Literally, "all one wool." "A proverbial phrase, equivalent to all one, all to the same purpose."—Jamieson.

"All are good maids, but whence come the bad wives?"—Spanish.

"All are not friends who smile at you."—Dutch.

Because it generally contrives to contain all he gets.

A jocular beginning of work, which, if it went no further, would be long enough ere it were finished.

"I suppose it means a child before it be so old as to wear belted truese, will not have the cunning to invent a lie."—Kelly.

"A jocose reflection upon young maids when they eat almost nothing to dinner, intimating that if they had not eaten a little in the pantry or kitchen, they would eat better at the table."—Kelly.

"Whan a man's shoe is blackened and bedaub'd with industry, it will procure him such a supply as will make him cheerful."—Kelly.

When discipline is not enforced, subordinates are apt to take advantage of it.

"When all is not lost, all can be recovered."—English.

"For little adornment is required to set forth the bride's charms; and the smaller the horse, it is the sooner 'wispit' or cleaned."—Kelly.

"Fair in the cradle may be foul in the saddle."—English.

When we return an article which has been borrowed, to its owner, we should do it with a good grace.

"The halo seen round the moon, being a consequence of the humidity of the atmosphere, may well betoken wet weather."—Robert Chambers.

"A shut mouth keeps me out of strife."—Portuguese.

"A cock is valiant on his own dunghill."—Danish.

All that is heard must not be believed.

"Craik," to complain: great complainers wish to make others believe that their own lot is a very hard one.

"A full belly sets a man jigging."—French.

"The one agrees to be thick sown, the other thin."—Kelly.

"The two first are reckoned ominous, but the reflection is on the third, in whom whistling is unbecoming."—Kelly.

A "dink," neat or trim, maiden often forgets her "dinkness" after marriage.

"We have dogs' days, hunger and aise, through the blue month."—Irish. The "blue month" being the interval between the failure of the old crop of potatoes and the coming on of the new one, commonly the month of July.

"Pelt a dog with bones, and you will not offend him."—Italian.

A saying expressive of unqualified respect.

Used to induce a friend to sit down to dinner or tea, meaning that such is but a poor requital of the friend's past services.

An excuse for drinking during the telling of a story.

A willing labourer gets a day's work, and people fond of drink, however poor they are, contrive to get it some way or other.

"Drought never bred dearth."—English.

That is, figuratively, makes no disclosures.

A loquacious advocate is more likely to gain his case than a taciturn one.

He is sorry that another beggar should overtake him while pursuing his calling. This feeling is not strictly confined to the begging fraternity.

Meaning that a favour done may be returned at a time when least expected, and perhaps when very much required.

"'Reuben Butler! he hasna in his pouch the value o' the auld black coat he wears—but it doesna signify.' And, as he spoke, he (the Laird of Dumbiedikes) shut successively, and with vehemence, the drawers of his treasury. 'A fair[19] offer, Jeannie, is nae cause o' feud—ae man may bring a horse to the water, but twenty wunna gar him drink. And as for wasting my substance on other folks' joes——'"—Heart of Midlothian.

A man with a bad character is liable to be blamed for any misdeed which may be done; while a person who is not open to suspicion may commit depredation without challenge.

One bad character may pollute a whole company.

One specimen of a bad article is sufficient.

Does this very old proverb mean, that if a woman nurses for one year, it takes seven years to recover from the effects of it? Ray has a very ungallant note on the English version of this: "Because, feeding well and doing little, she becomes liquorish, and gets a habit of idleness."

"Spoken when unworthy fellows intrude themselves into the company of their betters."—Kelly.

Meaning literally, that a predestined man and a war-horse (or stallion, as the word "cursour" more immediately implies) fear not the devil.

Affront him not in jest, lest you lose him in earnest.

"A thief does not always steal, but always be on your guard against him."—Russian.

This proverb illustrates a song of Allan Ramsay's, after an ode by Horace, referring to a girl running out of the room, in the hope that her lover would follow her.

"'Fair and softly gangs far,' said Meiklehose; 'and if a fule may gie a wise man a counsel, I wad hae him think twice or he mells with Knockdunder.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"Industry will be sure of a maintenance. A man that carefully goes about his business will have foul feet."—Kelly.

Kelly's note on this proverb is not favourable to the court usances of his time (1721). "A purse seems to be the only friend at court, for, without that, there is nothing there but neglect and empty promises."

"Everybody's friend is nobody's friend."—Spanish.

That is, a true friend is easily served, and will not readily take offence.

"Short accounts make long friends."—English.

"One Captain Costlet, boasting much of his loyalty, was asked how he served the king when he was a captain in Cromwell's army, answered, 'After a sort.' Spoken when a thing is done slightly."—Kelly.

This advice is unfitted for the dining practices of the present day; but when our ancestors breakfasted at six, dined at eleven, and supped at four or five, the counsel may have been good enough.

After libel comes proof: let those who speak ill of me look to themselves.

"Spoken when our betters offer to serve us first."—Kelly.

Often try, occasionally succeed.

Intimating that the truth generally comes out under the impulse of the feelings.

A man under the influence of drink, if he speak at all, speaks truth, and often more of that than is pleasant.

A man with a full purse engaged in commercial transactions is apt to "haver," or gossip freely.

A man in prosperous circumstances can afford to listen to the envious remarks of those who have not been so fortunate.

A full stomach makes a man walk erectly.

"A man of industry will certainly get a living; though the proverb is often applied to those who went abroad and got a mischief, when they might safely have stayed at home."—Kelly.

A voluntary concession may be no tribute to the skill of the opponent.

He that is a fool at Christmas will not be wise in May.

A great boaster is rarely a great performer.

This and the preceding proverb signify that a covetous or greedy man is never satisfied.

"Ance I wrought a simmer wi' auld Will Winnet, the bedral, and howkit mair graves than ane in my day; but I left him in winter, for it was unco cauld wark; and then it cam a green Yule, and the folk died thick and fast."—The Antiquary.

People that are constantly in the habit of complaining how ill they are, generally contrive to live as long as their neighbours.

The one is good already, while it is possible that the other may turn out bad.

A mother-in-law is best in the churchyard.

"Good repute is like the cypress; once cut, it never puts forth leaf again."—Italian.

"It is no shame for a man to borrow on a good pawn; though I think it would be more for his honour to be trusted without one."—Kelly.

"It's very true the curates read aye the same words ower again; and if they be right words, what for no?—a gude tale's no the waur o' being twice tauld, I trow; and a body has aye the better chance to understand it."—Old Mortality.

"A beggar will ne'er be a bankrupt."—English.

Literally, the knowledge of a trade is worth a handful of gold.

Many that are least hurt cry loudest

Some attractions should be provided at home for those who are not naturally attached to it.

All his talking does no good, or, vice versa, all his stormy temper does no harm.

"Throw sprats to catch whales."—Spanish.

The humble rank indicated by the horn spoon is one in which simplicity and contentment are so general that no poisoning need be feared. "No hemlock is drunk out of earthenware."—Latin.

Snapper, to stumble. Even the best of men may err.

Applied to those who are always boasting of what they can do, when they know that there is no fear of their powers being tested.

Poverty and a desire to keep up appearances do not "sort weel."

"Smoke, a dripping roof, and a scolding wife, are enough to drive a man out of his life."—Spanish.

"Spoken when the needy are importunate in their cravings, or exacting."—Kelly.

A hungry man is deaf to reason.

A satirical way of expressing that some service has been allowed to go unrewarded.

Sooner or later justice overtakes evil-doers.

"This semi-metrical proverb expresses the season at which the haddock and some other articles of aliment are supposed to be at their best. This, however, as far as the haddock is concerned, would appear questionable, as there is an almost universal notion that the young of this fish at least are best after a little of May has gone. It is said in the Mearns,—

Formerly, brewers made ale only twice a year,—the summer ale in March, and the winter in October.

"Ye ken in this country ilka gentleman is wussed to be sae civil as to see the corpse aff his ain grounds. Ye needna gang higher than the loan-head—it's no expected your honour suld leave the land—it's just a Kelso convoy, a step and a half ower the door-stane."—The Antiquary.

Spoken disapprovingly of those who marry for love, without due regard to means.

A country or rustic lad is always bashful.

"They who are lavish in their promises, are often short in their performances."—Kelly.

A standing mill is profitless, whereas a laying hen is not.

They hear everybody's story, but prudence demands that they should keep it to themselves.

"No man so zealous for, or assiduous in, a man's business as himself."—Kelly.

A man may keep silent at a time or under circumstances where it is an injury to himself.

That is, a friend may be willing to do anything, even to fight for him, except, and as is too generally the case, to give him pecuniary assistance.

He may make a great show of working, but still do very little.

"Jack of all trades, master of none."—English.

"It seems that the men contrived these proverbs, they run so much in their favours."—Kelly.

"It took its rise from the villain that assassinated the Prince of Orange. Spoken when men proffer to go away before their drink be out."—Kelly.

"No eye like the master's eye."—English.

"Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."—English.

"Because it generally precedes a fine, warm, and breezy harvest-day—excellent for the winnowing and in-bringing of the precious grain."—G. Henderson.

The latitude afforded in the meaning of the word "almost," furnishes the point in this and several other proverbs.

"A reflection upon lazy, sleepy drabs, who prefer nothing to soaking in their bed in the morning."—Kelly.

"That is, if it be stolen—intimating that a little thing picked will procure a great disgrace."—Kelly.

A man that is destitute must exert himself.

"While the grass is growing the steed is starving."—German.

"An old fox needs learn no new tricks."—English.

Old things, generally, are often in need of repair.

An old story or complaint receives little attention even although it may be told in a different form.

When people once go away from home for a time, there is always a feeling among those left that the bond which binds them to home is weakened, and very little persuasion is required to take them away again.

A person once "wud," or deranged, is always suspected of being so, in the event of anything strange taking place.

An excuse for taking a hearty meal, meaning that plenty of food will injure neither man nor beast.

The three preceding proverbs mean, that although a man may be very fond of his relations, property, and what not, still there are certain extremes to be avoided, for if even approached, they verge into the ridiculous.

Meaning that although your presence and advice may on certain occasions be requested, it is only for form's sake.

A new article of dress will make the others look much more worn than they really are. The acquisition of a new friend may tend to lower our esteem for those of longer standing.

"He that labours is tempted by one devil; he that is idle by a thousand."—Italian.

He that wears his best at all times will have nothing to suit extraordinary occasions.

"But both must be done with care, caution, and discretion; otherwise you may put the candle out and make the wife worse."—Kelly.

"It were a pity that a man of ill-nature should have much authority, for he'll be sure to abuse it."—Kelly.

"A little difference ought not to occasion any contests among good neighbours."—Kelly.

"A little man, if smart and stout, is much preferable to an unwieldy lubber, though much bigger."—Kelly.

"An ounce of mother-wit is worth a pound of school-wit."—German.

A delicate request for a second supply of soup.

An interested or prejudiced individual cannot be an impartial judge of both sides of a question.

Care here means sorrow, or trouble of mind, and must not be associated with care in the sense of frugality or economy, which has paid many an ounce of debt.

"A true proverb! and the worst is, they meet often."—Kelly.

An uncouth, unpromising colt may turn out a fine horse. An ignorant, dull boy may ultimately prove a very clever man.

"No, indeed! but a wholesome medicine, which whosoever refuseth is brutish!"—Kelly.

"Wretch, a covetous or niggardly person."—Jamieson. As a man becomes rich he also becomes more parsimonious.

"'I fear,' said Morton, 'there is very little chance, my good friend Cuddie, of our getting back to our old occupation.' 'Hout, stir; hout, stir,' replied Cuddie, 'it's aye gude to keep up a hardy heart—as broken a ship's come to land.'"—Old Mortality.

"As proud as a hen with one chick."—English.

A reputation already questionable is easily lost altogether.

Alluding to the wandering propensities of the one and the good qualities of the other.

"It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burned down."—Danish.

"Spoken when a person or thing that was wanting comes opportunely."—Kelly.

"All's fair in war."—English.

"Waghorn, a fabulous personage, who, being a liar nineteen times greater than the devil, was crowned King of liars."—Jamieson.

"Lichtly, an expression of contempt or insult: to undervalue, to slight, to despise."—Jamieson.

"Unless you make a thing the better for you, you had as good let it alone."—Kelly.

"Men do not die of threats."—Dutch.

"'Wha's this o't?' again exclaimed Madge Wildfire. 'Douce Davie Deans; the auld doited whig body's daughter, in a gipsy's barn, and the nicht setting in! this is a sight for sair een!—Eh, sirs, the falling off o' the godly!—and the t'other sister's in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"He that makes himself a sheep, shall be eaten by the wolf."—English.

"'What needs ye be aye speering then at folk?' retorted Effie. 'I'm sure, if ye'll ask nae questions, I'll tell ye nae lees. I never ask what brings the Laird of Dumbiedykes glowering here like a wull cat (only his een's greener, and no sae gleg), day after day, till we are all like to gaunt our chafts aff.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"It is enough to make it appear that you did not stay, if you can say you never sate down; an argument to make our friend, who is in haste, to stand and chat awhile."—Kelly.

"Spoken to them that quarrel with a hole in your coat or shoe: often applied otherways."—Kelly.

"It was the fashion some years ago (1721) for virgins to go bareheaded. The proverb means that everything is not so good as it appears."—Kelly.

"Spoken when widows or widowers drink liberally, alledging it was to quench their sorrow."—Kelly.

"'D'ye hear that, Provost?' said Summertrees. 'Your wife's a witch, man; you should nail a horse-shoe on your chamber door. Ha, ha, ha!'

"This sally did not take so well as the former efforts of the laird's wit. The lady drew up, and the Provost said, half aside, 'The sooth bourd is nae bourd; you will find the horse-shoe hissing hot, Summertrees.'"—Redgauntlet.

"Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour; so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour."—Ecclesiastes, x. 1.

"Spoken of them who groundlessly pretend kindred to great persons."—Kelly.

"Of young die many, of old 'scape not any."—English.

An emphatic assertion that the truth had been told. At school we had a pious faith in these words. Any narrative clenched with them was invariably believed. If anything was said of a questionable nature, the listener would say, "Say sure's death to that, then." If repeated, confidence was fully restored.

That is, endeavour to suit yourself to circumstances. Kelly pawkily remarks, This is "a politick proverb! advising us to make our interest as the times change. This proverb some act very dexterously, and others cannot get acted."

All is lost that is put into a broken dish. Favours bestowed on ungrateful persons are thrown away.

"Are ye fou already, Watty Walkinshaw? If ye mudge out o' that seat again this night, I'll mak you as sick o' pies and puddings as ever a dog was o' langkail."—The Entail.

"Spoken when we hear one call that true that we know to be a lye."—Kelly.

Although all of the same name, we are not of the same family. "There is some distance between Peter and Peter."—Spanish.

Used as a suggestion that a thing had better be done at present than put off till a future time, or vice versa. "Ae wise body's eneugh in the married state. But if your heart's ower fu', take what siller will serve ye, and let it be when ye come back again—as gude syne as sune."—Heart of Midlothian.

"'So ye hae gotten your auld son married? I hope it's to your satisfaction.'

"'An he has brewed good yill, Mr Keelevin, he'll drink the better,' was the reply; 'but I hae come to consult you anent a bit alteration that I would fain make in my testament.'"—The Entail.

"A jest upon those who pretend that such and such things in the house are theirs. As if you would say, all the household goods without the doors are yours."—Kelly.

A child that refuses or is slow in taking its food. People who will not take advantage as opportunities offer, cannot expect to prosper so well as those who do.

In allusion to the death of persons who may be proud of their possessions.

To kemp, to strive. All do not strive alike. All cannot equally excel in work. This proverb supports the claims of those who do not excel, by suggesting that even the "kempers" cannot overtake all the work that is to do.

All the influence or power is not in one man's possession.

No man can do more than he has strength to do. There is an Aberdeenshire saying of similar import, "I can dee fat I dow: the men in the Mearns can dee nae mair."

"Fair and softly, as lawyers go to heaven."—English.

"Toolying tike," quarrelsome dog.

"Foggy weather in the last quarter of the moon is supposed to betoken moisture."—Robert Chambers.

Things out of fashion are valueless.

Old manners and customs are difficult to be got rid of.

Meaning that friends are best separate.

"Fools, for argument, lay wagers."—Butler.

A bellyful is a bellyful, no matter what kind of meat is taken. A variation occurs in St Ronan's Well:—"A wamefu's a wamefu' whether it be o' barley meal or bran."

