hand |
1189 |
| Clay—St. David's |
1382 |
| Clergy—wit |
1114 |
| Clerk—clock |
268 |
| Cloak—religion |
1350 |
| Cloth—ale |
22 |
| Cloth—coat |
278 |
| Clothes—critics |
354 |
| Cloud—pryeth |
1306 |
| Clouting—sack |
1378 |
| Clown—doctor |
437 |
| Clown—title |
1628 |
| Coat—gay |
279 |
| Cock—crows |
778 |
| Cock's stride |
1680 |
| Coin—own |
1217 |
| Cold—soon |
1468 |
| Cold water—words |
1844 |
| Colour—horse |
805 |
| Colours—treatise |
135 |
| Colt—ragged |
1328 |
| Companion—pocket |
1229 |
| Companions |
1372 |
| Company—bad |
84 |
| Company—fit |
938 |
| Comfort |
908 |
| Comforts |
248 |
| Common life |
1304 |
| Complain—workmen |
1849 |
| Confession |
305 |
| Confidence |
1311 |
| Confine—tongue |
1634 |
| Conjure down |
1335 |
| Conquer—kindness |
889 |
| Conscience—clear |
307 |
| Conscience—guilty |
735 |
| Conscience—stomach |
1536 |
| Constant dropping |
1739 |
| Contempt |
542 |
| Contention |
1578 |
| Cook—lazy |
828 |
| Cooks—broth |
1506 |
| Cooks—devil |
685 |
| Cook-shop |
1520 |
| Cool—good words |
1844 |
| Corn—April |
36 |
| Corn—buy |
369 |
| Corn—May |
1053 |
| Corn—measure |
1058 |
| Corn-bin |
207 |
| Corpse—rain |
745 |
| Cottages—love |
1003 |
| Cough—dry |
461 |
| Cough—hid |
779 |
| Cough—love |
1008 |
| Counsel—fool |
604 |
| Counsel—glass |
677 |
| Counsel—good |
702 |
| Counsellor—best |
1243 |
| Country—rich |
1365 |
| Courage |
852 |
| Courts—love |
1003 |
| Cow gives water |
74 |
| Cow—keep |
1076 |
| Cow—kissed |
962 |
| Cow—sell |
369 |
| Cow's horn |
181 |
| Cozen—cousin |
334 |
| Craft's master |
1043 |
| Craves |
410 |
| Crosses—Thursday |
1094 |
| Crown |
357 |
| Crows—cock |
1174 |
| Crows—hen |
363 |
| Cruel—cowards |
341 |
| Crumb—musician |
1127 |
| Crust—cat |
211 |
| Cry—never |
1531 |
| Cure—care |
200 |
| Cure—prevention |
1290 |
| Cut—nose |
1503 |
| Cuts—short |
1431 |
| Cuts—tongue |
1637 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]D |
| Daintiness |
820 |
| Dance—chance |
227 |
| Danger—debt |
401 |
| Dangerous—delays |
405 |
| Dark night |
918 |
| Daughter—little |
969 |
| Daughter—son |
1467 |
| Day—longest |
994 |
| Daylight—truth |
1671 |
| Dead—speak |
1488 |
| Dear—wit |
1816 |
| Dearth—wet |
49 |
| Death—cough |
461 |
| Death—taxes |
221 |
| Death's blossoms |
730 |
| Death's feast—war |
1715 |
| Debt—sorrow |
1471 |
| Debt—supperless |
1562 |
| Deceit—brimmer |
166 |
| Deceit—smooth |
1353 |
| December—thunder |
1613 |
| Deed—better |
116 |
| Deed—will |
1771 |
| Deeds—words |
713 |
| Deeds—words |
1833 |
| Delays—desires |
409 |
| Depth—out of |
406 |
| Depth—out of |
1573 |
| Deserve—success |
1556 |
| Desire—deserve |
408 |
| Despair—hope |
800 |
| Desperate cures |
379 |
| Devil—chapel |
256 |
| Devil—colours |
291 |
| Devil—cooks |
685 |
| Devil—horseback |
98 |
| Devil—imp |
1580 |
| Devil—knife |
944 |
| Devil—quote |
1327 |
| Devil—truth |
1672 |
| Devil's chaplain |
1716 |
| Devil's delight |
365 |
| Devil's luck |
1013 |
| Devotion—short |
822 |
| Die—love |
1006 |
| Diet—Doctor |
1240 |
| Digests—cheese |
233 |
| Dines late |
1577 |
| Dinner—waits |
1711 |
| Discretion—valour |
1697 |
| Disparagement |
530 |
| Dispraise |
1282 |
| Distress—company |
296 |
| Divine—forgive |
496 |
| Doctor—death |
399 |
| Doctor—pay |
177 |
| Doctor—truth |
1675 |
| Dog—bone |
142 |
| Dog—Brag |
153, 154, 155 |
| Dog—foremost |
619 |
| Dog—hanging |
1732 |
| Dog—hare |
787 |
| Dog—keep |
70 |
| Dog—killing |
744 |
| Dog—living |
986 |
| Dog—sleeping |
1451 |
| Dogs—dainty |
384 |
| Dogs—little |
748 |
| Dog's tooth |
1668 |
| Doing—saying |
1396 |
| Donkey's gallop |
1433 |
| Door—poverty |
1277 |
| Doors—housekeeper |
815 |
| Dowry—great |
723 |
| Drawer's—wine |
1794 |
| Dream—courtship |
333 |
| Drink—ale |
22 |
| Drink by measure |
474 |
| Drink—eat |
473 |
| Drink—horse |
808 |
| Drinking—appetite |
475 |
| Drive—plough |
1265 |
| Drive—women |
1349 |
| Dropping—constant |
308 |
| Drowned—born |
145 |
| Drowned—wilful |
1769 |
| Drowned—wine |
1792 |
| Dry—ever |
456 |
| Dry—well |
1729 |
| Due—devil |
414 |
| Dull boy |
1257 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Dunghill |
285 |
| Dust—bushel |
1029 |
| E |
| Eagles—carcase |
198 |
| Eagle's eye—surgeon |
1565 |
| Ease—honour |
796 |
| Ease—itch |
863 |
| Ease—sufferance |
1558 |
| East—rain |
1329 |
| East—too far |
1644 |
| East wind—fish |
1782 |
| East wind—man |
1786 |
| Easter—white |
253 |
| Easter day |
1330 |
| Easy chair—frugality |
654 |
| Ebb—tide |
1617 |
| Eel—hide |
477 |
| Eel—sack |
780 |
| Eggs—reason |
1339 |
| Eggs—sluts |
34 |
| Egg-shell—wit |
1813 |
| Elbow-grease |
481 |
| Ell—inch |
853 |
| End—day |
994 |
| Ends—both |
190 |
| End well |
103 |
| Enemy—faults |
558 |
| Enemy—shoots |
1428 |
| Enemy—wine |
1797 |
| England—famine |
545 |
| Englishman—house |
208 |
| Englishman—mist |
1406 |
| Enough—ask |
42 |
| Enough—word |
1839 |
| Escutcheon |
137 |
| Estate—trade |
1647 |
| Evasions—crafty |
347 |
| Evening—red |
501 |
| Evenings—clear |
275 |
| Everything—place |
1254 |
| Evil—bear |
82 |
| Evil—good |
698 |
| Evil name |
510 |
| Evil—old age |
1171 |
| Evil—root |
839 |
| Exception—rule |
1374 |
| Experience—caution |
220 |
| Extravagance |
1492 |
| Eye—picture, mind |
1081 |
| Eyes—fields |
576 |
| Eyes—hedges |
775 |
| F |
| Face—painting |
1061 |
| Face—wind |
1504 |
| Faces—fair |
533 |
| Faces—two |
1683 |
| Fair day—praise |
1284 |
| Fairest rose |
1371 |
| Fair lady |
529 |
| Fair weather |
1332 |
| Faith—tale-bearers |
1579 |
| Fall—pride |
1293 |
| Fall—sit still |
1445 |
| Fall—standing |
1517 |
| Fast bind |
551 |
| Fast-day |
100 |
| Fast—St. Stephen |
1383 |
| Fasting |
314 |
| Father—children |
249 |
| Father—like |
963 |
| Fat—windfalls |
1790 |
| Fault—amends |
304 |
| Fault-menders |
555 |
| Fault—woo |
1827 |
| Faults—search |
1707 |
| Favour—kissing |
894 |
| Fear—cruelty |
364 |
| Feast—enough |
490 |
| Feather—birds of a |
123 |
| Feathers—fine |
563 |
| Feet—light |
1775 |
| Feet—slip |
1452 |
| Feet—warm |
1721 |
| Feet—wet |
217 |
| Fellowship |
1278 |
| Fiction—truth |
1670 |
| Fiddle |
940 |
| Fiddlers—sing |
1443 |
| Fifer—pay |
573 |
| Fifer play—fiddle |
574 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Fight—flourish |
599 |
| Fighting |
1208 |
| Filth—pools |
1518 |
| Find—seek |
1413 |
| Find—sure |
1564 |
| Fingers—thorns |
1606 |
| Fire—burnt child |
172 |
| Fire—frying-pan |
656 |
| Fire—hot |
727 |
| Fire—house |
1144 |
| Fire—quench |
1323 |
| Fire—ships |
1425 |
| Fire—slow |
1021 |
| Fire—smoke |
1461 |
| Fire—sticks |
1526 |
| Fire—zeal |
1878 |
| Fires—straight |
356 |
| Firmness |
536 |
| First—be not |
1146 |
| First sight |
876 |
| Five pounds |
1320 |
| Five—up at |
593 |
| Fish—all |
1145 |
| Fish—bite |
1782 |
| Fish bite best |
1784 |
| Fish—cat |
217 |
| Fish—small—venture |
1700 |
| Fish—small |
1458 |
| Fish—troubled waters |
1660 |
| Fishes—mute |
1129 |
| Fishing—best |
402 |
| Flail—November |
1161 |
| Flatter |
313 |
| Flattereth |
7 |
| Fleas—catching |
756 |
| Flies—hungry |
825 |
| Flies—large |
929 |
| Flies—law |
928 |
| Flint—coldest |
