Idioms · 20 entries
A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
The expression is found in British collections of proverbs from the 16th century.
Britain - 16th century.
Biblical.
Biblical.
USA, late 19th century. Probably deriving from a much older British phrase - ‘care killed the cat’.
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Britain, 17th century proverb.
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Britain, 16th century proverb, from an Italian original.
USA, 19th century. First seen in the journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
USA, late 19th century.
Britain, 16th century proverb
Britain. 19th century but much earlier as a similarly-worded proverb.
Britain, 12th century. One of the oldest proverbs in the English language
Britain, 16th century proverb. One of the oldest proverbs in English.
Entry 1
Meaning A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
Usage Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.
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Entry 2
Meaning It’s better to have a lesser but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one that may come to nothing.
Usage One of the most widely used proverbs throughout the English-speaking world.
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Entry 3
Meaning A foolish person is very likely to lose his money.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 4
Meaning Money always has a telling influence.
Usage Worldwide, but somewhat uncommon.
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Entry 5
Meaning Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.
Usage Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.
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Entry 6
Meaning You cannot change your innate self.
Usage Widespread but rather formal form of expression. Not widely used by the young.
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Entry 7
Meaning Some endeavours either succeed or they don’t - to miss narrowly is still failure.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 8
Meaning Old proverb suggesting that children should not impinge on the adult world.
Usage Rarely used seriously any longer. Now more likely be heard in black and white movies than in real life.
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Entry 9
Meaning Being inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 10
Meaning Don't hurt someone that helps you.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 11
Meaning Don't count on receiving some benefit until you actually have it.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 12
Meaning Don't fret pointlessly about some mistake or loss when it can't be remedied.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 13
Meaning When you receive a gift accept it with good grace and don't find fault with it.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 14
Meaning Don't risk all your property on a single venture.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 15
Meaning allow someone a small concession and they will take advantage and try to take more.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 16
Meaning Remain positive in a tough situation.
Usage Although derived in the USA this idiom is more commonly heard now in Britain.
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Entry 17
Meaning Allow a disagreement or argument to be put in the past.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 18
Meaning Avoid restarting a conflict.
Usage Worldwide, but like many proverbs, now considered rather old-fashioned.
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Entry 19
Meaning You can encourage someone to to do something but, in the end, what they do is their own choice.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 20
Meaning Once animals (and people) are set in their ways they struggle to assimilate new ideas.
Usage Worldwide, but like many proverbs, now mostly used by the older generation.
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