"Dame Elspeth is of good folk, a widow, and the mother of orphans,—she will give us house-room until something be thought upon. These evil showers make the low bush better than no beild."—The Monastery.

"Implying that rain in May and dry winds afterwards produce a plentiful crop, with that mark of excellence by which grain is generally judged of by connoisseurs—a good feeling in the hand."—Robert Chambers.

Kelly gives a very indifferent version of this proverb, and says, "This is old, and a good one if rightly understood: that is, she is a good wife who knows the true measure of her husband's authority and her obedience."

"'Reuben Butler! Reuben Butler!' echoed the Laird of Dumbiedykes, pacing the apartment in high disdain,—'Reuben Butler, the dominie at Liberton—and a dominie-depute too!—Reuben, the son of my cottar!—Very weel, Jeanie, lass, wilfu' woman will hae her way—Reuben Butler! he hasna in his pouch the value o' the auld black coat he wears.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"Women, wind, and luck soon change."—Portuguese.

"An encouragement to care, caution, and foresight, and especially not to leave your cloak, be the weather e'er so encouraging."—Kelly.

Another rendering of "A light-heeled mother," &c.

"Unexpected interruptions occur in business."—Kelly.

"The farther you go, the farther behind."—English.

This more expressive than elegant proverb means that those people who have no family of their own are rarely inclined to be kind to the children of others.

That is, he is always growing older, but never any wiser.

"Taken from playing at bowls: applied to endeavours about a project that seems not feasible, where what you can make is clear gain."—Kelly.

"'And I positively must not ask you how you have come by all this money?' said the clergyman.... 'Is it anything that distresses your own mind?' 'There is baith weal and woe come wi' warld's gear, Reuben: but ye maun ask me naething mair.—This siller binds me to naething, and can never be speered back again.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"Half a loaf is better than no bread."—English.

"Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones."—English.

Beauty is worthless when honour is lost.

"I have no other but a woman's reason: I think him so, because I think him so."—Shakespeare.

We presume he said so on the score of economy, i.e., to evade supplying supper.

Before, I only suspected; now, I am certain. "Spoken on the full discovery of some malefice, which before we only suspected."—Kelly.

Be going, the road lies before you. A jocose or surly hint to go.

That is, beginnings apparently trifling may lead to very great results. Used here as a caution against dishonesty.

Used in yielding a point in dispute because you are either unwilling or unable to argue further; but also indicating that you do not admit yourself to be in the wrong.

A jocular allusion to the fact that if a person says he will be back, or done with anything "belyve," that is, immediately, or in a little, the probability is he will be longer than expected.

That is, a patched garment is better than one with holes in it.

"The first night is aye the warst o't. I hae never heard o' ane that sleepit the night afore the trial, but of mony a ane that sleepit as sound as a tap the night before their necks were straughted. And it's nae wonder—the warst may be tholed when it's kend: Better a finger aff as aye wagging."—Heart of Midlothian.

Better have a stranger for your friend than a friend turned stranger.

Better a poor horse than no horse at all.

"Used as an argument to induce a young girl to marry an old man, to the doing of which no argument should prevail."—Kelly.

"'I redd ye, Earnscliff' (this Hobbie added in a gentle whisper), 'let us take a cast about, as if to draw the wind on a buck—the bog is no abune knee-deep, and better a saft road than bad company.'"—The Black Dwarf.

That is, better that a wife have good qualities without money than vice versa.

"Discretion is the better part of valour."—English.

"John Thomson's man is he that is complaisant to his wife's humours; Ring and Dinn's is he whom his wife scolds; John Knox's is he whom his wife beats."—Kelly.

A plea for gluttony on the score of economy.

The first can be remedied or improved in cooking; but a putrid article cannot.

"'I have as much mind as ever I had to my dinner, to go back and tell him to sort his horse himself, since he is as able as I am.' 'Hout tout, man!' answered Jasper, 'keep a calm sough: better to fleech a fool than fight with him.'"—The Monastery.

Rather a long road and safety than a short one attended with danger.

Meaning that it is better not to sell goods at all than to sell and not be paid for them.

"Better half an egg than empty shells."—German.

"Bakie, the stake to which an ox or cow is bound to the stall."—Jamieson.

"Prevention is better than cure."—English.

The policy of the Vicar of Bray. It is better to side with the strongest or winning party.

It is better to be merry spending money, than sorrowful acquiring it.

Learn experience rather from the misfortunes of others than from your own.

That it is better to have too much of some things than too little.

Rather marry among those whom you know than go among strangers for a wife. "Marry over the mixon, and you will know who and what she is."—German. "Your wife and your nag get from a neighbour."—Italian.

Better visit friends seldom than so often as to prove troublesome.

Better beyond the fear of danger than in it.

A man may be well dressed but still have a hungry belly, and vice versa. He that has the "fu' wame" is the more likely to be in good spirits.

It is better to be rough in manners, if coupled with prosperous circumstances, than be "genteel" and at the same time poverty stricken.

Better not remove at all than do so and then regret it.

"Didna I see when gentle Geordie was seeking to get other folk out of the Tolbooth forby Jocky Porteous? but ye are of my mind, hinny—better sit and rue, than flit and rue—ye needna look in my face sae amazed. I ken mair things than that, maybe."—Heart of Midlothian.

Better comfort and peace of mind with little, than care and contention with much.

Better that offence should not be given than committed and then apologized for.

"I tell'd your honour a while syne, that it was lang that I hae been thinking o' flitting, may be as lang as frae the first year I came to Osbaldistone Hall; and now I'm o' the mind to gang in gude earnest—better soon as syne—better a finger aff as aye wagging."—Rob Roy.

If a complaint requires to be made, make it openly and straightforwardly, instead of continuing to fret about it in an indirect manner.

Because a full barn denotes prosperity, a full bed trouble.

"The mother, though in a low condition, will be more kindly to, and more careful of, orphans, than the father can be, though in a better."—Kelly.

Be troubled rather by an intelligent, though surly man, than by a stupid one.

"I might hae fled frae this Tolbooth on that awfu' night wi' ane wha wad hae carried me through the warld, and friended me, and fended for me. But I said to them, Let life gang when gude fame is gane before it."—Heart of Midlothian.

"Losses may be repaired, but sorrow will break the heart and ruin the constitution."—Kelly.

Rather withdraw from a bargain or position found likely to prove bad or dangerous than proceed with either in hopes of improvement.

Meaning, I would rather be ridiculed for not doing a thing, than do it and be sorry for it.

Between two extremes equally dangerous.

"I fell into Claverhouse's party when I was seeking for some o' our ain folk to help ye out o' the hands o' the whigs; sae, being atween the deil and the deep sea, I e'en thought it best to bring him on wi' me, for he'll be wearied wi' felling folk the night, and the morn's a new day."—Old Mortality.

Train the minds and principles of children when young.

Pretend to show kindness to a man while your intention is to injure him.

Wait well or patiently and you will fare well; or at least as well as those who are hasty.

"Building is a sweet impoverishing."—Spanish.

Do not tax any person or thing to the utmost.

Literally, wood will burn even if drawn through water, and the willow will droop if sown out of season. Figuratively, natural will and inclination will predominate and exhibit themselves, although submitted to the most antagonistic influences.

When a man has got a bad character, although he may endeavour to redeem it, he will find great difficulty in doing so.

"Who so bold as blind Bayard?"—French.

"That is, there may be difference between things of the same kind and persons of the same station."—Kelly.

Examples of the "Poetry of colour."

"'Weel, weel,' said Mr Jarvie, 'bluid's thicker than water; and it liesna in kith, kin, and ally, to see motes in ilk other's een if other een see them no.'"—Rob Roy.

According as our aspirations are high or low, so do we succeed or fail. "As you make your bed, so you must lie on it."

That is, if we "bode" or earnestly wish for an article or result, we will get at least something approaching to it. An Aberdeenshire parallel to this is, "They never bodet a house o' gowd, but aye got a caber o't."

The theory of the fox and grapes.

"Diogenes is said to have thought that the best wine which cost him nothing."—Kelly.

Do not jest or trifle with subjects of delicacy, character, &c.

A full or hospitable house never wants visitors.

Like to like is no improvement or relish.

"Save a rogue from the gallows, and he will hang you up."—French.

An intimation that your visits are agreeable.

Literally, drive slowly, and you will not overstrain the harness.

A caution to those who are new or inexpert at an occupation,—a hint that more experience or information is desirable.

The conversation of most men turns more or less on their own business.

Chaff and draff, i.e., brewers' grains, are good enough for horses. Common food suits common people.

"At this moment the door opened, and the voice of the officious Andrew was heard,—'A'm bringin' in the caunles—ye can light them gin ye like—can do is easily carried about wi' ane.'"—Rob Roy.

To an unwilling person, or one who will not learn, instruction is of little or no use.

"Carena" refers here to an answer that may be construed into either "yes" or "no," and is treated accordingly. "'I don't want it, I don't want it,' says the friar; 'but drop it into my hood.'"—Spanish.

"Servants' wages, buying and keeping of horses, and purchasing other utensils, eat up the product of a farm."—Kelly.

"This old rhyme points out what each of the three districts of Ayrshire, and the neighbouring territory of Galloway, were remarkable for producing in greatest perfection. The mountainous province of Carrick produced robust men; the rich plains of Kyle reared the famous breed of cattle now generally termed the Ayrshire breed; and Cunningham was a good arable district. The hills of Galloway afford pasture to an abundance of sheep."—Robert Chambers.

This proverb, the meaning of which is obvious enough, is paralleled in all languages. The English say, "To carry coals to Newcastle." The French and German suggest that it is not necessary "To send water to the sea." The French also say, "To carry leaves to the wood;" and the Dutch are wise enough not "To send fir to Norway." Neither will the Asiatic "Carry blades to Damascus."

That is, do not trust him too much; he is churlish or dangerous.

"It is believed that when a man is raging in a fever, the cat cast ower him will cure him; applied to them whom we hear telling extravagant things, as if they were raving."—Kelly.

"Throw him in the Nile, and he will rise with a fish in his mouth," says the Arab; and we have met somewhere with this saying, that "If he lost a penny he would find a ducat."

A rhyming intimation that exposure to the sun is not favourable to beauty.

"Taken from tailors marking out their cloth before they cut it, signifying that a thing may be proposed that will never be executed."—Kelly.

"Kythe," to appear. That is, cheatery or evil-doing will almost invariably come to light. A qualified version of the English saying, "Murder will out."

This saying suggests that a wife should rather be chosen for her good qualities and usefulness, which are seen in her daily labours, than for her fine dress or her Sunday manners.

"In the Irish ballads relating to Fion (the Fingal of MacPherson), there occurs, as in the primitive poetry of most nations, a cycle of heroes, each of whom has some distinguishing attribute; upon these qualities, and the adventures of those possessing them, many proverbs are formed, which are still current in the Highlands. Among other characters, Conan is distinguished as in some respects a kind of Thersites, but brave and daring even to rashness. He had made a vow that he would never take a blow without returning it; and having, like other heroes of antiquity, descended to the infernal regions, he received a cuff from the archfiend who presided there, which he instantly returned: hence the proverb."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Waverley.

Speak well of me and I will speak well of thee, whether, we presume, it is deserved or not.

Cadgers (beggars, or gipsy pedlars), from their out-of-door experience, are allowed to be good judges of coming weather. The proverb means that even the best judges may be occasionally mistaken in their opinions. The one following is of similar import.

Good cheer and mirth in the house when a birth has taken place.

"'Perhaps,' said Mannering, 'at such a time a stranger's arrival might be inconvenient?' 'Hout, na, ye needna be blate about that; their house is muckle enough, and clecking time's aye canty time.'"—Guy Mannering.

"Facetiously spoken to those who quarrel with a patch about you."—Kelly.

Spoken sarcastically of those who invite every person indiscriminately to dine or sup with them.

"Spoken to lazy, unconscionable servants, who only mind to serve out their time, and get their wages."—Kelly.

Common fame seldom lies; but another proverb says, "Common fame is a common liar."

"Spoken facetiously when we comply with a project."—Kelly.

"Where the carrion is, there do the eagles gather."—Danish.

One rogue does not wrong another. "Crows do not peck out crows' eyes."—Portuguese.

That is, if you are peevish and ill-pleased without cause, you must regain your good nature without amends.

"Ye will never make your bread that way, Maister Francie. Ye suld munt up a muckle square of canvass, like Dick Tinto, and paint folk's ainsells, that they like muckle better to see than ony craig in the haill water; and I wadna muckle objeck even to some of the Wallers coming up and sitting to ye. They waste their time war, I wis—and, I warrant, ye might mak a guinea a-head of them. Dick made twa, but he was an auld used hand, and folk maun creep before they gang."—St Ronan's Well.

People who are always very ready to give advice are generally slow in giving assistance.

So long as he is cursed only, not hunted, does he thrive; for "A curse will not strike out an eye unless the fist go with it."—Danish.

"Daffin'" is defined by Ramsay as "folly in general;" so the proverb means that foolish conduct in the aged is inconsistent or "donnart," i.e., stupid.

Playing accomplishes nothing.

Literally, clothes that are worn daily, require to be renewed annually.

"Deemer," one who judges.—Jamieson. That is, judge other people cautiously; we know not who blames ourselves.

"'Dammin' and lavin',' a low poaching mode of catching fish in rivulets, by damming and diverting the course of the stream, and then laving or throwing out the water, so as to get at the devoted prey."—Jamieson.

A suggestion that daughters should be married, and dead fish eaten, otherwise they will both spoil on the hands of their possessors. "Daughters are brittle ware."—Dutch. "Marry your son when you will, and your daughter when you can."—Spanish.

Daughters who have been too much indulged or petted at home before marriage make but indifferent wives.

In allusion to the drinking usages formerly common at burials.

"Death does not blow a trumpet."—Danish.

A compliment, meaning that a person is so shrewd that no less a person than his Satanic majesty can deceive him.

The two last sayings are directly opposed to the preceding one, as they wish all manner of evil to the agencies that bring any particular person, whose presence is disagreeable.

That is, shame befall those who ask questions upon subjects with which they are perfectly well acquainted; and who, by cross questioning, &c., lead people to commit themselves.

"Spoken with indignation, when people who are already well enough cannot hold themselves so, or be satisfied."—Kelly.

Do not boast of your friend, or consider his friendship too stedfast, until you have had money transactions with him.

"Destroy the places where villains shelter, and they will disperse. This proverb was unhappily apply'd at the Reformation to the destroying of many stately cathedrals and collegiate churches."—Kelly.

Be careful how you are familiar with your superiors. "Too much familiarity breeds contempt."

Do not throw away the milking pail if the cow should kick it over: do not be discouraged if a misfortune should occur.

Do not remove a public good or convenience because of an individual objection.

This saying is common to many countries. "Don't cry herrings till they are in the net."—Dutch. "Don't sell the bearskin before you have caught the bear."—Italian. "Unlaid eggs are uncertain chickens."—German.

"'Weel, I've keepit a house this mony a year, and I never heard o' warm plates to a hot dinner before.' 'Then you refuse to give us them?' 'By no manner o' means, Dr Seggie, so ye needna lift folks before they fa'—you're welcome to any plates you please; and a' that I have to say is, that the langer a body lives they see the mair ferlies.'"—Laird of Logan.

Be cautious in interfering with the affairs of neighbours or strangers.

Do not speak about a thing, or wish it done, but do it. "Talking is easier than doing, and promising than performing."—German.

"Ony way, I wadna hae liked to have offended Mr Treddles; he was a wee toustie when you rubbed him again the hair—but a kind, weel-meaning man."—The Highland Widow.

"'I'll no let ye rest if ye dinna mak me a bailie's wife or a' be done.' I was not ill pleased to hear Mrs Pawkie so spiritful; but I replied, 'Dinna try to stretch your arm, gudewife, farther than your sleeve will let you; we maun ca' canny mony a day yet before we think of dignities.'"—The Provost.

Do not speak to him on a subject on which he is known to be sensitive.

"Dit," close. A suggestion intended to put a stop to idle conversation.

"'Are you mad?' cried Bryce Snailsfoot, 'you that lived sae lang in Zetland to risk the saving of a drowning man? Wot ye not, if you bring him to life again, he will be sure to do you some capital injury?'"—The Pirate.