290 |
| Flock—infects |
1399 |
| Flood—fortune |
1616 |
| Flour—fancy |
548 |
| Flower—patience |
1214 |
| Flowers—May |
38 |
| Flowers in May |
1746 |
| Fodder—barley |
74 |
| Fodder—morning |
1196 |
| Folk—poor, pottage |
1269 |
| Folk—poor |
1268 |
| Folly—wealth |
1736 |
| Folly—wisdom |
1804 |
| Folly—wit is |
1815 |
| Folly—zeal |
1880 |
| Fool—beggar |
94 |
| Fool—bet |
115 |
| Fool—demands |
1119 |
| Fool—fifteen |
1022 |
| Fool—land |
917 |
| Fool—money |
1100 |
| Fool overtakes |
1201 |
| Fool—play |
1258 |
| Fool—scholar |
1042 |
| Fool's argument |
1709 |
| Fools—feasts |
562 |
| Fools—fiddlers |
1443 |
| Fools—harms |
751 |
| Fools—market |
1032 |
| Fools—merry |
243 |
| Fools—mistress |
519 |
| Fools—old |
1178 |
| Fools—tie |
902 |
| Fools—truth |
242 |
| Fools—wise |
1702 |
| Foot—bare |
66 |
| Foot—shoe |
1426 |
| Forbear |
81 |
| Forearmed |
620 |
| Forehead—mind |
1081 |
| Forelock—time |
1619 |
| Foresee—hazards |
952 |
| Forget—apt to |
1298 |
| Forget—forego |
618 |
| Forget—forgive |
622 |
| Forget wrong |
1356 |
| Forgotten—seen |
1414 |
| Forgotten vows |
1708 |
| Fortune—face |
527 |
| Fortune—good |
424 |
| Fortunes—manners |
1025 |
| Fortune—riches |
1360 |
| Fortune—pipes |
381 |
| Fortune—tide |
1616 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Fortune—wife |
1761 |
| Foul heart |
534 |
| Four pounds |
1320 |
| Fox—grapes |
1479 |
| Foxes—old |
1179 |
| Fray—blow |
1410 |
| Free—spend |
1496 |
| Free—thoughts |
1608 |
| Frenzy—zeal |
1879 |
| Friday—losses |
1094 |
| Friday—Sunday |
639 |
| Friday—sing |
638 |
| Friend—court |
328 |
| Friend—faults |
558 |
| Friend—in need |
1138 |
| Friend—jest |
868 |
| Friend—leave |
1018 |
| Friend—lend |
943 |
| Friend—trifle |
1658 |
| Friend—try |
1676 |
| Friend—wine |
1797 |
| Friends—adversity |
6 |
| Friends—few |
891 |
| Friends—long |
1345 |
| Friends—old |
1180 |
| Friends—packing |
700 |
| Friends—poverty |
1274 |
| Friends—prosperity |
1301 |
| Friends—purse |
659 |
| Friends—store |
686 |
| Friends—trade |
1649 |
| Friendship—window |
1277 |
| Frost—hail |
736 |
| Frost—work |
1848 |
| Frosts—May |
1089 |
| Frugality |
855 |
| Fruit—flowers |
598 |
| Fruit—forbidden |
615 |
| Fruit—September |
1418 |
| Fruit—tree |
1654 |
| G |
| Gain—little |
1205 |
| Gain—pain |
1204 |
| Gamesters |
1516 |
| Gander—sauce |
1388 |
| Garments |
146 |
| Garner—dearth |
395 |
| Gate—creaking |
349 |
| Gate—stile |
1527 |
| Gent—title |
1628 |
| Gentleman—coat |
279 |
| Gentleness—wife |
831 |
| Giblets—alms |
28 |
| Gladness—sadness |
1381 |
| Go—send |
443 |
| God—blessing |
1693 |
| God—charity |
230 |
| God—church |
256 |
| God—church |
257 |
| God—flax |
594 |
| God—for all |
504 |
| God—friend |
643 |
| God—healeth |
768 |
| God—inches |
854 |
| God—rich |
1358 |
| God—spender |
1497 |
| God—tempers |
1430 |
| God—trust in |
1666 |
| God disposes |
1023 |
| God will send |
1495 |
| Gold—balance |
60 |
| Gold—butter |
178 |
| Gold—fetters |
570 |
| Gold—glitters |
681 |
| Gold—lead |
670 |
| Gold—spins |
909 |
| Goodness—idleness |
838 |
| Goods—care |
974 |
| Goose—alms |
28 |
| Goose—barefoot |
1745 |
| Goose—lay |
1695 |
| Goose—sauce |
1388 |
| Goose—woman |
1033 |
| Govern—thinkers |
1600 |
| Grandeur—utility |
1694 |
| Grapes—fox |
1479 |
| Grass—rain |
1330 |
| Grave—sleeping |
1450 |
| Grave—teeth |
1586 |
| Gravity—words |
1836 |
| Grief—time |
1623 |
| Griefs—marriage |
1035 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Grin—bachelors |
51 |
| Grinds—lower millstone |
1079 |
| Groat a year |
1247 |
| Groat—penny |
1227 |
| Groat—threepence |
1610 |
| Ground—stools |
1538 |
| H |
| Hadland—title |
1628 |
| Hair—split |
1505 |
| Half done |
104 |
| Half of world |
1850 |
| Hand—bird |
120 |
| Hand—left |
1362 |
| Hands—master's |
1049 |
| Hands—pair |
777 |
| Hand to hand |
1373 |
| Handmaid of virtue |
1093 |
| Hang—thief |
1591 |
| Hanged—almost |
27 |
| Hanged—drowned |
145 |
| Hanged—half |
738 |
| Hanging—destiny |
411 |
| Hanging—dog |
1732 |
| Hardest work |
1157 |
| Hard upon hard |
1537 |
| Hare—breakfast |
160 |
| Hare—dog |
787 |
| Hare—run |
811 |
| Harm—music |
1126 |
| Harm—silence |
1437 |
| Harmony—sweetest |
669 |
| Harvest—August |
47 |
| Harvest—good |
704 |
| Haste—marry |
1038 |
| Haste—waste |
1547 |
| Hat—head |
764 |
| Hat—two faces |
1683 |
| Hatch—own egg |
121 |
| Hatched—chickens |
237 |
| Hatchet—tree falls |
539 |
| Hawk—hand-saw |
740 |
| Hay—April |
36 |
| Hay, corn and |
1053 |
| Hay—Easter |
1330 |
| Hay—load |
91 |
| Hay—needle |
1139 |
| Hay—doomsday |
444 |
| Hazards |
952 |
| Head—warm |
1721 |
| Head—wax |
1730 |
| Heads—two |
1684 |
| Heads differ |
771 |
| Heal—thyself |
1239 |
| Heal—wounds |
1859 |
| Health—mother of |
1276 |
| Health—Tuesday |
1094 |
| Health—wealth |
1764 |
| Hearsays |
526 |
| Heart—burst |
731 |
| Heart—grieve |
525 |
| Heart, mother's |
1113 |
| Heart—break |
802 |
| Heart—merry |
1068 |
| Heart—rues |
523 |
| Heart sick |
799 |
| Hearts ache |
51 |
| Hearts—true |
572 |
| Heat, work in |
1848 |
| Heaven—ladders |
360 |
| Heaven—lawyers |
932 |
| Heaven—marriages |
1036 |
| Heaven—time |
1409 |
| Heaven's gate |
692 |
| Hedge—neighbour |
1141 |
| Hedge—steal |
1523 |
| Heir—land |
916 |
| Hell—paved |
861 |
| Hen—moult |
283 |
| Hen crows |
363 |
| Highway—grass |
721 |
| Hill—valley |
1696 |
| Hills—clouds |
273 |
| Hind—bier |
194 |
| Hinges—gate |
349 |
| Hog—October |
1167 |
| Hold—plough |
1265 |
| Holdfast |
153 |
| Hold fast nothing |
1645 |
| Home—charity |
231 |
| Home—fool |
1258 |
| Home—muddles |
1122 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Home—wife |
707 |
| Home—wife—cheat |
1760 |
| Homer |
1152 |
| Honest—just |
881 |
| Honest—thunder |
1614 |
| Honest man |
346 |
| Honest man's word |
1832 |
| Honesty—age |
14 |
| Honesty—best |
898 |
| Honesty—craft |
1046 |
| Honey—bees |
92 |
| Honeycomb |
1535 |
| Honourable—old age |
15 |
| Hope—certainty |
222 |
| Hope—life |
956 |
| Horn—April |
36 |
| Horn—pig's tail |
1242 |
| Hornets—laws |
928 |
| Horse—blind |
1799 |
| Horse—born |
1514 |
| Horse—colt |
1328 |
| Horse—gift |
671 |
| Horse—passion |
1212 |
| Horse—steal |
1523 |
| Horse—stumbles |
1553 |
| Horse—tail |
765 |
| Horse—thinks |
1599 |
| Horse—want of |
1713 |
| Horse—willing |
1777 |
| Horseback—agues |
19 |
| Horseback—beggars |
98 |
| Horse-manger |
545 |
| Horse's heel |
1668 |
| Horses—wishes |
1807 |
| Host—guest |
734 |
| Host—reckons |
1343 |
| Hot—love |
1009 |
| Hot—soon—cold |
1468 |
| Hot—soon—pot |
1272 |
| Hot—strike |
1548 |
| Hounds |
180 |
| Hour—lose |
1108 |
| Hour's sleep |
1449 |
| House—fine |
1144 |
| House—thatched |
1590 |
| House—well-ordered |
1752 |
| Houses—women |
680 |
| Human—err |
496 |
| Humble—noble |
1151 |
| Hunger—work |
1848 |
| Hungry—sweet |
1535 |
| Hunters—horn |
804 |
| Hunting—trouble |
1714 |
| Hurt—afraid |
13 |
| Hurt—cry |
367 |
| Hurt—healed |
767 |
| Husband—good |
1763 |
| Husbands—roam |
1122 |
| I |
| Ill—do |
1155 |
| Ill—doing |
1160 |
| Ill fortune |
1034 |
| Ill-luck |
1014 |
| Ill-taught |
1691 |
| Ill wed |
738 |