"A cow in passing a door in Forfar, where a tub of ale had been placed to cool, drank the whole of it. The owner of the ale pursued the proprietor of the cow for the value of the ale; but a learned bailie, in giving his decision, decreed, that since the ale was drank by the cow while standing at the door, it must be considered deoch an dorius, or stirrup cup, for which no charge could be made, without violating the ancient hospitality of Scotland."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Waverley.

"Maids, in modesty, say 'No' to that which they would have the profferer construe 'Ay.'"—Shakespeare.

That is, fools attract the attention of children and dogs.

"Redd," is here used in the sense of to put in order.

"Sorrow and an evil life maketh soon an old wife."—English.

Let your private character be consistent with your public one.

That is, surfeits are dangerous; but the proverb which follows shows, as usual, that there is no rule without an exception.

The first clause of this is common to many countries; but as the second only occurs in Henderson's collection, we suspect it is an addition of his own.

Meaning, that work should rather be done well than quickly.

That is, while pretending to ask for one thing, his great object was to get another.

Since you have suffered patiently, or submitted to injustice for a long time, bear on quietly when there is a prospect of early relief.

"You should sift Jamie's tender passion—that's the novelle-name for calf-love; and if it's within the compass o' a possibility, get the swine driven through't, or it may work us a' muckle dule, as his father's moonlight marriage did to your ain, worthy man!"—The Entail.

The French say, "God helps three kinds of people: fools, children, and drunkards;" and another of our own states that "God's aye kind to fu' folk and bairns."

A bargain in times gone by was not "lucky," unless ratified by a drink.

"It may be mentioned that this is only the opinion which the people of Dunse entertain of the town, as their neighbours, in general, scout the idea with great indignation."—Robert Chambers. There are several local additions to this saying, such as "Dunse dings a' for braw lads and drucken wives;" "for gude yill and bonnie lasses," &c.

Spoken of conceited people who affect disdain for petty details.

When the natural inclination tends towards any particular subject, it assists the learner greatly.

"Eaten bread is soon forgotten."—Italian.

Of some people it may be said, that "they put their meat in an ill skin;" for, notwithstanding that they live well, they appear always thin and hungry, and not at all, to use a Scotticism, "like their meat." Some people are equally unfortunate with regard to their clothing; always amply dressed, they seem the very reverse.

Signifying that good drinking must necessarily go hand in hand with good eating.

As you won it, so you may wear it; applied either in a good or bad sense.

"Orts," rejected provender. Meaning that a thing which is rejected or despised at present may be acceptable or valuable at another time.

"'Ye'll find the stane breeks and the iron garters—ay, and the hemp cravat, for a' that, neighbour,' replied the bailie. 'Nae man in a civilised country ever played the pliskies ye hae done; but e'en pickle in your ain pock-neuk—I hae gi'en ye warning.'"—Rob Roy.

"Industry is the parent of fortune."—German.

"Eild and poortith," age and poverty. "Poverty on an old man's back is a heavy burden."—English.

This saying is of similar import to the preceding one. Literally, age and poverty are hard to bear.

Win the horse or lose the saddle. "Neck or nothing."

"It is easy to sit at the helm in fair weather."—Danish.

"Easy come, easy go."—English.

The two preceding maxims have a similar meaning to the French sayings, that "Will is power;" and "A willing heart helps work." "Where the will is ready the feet are light."—German.

"Ell and tell," if we mistake not, refers to good measure and prompt payment; and the latter saying may be construed thus:—The grain is emptied from the "peck" measure, the measure is inverted, and payment for the grain is "told" on the bottom of it.

Meaning, that too much of one thing is not good. The French and Dutch say, "Enough is better than too much," while the Italians are of opinion that "Enough is enough, and too much spoils."

"It took its rise from a minister in our country, who, in a sermon preached most fiercely against the supremacy of the Pope, at the conclusion said, 'Even stands his cap for all that I have said, drinking good Romany wine this day.' Applied when we signify that all we can say against any great man can do him no harm."—Kelly.

"Great cry and little wool."—English.

Every one leaps the wall at the lowest part,—a man may "loup the dyke" by oppressing those who are unable to resist.

"Every cock crows loudest on his own dunghill," is a saying common to all nations.

All think well of their own offspring. "Every mother's child is handsome," say the Germans. They also have, "No ape but swears he has the finest children."

The first half of this proverb is used literally by the Italians and Dutch. A "castock" is the stalk or core of a cabbage.

"'Never you fash your thumb about that, Maister Francie,' returned the landlady with a knowing wink, 'every Jack will find a Jill, gang the world as it may; and, at the warst o't, better hae some fashery in finding a partner for the night, than get yoked with ane that you may not be able to shake off the morn.'"—St Ronan's Well.

Meaning that everything may be found fault with; and silly objections be raised against the most valuable and useful things.

"Every one pays court to him who gives him protection."—Jamieson.

Every man does his work after his own fashion.

"Tout," to blow. Meaning, that every man knows best how to tell his own story.

"Two great clans fought out a quarrel with thirty men of a side, in presence of the king, on the North Inch of Perth, on or about the year 1392; a man was amissing on one side, whose room was filled by a little bandy-legged citizen of Perth. This substitute, Henry Wynd—or, as the Highlanders called him, Gow Chrom, that is, the bandy-legged smith—fought well, and contributed greatly to the fate of the battle, without knowing which side he fought on;—so, 'To fight for your ain hand, like Henry Wynd,' passed into a proverb."—Sir Walter Scott, Note to Rob Roy.

The two last sayings are similar in meaning, viz., that every man has his imperfections or faults. The latter qualifies the proverb by admitting that in some these appear more prominently than in others.

"The Threave was a strong castle belonging to the Black Douglases. The governor left a deputy, and he a substitute, by whose negligence the castle was taken."—Kelly.

Certain things can only be used for certain purposes.

"Every miller draws the water to his own mill."—English.

People should keep their own place; or, according to Ray, "Every man should support himself, and not hang upon another."

"Rippling-kame," a coarse comb used in the preparation of flax. The proverb means that there is a time proper for everything.

That is, worse for wearing.

How far this proverb is borne out by fact is certainly open to question. It appears in Ray's collection as English, and as a remark upon it he says, "Beauty and folly do often go hand in hand, and are often matched together."

"Who goes softly goes safely, and he that goes safely goes far."—Italian.

"Fair fa'," well betide; good luck to. This is the Scotch version of the common saying, "When the wine is in, the wit is out;" or, "What is in the heart of the sober man is on the tongue of the drunken man."—Latin.

Literally, good luck to the hostess who includes a pint still to come when the reckoning is called for. This saying, so far as we can discover, is exclusively Scottish.

"Fleach," to flatter. A good wish sincerely expressed.

Kelly says of the word "foisonless," that it means "without strength or sap; dried up; withered." Scott, in Old Mortality, uses it in the moral sense, "unsubstantial."

Meaning that they go and come regularly, decently, and in order.

"Spoken when we do a thing at a venture, that may be good for some and bad for another; and let the event fall upon the most unfortunate. Answers to the English 'Among you blind harpers.'"—Kelly.

A jocose adieu to those who go away in the sulks.

In contradistinction to those who are "near the kirk but far frae grace."

Troublesome or fretful persons are easily offended.

This saying is very old, and common to many countries. Shakespeare terms it "a proverb never stale to thrifty minds."

Ray explains this by adding, "Full bellies make empty skulls."

Meaning, that falsehood is sure to be exposed in the long run.

"Feckless folk," silly people. Fools are fond of one another.

Silly or mischievous people should be cautious what they say.

Plenty of meat and drink makes a strong man.

Or, "Butter to butter's nae kitchen," q. v.

All things are good in their proper places.

"The small seaport town of Eyemouth was formerly distinguished for its 'ancient fishlike smells,' its narrow, intricate streets, and smuggling trade."—G. Henderson.

First in water, second in sauce, third in wine.

To frighten a bird is not the way to catch it; severity or constant threatening do not tend to make children or servants better.

See "As ane flits," &c., of which this is merely a variation.

"This was once said to a great man in Scotland, upon his giving an entertainment. He readily answered, 'Wise men make proverbs, and fools repeat them.'"—Kelly.

Literally, fools entangle affairs and circumstances, and require "wise men" to assist them out of their troubles.

"A precise woman in the country would not sell her milk on the Sunday, but would give it for as good again. Spoken when we suspect people's kindness to be mercenary."—Kelly.

Do not fret about a thing or opportunity which has been lost.

"Sir John Ramsay had been long abroad, and coming home he accidentally met with his father, who did not know him; he invites his father to a glass of wine, and drinks to him for more acquaintance."—Kelly.

Many frequent the house for the sake of what they get to eat.

"A stitch in time saves nine." The old nursery lines fully explain the philosophy of this doctrine. "For want of a nail the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost, for want of a horse the man was lost."

Used in satirical allusion to those who expect a legacy from a very improbable source.

He speaks from the lips only, not from the heart.

Meaning that to remove on a Friday is unlucky.

"A cant phrase, from what rise I know not, but it is made use of when one thinks it is not worth while to give a distinct answer, or think themselves foolishly accused."—Allan Ramsay.

Meaning, that the person addressed is so well versed in evil ways as to be able to occupy a high position in the service of the Evil One.

Acquiring wealth is pleasant employment.

Yawning is proverbially supposed to indicate the want of one of the three things mentioned.

Handsome mother, goodly daughter.

When a person says he is "gaylie," Anglice, middling, he is understood not to be so well as he would like to be.

The "wabster," or weaving profession, seems to have stood very low in the estimation of proverb makers.

Obtain a reputation for early rising, and you may lie in bed all day. The Spanish say, "Get a good name, and go to sleep."

"Let us do our duty, and refer the rest to God's providence."—Ray.

This saying of the graceless Gibbie means literally, "Devil take the hungriest."

That is, give him an opportunity, and he will take advantage of it.

Meaning, that one tires of giving at all times.

We presume that this is an ironical signification that the cousin's "room" is preferred to his company.

Applied to unreasonable people, who get everything they want, and still are not satisfied.

From the remarkable paucity of proverbs relating to religion in the older collections, we infer that this saying is Henderson's own, as it only appears in his collection.

Meaning, that while enforcing discipline we should do so with firmness, and relax it freely when occasion requires.

"These words imply gradations of dignity, the Paisley bodies being (how far deservedly would admit of much question) at the bottom of the scale. Some years ago, when a public dinner was given to Professor Wilson, of Edinburgh, in Paisley, which is his native place, on his speaking of it as a town containing such and such a number of souls, his friend, Thomas Campbell, who sat by his side, whispered, 'Bodies, you mean.'"—Robert Chambers.

A smooth tongue betokens a deceitful heart.

"Glum" or morose people are difficult to manage.

Spoken of an incompetent person, that he may succeed in making a bare living, for his abilities will never secure him a fortune.

As instanced by the marvellous manner in which men escape injury while under the influence of drink.

"Spoken when our poor kin and followers are always asking of us; as if we should never be exhausted."—Kelly.

"This term is used in a strange sort of imprecation. If one say, 'Go to the d——l!' the other often replies, 'Go you to Hecklebirnie!' which is said to be a place three miles beyond hell!"—Jamieson.

"A wisp of straw stuck upon the top of a country house is a sign that ale is to be sold there; but if the ale be good, people will haunt the house though there be none."—Kelly.

For they are as liable to injury as bad ones.

Signifying that a person has both good reason and cause to complain.

"Great men's favours are uncertain."—Kelly.

"An answer to them that say, Had I such a thing, I would do so or so."—Kelly.

Or, had you my sorrows to bear, you would look equally miserable.

"Hain'd gear"—saved money—is of great assistance.

Meaning that when people have but little property, they take good care of it.

"And touching the bairn, it's weel kent she was born on Hallowe'en was nine years gane, and they that are born on Hallowe'en whiles see mair than ither folk."—The Monastery.

The constant practice of our profession is the surest road to "lear" or affluence.

"Alluding to the manner in which the covenant, so famous in Scottish history, was violently taken by above sixty thousand persons about Edinburgh, in 1638; a novel circumstance at that time, though afterwards paralleled by the French, in voting by acclamation."—Fielding.

Happiness and moderate means in this world are enough.

"For commonly they who first raise great estates, do it either by usury and extortion, by fraud and cozening, or by flattery, and by ministering to other men's vices."—Ray.

"Alas for the son whose father goes to heaven!"—Portuguese.

A good wish,—that happiness may be the greatest affliction sent him.

"Sir Michael Malcolm, of Loch Ore, an eccentric baronet, pronounced this oracular couplet in his old age, when troubled with the talk of the French Revolution. As a picture of meditative serenity and neutrality, it seems worthy of preservation."—Robert Chambers.

"An observation upon marriage suddenly contracted, as if it were ominous, and portended a sudden separation."—Kelly.

Do the difficult part of your work yourself, or retain every advantage you can.

Literally, look to your feet, as you are not nimble: applied when people stumble.

"It was an unco thing to see hawks pike out hawks' een, or ae kindly Scot cheat anither."—Rob Roy.

Meaning that a person will "bide" or stay only so long as he can get anything, or serve his own purpose.

"Blaw his lug," to praise a person in an extravagant or fulsome manner.

That is, he can be complimentary in his speech, but not in his intentions.

"In relation to one who possesses great power of wheedling. It evidently alludes to the idea of the fascinating power of serpents by means of their breath."—Jamieson.

"'Heard ye ever the like o' that, laird?' said Saddletree to Dumbiedikes, when the counsel had ended his speech. 'There's a chiel can spin a muckle pirn out o' a wee tait o' tow!... And he's cleckit this great muckle bird out o' this wee egg! He could wile the very flounders out o' the Firth.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

Meaning that a man has endeavoured to make his opponent in a particular transaction lose his temper, but failing to do so, he loses his own.

"Hech!" is here used as an expression of surprise and relief that a disagreeable operation has been performed. A "clue" is a ball of worsted.

"Spoken of a poor friend whose business is not to give us, but to get from us."—Kelly.

A satirical expression applied to persons who are vain enough to suppose that they can do no wrong.

Meaning that a person may confer a very small favour, and have a greatly exaggerated idea of his own generosity.

To "cut near the wood" is to be very keen in driving a bargain.

A saying denoting that a person is extremely ignorant.

Which means, in other words, he has spent his fortune before he received it; that "He has eaten his corn in the blade."—French.

Meaning that a person has been wicked enough to injure the character of another that he might supplant him in influence or position.

"A camel going to seek horns lost his ears."—Arabic.

To "jilt," to throw or dash water on a person; "gellock" (gavelock), an iron lever or crowbar. Meaning, perhaps, that a man's temper is such that he passes from the extreme of playfulness to that of passion very quickly.

Or, if he confers an obligation, it is sure to have some condition attached to it.

"Little Andrew, the wratch, has been makin' a totum wi' his faither's ae razor; an' the pair man's trying to shave himsel yonder, an' girnan like a sheep's head on the tangs."—Hugh Miller.

Spoken of a man who has a bad wife.

Applied when a person is very much occupied with a project of his own.

"A' things o' religion hae settled into a method that gies the patronless preacher but little chance o' a kirk. Wi' your oye's ordinar looks, I fear, though he were to grow as learned as Matthew Henry himsel, he would hae but a cauld coal to blaw at."—Sir Andrew Wylie.

He bestows charity liberally.

Meaning that his extravagance in the matter of food is such that it prevents his back being "rough" or well clothed.

"I might hae been in a state and condition to look at Miss Girzy; but, ye ken, I hae a lang clue to wind before I maun think o' playing the ba' wi' Fortune, in ettling so far aboun my reach."—The Entail.

That is, a salve or "balm for every wound."

"Spoken to those who have to do with cunning fellows whom you can hardly bind sure enough."—Kelly.

Synonymous with being "tied to his mother's apron-string," i.e., kept too strictly under parental authority.

Sarcastically applied to those who claim to have executed extraordinary deeds.

Meaning that in mixing liquids, as in mixing toddy, too much water has been added. The English say, "He has put the miller's eye out."

A humorous way of expressing that a man has retired from business to live comfortably. To "stravaig" is to walk about idly.

"To meet with severe reprehension. To meet with what causes bitterness or thorough repentance as to any course that one has taken."—Jamieson.

This saying has evidently emanated from the stable. When persons wish to exchange horses, he who has the poorest animal gives a "boot" or compensation in addition to the horse, to make the exchange equal. The proverb is applied to a person who has over-reached his neighbour.

Meaning that in an argument or struggle he has the best of it.

Or rendered very great assistance in an emergency.