| Ill words—wounds |
1859 |
| Imp—devil |
1580 |
| Impression—youth |
1875 |
| Inheritance |
87 |
| Ink and pen |
1225 |
| Inscription |
358 |
| Instinct—woman's |
860 |
| Invention |
1136 |
| Iron—strike |
1548 |
| Iron Age |
694 |
| J |
| Jack of all trades |
1651 |
| Jack—play |
1257 |
| James—Saint |
803 |
| Janiveer—grass |
719 |
| Jest—true word |
1663 |
| Jest not |
856 |
| Jewel—woman |
386 |
| Jill—Jack |
865 |
| Job—patient |
1216 |
| Job—poor |
1267 |
| Joys |
1035 |
| July—bees |
91 |
| June—corn |
316 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]June—dripping |
462 |
| June—weather |
188 |
| Justice—clerk |
262 |
| K |
| Kernel |
344 |
| Kettle—black |
1273 |
| Keys of the year |
35 |
| Kill—dog |
1732 |
| Kindred—poor |
1268 |
| Kindred—trade |
1649 |
| King—cat |
210 |
| King's guard |
1554 |
| King's horses |
46 |
| King's ransom |
1029 |
| Kingdom |
318 |
| Kisses—stolen |
1534 |
| Kitchen—dinner |
426 |
| Kitchen—fat |
895 |
| Kitten—laps |
1173 |
| Knife—devil |
944 |
| Knight—strongest |
73 |
| Knowledge—decreaseth |
797 |
| Knowledge—folly |
1880 |
| Knowledge—frenzy |
1879 |
| Knowledge—zeal |
1878 |
| L |
| Labour—seek |
1413 |
| Lack—love |
1000 |
| Lad—unhappy |
1687 |
| Ladder—crosses |
359 |
| Ladders—step |
912 |
| Lade—nutshell |
1164 |
| Ladle—sceptre |
1402 |
| Lady's hand—surgeon |
1565 |
| Lamb—hung |
819 |
| Land—money |
1286 |
| Land—little |
976 |
| Lands—words |
1834 |
| Lane—long |
992 |
| Larks—lovers |
1010 |
| Last—cobbler |
281 |
| Last, be not |
1146 |
| Laugh—hearts ache |
51 |
| Law—costly |
17 |
| Law—necessity |
1134 |
| Law—possession |
1271 |
| Law—trouble |
1714 |
| Laws—lords |
996 |
| Law breakers |
927 |
| Lawyer—hide |
781 |
| Lawyer—truth |
1675 |
| Lawyer—young |
438 |
| Lazy—long |
531 |
| Lead—balance |
60 |
| Lead—butter |
178 |
| Lead—gold |
670 |
| Leaf—grave |
651 |
| Lean—sorrow |
1472 |
| Leap—look |
989 |
| Leaves—tree |
1654 |
| Leeks—lovers |
1010 |
| Leisure |
833 |
| Lenders—bad |
1498 |
| Lent—salmon |
1385 |
| Liberty—marries |
1037 |
| Lie, many a |
747 |
| Life—quiet |
1326 |
| Lifeguard, king's |
1554 |
| Life—end |
1499 |
| Light—zeal |
1878 |
| Light heart |
1319 |
| Light suppers |
1563 |
| Light work |
1026 |
| Lightning—wit |
1811 |
| Liking—life |
955 |
| Link—think |
1598 |
| Lion, dead |
970 |
| Lion, dead—dog |
986 |
| Lion's heart—surgeon |
1565 |
| Liquors—weak |
977 |
| Little and little |
1460 |
| Little—loud |
531 |
| Little strokes |
1549 |
| Live, eat to |
472 |
| Lives, nine |
214 |
| Lives on wit |
1817 |
| Load—willing horse |
1777 |
| Lock—gold |
693 |
| Loft—fruit |
1418 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Logs |
356 |
| London—news |
326 |
| Long lives—suppers |
1563 |
| Longest—short cuts |
1431 |
| Lordship |
569 |
| Lose—substance |
1420 |
| Lose all |
717 |
| Lose last |
1780 |
| Losses—Friday |
1094 |
| Lost—occasion |
1166 |
| Lost all |
1121 |
| Loud—little |
531 |
| Love—faith |
536 |
| Love—lordship |
569 |
| Love—quietness |
1325 |
| Love rules |
1375 |
| Love—self |
1416 |
| Love, subjects' |
1554 |
| Loves—dearly |
1235 |
| Loves not |
1491 |
| Luck, ill |
847 |
| Luck—Saturday |
1094 |
| Lurch—friend |
1018 |
| M |
| Madness |
676 |
| Mahomet |
1116 |
| Maid—children |
52 |
| Maid—honest |
707 |
| Maids—dun |
1027 |
| Maladies—much |
1059 |
| Man—head |
763 |
| Manners—good |
506 |
| Manners—meat |
1060 |
| March—April |
37 |
| March—bridge |
565 |
| March—frosts |
650 |
| March—mists |
1089 |
| March—windy |
1052 |
| March grass |
718 |
| Mare to go |
1102 |
| Market—fool |
1258 |
| Market—rate |
1030 |
| Married—needy |
1140 |
| Married, newly |
1766 |
| Marries—son |
388 |
| Marry—bad |
1040 |
| Marry—match |
1044 |
| Master—fire |
580 |
| Master—marry |
1044 |
| Master—purse |
1314 |
| Master—trades |
1651 |
| Master-blow |
1354 |
| Master-craft |
346 |
| Master-craft |
1046 |
| Masters, good |
1419 |
| Master's—wine |
1794 |
| Maxim—good |
705 |
| May and April |
35 |
| May—beautiful |
1052 |
| May—bees |
91 |
| May—cold |
1053 |
| May—corn |
316 |
| May—frosts |
650 |
| May—frosts—mists |
1089 |
| May—hot |
810 |
| May—marry |
1040 |
| May—merry |
1073 |
| May—shear |
1423 |
| May—sows |
1481 |
| May—sun |
1027 |
| May—weather |
866 |
| May—welcome |
1746 |
| May—wind |
1785 |
| May flood |
597 |
| May flowers |
38 |
| Meal—little |
158 |
| Meal—mill |
1077 |
| Measure—strife |
1546 |
| Meat—ale |
22 |
| Meat—best |
343 |
| Meat—cooks |
685 |
| Meat—merry |
1070 |
| Meat—mouths |
1118 |
| Meat—quick |
1324 |
| Meat—sweet |
1389 |
| Meddling |
476 |
| Meet—old friends |
1180 |
| Memories |
352 |
| Memory—liar |
945 |
| Memory—wolves |
1821 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Men, old |
422 |
| Men—reins |
1349 |
| Mend—worst |
1856 |
| Mice—cat's away |
209 |
| Mice—catch |
213 |
| Mile—miss |
1088 |
| Mill—grind |
732 |
| Mills—clouds |
273 |
| Mind—picture |
1081 |
| Mind—sight |
1436 |
| Mind—speech |
1493 |
| Mind—think |
1598 |
| Mind—wit |
1811 |
| Minds, little—soured |
977 |
| Minds—little things |
978 |
| Minds—light |
1459 |
| Minister—hide |
781 |
| Minute too late |
1641 |
| Misfortune—watch |
1725 |
| Mist—Scotch |
1406 |
| Mole |
39 |
| Mole-hill |
1115 |
| Monday—Christmas |
255 |
| Money buys land |
1834 |
| Money—land |
1286 |
| Money—ready |
1336 |
| Money—spots |
1511 |
| Money—trade |
1650 |
| Monk—devil |
419 |
| More—much |
1121 |
| Moon |
106 |
| Morning, bit in the |
128 |
| Morning—cloudy |
457 |
| Morning, cloudy—moon |
1104 |
| Morning—fodder |
1196 |
| Morning—grey |
501 |
| Morning—law |
925 |
| Morning—study |
1550 |
| Mornings—cloudy |
275 |
| Mortals—success |
1556 |
| Moss—stone |
1367 |
| Mote—self-love |
1416 |
| Mother—daughter |
389 |
| Mother—little |
969 |
| Mother—necessity |
1136 |
| Mother—poverty |
1454 |
| Mother of money |
1650 |
| Mother's blessing |
240 |
| Mouse—cable |
1620 |
| Mouse—cat sees |
212 |
| Mouse—cat winketh |
215 |
| Mouse—drowned |
455 |
| Mouse—one hole |
1190 |
| Mouse—plough |
1263 |
| Mouth—close |
269 |
| Mouth—fishes' |
589 |
| Mouth—melt |
179 |
| Mouth—spoon |
1441 |
| Mow—early |
464 |
| Muck—riches |
1359 |
| Mud—beans |
78 |
| Mud—clear |
261 |
| Mushroom |
560 |
| N |
| Nag |
297 |
| Nail—door |
391 |
| Nail—second |
452 |
| Nail—want of |
1713 |
| Name, good—life |
1132 |
| Name, good—riches |
1130 |
| Neighbour—evil |
931 |
| Nest—defile |
842 |
| Nettle—dock |
436 |
| Newcastle |
205 |
| News—country |
326 |
| Night—good |
55 |
| Night—law |
925 |
| Night—stumble |
1551 |
| Nine days' wonder |
1826 |
| Ninepence |
1149 |
| Nine points |
1271 |
| Nineteen—twenty |
1681 |
| No—woman's |
1868 |
| Nod—wink |
1799 |
| Noland—title |
1628 |
| Note—music |
1127 |
| Nothing—cheese |
234 |
| Nothing—children |
246 |
| Nothing—promise |
1296 |
| North—wind |
1781 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Nose—off |
1503 |
| Nothing—venture |
1699 |
| Nut—crack |
344 |
| Nut—sound |
1478 |
| Nuts—sluts |
34 |
| O |
| Oak |
454 |
| Oaks—great |
1549 |
| Oats |
867 |
| Oats—St. David's |
1382 |
| Oats—wild |
1767 |
| Obey |
149 |
| Office—Jack |