Meaning that a person's bad qualities are inherited from his parents; equivalent to the saying, "What's bred in the bone won't out of the flesh."

To "lick the butter," in proverbial phraseology, is to supplant a person in business, or so interfere with his arrangements as to injure them.

To "shoot the moon," as the English say, is to decamp from a house without paying the rent.

Or more work than he can overtake.

"A vulgar phrase, signifying that there is no stain on one's character, or that no one can justly exhibit a charge against him."—Jamieson.

Vide, "As menseless as a tinkler's messan."

"A man ought to be free of those faults that he throws up to others."—Kelly.

He has neither money nor meat.

Meaning that a man has too many family claims upon his generosity to meet, to be able to attend to those of strangers.

A proverbial expression of the fact that a man has run away.

"'I wish,' said Dumbiedikes, 'I were as young and as supple as you, and had the gift o' the gab as weel.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

That is, he has a thing entirely at his own option.

"That is, he heard, had he been pleased to answer."—Kelly.

"Spoken when covetous people pretend poverty, and conceal their wealth to plead pity."—Kelly.

"A good merchant may want ready money."—Kelly.

"'I had quite forgotten,' said Tyrrel, 'that the inn was your own; though I remember you were a considerable landed proprietor.' 'Maybe I am,' replied Meg, 'maybe I am not; and if I be, what for no? But as to what the laird, whose grandfather was my father's landlord, said to the new doings yonder—he just jumped at the ready penny, like a cock at a grossart.'"—St Ronan's Well.

The import of the two preceding sayings is, that a man is very sharp in looking after his own interests.

"'Never fash your beard, Mr Bide-the-Bent,' replied Girder; 'ane canna get their breath out between wives and ministers. I ken best how to turn my own cake. Jean, serve up the dinner, and nae mair about it.'"—Bride of Lammermoor.

"There was a set of ancient brethren of the angle from Edinburgh, who visited St Ronan's frequently in the spring and summer, a class of guests peculiarly acceptable to Meg, who permitted them more latitude in her premises than she was known to allow to any other body. 'They were,' said she, 'pawky auld carles, that kend whilk side their bread was buttered upon.'"—St Ronan's Well.

Benweed, ragwort. That is, he is headstrong, or unreasonable.

Meaning that he prudently allowed an insult or slight to pass without notice.

A sarcastic allusion to those who seek to evade paying their share of the reckoning. It was remarked of a friend of ours, that on such occasions he "was the first to put his hand in his pocket, but the last to draw it out."

Metaphorically, "He will kill them, or give the finishing stroke."—Jamieson.

Spoken of those who take undue advantage of the slight authority they possess.

"Spoken of covetous people, who will never be satisfied while they are alive."—Kelly.

"Keep a firm hold of it, as a bull-dog does of his prey."—Jamieson.

"'She would haud me nae better than the dirt below her feet,' said Effie to herself, 'were I to confess I hae danced wi' him four times on the green down by, and ance at Maggie Macqueen's; and she'll maybe hing it ower my head that she'll tell my father, and then she wad be mistress and mair.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"He'll appear without disguise; he'll be known for the man he is."—Jamieson.

"This phrase is always applied when people, with pretence of friendship, do you an ill turn, as one licking a mote out of your eye makes it blood shot."—Allan Ramsay.

"Ay, ay, we're a' subject to a downcome. Mr Osbaldistone is a gude honest gentleman; but I aye said he was ane o' them wad mak a spune or spoil a horn, as my father, the worthy deacon, used to say."—Rob Roy.

"The young laird of Balmawhapple, ... he had no imperfection but that of keeping light company at a time; such as Jinker the horse-couper, and Gibby Gaethroughwi't, the piper o' Cupar; 'O' whilk follies, Mr Saunderson, he'll mend, he'll mend,' pronounced the bailie. 'Like sour ale in summer,' added Davie Gellatley, who happened to be nearer the conclave than they were aware of."—Waverley.

Like the dog in the manger, he will neither enjoy himself, nor allow others to do so.

Sarcastically applied to people who may be peevish or fretful through ill health.

"'Then, if ye maun hae't, the folk in Lunnun are a' clean wud about this bit job in the north here.' 'Clean wood! what's that?' 'Ou, just real daft—neither to haud nor to bind—a' hirdy girdy—clean through ither—the deil's ower Jock Wabster.'"—Rob Roy.

"A proverbial phrase expressive of violent excitement, whether in respect of rage, or of folly, or of pride; borrowed, perhaps, from the fury of an untamed beast, which cannot be so long held that it may be bound with a rope."—Jamieson.

Of similar import to the preceding. Hup and wine are two words used in guiding plough and cart horses.

"Ride down to Portanferry, and let nae grass grow at the nag's heels; and if ye find him in confinement, ye maun stay beside him night and day for a day or twa, for he'll want friends that hae baith heart and hand; and if ye neglect this, ye'll never rue but ance, for it will be for a' your life."—Guy Mannering.

That is, regardless of expense, his wishes must be gratified.

To "keep the head for the washing" is to retain possession of an article which has been made to order or repaired until all charges upon it are paid.

He will not sell his wares at an unpropitious time.

That is, he will do as circumstances compel him.

His love has never been very strong if it turns for a trifle.

"An my auld acquaintance be hersel, or onything like hersel, she may come to wind us a pirn. It's fearsome baith to see and hear her when she wampishes about her arms, and gets to her English, and speaks as if she were a prent book—let a-be an auld fisher's wife."—The Antiquary.

"Spoken to them who will sip the bottom of a glass where good liquor was, or scrape a plate after good meat."—Kelly.

"He loved mutton well that dipped his bread in wool."—English.

This saying and the four which follow are expressive of peculiarities in the appearance of persons.

Farmers in time of harvest occasionally give each other a "day's shearing," or the use of the whole reaping staff for a day. Of course, the favour is returned, and the benefit rendered mutual.

"At the cog," signifies in taking our food.

Addressed to people who talk foolishly or without purpose.

Meaning that such a person cannot be trusted at all.

Meaning that a task is easy when assistance is given.

"He that has to do with wicked and false men had need to be cautious and on his guard."—Kelly.

"A gude darg" means here a good day's work.

Literally, he never lost a cow who cried for the loss of a groat.

The holly being an evergreen, that is to say, a person never speaks truth at all.

Meaning that although a person takes plenty of food and nourishment, his appearance belies it.

"A ridicule upon them that threaten hard and dare not execute."—Kelly.

"Certain light kinds of clouds are thus denominated, from their supposed resemblance to the scratches of hens on the ground and the tails of young mares. They are held as prognosticative of stormy weather."—Robert Chambers.

"Castle fa'an?—na', but the sute's fa'an, and the thunners come right down the kitchen-lumm, and the things are a' lying here-awa, there-awa, like the Laird o' Hotch Potch's lands."—Bride of Lammermoor.

To "steal from the church to roof the choir," is "to rob Peter to pay Paul."

That is, he goes to a very great extreme.

He rides well that never falls: he is a perfect man who never errs.

"One who proceeds exactly according to rule; who will not dine a second time with any person till he has made a return in kind."—Jamieson.

One whose outward deportment towards strangers is not in unison with the harshness which he exercises at home.

"Both so rare, that I never met with either."—Kelly.

"That is, such as wealth and prosperity make worse, or who insensibly go behind in the world."—Kelly.

That is, he is proud or well pleased who succeeds in realising his own expectations or wishes.

"A sheep is called a Lammermuir lion; and the proverb is applied, in a sarcastic way, to a boasting or assuming person, or to a braggadocio fellow, who is a coward at bottom."—G. Henderson.

"As fierce as a lion on Cotswold."—English.

Equivalent to being as "drunk as a lord."

Quoted in the Heart of Midlothian when Sharpitlaw, accompanied by Ratcliffe and Madge Wildfire, go to Muschat's Cairn in search of Robertson.

To be "big ahint the door," is to be very courageous when there is no occasion for it.

"'Keep back, sir, as best sets ye,' said the bailie, as Andrew pressed forward to catch the answer to some question I had asked about Campbell; 'ye wad fain ride the forehorse an ye wist how. That chield's aye for being out o' the cheese-fat he was moulded in.'"—Rob Roy.

"The Scottish lairds concern and zeal for the standing and continuance of their families, makes the provision for their younger sons very small."—Kelly.

"That is, he has nothing but from hand to mouth."—Kelly.

"It's a great misery to me that I hae nae books to let you look ower to see my losses; but what gude, when I think on't, would the sight o' losses do to you? It wouldna put a plack in your pouch—aiblins every twa or three pages ye wad see this ane or that ane cowpet the crans, and deep in my debt."—Laird of Logan.

Meaning that he is content with little.

He is either exceedingly affectionate and kind, or vice versa.

When a man "fails wi' a fu' hand," he defrauds his creditors with the assistance of the Bankruptcy Act.

Meaning, we presume, that a man is not so good as he would like to be thought, or as some person he may have compared himself with.

Or "destitute of any regard to propriety of conduct; mad; wrongheaded; tipsy."—Jamieson.

"Hech, sirs, what a kyteful o' pride's yon'er! and yet I would be nane surprised the morn to hear that the Nechabudnezzar was a' gane to pigs and whistles, and driven out wi' the divors bill to the barren pastures of bankruptcy."—The Entail.

"To behave extravagantly; to go over the tops of the bushes."—Jamieson.

Meaning that a person has been well provided for. Generally applied to a poor man who has married a rich wife.

"Fogo is a small decayed village near Dunse. It appears that each generation of its coopers improved upon the plans or workmanship of their ancestors, and the son became better than the father."—G. Henderson.

That is, he has already made up his mind upon that matter.

"'I have had that wad sober me or ony ane,' said the matron. 'Aweel, Tib, a lass like me wasna to lack wooers, for I wasna sae ill-favoured that the tikes wad bark after me.'"—The Monastery.

"This elegant speech was made by the Earl of Douglas, called Tineman, after being wounded and made prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, where

"'Atweel, Cuddie, ye are gaun nae sic gate,' said Jenny, coolly and resolutely. 'The deil's in the wife!' said Cuddie, 'd'ye think I am to be John Tamson's man, and maistered by women a' the days o' my life?' 'And whase man wad ye be? And wha wad ye hae to maister ye but me, Cuddie, lad?'"—Old Mortality.

That is, "he's cowpet the crans," q. v.

Meaning that a person is very sharp, and that he, figuratively, sleeps with one eye open.

Implying that no one is without fault.

That is, strange, or out of place. "Fremit loaning," strange lane.

Spoken of people who are so much accustomed to tipple, that they never seem any the worse of it.

No good workman who wastes material, or leaves work in a slovenly state.

This rude but expressive saying is used when a person has done another an injury in order to benefit himself.

"A phrase applied to one who, it is believed, cannot be depended on."—Jamieson.

"I was a friendless lad, and ye took me by the hand,—and could I sit still and see scathe befa' my benefactor, I wouldna be a stirk o' the right stock, that's bred on the land o' Scotland."—Sir Andrew Wylie.

"Not safe or easy to deal with."—Jamieson.

To "kiss caps wi'," is to keep company with, to associate together in drinking.

"The rents and the lands are but a sair fash to me," re-echoed Ailie; "and I'm ower failed to tak a helpmate, though Wylie Mactrickit, the writer, was very pressing, and spak very civilly; but I'm ower auld a cat to draw that strae before me—he canna whilliwhaw me as he's done mony a ane."—Old Mortality.

Overreached with his own weapons.

"The usual expression for a slight encroachment on a neighbour's property."—Sir Walter Scott.

In allusion to a person who has addressed another in a very pompous or affected manner.

That is, he suffers most who injures himself by his own folly, or by means which may have been intended to injure another.

"That is, glad to sit down, because he is weary, and glad to rise, because the stone is hard."—Kelly.

This saying is, we think, exclusively Scotch. It very briefly but pithily applies to those who, while anxiously correcting trifling errors, allow greater ones to pass unheeded: who strain at gnats, and swallow camels.

"Spoken when we think one only flattering us, and not earnest or sincere in what they pretend."—Kelly.

Satirically applied to those who are unwilling to partake of a meal in a friend's house.

Fonder of his meat than his drink.

Meaning that a person must be very well off indeed who can afford to dispense with all assistance.

"This is a pitch of wisdom to which few attain."—Kelly.

Dumbuck Hill, in Argyleshire, is farther from Glasgow (the locale of this saying) than Dumbarton: proverbially applied to those who are better acquainted with circumstances than they pretend to be, but who, in their anxiety to gain more information, betray themselves.

"He that forecasts all difficulties that he may meet with in his business will never set about it."—Kelly.

"Get a large sheet of paper, man, and make a new pen, with a sharp neb, and a fine hair-stroke. Do not slit the quill up too high, it's a wastrife course in your trade, Andrew. They that do not mind corn pickles never come to forpits. I have known a learned man write a thousand pages with one quill."—Fortunes of Nigel.

"Taken from the history of one John Bell, who, having given his substance to his children, was by them neglected. After he died there was found in his chest a mallet with this inscription,—

"Spoken when we have a son at such a school, university, army, or society, we will wish the prosperity of these respective bodies upon his account."—Kelly.

Or, he that is rich already has legacies left him; as, "The fat sow's tail's aye creash'd."

He that has been very fortunate can easily put up with slight drawbacks.

"People who are sensible of their guilt are always full of suspicion."—Kelly.

That is, a corpulent person is never very active.

"He that's not sensible of the truth of this proverb may blot it out or pass it over."—Kelly.

Meaning that he who has willingly jeopardized himself must extricate himself without assistance.

"'It will be nonsense fining me,' said Andrew, doughtily, 'that hasna a grey groat to pay a fine wi'—it's ill taking the breeks aff a Hielandman.' 'If ye hae nae purse to fine, ye hae flesh to pine,' replied the bailie, 'and I will look weel to ye getting your deserts the tae way or the tither.'"—Rob Roy.

He who aims at things beyond his power may be injured by his projects.

He who is in the habit of ill-doing himself always has a bad opinion of others.

James, Earl of Morton, who invented the "maiden" or guillotine, was the first who suffered by it.

"He who looks through a hole will discover his dole."—Spanish.

As the exercise of his foresight will enable him to acquire a competency in that time.

Used when a person disparages an article that he may secure it to himself.

Because he loses both his money and his friend.

He that relies on favours being granted is liable to disappointment.

"He that notices superstitious observances (such as spilling of salt, Childermass day, or the like) it will fall to him accordingly."—Kelly.

He who is connected with a "daw," or drab, has many troubles to put up with.

Or, as Kelly quotes, "three stark thieves; because his wife will put away things to them, or for them."

To "middle with tulzies" is to interfere with quarrelsome people; the chances are that a person who does so will come off at a loss.

Parallel to the English proverb, "He who never eats flesh thinks pudding a dainty."

When a man mixes with children, or fools or rogues, he must adapt himself to them.

"What signifies what I desired, man? when a wise man is with fules and bairns, he maun e'en play at the chucks. But you should have had mair sense and consideration than to gie Babie Charles and Steenie their ain gate; they wad hae floored the very rooms wi' silver, and I wonder they didna."—Fortunes of Nigel.

A maxim of proverbial philosophy which many persons in petty authority might practise with advantage—to the public.

That is, he who is dependent on another must submit to his superior's authority.

That is, vents himself in abuse without looking into the details of the case.

He that has most interest in an undertaking or property is willing to run a greater risk than he that has none.

A man who is away from his property, or not sufficiently careful of it, is liable to be wronged in his absence.

"An old Scottish proverb not now used, scarcely understood: a wish that he who exposes his neighbour may come to shame himself."—Kelly.

He that is unwilling that a visitor or friend should remain in his house, is very ready to give information as to the way home, and the advantages of following it.

Or, he who keeps bad company will be contaminated by it.

In sarcastic allusion to those who entrust matters of importance to youthful or inexperienced persons. "Because," as Kelly says, "the boy will neglect his business, and the colt will throw him."

That is, he who is afraid to speak for his own advancement when an opportunity occurs, does injury to himself.

This humorous but withal libellous expression of opinion literally means, that they who speak in drawling, canting terms are wolves in sheep's clothing.

Equivalent to the English saying, "He that's afraid of the wagging of feathers must keep from among wild fowl;" and the Dutch one, "He who is afraid of leaves must not go to the wood."

A "chanter" is the drone of a bagpipe, and a good supply of wind is required to fill it. Proverbially applied to those who undertake more than they are able to accomplish.

For not removing the stumbling-block at first.

To "thole" is to suffer or endure.

Meaning that he who willingly loses or risks money is readily supposed to be a fool.

Applied to foolish or reckless persons who persist in carrying on projects in the face of certain failure, of which they have been duly advised. Why Cupar, the capital of the kingdom of Fife, should have been selected as typical of such "pig-headedness," we are unable to say.

"That is, they who will not be prevailed upon by fair means, shall meet with harsher treatment."—Kelly.

That is, he who despises trifles will never be rich.

He who will not bear the crosses of the world patiently only increases his sorrows in trying to evade them.

"Spoken of him who has refused a good offer, and then would have it again."—Kelly.

Spoken of conceited persons who think themselves of great consequence.

A variation of "He starts at straes, and lets windlins gae." "Ye hae found it to your cost, that she is a most unreasonable, narrow, contracted woman, and wi' a' her 'conomical througality—her direction-books to mak grozart wine for deil-be-licket, and her Katy Fisher's cookery, whereby she would gar us trow she can mak fat kail o' chucky-stanes and an auld horse-shoe—we a' ken, and ye ken, laird, warst o' a', that she flings away the pease, and maks her hotch-potch wi' the shawps, or, as the auld byeword says, tynes bottles gathering straes."—The Entail.

The key to this childish puzzle is to be found in the word that: it has no deeper meaning.

"Spoken of sauntering persons, who would take any pretence to go from their proper business."—Kelly.

He has escaped drowning only to be hanged, as "He that is to be hanged will never be drowned—unless the water goes over the gallows."—Dutch.

Meaning that a person is very timid or cowardly.

"Spoken of them who spurn at reproof or correction, whom Solomon calls brutish."—Kelly.

"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor."—Kelly.

"They're scarce of news who speak ill of their mother."—Irish.

He does not know whether he stands on his head or his heels.

"Once, in a skirmish with the English, the Laird of Langton, being unarmed, turned his coat inside out, to make his opponents believe he had on a coat of mail, and so rushed on to the fray. By 'Langton's coat of mail,' is meant a presumptuous but brave man."—G. Henderson.

"These two are always joined together, and are a dissuasive from marrying a widow, because she is often involved in law suits."—Kelly.

Or, he will not grant you the favour you are going to seek.

That is, gladly rake up old grievances, to enable him to pick a quarrel.

Applied to simple, credulous people, who readily believe the most absurd statements.

In sarcastic allusion to those who decline to oblige borrowers, and who carry their principles so far that they "would not lend the devil a knife to cut his throat."—Italian.

In allusion to greedy, parsimonious people, who would rather be put to a great deal of trouble than incur a trifling expense.

He is so careless and forgetful, that he would lose his ears were they not attached to his head.

That is, he is wilfully deaf on that subject.

In disparaging allusion to tall persons.

Spoken of young maidens who marry wealthy old men, meaning that when the husband dies his money will help her to a younger one.

"'Hout, mother,' said Hobbie, 'Elshie's no that bad a chield; he's a grewsome spectacle for a crooked disciple, to be sure, and a rough talker; but his bark is waur than his bite.'"—The Black Dwarf.

"I'll lay my lugs that's the true reason, and brawly does he ken his corn's a' caff, or he wadna keep the sack mouth tied, and try to put us aff wi' bletheration."

Or, his stories are all of a Munchausen order, told more for the sake of effect than of truth.

As the first is light, while the second is heavy.

For his bad character or motives are so well known that none would believe him were he to speak ill of a person.

This humorous saying is expressive of the most extreme hunger, when the belly has come to the conclusion that the throat has been cut, and all further supply of food stopped.

To "haud the gate" is to "maintain the even tenor of your way."

"Working constantly, though soberly (slowly), will despatch a great deal of business."—Kelly.

"A good horse ne'er had a bad colour."—English.

"A sharp return to those that say 'Hout' to us, which is a word of contempt; in Latin, apage!"—Kelly.

Or, to a healthy stomach.

"If servants get not their meat honestly and decently, they will neglect their master's business, or embezzle his goods."—Kelly.

"Hunger is the best sauce."—English.

That is, hunger is good sauce for common meat, but a wet turf (vulgariter, "a damper") to love.

The English add to this, "or anything except a Suffolk cheese."

"To him who is hungry any bread seems good, or none comes amiss."—Ray.

Used as a reason for not giving a gratuity, intimating that it would harm rather than benefit a person.

Or, I am not indebted to you for any obligation.

"Spoken when they whom we have supported make unhandsome and unthankful returns."—Kelly.

Spoken to a person who is inattentive to what has been said to him, and who asks to have it repeated.

"He cannot eat his cake and have it."—English.

That is, no matter what means are employed to accomplish an end, so that it be done.

Expressive of the most emphatic denial.

"Spoken with a suspicion that all will not be well, and if so, I have no hand in it."—Kelly.

"Ye are right, Mr Owen—ye are right; ye speak weel and wisely; and I trust bowls will row right, though they are awee ajee e'enow."—Rob Roy.

An indirect or jocular manner of intimating to a person that he is guilty of falsehood.

A saying expressive of unbelief of some improbable story.

"To 'Hum and Haw,' to dally or trifle with one about any business by indefinite and unintelligible language."—Jamieson.

"That is, I am much mistaken if ever you do good."—Kelly.

If he cannot make new shoes well, he is very good at repairing old ones.

"Spoken when a niggardly man is married on a more niggardly woman."—Kelly.

"If I cannot work my revenge upon the principal author of my injury, I will upon his children, relations, or friends."—Kelly.

For, as I am not properly invited, there will be no seat allotted to me.

"Were it not for 'if' and 'but,' we should all be rich for ever."—French.

Signifying that mischievous or silly doings should be put a stop to.

Used when, in argument or dispute, a man has not a proper opportunity to defend himself.

Or, it is no wonder, as any other result should not have been expected.

"Spoken of those who discommend what we have."—Kelly.

A pertinent reply to those who find fault with a person's dress.

Meaning that an article is good, and will not spoil by keeping.

Meaning that a person is unwilling to give another some information.

"'Madge,' said Ratcliffe, 'have ye ony joes now?' 'An ony body ask ye, say ye dinna ken. Set him to be speaking of my joes, auld Daddie Ratton!'"—Heart of Midlothian.

That is, if a person had not been guilty of a particular crime himself, he would never have suspected another of it. Kelly inserts this proverb, but says it is English; and Henderson makes it the subject of an illustration.

For "An idle brain is the devil's workshop."—English.

Menyie—the servants or followers will be ready to follow the example.

Literally, if the sky falls the larks will be smothered. Spoken when people are anticipating some very improbable occurrence.

Equivalent to saying, that if the mother is of one complexion the child will be the opposite.

The inference is, that he is not pleased with the treatment he is receiving.

"Spoken to them whose anger we value not."—Kelly.

Synonymous with the English saying, "If the cap fits, wear it."

Spoken of lazy people, meaning, that if not restrained they will do too much. Applied tauntingly of course.

If you do not see your way clearly through an undertaking, do not venture on it at all.

"He that would no evil do, must do nought that's like thereto."—English.

For "Evil communications corrupt good manners."

Meaning that you are granted more indulgence than another would be if similarly situated.

He was so much surprised by some information.

That is, if you love me let it appear.

"For if your wife command your purse, she will certainly have the mastery in everything else."—Kelly.

"Spoken to them that are about an ill thing, which will undoubtedly prove to their damage."—Kelly.

It was a matter of perfect indifference whether Rory got her or not.

Because, proverbially speaking, the first will die, the second stink, and the third sour.

"This is a phrase used by a person who has gone through all the particulars of a quarrel with another, or told him all the grounds of umbrage at his conduct."—Jamieson.

Or, assisted him in a strait.

Said by a person who has been reduced either in circumstances, or in the possession of a particular article, signifying that even the little that was left had been allowed either by carelessness or accident to slip through his fingers.

Meaning that a circumstance was of so little importance that no notice was taken of it.

Satirically remarked of those who pretend that they could do great things if they had some article by them, but which they know very well is not near at hand.

Engaged in an undertaking which will be to my own disadvantage.

"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor. It alludes to an art among the Scottish reapers, who, if their broth be too hot, can throw them up into the air, as they turn pancakes, without losing one drop of them."—Kelly.

That is, I have other work to do.

That is, I have work of importance to do.

A saying expressive of a feeling of confidence or security.

Or as good an article thrown away. Applied disparagingly to any article in question.

A sharp retort to those who doubt a statement of which the narrator has had ocular demonstration.

I have lost the support I depended upon.

Meaning that she approves of straightforward conduct. Kelly says that the second part is "added only to make it comical."

"I had the honour to visit his late gracious Majesty, at his palace of Holyrood, where, I can assure you, I was as civilly entreated as the first in the land, not excluding the Lord Provost of Glasgow, tho' he and his tounfolk tried to put themselves desperately far forrit; but the king saw thro' them brawly, and kent a spoon frae a stot's horn as well as the maist of his liege subjects."—Motherwell.

That is, I know by the appearance of a thing when it is properly done.

Having told me so much I can guess the rest. Applied to those who come to borrow money.

"Ye hae had your ain time o't, Mr Syddall; but ilka bean has its black, and ilka path has its puddle; and it will just set you henceforth to sit at the board end, as weel as it did Andrew langsyne."—Rob Roy.

"'You have made a most excellent and useful purchase, Cuddie. But what is that portmanteau?' 'The pockmantle?' answered Cuddie: 'It was Lord Evandale's yesterday, and it's yours the day. I fand it ahint the bush o' broom yonder. Ilka dog has its day—ye ken what the auld sang says,

"'"Take turn about, mither," quo' Tam o' the Linn.'"—Old Mortality.

"Jeannie Deans, writing from London to Reuben Butler, says,—'Ye will think I am turned waster, for I wear clean hose and shoon every day; but it's the fashion here for decent bodies, and ilka land has its ain land-law.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"Leid," language.—Jamieson.

"'Oh but, sir, what seems reasonable to your honour will certainly be the same to them,' answered Jeanie. 'I do not know that,' replied the Duke; 'ilka man buckles his belt his ain gate—you know our old Scots proverb?'"—Heart of Midlothian.

Or I will not join with you in any project.

Parallel to the saying, "Misfortunes never come single." In this case it is more forcibly expressed, and means literally, a great misfortune is followed by a greater one.

"That is, I will not do it again, for selling of an estate is a fault that few are twice guilty of."—Kelly.

Bad meat never made good soup; or, a bad man cannot be expected to do a good act.

Meaning that a person will be compelled to defend himself.

"That is, what expense his business requires I will take it out of his own money."—Kelly.

"Ye bardy loon, gae but the house and mind your wark. Ye thought and they thought; but if it wasna mair for ae thing than anither, I hae a thought that wad gar baith you and them claw where it's no yeuky."—Sir Andrew Wylie.

That is, cry, weep:—

I will give you work to do which will keep you busy for a time.

A shirtful of sore bones: vulgariter, a thrashing.

That is, he will give as good as he gets. "Let-a-bee for let-a-bee," generally speaking, is expressive of mutual forbearance; but the "bairns o' Kelty" reversed the usual meaning.

"'When ye hae gotten the better o' the sore stroke o' the sudden removal of the golden candlestick o' his life from among us, ye'll do everything in a rational and just manner.'

"''Deed, I'll do nae sic things, mother,' was the reply; 'I'm mindit to haud the grip I hae gotten.'"—The Entail.

Answered by people who are blamed for breach of confidence.

"Macwhid was a knowing countryman, and a great stickler for the king and the church. At the Restoration, clergymen being scarce, he was asked if he thought he could preach; he answered that he could make a shift; upon which he was ordained, and got a living."—Kelly.

"That is, I'll pay you according as you serve me."—Kelly.

Applied to those who are slow to partake of anything which is offered to them, and signifying that although the article is good, still, if unwilling, they will not be "treated," i.e., urged or forced to take it.

To "keep a dog," &c., is to keep servants and do their work for them.

That is, I will never put myself to so much trouble for such a small remuneration.

Intimating that a person will give another a flogging.

Or carry my threats into execution. Used when in a dispute one person "daurs" another to do such a thing.

Meaning that a person would rather conduct a large business himself than be troubled with a disagreeable partner.

He will keep his sorrows to himself, but the recollection of them will make him "yerk," i.e., writhe, or start with pain—applied in a mental sense.

"If a man have a good pennyworth to sell, he will still find a buyer."—Kelly.

That is, I will tell the jest or story, but cannot mention the name of the person to whom it refers.

A saying common to all nations. "Ill weeds grow apace."

Spoken jocularly when a person who has been partaking of a meal with another rises to go away.

That is, on terms of familiarity with you.

An alliterative saying of those who are very much fatigued.

Spoken when a person is not so freely entertained as he would like to be. Applied generally by those who do not get what they expect, and are offended thereat.

That is, I am not so blind as unwilling to see.

I am not fully satisfied, though I am nearly so.

That is, I am talking on one subject, while you are talking on another.

Because it may save the horse from falling, and perhaps losing its life. A mere trifle may, at an opportune moment, be of very great service.

Metaphorically, I do not like to interfere with matters which may injure me.

Spoken when a drink of water is offered to a person who is not so fond of it as he is of something stronger.

That is, I never interfered with or impeded your progress in any way.

Anglice, In too much gossiping truth is lost.

"It's been the gipsies that took your pockmanky, when they fand the chaise stickin' in the snaw; they wadna pass the like o' that: it wad just come to their hand like the bowl o' a pintstoup."—Guy Mannering.

Kelly attaches a meaningless remark to this proverb—"An answer of a tailor to him that calls him pricklouse." Is it not meant as a reply of one who may have been under the evil influence of another, and who, having shaken himself free of it, can say honestly that since he has done so he has been perfectly free, however much he may have been under it before?

Or vulgar people to wear fine dress.

To be "weel faur'd" is to be good-looking; and the proverb is a jocular allusion to the fact that the person addressed is not an Apollo.

Applied to persons who make a show of displeasure at anything which may be said or done to them.

That is, since I have gone so far in the matter, I must go through with it. "In for a penny in for a pound."—English.

An emphatic expression of incredulity at an extraordinary, or what may be deemed improbable, statement.

A "heather cow," a twig or tuft of heath. Equivalent to the English saying, "It is a long lane that has no turning."

This saying has nothing to recommend it but its antiquity. It expresses the reluctance of a convivial party to break up.

"'Hout, awa, Inverashalloch,' said Galbraith;—'Mind the auld saw, man—It's a bauld moon, quo' Bennygask—Anither pint, quo' Lesley;—we'll no start for anither chappin.'"—Rob Roy.

That any speaking or application is useless. The person addressed either will not or cannot hear.

"Spoken of an ill-tempered knife, that will stand as it is bent, or the like."—Kelly.

That is, a good thing that is without fault.

A jocular reply to those who complain that this world is a "weary" one.

In allusion to the unconscious contraction of bad habits.

"Where's the use o' vilifying ane's country, and bringing a discredit on ane's kin, before Southrens and strangers? It's an ill bird that files its ain nest."—Rob Roy.

Or an ill master that starves his servants.

"'Nane o' your deil's play-books for me,' said Lucky Dods; 'it's an ill world since sic prick-my-dainty doings came into fashion. It's a poor tongue that canna tell its ain name, and I'll hae nane o' your scarts upon pasteboard.'"—St Ronan's Well.

That is, a "sairy," uncomfortable, or poor house where the wife commands, "though," as Kelly slily remarks, "there are some such houses in the world."

To "eat the cow," &c., is to overlook very great faults, and make a severe example of a trifling one.

"Na, na, gudeman, ye needna be sae mim; every body kens, and I ken too, that ye're ettling at the magistracy. It's as plain as a pike staff, gudeman, and I'll no let ye rest if ye dinna mak me a bailie's wife or a' be done."—The Provost.

"A man in my country coming out of his house with tears on his cheeks, was asked the occasion; he said, 'There was a sour reek in the house;' but, upon further inquiry, it was found that his wife had beaten him."—Kelly.

A dying Spaniard was being exhorted by his confessor, who told him that the wicked were sent to hell and subjected to all manner of torments by the devil. "I hope," said the Spaniard, "my lord the devil is not so cruel." His confessor reproved the levity of the wish. "Excuse me," said the Don, "I know not into whose hands I may fall; and if I happen to fall into his, I hope he will use me the better for giving him good words."

Simply, that it is better to travel on horseback than on foot.