864 |
| Oil, in fire |
1323 |
| Old—learn |
937 |
| Old—long |
1870 |
| Old—needy |
835 |
| Old—spare |
1485 |
| Old age |
654 |
| Old block |
251 |
| Old men—woo |
1827 |
| Old praise |
1285 |
| Old saws |
1040 |
| Old sore |
1185 |
| Old tree |
1351 |
| Old wife |
1137 |
| Old wine |
1181 |
| Old young |
1870 |
| Order |
1347 |
| Ornament—silence |
1439 |
| Ounce—mischief |
1086 |
| "Our Father" |
258 |
| Overcome |
487 |
| Owl—lantern |
918 |
| Ox—drink |
450 |
| Ox—steal |
1521 |
| Oxen—plough |
1264 |
| P |
| Pack—own |
1224 |
| Pack—small |
1223 |
| Padlock—wedlock |
1743 |
| Pain—pride |
1292 |
| Pains—gains |
661 |
| Pains—idle |
834 |
| Pains—lazy folk |
933 |
| Paint—faces |
533 |
| Painting—face |
1061 |
| Pair—couple |
327 |
| Paradise |
488 |
| Pardons—offender |
1169 |
| Parleys—valour |
1698 |
| Parsnips—fair words |
1841 |
| Parsnips—soft words |
1465 |
| Passions—absence |
1 |
| Pasture—change of |
229 |
| Pater-noster—churches |
258 |
| Path—puddle |
1307 |
| Patrimony—diligence |
423 |
| Paul—Peter |
1238 |
| Pause—bargain |
69 |
| Pay—sorrow |
1471 |
| Pay—too dear |
1756 |
| Pay—Yorkshire |
1869 |
| Peace—war |
1717 |
| Peace—wisdom |
1802 |
| Peas—like |
961 |
| Peasant—wretch |
1863 |
| Peck—of ashes |
41 |
| Pence—care of |
202 |
| Penny—companion |
298 |
| Penny—for friend |
830 |
| Penny—shilling |
1500 |
| Perform—quick |
1297 |
| Peter—Paul |
1238 |
| Philosopher's stone |
310 |
| Physic—ague |
18 |
| Physic—plague |
907 |
| Physic—temperance |
1587 |
| Physician—defy |
567 |
| Physician—fool |
606 |
| Physician—hide |
781 |
| Physician—thanks |
768 |
| Picture—speech |
1493 |
| Pie-crusts |
1299 |
| Pig—child's |
241 |
| Pig's tail—horn |
1242 |
| Pilot—calm sea |
187 |
| Pin—steal |
1522 |
| Pinch—friend |
1337 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Pinches—shoe |
1427 |
| Pitchers—ears |
466 |
| Pitied—envied |
493 |
| Place—sit in |
1253 |
| Places—two |
1685 |
| Plaister—patience |
1215 |
| Plant—removed |
1352 |
| Play—cards |
199 |
| Pleasure—tax |
431 |
| Pleasure—woo |
1827 |
| Plentiful—pity |
1251 |
| Plenty—peace |
1802 |
| Poison—weed |
127 |
| Poke—pig |
183 |
| Policy—honesty |
793 |
| Poor—beg |
1358 |
| Poor—giving to |
675 |
| Poor—honour |
795 |
| Poor man's table |
1576 |
| Pope—would be |
1270 |
| Pot—ladle |
911 |
| Pot—watched |
1727 |
| Pottage—other's |
1400 |
| Pottage—poor |
1269 |
| Pottage—prettiness |
1288 |
| Pottage—sluts |
1457 |
| Pottle—hay |
1139 |
| Pound foolish |
1232 |
| Pound—in for |
1230 |
| Pound—mischief |
1086 |
| Pounds—care of |
202 |
| Pounds—pence |
1226 |
| Pours—rains |
1334 |
| Poverty—debt |
400 |
| Poverty—sloth |
1454 |
| Powder—trust |
1666 |
| Power—knowledge |
904 |
| Praise—self |
1417 |
| Precept—example |
514 |
| Prickles—thistles |
1601 |
| Pride—ingratitude |
857 |
| Prince—sword |
1575 |
| Prince—wretch |
1863 |
| Privilege—folly |
1736 |
| Prize—wife |
1765 |
| Profit—pains |
1206 |
| Promises—pity |
1251 |
| Prosperity—friends |
645 |
| Prosperity—gold |
690 |
| Proud—black and |
531 |
| Proud—cock |
285 |
| Provender—carry |
807 |
| Provident—harvests |
704 |
| Puddings—dirty |
384 |
| Pudding—end |
486 |
| Pudding—proof |
1300 |
| Pulse—world's |
1854 |
| Purse—ask thy |
43 |
| Purse—courtesy |
331 |
| Purse—empty |
484 |
| Purse—fills |
1170 |
| Purse—heavy |
960 |
| Purse—little |
968 |
| Purse—no money |
1103 |
| Purse—penny |
1228 |
| Q |
| Quarrels—tools |
1642 |
| Quart—neighbour |
1142 |
| Quick—markets |
1718 |
| Quick—perform |
1297 |
| Quiet—Doctor |
1240 |
| R |
| R—oysters |
1202 |
| Rain—Candlemas |
192 |
| Rain—corpse |
745 |
| Raven—starling |
129 |
| Reason—bluster |
139 |
| Reason—will |
1773 |
| Reasoning—man's |
860 |
| Rebellion—oppression |
1194 |
| Reckoning—feast |
561 |
| Reckonings—short |
1432 |
| Repent—marry |
1038 |
| Repent—trust |
1665 |
| Repentance—late |
309 |
| Rest—rain |
1331 |
| Revenge—best |
621 |
| Reversion—kingdom |
318 |
| Reward—desert |
407 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Ribs—birchen twigs |
119 |
| Rich—adversity |
5 |
| Rich—die |
1266 |
| Rich—fifty |
741 |
| Rich—lucky |
1015 |
| Rich—shame |
795 |
| Riches—children |
245 |
| Riches—name |
1130 |
| Rider—lost |
1713 |
| Rider—time |
1625 |
| Right—two wrongs |
1864 |
| Rise—early to |
463 |
| Rise at five |
1612 |
| Road—companion |
297 |
| Roast—small |
140 |
| Roast beef |
460 |
| Roasting—eggs |
1339 |
| Robbery—exchange |
515 |
| Robs Peter |
1238 |
| Rock—ruled by |
1370 |
| Rogues—laws |
930 |
| Rolling stone |
1367 |
| Roost—curses |
371 |
| Roots—crooked |
1543 |
| Rope enough |
1591 |
| Ropes—sand |
1387 |
| Rose—thorn |
1603 |
| Roses—thorns |
1605 |
| Ruins—youth |
1099 |
| Ruins of folly |
1804 |
| Rules—woman |
1348 |
| Runs—stumbles |
1551 |
| Rushes—good words |
713 |
| S |
| Saddle—colt |
292 |
| Sail—Friday |
640 |
| Sail—sea |
1407 |
| Salt—advice |
8 |
| Salt of life |
173 |
| Sands—words |
1834 |
| Satins—kitchen |
897 |
| Saturday—no luck |
1094 |
| Saturday—wife |
1759 |
| Sauce—hunger |
824 |
| Save—spend |
1494 |
| Save—youth |
1874 |
| Saved—penny |
1231 |
| Saving—alchemy |
21 |
| Sawyers—top |
1646 |
| Sayings—thrifty |
1611 |
| Scarce—good men |
1188 |
| Scholar—mere |
1403 |
| Scholar—fool |
1042 |
| Scripture—quote |
1327 |
| Sea—calm |
187 |
| Sea—fish |
588 |
| Sea—lade |
1164 |
| Sea—luck |
1012 |
| Sea—pray |
1287 |
| Second nature |
1692 |
| Second thoughts |
1607 |
| Seed, good |
512 |
| Seen—seldom |
1414 |
| Send—go |
443 |
| Send—sigh |
1435 |
| Sermon—salmon |
1385 |
| Servants, good |
1419 |
| Seven—rise at |
1612 |
| Seven years |
228 |
| Shadow—crooked |
355 |
| Shadow—light |
958 |
| Shadow—sunshine |
1561 |
| Shame—devil |
1672 |
| Shame—pride |
1294 |
| Shave—hand-saw |
739 |
| Shaven—bald head |
61 |
| Sheep—buy |
369 |
| Sheep—hung |
819 |
| Sheep—scabbed |
1399 |
| Sheep—shear |
1423 |
| Sheep—shorn |
1430 |
| Shells—eggs |
23 |
| Shilling—slow |
1149 |
| Shilling—spends |
1500 |
| Ship—crazy |
348 |
| Ship—great |
726 |
| Ship—leak |
936 |
| Ship—own |
197 |
| Ship—sail |
1384 |
| Ship—stocks |
877 |
| Ship—tar |
1507 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Ships—November |
1161 |
| Shipwreck—complain |
300 |
| Shirt, ragged |
1256 |
| Shoe, finest |
1426 |
| Shoe fits |
592 |
| Shoe pinches |
1248 |
| Shoe, want of |
1713 |
| Shot—bolt |
612 |
| Shovel—silver |
935 |
| Shower—drops |
453 |
| Sick—devil |
419 |
| Sickness—devotion |
225 |
| Silent—man |
1528 |
| Silent—speak |
1487 |
| Silver—butter |
178 |
| Silver lining—cloud |
271 |
| Silver—white |
1440 |
| Sing—birds |
1291 |
| Sing—can |
124 |
| Sing—say |
1395 |
| Sings—Friday |
638 |
| Sin, none without |
1312 |
| Sin—sorrow |
1473 |
| Sink—leak |
936 |
| Sit—awhile |
425 |
| Sit—lowly |
1011 |
| Sit still |
1445 |
| Skin deep—beauty |
88 |
| Slander—confession |
303 |
| Slave—secret |
1411 |
| Sleep on it |
1243 |
| Sloe-tree—barley |
72 |
| Sloth—harms |
910 |
| Sloven |
1457 |
| Slow—promise |
1297 |
| Sluts, eat after |
34 |
| Smack—pepper |
1233 |
| Smell—kitchen |
896 |
| Snow—bread |
544 |
| Snow—lies |
193 |
| Snow—water |
141 |
| Soberness—conceals |
459 |
| Soft answer |
1861 |
| Soft upon soft |
1537 |
| Solomon—wife |
1765 |
| Son—like |
963 |
| Son—marries |
388 |
| Sore eye—elbow |
480 |
| Sore—store |
1541 |
| Sores—patience |
1215 |
| Sorrow—joy |
875 |
| Sorrow—lies |
870 |
| Sorrow—mirth |
1084 |
| Sorrow—time |
1624 |
| Sorrows—less |
427 |
| Soul—cleansed |
317 |
| Souls—large |
972 |
| Sour—sauce |
871 |
| Sour—sweet |
1571 |
| Sow—wrong |
1865 |
| Sow's ear—purse |
1315 |
| Spain—wine |
450 |
| Spaniel—beaten |
85 |
| Speak little |
1597 |
| Speak once—think |
1596 |
| Speak—purse |
658 |
| Speak—spare |
1486 |
| Speak—think |
1595 |
| Speak—well |
1489 |
| Speakers—dead |
1241 |
| Speed—worse |
753 |
| Spend—old |
1485 |
| Spend—spare |
1486 |
| Spending—bung-hole |
1393 |
| Spiders' webs—laws |
929 |
| Spigot—saving |
1393 |
| Spirits—raise |
1335 |
| Spite—nose |
1503 |
| Spoon—silver |
1441 |
| Spring—swallow |
1567 |
| Spur—free horse |
1513 |
| Spur—horse |
806 |
| Stable door |
988 |
| Stable door |
1524 |
| Staff—dog |
83 |
| Staggerer—lame |
914 |
| Starling—raven |
129 |
| Steed starves |
720 |
| Steed—stolen |
988 |
| Steel—tongue |
1637 |
| Steeple—bell |
108 |
| Sting you—snake |
1462 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Stink—bear |
250 |
| Stinking fish |
1531 |
| Stocking |
167 |
| Stolen—steed |
1524 |
| Stone—dropping |
308 |
| Stone—blood |
136 |
| Stone—rugged |
1373 |
| Stool—guest |
733 |
| Stool, own—guest |
1476 |
| Stoop for pin |
1245 |
| Storms—vows |
1708 |
| Story—re-telling |
1355 |
| Straw—drowning |
449 |
| Straw—last |
919 |
| Strength, woman's |
1822 |
| Strong—thirty |
741 |
| Strife—poverty |
1275 |
| Substance |
1420 |
| Sudden falls |
265 |
| Summer—chimneys |
1466 |
| Summer—good |
1800 |
| Summer—swallow |
1566 |
| Sun—bride |
745 |
| Sun—clouds |
272 |
| Sun—hay |
762 |
| Sun—light |
959 |
| Sun—morning |
1109 |
| Sun riseth |
325 |
| Sunday—Friday |
639 |
| Sunday—weep |
638 |
| Sunday—wife |
1759 |
| Sundays—two |
1686 |
| Sun shines—moon |
1106 |
| Sunshine—stars |
1519 |
| Supper, after |
425 |
| Supper—hope |
801 |
| Supperless—bed |
1562 |
| Sure card |
307 |
| Surely—softly |
1464 |
| Sweet—taste |
1583 |
| Sweetest water |
1753 |
| Swim—depth |
406 |
| Swine—pearls |
1221 |
| Swine—turned |
1679 |
| Swing—youth |
1876 |
| Swords—words |
1835 |
| T |
| Tail—salt |
1386 |
| Tale—tell |
394 |
| Talk—good |
696 |
| Talk—nurse |
1163 |
| Talks—tongue |
1638 |
| Tame Shrew |
1434 |
| Tame—wedding |
1742 |
| Tar—ship |
1507 |
| Tarry—tide |
1622 |
| Taste—kitchen |
896 |
| Tax—disease |
431 |
| Taxes—death |
221 |
| Teaching—child |
161 |
| Teeth—aching |
4 |
| Teeth—tongue |
1635 |
| Teeth—wolves |
1821 |
| Temper—tongue |
1633 |
| Tempers—God |
1430 |
| Tenant—bad |
482 |
| Tenants—ill |
4 |
| Texts—proverbs |
1304 |
| Thief of time |
1295 |
| Thief—opportunity |
1192 |
| Thief—receiver |
1340 |
| Thief—receivers |
1341 |
| Thief—thunder |
1614 |
| Think—live |
1598 |
| Thinks—says |
1397 |
| Thirty years |
606 |
| Thistles—brain |
157 |
| Thistles—harvest |
752 |
| Thorn—cuckoo |
369 |
| Thorns—barefoot |
65 |
| Thorns—dancing |
382 |
| Thread—draw |
448 |
| Thread—breaketh |
1735 |
| Three women |
1033 |
| Thrift—ruin |
1501 |
| Thrive—up at five |
593 |
| Thrive—plant |
1352 |
| Thrive—wive |
1818 |
| Thrown—wrestle |
1862 |
| Throws—horse |
1361 |
| Thrushes—beggars |
1808 |
| Thunder-bolt—pryeth |
1306 |
| Thursday—crosses |
1094 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Tide—tarry |
1622 |
| Timber—split |
716 |
| Time for study |
1550 |
| Time—season |
1409 |
| Time—sorrow |
1474 |
| Time—stitch |
1532 |
| Times—fault |
553 |
| Toil—pleasure |
1261 |
| Toilers—thinkers |
1600 |
| Toll—market |
1031 |
| Toll—talking |
1582 |
| Tom—play |
1256 |
| Tongue—shorter |
468 |
| Tongue—knot |
901 |
| Tongue—nurse's |
1163 |
| Tongue—slip |
1452 |
| Tongue speaketh |
770 |
| Tongue—strength |
1822 |
| Too late—advice |
11 |
| Too late—never |
1064 |
| Tools—edged |
476 |
| Tools—workmen |
1849 |
| Toothache—music |
1125 |
| Touchstone—love |
1002 |
| Trade—two of a |
16 |
| Trash—beggary |
99 |
| Tread on worm |
1855 |
| Treasurer—God |
1497 |
| Tree—crooked |
355 |
| Tree—falls |
539 |
| Tree—fruit |
652 |
| Trees—straight |
1543 |
| Trials—present |
1346 |
| Tricks—old dog |
1176 |
| Tries—time |
1626 |
| Trifles—troubles |
1661 |
| Trouble—bagpipe |
57 |
| Trouble—company in |
295 |
| Trouble—hunting |
1714 |
| Troubles—company |
296 |
| Troubles—dowry |
723 |
| Trough—own |
1480 |
| Trumpery—beggary |
99 |
| Trumpet—own |
1283 |
| Truss up wit |
1813 |
| Trust—speak fair |
1491 |
| Trust—try |
1676 |
| Trust not—water |
1528 |
| Truth—drunken folk |
458 |
| Truth—evasions |
347 |
| Truth—fools |
242 |
| Truth—libel |
947 |
| Truth—old saws |
1184 |
| Try—trust |
1665 |
| Tuesday—health |
1094 |
| Turncoat—wine |
1797 |
| Twig—bend |
109 |
| Twig—tree |
110 |
| Tyrant—cruelty |
364 |
| U |
| Unbidden guest |
1476 |
| Unkindness—cut |
377 |
| Unmissed—unknown |
1689 |
| Use—keep |
882 |
| Use—nature |
1692 |
| V |
| Valour—stratagem |
1544 |
| Venice Glass |
351 |
| Vessels—empty |
485 |
| Virtue—modesty |
1093 |
| Virtue—necessity |
1135 |
| Virtue's colour |
138 |
| Virtue—touchstone |
1002 |
| W |
| Wait—world |
1851 |
| Walk a mile |
425 |
| Walk—sun |
1730 |
| Wall—weakest |
1734 |
| Walls—ears |
467 |
| Walnut tree |
85 |
| Waste, wilful |
1724 |
| Want—strife |
1547 |
| Want, woeful |
1724 |
| Want not |
1723 |
| Ware—pleasing |
1260 |
| Ware—sell |
1030 |
| Washing—crow |
362 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Washing—face |
1061 |
| Waste—haste |
755 |
| Waste—spend |
1496 |
| Waste—want |
1547 |
| Water—cat |
1401 |
| Water—deepest |
402 |
| Water—drink |
450 |
| Water—famine |
544 |
| Water—fire |
580 |
| Water—wine |
1792 |
| Waters—deep |
726 |
| Waters—still |
1530 |
| Waters—troubled |
591 |
| Way—will |
1776 |
| Wealth—contentment |
315 |
| Wealth—marries |
1037 |
| Wealth—wife |
1764 |
| Wealth—Monday |
1094 |
| Wealthy—wise |
1805 |
| Weapon—wit |
1814 |
| Weary—well-doing |
1751 |
| Weather—bad |
1470 |
| Weather—calm |
879 |
| Weather—fair |
1740 |
| Weather—rainy |
880 |
| Weather—thunder |
1613 |
| Weather—wind |
1789 |
| Wedded life |
76 |
| Wedlock—wake |
333 |
| Wednesday—best day |
1094 |
| Weed—poison |
127 |
| Weeds—words |
1833 |
| Weight—strife |
1546 |
| Weights—words |
1836 |
| Well done—once |
1187 |
| Well—dry |
1729 |
| Well—truth |
1669 |
| Weep—Sunday |
638 |
| Weeping Cross |
998 |
| Wet—mist |
1406 |
| Whale—sprat |
1512 |
| Wickedness—woe |
1819 |
| Wife—bier |
194 |
| Wife—gentle |
831 |
| Wife—grumbles |
1553 |
| Wife—good terms |
1536 |
| Wife—key |
885 |
| Wife, little |
976 |
| Wife, one good |
1762 |
| Wife—son |
1467 |
| Wiles, caught by |
1768 |
| Will—way |
1731 |
| Will—lean |
895 |
| Will—women |
1825 |
| Win—laugh |
921 |
| Wind—against |
1504 |
| Wind—puff not |
1308 |
| Wind—sheep |
1430 |
| Wind—south [fishing] |
589 |
| Wind—words |
1838 |
| Window |
1277 |
| Winds—contrary |
348 |
| Winds—high |
783 |
| Winds—March |