"Signifying that it is preferable to use strong measures in proper season, than such as are more feeble when it is too late."—Jamieson.

"Facetiously spoken when we design to be at a little more expense than we thought."—Kelly.

Literally, it is but natural that the bag should bear traces of what it has contained.

According to the meat given, or means employed, is the quality of milk, or the result obtained.

That is, a person's hospitality is not very warm. For courtesy's sake he offers refreshments, but does not press them.

"'Aweel, aweel,' said Hobbie, mounting his horse, 'it serves naething to strive wi' cripples,—they are aye cankered; but I'll just tell you ae thing, neighbour, that if things be otherwise than weel wi' Grace Armstrong, I'se gie you a scouther if there be a tar barrel in the five parishes.'"—The Black Dwarf.

Meaning that a person, or project, is not progressing favourably.

The miller must have been more rogue than fool when he thus took advantage of his customers, for to "mouter," as he did, is to take the fees twice over.

To be "sib to siller," is to be related to rich persons.

"Expect the worst, hope for the best, and bear whatever happens."—English.

That is, it is good to take advantage of any opportunities of benefit or advancement which may come in our way: to "make hay while the sun shines."

Or for a covetous person to be honest.

The meaning of this proverb is, that it is ill to produce what we are not possessed of.

"It is a troublesome and thankless office to concern ourselves in the jars and outfalls of near relations, as man and wife, parents and children, &c."—Kelly.

Because it is hard to tell how it will turn out.

"I have been waiting this hour for you, and I have had a snack myself; and, as they used to say in Scotland in my time—I do not ken if the word be used now—there is ill talking between a full body and a fasting."—Heart of Midlothian.

"It is ill to have a bad name, and to be often found in a suspicious place or posture."—Kelly.

It is ill or dangerous to speak against those who are in authority.

Highlanders proper wear none, so it means it is difficult to take from a person that which he does not possess.

Applied to young people who get married before they have all that is necessary for housekeeping.

"It's comfort to hae a frugal woman for a helpmate; but[188] ye ken now-a-days it's no the fashion for bare legs to come thegether. The wife maun hae something to put in the pot as weel as the man."—The Entail.

Spoken of those who are always complaining how ill they are, and likely to die; but who, nevertheless, generally contrive to live as long as other people.

That is, it will be long ere we hear of the removal or death of a particular person who is a cause of annoyance to us.

"Spoken in jest when we forget to lay down bread at the table, as if we had done it designedly, because it will be long ere new bread come."—Kelly.

To "girn in a widdy" is to laugh or girn when a halter is round the neck—meaning that it is no joke to be placed in a difficult or dangerous position.

"Mattie had ill will to see me set awa on this ride, and grat awee, the silly tawpie; but it's nae mair ferlie to see a woman greet than to see a goose gang barefit."—Rob Roy.

"'I think,' said John Gudyill, while he busied himself in re-charging his guns, 'they hae fund the falcon's neb a bit ower hard for them—it's no for nought that the hawk whistles.'"—Old Mortality.

"'Wha kens what would be the upshot o' a second marriage?'

"'That's looking far ben,' replied the laird; 'my wife, to be sure, is a frail woman, but she's no the gear that 'ill traike.'"—The Entail.

It is not the oldest or most likely person that dies first.

"It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burnt down."—Danish.

"Muirburn," furze on fire. Said of ill news.

Orders from those in authority, no matter how ridiculous or unreasonable, must be obeyed. "There's nae bailie-courts among them.... But it's just the laird's command, and the loon maun loup; and the never anither law hae they but the length o' their dirks."—Rob Roy.

"Ghaist! my certie, I shall ghaist them—if they had their heads as muckle on their wark as on their daffing they wad play na sic pliskies—it's the wanton steed that scaurs at the windlestrae. Ghaists! wha e'er heard of ghaists in an honest house!"—St Ronan's Well.

Or well saved that is won from the belly.

"That is, the quarrel was not real, but only with design, in order to accomplish some end."—Kelly.

"A dirty dub," a puddle of foul water. That is, it will always be a cause of contention between them.

That is, he will delay doing a thing as long as possible.

"Hommel corn," grain that has no beard. The meaning of the proverb is, that on account of particular circumstances, a certain result may be expected in due time.

Spoken when a person is asked to give an opinion of something which is considered vulgar—that a gaudy article of dress will look well in a country church—but only there.

"Spoken when two ill-natured people are married."—Kelly.

A "cairn" is a heap of stones thrown together in a conical form to mark the grave, or in memory, of a person. To add a stone may mean, proverbially, that a person will bear testimony to the good qualities of another.

"A man going under his wife's head to the grave was bid go faster, because the way was long and the day short; answered, 'I will not make a toil of a pleasure.'"—Kelly.

I will favour no one, but will treat all alike.

An expression used when a person is telling that he has received a promise of something welcome—it may be payment of an outstanding account.

"Spoken when our companions, beginning to take with the drink, begin to speak Latin, ... believing that by and by they will be at that pass that they will be able to speak no language."—Kelly.

The reply of a man who is asked of what use a wife would be to him.

That is, your services do not compensate for the annoyance you cause.

Expressive of contentment.

Of similar import to "I wouldna be deaved," &c.

A phrase to express that a person whom you had not seen for a long time had so much altered in appearance as to be scarcely recognisable.

A jocular allusion to the fact that a person neglects the one, but overworks the other.

"Nothing but a wish that our sick friend may recover."—Kelly.

Or abroad early in the morning than late at night.

That is, I would rather allow an article to spoil than be indebted to you for assistance in keeping it right.

"A disdainful rejection of an unworthy proposal; spoken by bold maids to the vile offers of young fellows."—Kelly.

"According to Crawford, in his Memoirs, the phrase Jedburgh justice took its rise in 1574, on the occasion of the Regent Morton there and then trying and condemning, with cruel precipitation, a vast number of people who had offended against the laws, or against the supreme cause of his lordship's faction. A different origin is assigned by the people. Upon the occasion, say they, of nearly twenty criminals being tried for one offence, the jury were equally divided in opinion as to a verdict, when one who had been asleep during the whole trial suddenly awoke, and, being interrogated for his vote, vociferated, 'Hang them a'!'

"The English phrase 'Lidford Law,' commemorated by Grose, bears the same signification."—Robert Chambers.

That is, "Jock," although very mischievous, is a quiet and well-behaved person compared to you.

Literally, stoop, and let the rush of water go over your head; meaning, yield to adverse circumstances, and their effects will pass away.

"A courtier went to woo a maid: she was dressing supper with a drop at her nose. She asked him if he would stay all night; he answered, 'Just as it falls:' meaning, if[197] the drop fell among the meat, he would be off; if it fell by, he would stay."—Kelly.

If the hair is seldom combed it soon becomes a difficult and painful operation to perform. Proverbially applied when simple but necessary matters of business are neglected to such an extent that they become troublesome.

"Kamesters," or wool-combers, are always greasy. People are always like their work.

"Applied to lazy people, who ask others to do this or that for them which they ought to do for themselves."—Kelly.

"Spoken when one peeps into the pot to see if the liquor be out; whereas a jolly good fellow should drink about, and when the pot's empty call for more."—Kelly.

That is, keep your own counsel on matters of danger or delicacy.

"'Thir kittle times will drive the wisest o' us daft,' said Neil Blane, the prudent host of the Howff; 'but I'se aye keep a calm sough.'"—Old Mortality.

Or promise much, but perform little.

"The assets he carried off are of nae mair use to him[199] than if he were to light his pipe wi' them. He tried if MacVittie & Co. wad gie him siller on them—that I ken by Andro Wylie; but they were ower auld cats to draw that strae afore them—they keepit aff and gae fair words."—Rob Roy.

Shun the company of him who boasts of his cunning.

"Keep something for a rainy day."—English.

"Lint mellows and improves by keeping, but wool rots."—Kelly.

"'Why, Mrs Heukbane,' said the woman of letters, pursing up her mouth, 'ye ken my gudeman likes to ride the expresses himsel—we maun gie our ain fish-guts to our ain sea-maws—it's a red half-guinea to him every time he munts his mear.'"—The Antiquary.

Of similar meaning to the preceding proverb.

Applied to people who are angry without cause, or exercising undue authority.

"The only wiselike thing I heard ony body say, was decent Mr John Kirk of Kirk-knowe, and he wussed them just to get the king's mercy, and nae mair about it. But he spak to unreasonable folk—he might just hae keepit his breath to hae blawn on his porridge."—Heart of Midlothian.

Be silent or cautious in speaking when in the company of strangers.

"A disdainful return to those who are too liberal with their taunts."—Kelly.

"Witness the tragical end of many courtiers."—Kelly.

"'Kittill to scho behind,' not to be depended on; not worthy of trust."—Jamieson.

For a greater part of the income is absorbed in the expenses of collecting it.

"'I am sure,' said Ritchie, composedly, 'I wish Laurie a higher office, for your lordship's sake and for mine, and specially for his ain sake, being a friendly lad; yet your lordship must consider that a scullion—if a yeoman of the king's most royal kitchen may be called a scullion—may weel rank with a master-cook elsewhere; being that king's cauff, as I said before, is better than ——.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.

Kelly says (1721), "There is a proclamation that nobody should kiss hereafter, but only shake hands." Spoken by a woman who is asked for a kiss, but who is unwilling to allow it.

A sharp reply to those who obsequiously ask permission to kiss the hand.

"Both these are joined together, and signify that people of mean breeding are rather to be won by harsh treatment than civil."—Kelly.

"Discommend a boy, and you discourage him; but commend him, and it will spur him on."—Kelly.

Meaning that although some people are slow or "laith" to begin a thing, still, when they do commence, it is difficult to get them to leave off.

Jocularly applied to those who are tall and of "genteel" build.

That is, poorly kept cattle makes homely, domestic, or common meat.

"Much ado about nothing."

Spoken when people enter into extensive undertakings without sufficient preparations or means.

"He loses his thanks that promises, but delays."—English.

"Applied to those who discover their projects, designs, and intentions long before they are put in execution."—Kelly.

"The proverbial reflection of an old woman, as signifying that in our times young women are by no means nice in their choice of husbands."—Jamieson.

"'The japanned tea-caddie, Hannah—the best bohea—bid Tib kindle a spark of fire—the morning's damp—draw in the giggling faces of ye, ye d—d idle scoundrels, or laugh at your ain toom pouches—it will be lang or your weel-doing fill them.' This was spoken, as the honest lawyer himself might have said, in transitu."—St Ronan's Well.

"The Laird has been a true friend on our unhappy occasions, and I have paid him back the siller for Effie's misfortune, whereof Mr Nichil Novit returned him no balance, as the Laird and I did expect he wad hae done. But law licks up a', as the common folk say. I have had the siller to borrow out o' sax purses."—Heart of Midlothian.

Or place the profit against the loss.

"An' I am to lose by ye, I'se ne'er deny I hae won by ye mony a fair pund sterling—sae, an' it come to the warst, I'se e'en lay the head o' the sow to the tail o' the grice."—Rob Roy.

"An answer to them that ask what they will get to their hasty pudding."—Kelly.

That is, let your housekeeping expenses be in unison with your income.

Spoken facetiously to a person who leans heavily on another.

That is, "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs."

Prolong your stay only so long as you find your company approved of, so that you may not be considered tedious.

"It is not the lending of our money that loses our friend; but the demanding of it again, and that will lose a friend to my certain knowledge. They have a proverbial rhyme to this purpose:—

"Mutual forbearance."—Jamieson.

An expression of indifference at two bad persons quarrelling.

A "bell'd wether" is a ram with a bell round its neck; and the proverb means that a difficult or dangerous undertaking should be led by a person of experience.

"'Hout, ay,' said Elliot, 'just let by-ganes be by-ganes, and a' friends again; deil ane I bear malice at but Westburnflat, and I hae gi'en him baith a het skin and a cauld ane.'"—The Black Dwarf.

"'I dinna ken, sir,' she replied in a dry revêche tone, which carried me back twenty years, 'I am nane of thae heartsome landleddies that can tell country cracks, and make themsells agreeable; and I was ganging to pit on a fire for you in the red room; but if it is your will to stay here, he that pays the lawing maun choose the lodging.'"—The Highland Widow.

That is, let every one speak of a thing as he finds it.

Do not quit or neglect an important matter to look after trifles.

Never let your wealth make you give way to pride, or forget your old friends.

"'Hout tout, man! let that flee stick in the wa',' answered his kinsman; 'when the dirt's dry it will rub out.'"—Rob Roy.

"Eird and dike" are earth and stone wall. The proverb means that heavy or important undertakings should have a solid basis.

The horns bearing but insignificant value in comparison with the hide, they should be thrown into the purchase of the latter free of charge.

That is, let everything be in its proper place.

A proverbial form of expression of a man's being able to pay his way.

"And what for suld I no have a corpus delicti, or a habeas corpus, or ony other corpus that I like, sae lang as I am willing to lick and lay down the ready siller?"—St Ronan's Well.

"This signifies no more but kiss your hand and give it. Spoken facetiously upon some good fortune unexpected."—Kelly.

"'And now we're settled ance mair,' said Cuddie to his mother, 'and if we're no sae bein and comfortable as we were up yonder, yet life's life ony gate, and we're wi' decent kirk-ganging folk o' your ain persuasion, mither; there will be nae quarrelling about that.'"—Old Mortality.

"Ratcliffe, speaking apart to Madge, asked her 'whether she did not remember ony o' her auld sangs?' 'Mony a dainty ane,' said Madge; 'and blithely can I sing them, for lightsome sangs make merry gate.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"Trump," a Jew's harp. Typical of extreme awkwardness.

That is, a dangerous position, as butter in the embrace of a dog certainly is.

"In a remote pastoral region, like that of Cranshaws, lying in the midst of the Lammermoor hills, it is or was usual for shepherds' dogs to accompany their masters to the church; and in times of severe stormy weather, few people except the shepherds, who are accustomed to be out in all weathers, could attend divine service; and in such circumstances, it may have occurred that the dogs may have equalled in number the rational hearers of the Word. We have heard the saying applied by bustling servant girls to a scene where three or four dogs were lounging about a kitchen hearth, and impeding the work."—G. Henderson.

"When wares please, a bargain is soon made."—English.

Persons of similar tastes draw towards and sympathize with each other. "Like will to like—a scabbed horse and a sandy dike."—Danish. "Like will to like, as the devil said to the coal-burner."—German.

Spoken jocularly to those who help themselves to what there is most of on the table.

"Hilton kirk was a very small edifice in Berwickshire, and it would seem from the saying not very well lighted. When any number of strangers came as hearers, the accommodation was deficient; the saying is used when many persons assemble in a small house, and there is little room to stir about."—G. Henderson.

Meaning that many undertakings which promise favourably at first often fail; while those of which no great hopes are entertained are successfully carried through.

"A minister having in these words compared the covenant, made it a proverb. Applied to a thing that is useful no way."—Kelly.

"This is a proverbial saying of ill-doing persons, as expressive of there being no hope of them. How the children[213] of Falkirk came to be so characterized, it would be difficult now to ascertain. The adage has had the effect of causing the men of Falkirk jocularly to style themselves 'the bairns;' and when one of them speaks of another as 'a bairn,' he only means that that other person is a native of Falkirk."—Robert Chambers.

"The cat is fain the fish to eat, but hath no will to wet her feet."—English.

"Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' like the poor cat i' the adage."—Macbeth.

A Scottish version of the dog in the manger.

"This is said of people who buy very small quantities of any article. Fiddlers are proverbially poor, and the one of Chirnside was no exception to the rule. One morning he sent his boy for materials for breakfast, and the order was delivered to the shopkeeper in the following measured terms:—

"The cow came home unsold; and the rhyme is applied to a young woman who comes home from a fair or market without a 'jo' or sweetheart."—G. Henderson.

Another insult to the weaving profession. The reply of a person who is asked how he is getting on.

That is, never asks for an article until it is too late.

Or, at least, she would have the lover of the last believe so.

"That is, people sometimes grant an individual a favour through fear of malevolence, or to get rid of his importunity."—G. Henderson.

"I'll tell ye, Ratton, blithe will Nicol Muschat be to see ye, for he says he kens weel there isna sic a villain out o' hell as ye are, and he wad be ravished to hae a crack wi' ye—like to like, ye ken—it's a proverb never fails; and ye are baith a pair o' the deevil's peats, I trow—hard to ken whilk deserves the hettest corner o' his ingleside."—Heart of Midlothian.