38 |
| Winds—rain |
688 |
| Wine—barrel |
75 |
| Wine—counsels |
320 |
| Wine—old |
1180 |
| Wings—covers me |
336 |
| Wings—flying |
600 |
| Winter—Candlemas |
192 |
| Winter—green |
729 |
| Winter—warm |
1720 |
| Winter—woodcock, one |
1828 |
| Winter—woodcock |
1567 |
| Winter wind |
1082 |
| Wisdom—husband |
831 |
| Wisdom—age |
905 |
| Wise—adversity |
5 |
| Wise—some |
1197 |
| Wise—word enough |
1839 |
| Wise—forty |
741 |
| Wise—himself |
785 |
| Wise—lucky |
1016 |
| Wise—merry |
1069 |
| Wise—penny |
1232 |
| Wise—twice |
1682 |
| Wise folk |
611 |
| Wishers and woulders |
814 |
| Wist, had I |
117 |
| Wit—brevity |
163 |
| Wit, mother |
1114 |
| [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Wit, need of |
673 |
| Wit—pound of |
430 |
| Wit—sloth |
1453 |
| Wit is out |
1796 |
| Wit's plough |
1225 |
| Wiving—counsel |
321 |
| Wiving—destiny |
411 |
| Woe—angry men |
31 |
| Woe—hasty men |
757 |
| Woe—wilful man |
1770 |
| Wolf—growing youth |
1873 |
| Woman—beaten |
85 |
| Woman—fair |
386 |
| Woman—head |
763 |
| Woman—rules |
1348 |
| Woman—silence |
1439 |
| Woman—tongue |
1639 |
| Woman—weep |
1745 |
| Woman's mind |
1082 |
| Woman's tongue |
913 |
| Woman's work |
1823 |
| Woman's yes |
1868 |
| Women—discreet |
429 |
| Women—drive |
1349 |
| Women—England |
488 |
| Women—glasses |
680 |
| Women—turned |
1679 |
| Women—words |
1837 |
| Wood—beans |
78 |
| Wood—old |
1180 |
| Wood—out of |
791 |
| Wood—trees |
1657 |
| Woodcock—winter |
1567, 1828 |
| Woodcock's thigh |
1211 |
| Woods—ears |
576 |
| Wool—little |
368 |
| Wool—shaving |
1422 |
| Word—true |
1663 |
| Words—leaves |
403 |
| Words—soft |
1465 |
| Words—wranglers |
1860 |
| Words swim |
1793 |
| Work—all |
1257 |
| Work—play |
1256 |
| Work—quick |
1324 |
| Work—slavery |
1448 |
| Work—woman's |
1823 |
| Workman—bad |
1642 |
| Workman—tools |
1643 |
| Work on |
470 |
| Workshops—devil's |
832 |
| World—enjoys it |
714 |
| World—fashion |
550 |
| World's end |
872 |
| Worm—bird |
465 |
| Worth—spend |
1499 |
| Worth—want |
1712 |
| Worthy—parents |
1210 |
| Wound—green |
728 |
| Wound—words |
1835 |
| Wound—evil |
510 |
| Wounds—afraid of |
12 |
| Wrinkled—faces |
1321 |
| Wrinkles—purse |
483 |
| Wrong—forget |
1356 |
| Wrong—losers |
997 |
| Y |
| Young—idle |
835 |
| Young—spare |
1485 |
| Young men—die |
422 |
| Young men—woo |
1827 |
| Youth—follies |
601 |
| Youth—money |
1099 |
| Youth—old age |
1171 |
| Youth—reckless |
1342 |
| Youth—save |
1390 |
| Youth—time |
1625 |
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
A DICTIONARY OF
DAILY BLUNDERS.
A DICTIONARY OF
DAILY MISTAKES.
Containing a Collection of Mistakes often made
in Speaking and Writing.
Featuring a Collection of Common Mistakes
in Speaking and Writing.
CORRECTED FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES,
AND ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
CORRECTED FROM THE BEST SOURCES,
AND ORGANIZED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
By THE AUTHOR OF
'A HANDY BOOK OF SYNONYMS,'
'A DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH PROVERBS,' ETC. ETC.
By THE AUTHOR OF
'A HANDY BOOK OF SYNONYMS,'
'A DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH PROVERBS,' ETC. ETC.
Price 1s. cloth; 1s. 6d. half-bound in leather, red edges.
Price: 1s. cloth; 1s. 6d. half-bound in leather, red edges.
Extracts from Opinions of the Press.
Useful knowledge. . . . Invaluable alike as desk or pocket companion. . . .
Treats of the multitude of errors daily made in speaking and writing,
and offers corrections collected from the best authorities. Its
dictionary form enables any one in doubt to readily turn to the word
required. . . . Its value and necessity are unquestionable.—Morning
Post.
Useful knowledge... Incredibly valuable as a desk or pocket companion... It addresses the many mistakes people make every day in speaking and writing, providing corrections gathered from the best sources. Its dictionary format allows anyone in doubt to easily find the word they need... Its value and necessity are undeniable.—Morning Post.
A dictionary has just been published, enumerating the common blunders of
speech and writing, which are constantly perpetrated. Such a work seems,
at first sight, a very formidable undertaking, and the complete mastery
of its text promises many a wretched quarter of an hour to those on whom
its valuable information is inflicted. . . . There are some mistakes which
appear to be ineradicable, and will not be corrected, even if the
Blunder Dictionary arrives at its [A2]thousandth edition. . . . Next to the
slave who attended a Roman Emperor in triumph to remind him that he was
mortal . . . surely the object most to be dreaded is the editor of a
Dictionary of Blunders, arranged on such a complete and systematic plan,
as to form a court of appeal to which every household can be
conveniently referred. . . . The volume is actually published, and contains
126 closely printed pages, containing examples of errors that are to be
found in the daily speech even of well-educated persons. . . . The Editor
is to be thanked for his useful book.—Daily Telegraph.
A new dictionary has just been published, listing the common mistakes in speech and writing that happen all the time. At first glance, this seems like a huge task, and fully understanding its content promises many frustrating moments for those who are subjected to its valuable insights. There are some errors that seem impossible to eliminate, and they won’t be fixed, even if the Blunder Dictionary reaches its thousandth edition. Next to the slave who reminded a Roman Emperor in triumph that he was mortal, the thing most to be feared is the editor of a Dictionary of Blunders, organized in such a thorough and systematic way that it serves as a reference point for every household. The book is officially published and consists of 126 densely printed pages filled with examples of mistakes found in everyday speech, even among well-educated individuals. The Editor deserves thanks for this helpful book.—Daily Telegraph.
Pleasantly written. . . . In its dimensions it is handy, and the utility of
its contents is beyond question. The legion of "self-educated" men who
adorn our age should not be without this useful companion, for, by its
aid, the blunders of speech more particularly common to them would be
advantageously avoided.—Citizen.
Well written… It's compact, and its usefulness is undeniable. The many "self-taught" individuals in our time shouldn't be without this helpful guide, as it can help them avoid common speaking mistakes. —Citizen.
So far as we can discover from a brief perusal of the handy little
volume, the author's work has been very well done.—Athenæum.
As far as we can tell from a quick look at this convenient little book, the author's work is very well done.—Athenæum.
A well-meant attempt to keep people clear of some common errors. . . .
There is certainly evidence enough, of one kind or another, in the
volume before us, of the existence of blunders which could hardly have
been suspected.—Saturday Review.