"Although my mither has been, past the memory o' man, in a complaining condition, I ken nae odds o' her this many a year; her ail's like water to leather, it makes her life the tougher."—The Entail.

"If you put your lips to the cup to drink, put your hand to your lap to take out your purse."—Kelly.

A frequent addition gives the reason—for their heart gets soon to their mouth.

"Poor people are poorly served, which prolongs their poverty."—Kelly.

"Hurle-Burle-Swire is a passage through a ridge of mountains that separate Nithsdale from Twadale and Clydsdale: where the mountains are so indented one with another that there is a perpetual blowing. The meaning is that they who are at ease know little of the trouble that others are exposed to."—Kelly.

It is bad policy for a person to injure another with whom he is intimately connected, or upon whom he is depending.

"'But the flame!' demanded Ravenswood; 'the broad blaze which might have been seen ten miles off—what occasioned that?' 'Hout, awa! it's an auld saying and a true, "Little's the light will be seen far in a mirk night"—a wheen fern and horse litter that I fired in the courtyard, after sending back the loon of a footman.'"—Bride of Lammermoor.

Although a wife be very angry and "ill-willy" with her husband in private, still in public she should be cautious for obvious reasons, one of which is, Kelly says, "That a handsome treat may secure good friends and great interest."

People of few resources, or poor imagination, are apt to be put about by trifles.

To live at "heck and manger" is to fare sumptuously every day, even beyond our income.

That is, subordinates take advantage when superiors are out of the way. "When the cat's away, the mice will play."—English.

Noisy people, or those who are always boasting of what they can do, are seldom so clever even as their neighbours. Kelly says this is "a reprimand to noisy girls."

"Marrow," that is, an equal, match, or antagonist.

"Spoken often, by way of reflection, when we say that such a one is a good-humoured girl, as if you would say, 'Observe how she'll prove when she is married.'"—Kelly.

That is, a person has been successful by mere force of circumstances, and by no particular merit of his own.

The saying, "Great cry and little wool," is common to all nations; the Scottish version, however, is the most expressive and humorous we have met with.

For the master himself is sure to be pleased with it.

"The captain's a queer hand ... he keeps a high hand ower the country, and we couldna deal with the Hielandmen without his protection, sin' a' the keys o' the kintray hings at his belt; and he's no an ill body in the main; and maistry, ye ken, maws the meadows doun."—Heart of Midlothian.

"He freed Rashleigh from my hold, and securing me, notwithstanding my struggles, in his own Herculean gripe, he called out, 'Take the bent, Mr Rashleigh—make ae pair o' legs worth twa pair o' hands; ye hae done that before now.'"—Rob Roy.

We surmise that this is intended as an advice to a person who has become possessed of an article, and does not know what to do with it, like the old lady who won the principal prize in the lottery, said prize consisting of a live elephant! A "killogie" is, says Jamieson, "a vacuity before the fireplace in a kiln for drawing air."

Similar to the preceding proverb. Equivalent to saying such a thing is entirely in your own control; you may do what you please with it.

To "bauk" is to leave small strips of land unturned in ploughing. Kelly says of this proverb that it is "spoken when it is proposed to marry the youngest daughter before the eldest."

Literally, do not throw aside good hay.

"Toom ruse" means empty praise, and the proverb signifies that we should not praise indiscriminately, or without knowledge of the subject.

That is, if you indulge a person freely to a certain extent, the probability is he will exceed the limits.

No, because "man's twal" is twelve, while the "deil's dizzen" is thirteen.

The explanation of this saying, which belongs to the Mearns, is, that water in the month of March is supposed to be of a more cleansing quality than in any other month. The same idea is also expressed in the following saying:

"Necessity is a hard master."—German.

"An answer to them that say, 'Maybe it will fall out so or so.'"—Kelly.

Perhaps some day you will be glad of my assistance, although you despise it just now.

This refers to the popular superstition against marrying in the month of May, the children of which marriages are said to "die of decay."

"'Happy will I be to serve you, my gude auld acquaintance,' said the clerk; 'but sit you down—sit you down—sit you down, Mrs Dods,—meat and mass never hindered wark. Ye are something overcome wi' your travel—the spirit canna aye bear through the flesh, Mrs Dods.'"—St Ronan's Well.

"Beggars should not be choosers."—English.

A jocular manner of addressing those who are very particular in their manner of speaking.

"He who hath gold hath fear, and he who hath none has sorrow."

"Applied often when a good sermon is ill delivered, to my certain knowledge."—Kelly.

That is, many marry only for the sake of money and possessions.

The reason being that he is a "gude fellow" only when abroad or in the taproom, and not when he is at home.

"That is, show their kindness to the companions, friends, or relations of those upon whom they have a design, which they hope by their influence to effect."—Kelly.

Or, many occupy themselves with trifles.

"Spoken when clergymen use you saucily, whom, in deference to their profession, you will not beat."—Kelly.

"Doctor Luther's shoes do not fit every parish priest."—German.

This nearly obsolete saying means, literally, loses a sixpenny dagger for the sake of a halfpenny thong. "Spoken," says Kelly, "when people lose a considerable thing for not being at an inconsiderable expense."

The word "eme" signifies uncle, and the saying—its claims as a proverb are small enough—means that a person may have many relations but very few friends among them.

"Spoken against whining, complaining people, who have enough, and yet are always making a moan."—Kelly.

A man may "promise like a merchant and pay like a man-of-war's-man;" that is, promise anything that may be asked, for the sake of concluding a bargain, but which, once made, he is in no haste to perform.

"He shakes hands often who is loath to go."—French.

"When there is a great exhibition of blossoms on the hedgerows, the ensuing winter will be a remarkable one for snow storms."—Robert Chambers.

"Yewns being light grain. The rowans are the fruit of the mountain ash, which never are ripe till harvest. It is a common observation, that an abundance of them generally follows a wet season."—Robert Chambers.

"Spoken to them that say 'well' by way of resentment."—Kelly.

Or reprimanded by a person who had authority to do so, but never roughly handled by one who had no right to interfere. Kelly says this is "spoken by saucy girls when one jeers them with an unworthy sweetheart."

A "firlot" is a fourth part of a boll, dry measure. Equivalent to the proverb, "Many words go to a sackful."—Dutch.

That is, many persons blame others for what are the consequences of their own faults. Kelly says, "I never saw a Scottish woman who had not this at her finger's end."

The Irish are not of this opinion, for it is recorded that one of them said his mouth held exactly a glass of whisky—that is, if he could have retained it; but there was a hole in the bottom of it which continually prevented him from proving the fact.

"To 'mow,' to speak in mockery."—Jamieson.

Influence or interest does much, but money will do more.

A bad wish—that every bite may choke you.

So much was said on a subject that a great deal was lost.

The more a person has the more he would have.

The saucy reply of a maid already betrothed, to a would-be wooer.

Or going out of their wits for your sake.

That is, good fortune follows nothing I do.

Applied to boasters, meaning sarcastically that in their own peculiar faculty they are unequalled.

The only fault is, she is too good-looking.

"Ironically spoken to them who pretend to do, have, or wear what does not become them."—Kelly.

That is, sup his soup and cool it together; or, plainly, do two things at once.

"For an ill neighbour, with his scolding noise, complaints, lawsuits, and indictments, may be very troublesome."—Kelly.

Or plan his own destiny.

"Spoken to those who suspect us guilty of a thing in which they take measure of us by their practices and inclinations."—Kelly.

Applied to lazy or greedy servants; implying that the first thing they do in the morning is to go to the "aumrie" or cupboard for something to eat.

A philosophic way of meeting troubles. If a thing be wrong done, do it over again; or if it be lost, procure another.

Meaning there is nothing like doing a thing thoroughly. "A vile, malicious proverb," says Kelly, "first used by Captain James Stewart against the noble Earl of Morton, and afterwards applied to the Earl of Strafford and Archbishop Laud."

"A jocose answer to children when they say they have gotten nothing."—Kelly.

"Who so bold as blind Bayard?"—English.

"Ignorance breeds confidence; consideration, slowness and wariness."—Ray.

"Spoken of them who have been ragged and dirty, and are proud and fond of new or clean clothes."—Kelly.

"To sit ill to one's meat, to be ill fed."—Jamieson.

In his introduction to Henderson's Proverbs, Motherwell relates a humorous anecdote in connection with this proverb. An indefatigable collector of "rusty sayed saws," a friend of his, was in the habit of jotting down any saying new to him on the back of cards, letters, &c., and thrusting them into his pocket. On one occasion he had an altercation with a stranger at a friend's house. The quarrel becoming warm, ended by Motherwell's friend excitedly handing the other (as he thought) his card. On the gentleman's preparing to vindicate his honour next morning, it occurred to him to learn the name of his antagonist. On looking at the card he found no name, but, in place of it, traced in good legible characters, "Naething should be done in a hurry but catching fleas." The effect of this was irresistible, and the result an immediate reconciliation.

Everything is so far advanced that the finishing stroke only is wanting. Applied to a man who is courting a widow or spinster already in possession of a well-furnished house.

That is, because you allow every little trifling occurrence to vex you.

Henderson, in his Proverbs, reads "poets" for "fools," possibly as a hit upon some of his friends, several of whom were poets of local celebrity.

Meaning that none can find fault with you but you will be able to give an excuse for it. "As soon find hare without a mense as you without excuse."—English.

That is, in the husk until it is shelled.

"You need but go to your closet for the one, but you must go out of the kingdom for the other."—Kelly.

"And for eating—what signifies telling a lee? there's just the hinder end of the mutton-ham that has been but three times on the table, and the nearer the bane the sweeter, as your honours weel ken; and—there's the heel of the ewe-milk kebbuck, wi' a bit o' nice butter, and—and—that's a' that's to trust to."—Bride of Lammermoor.

"Spoken to them who, designing to name one person, by mistake names another, perhaps a sweetheart."—Kelly.

"Widdy," rope or gallows. Meaning that those who occupy political or subservient positions do so only during the pleasure of their superiors.

The two last sayings are common to many nations. "Some friends are nearer to me than others—my parents and children than my other relations, those than my neighbours, my neighbours than strangers; but, above all, I am next to myself."—Ray.

This fact is so well ascertained that there is another to the same effect. "Farthest frae the kirk aye soonest at it;" and the English are of a similar opinion, for Spenser writes:

"A prophane jest upon those who are like to fall, wishing that they may either break their neck or come off safe; for breaking a limb will make them useless subjects."—Kelly.

"Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood."—Italian. In the second clause we have another discreditable imputation on the weaving fraternity, implying that they only work when compelled by hunger, and are not naturally industrious.

"'This is your mother, is it not?' (Cuddie nodded.) 'What can have brought your mother and you down the[237] water so late?' 'Troth, stir, just what gars the auld wives trot—neshessity, stir. I'm seeking for service, stir.'"—Old Mortality.

Do not do strange acts merely for the sake of astonishing your friends.

"Quaich," a small and shallow drinking-cup with two ears. The proverb has a similar meaning to "Fair fa' the wife," &c., q. v.

That is, do not resort to extreme measures when mild means will suffice.

"'Tell them all this, and hear what they say till't.'

"'Indeed, mistress, I can tell ye that already, without stirring my shanks for the matter,' answered Nelly Trotter; 'they will e'en say that ye are ae auld fule, and me anither, that may hae some judgment in cock-bree or in scate-rumples, but maunna fash our beards about onything else.'"—St Ronan's Well.

Addressed to impertinent persons who find fault with the personal appearance or dress of others.

"If you will be a knave, be not in a trifle, but in something of value. A Presbyterian minister had a son who was made Archdeacon of Ossery; when this was told to his father, he said, 'If my son will be a knave, I am glad that he will be an archknave.' This has the same sense, 'As good be hanged for an old sheep as a young lamb.'"—Kelly.

This means, jocularly, if you wish to kill me, do it not by starvation; in other words, give me something to eat.

"'But you must recollect, that before taking such a step you ought to be pretty well provided with means.'

"'Ou', fegs! I hae nae trick o' letting my feet rin faster than my shoon. I'll no forget the means, ye may be sure; and as for Jean hersel, I hae nae skill o' women folk, if she's no just as willing as me.'"—The Disruption.

The Gordons were the ruling clan in Strathbogie; and the proverb means that we should never speak ill of a man on his own property.

"The deacon used to say to me, 'Nick—young Nick' (his name was Nicol as well as mine, sae folk ca'd us, in their daffin, young Nick and auld Nick)—'Nick,' said he, 'never put out your arm farther than ye can draw it easily back again.'"—Rob Roy.

That is, do not exert yourself beyond your strength.

"If a man be fat, plump, and in good liking, I shall not ask what keeping he has had."—Kelly.

"John had never before taken any debtor to law, his motto being, 'Never spend gude siller looking for bad;' but in this case, he said, he was determined to roup them to the door, although it shouldna put a penny in his pouch."—Roy's "Generalship."

Of similar import to "Ne'er draw your dirk," q. v.

Kelly says this is "commonly said to wives when they come from the mill, but the occasion, sense, or meaning I know not." Is it not because they are always dissatisfied with the "mouter" which the miller takes?

Used to signify that an article is good for nothing.

"They were decent, considerate men, that didna plague a puir herd callant muckle about a moorfowl or a mawkin, unless he turned common fowler—Sir Robert Ringhorse used to say, the herd lads shot as mony gleds and pyots as[241] they did game. But new lords new laws—naething but fine and imprisonment, and the game no a feather the plentier."—St Ronan's Well.

"It may be Scotch folk's wooing; but if that's the gait Betty Bodle means to use you, Watty, my dear, I would see her, and a' the Kilmarkeckles that ever were cleckit, doon the water, or strung in a wuddy, before I would hae onything to say to ane come o' their seed or breed. To lift her hands to her bridegroom!"—The Entail.

"Spoken when friends die and leave good legacies."—Kelly.

"Aith," or oath, is here used in the sense of promise, signifying that from "ill debtors" men get not money but promises, which, of course, are never performed.

"In Scotland no woman is suffered to wear a silk hood unless she be a gentlewoman; that is, a gentleman's daughter, or married to a gentleman. A rich maid having the offer of a wealthy yeoman, or a bare gentleman, wished for the last, to qualify her to wear a black hood. It is since spoken to such wealthy maidens upon the like occasion."—Kelly.

This proverb is, we think, fairly entitled to rank as the second longest on record, the first being, as recorded by Trench, the German one, "Folk say there is a lack of four people on earth," &c. Kelly says that "this was a speech of a countrywoman of mine to a guest that she would gladly have shaken off, and being so oddly expressed it became a proverb, which we repeat when we think our friend does not entertain us heartily."

"Davy Lindsay and Wallace" were two books formerly used in schools; and the proverb is used when a person changes, or, more properly, advances from one thing to another.

"Long absent, soon forgotten."—English.

"Out of the frying pan into the fire."—English.

"Out of the mire into the brook."—Spanish.

Kippen, in Stirlingshire, was formerly so very remote and little frequented by strangers, that a visit to it was jocularly deemed equivalent to going out of the world altogether; and the remark passed into a proverb, used when a person is going to a strange place. The feudal lord of this district was formerly styled King of Kippen.

That is, externally grander or more showy than internal means justify. "Spoken when one builds a magnificent house upon a small income."—Kelly.

That is, from one extreme to the other.

Spoken when a person has too many projects in hand; meaning that some must fail.

"Too much familiarity breeds contempt."—English.

A rude but expressive way of saying that a person is not looking well, or is, Scotice, "thin."

To "culye" is to gain, to draw forth. "When people deal in rigour with us we think ourselves but little obliged to them."—Kelly.

Or, you are either too harsh and stringent, or the very reverse.

A slow and gradual rise is likely to prove a permanent one; but a rapid or sudden one merely temporary; or, as the Irishman said, "Up like a rocket, and down like its stick."

The tradesman is said to be troubled with two kinds of bad customers, viz., those who pay in advance, or "before-hand," and those who do not pay at all.

"Penny-wheep," says Jamieson, "is the weakest kind of small beer, sold at a penny per bottle;" and muslin-kail is a common kind of broth. The proverb expresses that poor service merits poor reward.

"Spoken when, after we had wanted a necessary person a long time, upon his arrival, another equally necessary is gone."—Kelly.

Applied when an awkward person is attempting to perform some work of which he is incapable.

For a great deal is said over them, which, but for their influence, would not be heard.

"Do not dare to offer to contest with me. Spoke by parents to stubborn children."—Kelly.

The knowledge that "whin bush" is the furze renders this saying easily intelligible.

This appears in no collection preceding Henderson's, and is probably a record of his own experience and that of his friends, he being a painter himself by profession, and on intimate terms with Motherwell and others.

"'I tell you, Master Moniplies,' said Jenkin, 'I am as poor as any Scot among you. I have broken my indenture, and I think of running the country.' 'A-well-a-day!' said Ritchie. 'But that maunna be, man. I ken weel, by sad experience, that poortith takes away pith, and the man sits full still that has a rent in his breeks.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.

We are unable to make much either of this proverb or of Kelly's note to it—"An ironical expression to a mean boy who would gladly be esteemed."

"Sweer'd," lazy or unwilling. Pride and laziness require much to support them.

"Spoken heretofore to young women when, in compliance with the fashion, they went with their breasts and[249] shoulders bare; and may now (1721) be applied to ladies with their extravagant hoops."—Kelly.

That is, pride bedecks herself, and the devil despoils.

"Puddings when cold are uneatable; and love when coldrife is near the breaking off."—Kelly.

"A baited cat is as fierce as a lion."—English.

"That is, cherish or love him, he'll never be naturally affected towards you."—Ray.

Spoken of a person who has wittingly placed himself in difficulties, and who attributes his bad position to fortune.

"In buying horses and taking a wife, shut your eyes and commend yourself to God."—Italian.

"Put your hand quickly to your hat, and slowly to your purse, and you will take no harm."—Danish.

Literally, put your legs in your thanks and make good gaiters of them. A sharp remark on those who pay in thanks only, when a more substantial reward is expected.

"Conceal it carefully—keep it secret."—Jamieson.

A "quey calf" is a female calf. They are generally kept to replenish the stock; it is bull calves that are principally fattened for killing young.

"That is, do a thing nimbly, for you'll never do it neatly."—Kelly.

Spoken jocularly when a person has rent or caught his clothes upon a nail or other projection.

"Raise no more spirits than you can conjure down."—German.

"Raw leather will stretch."—English.

Literally, robbers should not repent.

"People who live too fast when they are young will neither have a vigorous nor a comfortable old age."—Kelly.

"In October, the bracken or fern on hill pastures becomes red with the first frosty nights, and about that time the autumnal herbage is very rich, and productive of the good things in question."—Robert Chambers.

"'Red wood,' the name given to the reddish or dark-coloured and more incorruptible wood found in the heart of trees."—Jamieson.

"Routh o' friends," that is, many of them.

"Taken from riding through a puddle, but applied to too home jesting."—Kelly.

A proverbial expression, meaning that a person is totally mistaken about a matter.

These particular articles were formerly supposed to have a controlling power over witches.

To "royt" is to go about idly or dissolutely.

"Commend not a thing or a project till it has had its full effect."—Kelly.

"It is not good praising the ford till a man be over."—English.

Speak only of things as your experience has found them.

Literally, decayed by age, a short road seems a very long one.

"This proverb, and the reverse, viz., 'Ill payers are sore cravers,' I have never yet seen fail."—Kelly.

That is, delicate or painful subjects should be cautiously alluded to.

An uncharitable saying, expressing literally a wish that the meal bag may be empty when the hand is put in to take some.

"Spoken to them that flag when they have almost finished a difficult task."—Kelly.

"A caution of poor people to their children, how they meddle with their superiors; for, if they hurt the laird's bairns, they will be sure to be punished, but, if hurt by them, they will get no right."—Kelly.

A satire upon a boaster who is telling of some extraordinary thing which he pretends to have seen.

A jocular remark to a person who has refused something which has been offered to him.

"Talking pays nae toll."—English.

Or, at least, thinks them so.

To "scart the cog" is to scrape the inside of the dish.

"'Hout, fye—hout, fye—all nonsense and pride,' said the Laird of Summertrees, 'scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings, cousin Crosbie. Ye little ken what some of your friends were obliged to do yon time for a sowp of brose or a bit of bannock.'"—Redgauntlet.

That is, always reckon from the date of some untoward event, such as a death, an accident, or a fire.

The surly reply of a person who has been shunned for some trivial or mistaken reason by one who is compelled by circumstances to apply to him for information or assistance.

"Sel, sel," that is, the sin of selfishness.

A reproach upon those who boast of their gentle birth, but who possess nothing of greater value.

"Spoken when people foolishly come short of their errand."—Kelly.

An answer of those who are asked to do a favour when they would rather not oblige.

"'A lord!' ejaculated the astonished Mrs Dods: 'a lord come down to the Waal!—they will be neither to haud nor to bind now—ance wud and aye waur—a lord!—set them up and shute them forward—a lord!—the Lord have a care o' us!—a lord at the hottle! Maister Touchwood, it's my mind he will only prove to be a Lord o' Session.'"—St Ronan's Well.

That is, I have done you a service, see that you repay it.

"Spoken of a thrifty maiden when she becomes a lazy wife."—Kelly.

Spoken when a young woman marries before her elder sisters.

The two last sayings are applied to persons who behave in an impudent or forward manner.

"Spoken to dissuade our friend from marrying a woman whom we suspect to be too bold."—Kelly.

Applied to young women who have boasted, before marriage, of the "fine match" which they will get, but who afterwards are allied to common every-day people.

This means that a person may appear very conspicuous on account of a peculiar dress or manner.

"To die like Jenkin's hen is to die an old maid."—Jamieson.

That is, who knows her own destiny.

A Highlander, in speaking favourably of his wife, is reported to have misquoted this, and characterized her as being "bonnier than she was better."

That is, she is not very beautiful, but she is rich.

"Dressed completely; from top to toe."—Jamieson.

"An abatement of a woman's commendation to beauty."—Kelly.

"It is recorded of a celebrated beauty, Becky Monteith, that being asked how she had not made a good marriage, having replied, 'Ye see, I wadna hae the walkers, and the riders gaed by.'"—Ramsay's Reminiscences.

Applied to people who dress out of keeping with their work.

"'Force our way with the king's keys, and break the neck of every living soul we find in the house, if ye dinna gie it ower forthwith!' menaced the incensed Hobbie. 'Threatened folks live lang,' said the hag, in the same tone of irony; 'there's the iron gate—try your skeel on't, lads—it has kept out as good men as you or now.'"—The Black Dwarf.

"This was the good woman's reply to her husband when he complained of the exciseman's too demonstrative gallantry."—W. K. Kelly.

A jocular way of asking a person about people whom he has been to see.

"Sit in your place, and none can make you rise."—English.

A reverse of this saying is common to many countries—"Quick at meat, quick at work."

A remonstrance with a person who is doing a thing too hurriedly, signifying that there is plenty of time to spare for the purpose.

An insinuation that a person is very much addicted to tippling. "'Moistify,' a low word, generally used in a ludicrous sense in regard to topers."—Jamieson.

"Spoken by mothers to stubborn daughters, intimating they will come under the hands of a stepmother, who, it is likely, will not deal too tenderly with them."—Kelly.

And, we presume, the proverb would have the reader to understand they prosper or fail accordingly.

That is, some people do not do their work sufficiently, but you overdo it.

Some, though very bad, still have some redeeming qualities; the party addressed has none.

Meaning that some have and some have not good fortune.

To "show a gliff of the gowk" is to behave foolishly.

"Those who are least hurt cry loudest."—English.

An imprecation on a person who has surpassed another in an undertaking.

Literally, sorrow shake you out of your clothes.

That is, tradesmen and commercial persons are aware of the value of time.

"Spoken to them who are careful and penurious in some trifling things, but neglective in the main chance."—Kelly.

Jocularly applied to a person who approaches those who have just been inquiring for him.

A sharp remark to those who join in the conversation of others unsolicited or impertinently.

Spoken by rogues, who, when their respectability is questioned, refer to persons equally bad.

"Ask my comrade, who is as great a liar as myself."—French.

This means, simply, take a firm hold of a thing.

"'Am I no gaun to the ploy, then?' said Maggie, in a disappointed tone. 'And what for should ye?' said her lord and master; 'to dance a' night, I'se warrant, and no to be fit to walk your tae's-length the morn, and we have ten Scots miles afore us? Na, na. Stable the steed, and pit your wife to bed when there's night wark to do.'"—Redgauntlet.

"Standing pools gather filth."—English.

"Take a share of the mischief that you have occasioned."—Kelly.

"Advising men to take some good thing before they travel in a bad day."—Kelly.

"Spoken with resentment to them who storm when we crave of them our just debts."—Kelly.

"Spoken when one asks us for a drink of our wort, for what is drunk in wort will never be ale, good or bad."—Kelly.

In allusion to the contraction of debt and other liabilities.

"A jocose reproof to young maids when they lie long a-bed."—Kelly.

This is a familiar rendering of the great law of Homœopathy, Similia similibus curantur; but is usually interpreted thus: Sober yourself by taking another glass.

Addressed to children who are diffident in accepting a "piece."

"Maggy Shaw's Crocky is a broad flat stone, near to the brink of a precipice, overhanging the sea-shore, about a mile to the north of Eyemouth. This stone was placed over the remains of an old woman who had hanged herself, and who is said to be frequently seen at night sitting upon it, in the shape of a white sea-mew—sitting lonely on the

"'I can hear no remonstrances,' he continued, turning away from the Bailie, whose mouth was open to address him; 'the service I am on gives me no time for idle discussions.' 'Aweel, aweel, sir,' said the Bailie, 'you're welcome to a tune on your ain fiddle; but see if I dinna gar ye dance till't afore a's dune.'"—Rob Roy.

"I went once to a conventicle on a mountain side, in company of a very sage intelligent gentleman, who, seeing the preacher want two joints of each ring finger, having a nail upon the third, he immediately took horse and rode away. I asked him what ailed him? He said, 'God had set a mark upon that man, and he was sure it was not for nothing.' This man proved a great plague to his country, was the death of a great many, and came to a violent end himself."—Kelly.

Bear patiently taunts and ill usage, if advantages come with them.

This and the preceding proverb, Kelly says, "are spoken to them who obstinately persist in an unreasonable design."

Used sarcastically by those who take a good meal before they go to partake of one with a friend; signifying that they do not expect to be too well treated.

Persons in the same trade are generally willing to oblige one another. "Pipers don't pay fiddlers."—English. "One barber shaves another."—French.

That is, such a thing is better done or told than you could do it.

Or will injure me by reducing my income or prospects.

Spoken to a person who is about to attempt a thing of which he is considered incapable.

A hearty expression accompanying a substantial "piece" or meal.

"I canna but think I maun hae made a queer figure without my hat and my periwig, hanging by the middle like bawdrons, or a cloak flung ower a cloakpin. Bailie Grahame wad hae an unco hair in my neck an he got that tale by the end."—Rob Roy.

The "yaird" being the safest place where the ewes could be, the proverb means that a thing is quite right.

"Mr Novit, ye'll no forget to draw the annual rent that's due on the yerl's band—if I pay debt to other folk, I think[273] they suld pay it to me—that equals aquals.—Jock, when ye hae naething else to do, ye may be aye sticking in a tree; it will be growing, Jock, when ye're sleeping. My father tauld me sae forty years sin', but I ne'er fand time to mind him."—Heart of Midlothian.

Meaning that such a thing is exactly what is wanted.

"Spoken when a thing is done with slight materials, and, consequently, will not be lasting."—Kelly.

Halkerston, a lawyer and landed proprietor, gave permission to one of his tenants to graze an ox. The tenant's ox was gored to death by a heifer belonging to the lawyer. The tenant went to Halkerston, and told the story the reverse of what had occurred. "Why, then," said the lawyer, "your ox must go for my heifer—the law provides that." "No," said the man, "your heifer killed my ox." "Oh," said Halkerston, "the case alters there," and forthwith reversed his tactics.

"Metaphorically, a benefit ill requited."—Jamieson.

Spoken by a person who has forestalled another by telling the same news or story which the other was about to do.

A sharp reply to those who presume to be too familiar.

"Spoken when we have attained our end in spite of opposition."—Kelly.

"'Sunks,' a sort of saddle made of cloth, and stuffed with straw, on which two persons can sit at once."—Jamieson.

Kelly is democratically angry at the questionable sentiment of this proverb,—"A cursed distrustful proverb!" he says. "God is able to maintain the poor man's child as well as the young master or young miss, and often in a more healthy and plump condition."

The jocular answer of a person who is blamed for doing something on Sunday.

"The black ox is said to tramp on one who has lost a near relation by death, or met with some severe calamity."—The Antiquary.

"When the new moon is in such a part of the ecliptic as to appear turned much over upon her back, wet weather is expected."—Robert Chambers.

"To come back toom-tail is to go away with a load and come back empty."—Jamieson.

The proverb is applied to those who accomplish more than their errand.

A profane grace of hungry persons who sit down to a good meal.

Literally, the dirtier the more comfortable. Whether true or not we cannot say.

"While the grass is growing the steed is starving."—German.

"You may want my kindness hereafter, though you deny me yours just now."—Kelly.

Used as an incentive to diligence and industry.

"The early bird catches the worm."—English.

Prudence and caution are necessary at all times.

The inference is, that the person addressed has a very remote chance indeed of ever doing well.

"It is supposed that he who has lost the wife of his youth and love will easily bear the loss of a second or third, who are commonly married rather for convenience than love."—Kelly.

Applied to those who undertake work of which they are incapable.

"'Hout tout, neighbour, ye maunna tak the warld at its word,' said Saddletree; 'the very deil is no sae ill as he's ca'd; and I ken mair than ae advocate that may be said to hae some integrity as weel as their neighbours; that is, after a sort o' fashion o' their ain.'"—Heart of Midlothian.

"Ower grit," too familiar.

A saying of the Covenanters, that the followers of Graham of Claverhouse were on affectionate terms with the favourites of the Evil One.

Meaning that promises of amendment made on a sick-bed are seldom kept.

"All criminals preach under the gallows."—Italian.

"Dorty," says Jamieson, "is applied to a female who is saucy with her suitors." That she may have to marry a more ineligible person than the one refused is here implied.

"A pretended account of the behaviour of these three nations when they want meat."—Kelly.

Those who have sufficient money or property already are always getting additions to their stores.

Or the first threat of a boaster or coward is always the worst.

However, although fairest, it is not the best, for another proverb of our own says, "Nearer the bane the sweeter."

Spoken of useful people who are, however, as troublesome as they are useful.

Alluding to the uncertainty of earthly things; meaning, literally, that the grandsire buys estates on which the father builds, the son sells the property, and forces the grandson again in turn to beg.

"The husband's mother is the wife's devil."—Dutch.

"He who has a good wife can bear any evil; he who has a bad wife can expect no happiness that can be so called."—Spanish.

This is equalled by a saying of another country, which has "keeping the sea back with a pitchfork" as its type of nonsense.

"Spoken when poor people give small gifts to be doubly repaid."—Kelly.

Applied to persons who have an exaggerated idea of their own importance.

This proverb, which is exclusively Scottish, means that a person who has been slighted, or whose services have been despised, may have an opportunity of retaliating at a future time.

"It signifies that the time may come that I may get my revenge upon such people, and then I will do it to purpose."—Kelly.

"Spoken when people say something is too much, intimating that they need take no more than they have need for."—Kelly.

To "lightlie" is to despise or treat with contempt.

This is merely a phrase, but a very expressive one. It implies emphatically that "the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," has been told.

A fat man riding upon a lean horse was asked how it came to pass that he was so fat while his horse was so lean? "Because," said he, "I feed myself, but my servant feeds the horse."

"The master's eye puts meat on the horse's ribs."—Irish.

Or the man who does not know his business cannot look properly after it.

"Donald Bean Lean, being aware that the bridegroom was in request, and wanting to cleik the cunzie (that is, hook the siller), he cannily carried off Gilliewhackit ae night when he was riding dovering hame (wi' the maut rather abune the meal), and with the help of his gillies he[284] gat him into the hills with the speed of light, and the first place he wakened in was the Cove of Vaimh an Ri."—Waverley.

A "stimpart" is the fourth part of a peck. They who cannot obtain luxuries must content themselves with necessaries.

"'To shank,' to travel on foot."—Jamieson.

"'Cauld steerie,' sourmilk and meal stirred together in a cold state."—Jamieson.

Used as a taunt to those who complain of common food.

Or they who elevate themselves to a public position are sure to be conspicuous.

A jocular salutation to those who drop in to visit a friend.

"Spoken to them who have imprudently engaged with some who have been too cunning or too hard for them."—Kelly.