A good effort to help people avoid some common mistakes. . . . There is definitely enough evidence, in one way or another, in the book in front of us, of the presence of errors that could hardly have been anticipated.—Saturday Review.
Beautifully printed. . . . may be confidently [A3]recommended to those for
whose use it is designed.—Manchester Guardian.
Beautifully printed... may be confidently [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]recommended to those for
whose use it is designed.—Manchester Guardian.
. . . Of value, and worth knowing. . . . Amusing, and to an extent, useful
also.—Dublin Freeman's Journal.
. . . Of value, and worth knowing. . . . Amusing, and somewhat useful too.—Dublin Freeman's Journal.
Will be found useful and amusing. . . . It is arranged alphabetically, and
contains a considerable vocabulary of words supposed to present a
difficulty either in spelling, meaning, or pronunciation. Some of the
comments on popular mistakes are very well done.—Record.
Will be useful and entertaining. It’s organized alphabetically and has a substantial vocabulary of words that are likely to be challenging in spelling, meaning, or pronunciation. Some of the remarks on common errors are quite well done.—Record.
Those who are not quite sure as to their grammar, their pronunciation,
or their spelling, will doubtless find this pocket volume very
useful.—Sunday Times.
Those who aren't entirely confident in their grammar, pronunciation, or spelling will surely find this pocket guide very helpful.—Sunday Times.
Will be of use to every one who has either to speak or to write. As this
embraces all mankind, the book may be said to be of value to everybody.
Very neatly got up.—Scotsman.
Will be helpful to anyone who needs to speak or write. Since this includes all people, the book can be considered valuable to everyone. Very nicely put together.—Scotsman.
A glance through the pages of this book is very amusing, almost as
entertaining as a selection of wit and humour would be. There is no
doubt as to the general accuracy and usefulness of the corrections. . . . .
We heartily recommend the Dictionary.—Liverpool Albion.
A quick look through this book is quite fun, nearly as entertaining as a collection of wit and humor. There's no doubt about the overall accuracy and helpfulness of the corrections. . . . We wholeheartedly recommend the Dictionary.—Liverpool Albion.
Corrected from the best authorities and arranged in alphabetical
order. . . . The student can turn readily to the remarks made upon any
particular mistake.—Dublin Evening Mail.
Corrected from the best sources and organized in alphabetical order. The student can easily find the comments on any specific error.—Dublin Evening Mail.
[A4]A useful aid to correct speech.—Literary World.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]A helpful tool for improving speech.—Literary World.
The value of a book is not always to be reckoned by its size. This
little dictionary would go into the waistcoat pocket, yet every word in
it has its value, and the common mistakes in speaking and writing which
it undertakes to correct are nearly always put right in the best way. In
a few instances in which we are inclined to criticise, a conflict of
opinion among the authorities would probably be found to
exist.—Bookseller.
The worth of a book isn't just determined by its size. This small dictionary fits in a vest pocket, yet each word it contains is valuable, and the common errors in speaking and writing that it aims to fix are generally addressed in the best manner. In a few cases where we might want to critique, there would likely be differing opinions among the experts.—Bookseller.
A manual such as this will not be out of place at the right hand of all
who desire not to blunder.—Dundee Advertiser.
A guide like this is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid making mistakes. —Dundee Advertiser.
An excellent little book, which cannot be too well known or too widely
circulated. We know a large number of persons who would preserve
themselves from perpetrating the most unfortunate blunders if they would
carefully consult it.—Christian World.
An outstanding little book that deserves to be widely recognized and shared. We know many people who could avoid making significant mistakes if they took the time to read it.—Christian World.
The compiler of A Dictionary of Daily Blunders at least deserves
credit for an excellent idea. . . . Even the most practised speaker or
writer is liable to momentary uncertainty about simple points of
pronunciation or spelling—not to say construction of sentences. . . .
Contains some good material. . . . A useful feature of the book is the
publication in full of participles, in the spelling of which a writer is
often apt to get confused, and which are rarely included in
dictionaries.—Nottingham Guardian.
The compiler of A Dictionary of Daily Blunders definitely deserves credit for a great idea. Even the most experienced speaker or writer can have brief moments of doubt about basic pronunciation or spelling—not to mention sentence structure. It includes some good content. A helpful aspect of the book is that it provides full listings of participles, which many writers often find confusing and are seldom included in dictionaries.—Nottingham Guardian.
[A5]Evidently at great pains, the author of this useful handbook has brought
together a large number of blunders which are heard often in speaking
and seen in writing. We have gone rather minutely over the work, and can
say that the corrections are nearly all just. . . . The book will be useful
to many, and the reader will be surprised to find in what a great number
of instances he is wrong in the usage and pronunciation of words. We
recommend this handbook heartily.—Dundee Courier.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]Clearly with a lot of effort, the author of this helpful handbook has gathered a considerable number of common mistakes often heard in speech and seen in writing. We've reviewed the work in detail and can confirm that the corrections are mostly accurate. The book will be beneficial to many, and readers will be surprised to discover just how often they misuse words both in terms of meaning and pronunciation. We wholeheartedly recommend this handbook.—Dundee Courier.
We can speak highly of this publication. . . . A credit to the publishers,
and we have little doubt will have a very large circulation.—Wigan
Observer.
We can strongly recommend this publication. . . . It's a great credit to the publishers, and we're confident it will have a huge audience.—Wigan Observer.
The selection has been very judiciously made. One must be a remarkably
faultless speaker and writer who does not get several useful hints from
this booklet.—Aberdeen Journal.
The selection has been made very thoughtfully. You have to be an exceptionally skilled speaker and writer not to get several helpful tips from this booklet.—Aberdeen Journal.
. . . There is in this small volume a good deal of really useful matter,
and many readers (especially among those who are also writers) might
derive more benefit from its study than would by themselves be
imagined.—Exchange.
. . . There is a lot of truly useful content in this small volume, and many readers (especially those who are also writers) might gain more from studying it than one would think. —Exchange.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
Excerpts from the Press Notices of Familiar Latin Quotations and
Proverbs.
Excerpts from the Press Notices of Familiar Latin Quotes and Sayings.
A translation of the Latin phrases which are of most common use in the
literature of the day, which is likely to be useful.—The Echo.
A translation of the Latin phrases that are most commonly used in today’s literature, which will likely be helpful.—The Echo.
In a cheap and handy little volume we have here a large selection of
Latin phrases, proverbs, and quotations. It is ample in all respects,
and is likely to be of great and general utility.—Sunday Times.
In a small and affordable book, we have a wide range of Latin phrases, proverbs, and quotes. It's thorough in every way and is expected to be very useful overall. —Sunday Times.
To newspaper men, public speakers, and correspondents in every
direction, this little "Vade mecum" will prove most
useful.—News-Vendor.
To journalists, public speakers, and correspondents everywhere, this little "Vade mecum" will be very helpful.—News-Vendor.
The English translations are given as literally as possible, and they
frequently embrace all the most generally accepted renderings. So far as
we have been able to detect, the book has been carefully edited by a
competent and capable writer.—Railway Fly-Sheet.
The English translations are provided as literally as possible, and they often include all the most widely accepted interpretations. As far as we can tell, the book has been thoroughly edited by a skilled and capable writer.—Railway Fly-Sheet.
A small work of reference such as has been greatly needed. We recommend
it especially to all readers who want to understand what they read, and
do not know Latin, and to all writers who want to seem more learned than
they are.—Civil Service Review.
A small reference book that’s been much needed. We especially recommend it to all readers who want to understand what they're reading but don’t know Latin, and to all writers who want to appear more knowledgeable than they really are.—Civil Service Review.
A very handy selection of "Familiar Latin Quotations and Proverbs," of
which not only translations but also explanations are given. We
confidently recommend this little book.—Printers' Register.
A really useful collection of "Familiar Latin Quotations and Proverbs," providing both translations and explanations. We confidently recommend this little book.—Printers' Register.
A very handy little book. It contains, arranged in alphabetical order,
all the most common Latin quotations [A7]with their signification, and many
which are not so well known. The author has been careful in doing his
work, and has produced a really good little book of
reference.—Scotsman.
A very useful little book. It includes, organized alphabetically, all the most common Latin quotes [__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]along with their meanings, as well as many that are less familiar. The author has been thorough in his work and has created a genuinely helpful reference book.—Scotsman.
To those whose classical education has been wholly neglected the work
will be found to be a suitable "Vade mecum," and even to those who
learnt a good deal of Latin at school it will be found to be highly
useful.—North British Advertiser.
For those who have completely overlooked their classical education, this work will serve as a handy reference guide. Even for those who learned a fair amount of Latin in school, it will prove to be very helpful.—North British Advertiser.
It is a most admirable compilation. We can heartily recommend it as a
book of reference, and from which most genuine instruction can be
extracted.—Glasgow Citizen.
It’s an impressive collection. We can wholeheartedly recommend it as a reference book, from which genuine insights can be gained.—Glasgow Citizen.
In this handy little book the compiler has collected the Latin
quotations which occur most frequently in the serial literature of the
day, arranging them alphabetically along with translations. This is
truly a "handy referential volume," and deserving of a large
sale.—Edinburgh Courant.
In this convenient little book, the compiler has gathered the Latin quotes that appear most often in today's periodicals, organizing them alphabetically along with their translations. This is definitely a "useful reference volume" and deserves to be a best-seller.—Edinburgh Courant.
A very useful little work which will be invaluable to the reader whose
studies have not included the classic languages. In the space of 120
pages are compressed no fewer than fifteen hundred Latin words, phrases,
and proverbs, frequently met with in newspapers, political or
philosophical works, law books, etc. We have looked over the book
carefully, and tested it by searching for less usual quotations; but in
every case we have found what we sought. Each phrase is rendered as
literally as the construction of the English and Latin languages will
admit; and where necessary a paraphrase or explanation is appended in
addition.—Irish Times.
A very helpful little book that will be invaluable for readers whose studies haven't included classical languages. In just 120 pages, it condenses no less than fifteen hundred Latin words, phrases, and proverbs that are often found in newspapers, political or philosophical works, law books, etc. We reviewed the book carefully and tested it by searching for less common quotes; in every case, we found what we were looking for. Each phrase is translated as literally as the structure of English and Latin allows; and where necessary, a paraphrase or explanation is added.—Irish Times.
[__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__]
FAMILIAR ENGLISH QUOTATIONS.
The object of this little volume is to trace the Familiar Quotations so
constantly in use to their proper authorship, and to correct the errors
so frequently made by public speakers and writers. The origin of such
everyday sayings as
The goal of this small book is to track down the common quotes that people often use to their actual authors and to fix the mistakes that public speakers and writers frequently make. The source of everyday phrases like
"Someone who fights and then runs away,
"Maybe we'll turn and fight another day,"
(erroneously supposed to be in Butler's "Hudibras,") and a number of
other phrases of a like character, is given, and the exact place of
them in the different authors' works is recorded.
(erroneously supposed to be in Butler's "Hudibras,") and several other similar phrases are provided, along with the exact place of each in the various authors' works.
The errors constantly made in quoting are remarkable. The author of an
interesting volume, comprising many well-known passages, names
"Hudibras" as containing the lines
The mistakes people make when quoting are quite striking. The author of an intriguing book, which includes many famous excerpts, cites "Hudibras" as containing the lines
"Those who intervene in disputes,"
"Will often wipe a bloody nose."
In an essay on "Misquotations," which recently appeared in a very ably
conducted newspaper, the object of the writer being to correct the
blunders constantly made, he falls into the usual mistake of quoting
Nat. Lee as writing
In an essay on "Misquotations," which recently appeared in a well-run newspaper, the writer aims to correct the mistakes that are often made, but he makes the typical error of quoting Nat. Lee as writing
"When Greeks face each other, that's when the struggle begins,"
and a learned and eminent divine, a certain Dr. B., some years ago, in
the presence of a large party, obstinately insisted that
and a knowledgeable and respected scholar, a certain Dr. B., several years ago, in front of a large group, stubbornly insisted that
"A man convinced against his will"
was a correct passage from "Hudibras," and was only satisfied as to his
blunder by the production of Butler's immortal work. Even so
accomplished a scholar as Mr. Gladstone—quandoque bonus dormitat
Homerus—errs; in a recently published number of the Nineteenth
Century, quoting Byron's words,
was a correct passage from "Hudibras," and was only satisfied about his mistake by the presentation of Butler's timeless work. Even such an accomplished scholar as Mr. Gladstone—quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus—makes errors; in a recently published issue of the Nineteenth Century, quoting Byron's words,
"The bubbling cry"
Of a powerful swimmer in his distress,"
he names them as occurring in "Childe Harold," instead of in "Don Juan."
he names them as appearing in "Childe Harold," not in "Don Juan."
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
The following corrections have been made to the text:
The following changes have been made to the text:
Page ii: 2. Familiar French Quotations & Proverbs.[period
missing in original]
Page ii: 2. Famous French Quotes & Proverbs.[period missing in original]
Page 9: Bread and butter are glad to eat.[period missing in
original]
Page 9: Bread and butter are happy to be eaten.
Page 26: 445.[period missing in original] Door. When one door
shuts another opens.
Page 26: 445.[period missing in original] Door. When one door closes, another one opens.
Page 45: Honour. Better[original has Bettter] poor with honour
Page 45: Honor. Better to be broke with honor
Page 62: 1099. Money. The abundance of money ruins
youth.[period missing in original]
Page 62: 1099. Cash. Having too much money destroys youth.
Page 64: 1135. Necessity. Make a virtue of necessity.[period
missing in original]
Page 64: 1135. Need. Turn necessity into a virtue.
Page 74: so crows the young.[period missing in original]
Page 74: so crows the young.
Index entries were changed to match the spelling and hyphenation in the
main text. Proverb numbers were corrected when necessary. The changes
are as follows:
Index entries were updated to align with the spelling and hyphenation in the main text. Proverb numbers were corrected where needed. The changes are as follows:
Page 107: Age-rueful 1342[original has 1343]
Page 107: Regretful Era 1342
Page 107: Appetite 475[original has 495]
Page 108: Birdcall[original has Bird—call]
Page 108: Birds—little 970[original has 940]
Page 108: Birds—tiny 970[original has 940]
Page 108: Bone—tongue 1636[original has 1616]
Page 108: Bone—language 1636
Page 109: Branch—roost[original has root]
Page 109: Butter-cakes[original has Buttercakes]
Page 109: Candle-stick[original has Candlestick]
Page 110: Churchyard—May 810[original has 809]
Page 110: Graveyard—May 810
Page 110: Cloth—coat[original has cost]
Page 110: Cold—soon 1468[original has 1469]
Page 110: Cold—soon 1468[original has 1469]
Page 112: Easy chair[original has Easy-chair]—frugality
Page 112: Lounge chair—budget-friendly
Page 112: Elbow grease[original has Elbow-grease]
Page 112: Estate—trade 1647[original has 501]
Page 112: Estate—trade 1647[original has 501]
Page 112: Evening—red 501[original has 1647]
Page 112: Evening—red 501
Page 112: Fast-day[original has Fast day]
Page 112: Fault—woo[original has woe]
Page 112: Feathers—fine 563[original has 535]
Page 112: Feathers—fine 563[original has 535]
Page 113: Fish—cat[original has eat]
Page 113: Fish—small—venture 1700[original has 1458]
Page 113: Fish—small—venture 1700[original has 1458]
Page 113: Fish—small 1458[original has 1700]
Page 113: Fish—small 1458[original has 1700]
Page 113: Folk—poor, pottage 1369[original has 1269]
Page 113: People—poor, stew 1369[original has 1269]
Page 113: Forehead—mind[original has wind]
Page 114: Friday—sing[original has sup]
Page 114: Garner—dearth[original has death]
Page 114: Garner—shortage
Page 114: Gate—stile[original has still]
Page 114: Gentleman—coat[original has cost]
Page 115: Groat a year[original has a-year]
Page 115: One groat a year
Page 115: Hawk—hand-saw[original has handsaw]
Page 115: Heart sick[original has Heart-sick]
Page 115: Horse-manger[original has Horse—manger]
Page 116: House—well-ordered[original has well ordered]
Page 116: House—neatly organized
Page 116: the section header I" has been added
Page 116: the section header I" has been added
Page 116: Ill—doing[original has Ill-doing]
Page 116: Ill fortune[original has Ill-fortune]
Page 116: Ill wed[original has Ill-wed]
Page 117: Ladder—crosses 359[original has 912]
Page 117: Ladder—crosses 359[original has 912]
Page 117: Laugh—hearts ache[original has heartache]
Page 117: Laugh—hearts hurt
Page 117: Law breakers[original has Law-breakers]
Page 117: Life—end[original has Life's end]
Page 117: Lion, dead—dog 986[original has 987]
Page 117: Lion, dead—dog 986[original has 987]
Page 118: Love, subjects'[original has subject's]
Page 119: Master's—wine[original has Master's wine]
Page 119: May—hot 810[original has 809]
Page 119: Mice—cat's[original has cat] away
Page 119: Morning—grey[original has gray]
Page 119: Mote—self love[original has self-love]
Page 119: Muck[original has Much]—riches
Page 119: Night—stumble[original has slumber]
Page 119: No—woman's 1868[original has 1861]
Page 119: No—woman's 1868[original has 1861]
Page 119: Noland[original has No-land]—title
Page 120: Old block[original has clock]
Page 120: Ounce—mischief 1086[original has 1686]
Page 120: Ounce—trouble 1086[original has 1686]
Page 120: Ox—drink 450[original has 456]
Page 120: Ox—drink 450 ml
Page 120: Pater-noster[original has Paternoster]—churches
Page 120: Our Father—churches
Page 122: Ribs—birchen twigs[original has birchen-twigs]
Page 122: Seven—[original has comma]rise at
Page 122: Seven—wake up at
Page 122: Shave—hand-saw[original has handsaw]
Page 123: Silver lining—cloud[original has clouds]
Page 123: Silver lining - cloud
Page 123: Soberness—conceals[original has concealed]
Page 123: Soberness—hides
Page 123: Spain—wine 450[original has 456]
Page 123: Spain—wine 450[original has 456]
Page 123: Spending—bung-hole[original has bunghole]
Page 123: Spending—bung-hole
Page 124: Story—re-telling[original has retelling]
Page 124: Story—retelling
Page 124: Sun shines[original has Sunshine]—moon
Page 124: Sun shines—moon
Page 124: Tar—ship[original has ships]
Page 124: Tenants—ill[original has bad]
Page 124: Thistles—harvest 752[original has 732]
Page 124: Thistles—collect 752
Page 124: Thief—receiver 1340[original has 1341]
Page 124: Thief—receiver 1340[original has 1341]
Page 124: Thief—receivers 1341[original has 1340]
Page 124: Thief—receivers 1341[original has 1340]
Page 125: Trough—own 1480[original has 1478]
Page 125: Trough—own 1480[original has 1478]
Page 125: Use—nature 1692[original has 373]
Page 125: Use—nature 1692[original has 373]
Page 126: Will—women[original has Will, woman's]
Page 126: Wisdom—husband[original has harbour]
Page 126: Wind—words 1838[original has 1000]
Page 126: Wind—words 1838[original has 1000]
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