Metaphorically, "He will kill them, or give the finishing stroke."—Jamieson.
Metaphorically, "He will kill them, or give the finishing stroke."—Jamieson.
He'll either win the horse or tine the saddle.
He'll gang mad on a horse wha's proud on a pownie.
Spoken of those who take undue advantage of the slight authority they possess.
Spoken of those who take undue advantage of the slight authority they possess.
He'll gang nae farther than his tether's length.
He'll gang to hell for house profit.
He'll get the poor man's answer, "No."
He'll gie his bane to nae dog.
He'll gie you the whistle o' your groat.
He'll hae enough some day, when his mouth's fu' o' mools.
"Spoken of covetous people, who will never be satisfied while they are alive."—Kelly.
"Spoken of covetous people, who will never be satisfied while they are alive."—Kelly.
He'll hing by the lug o't.
"Keep a firm hold of it, as a bull-dog does of his prey."—Jamieson.
"Keep a firm hold of it, as a bull-dog does of his prey."—Jamieson.
He'll hing that ower my head.
"'She would haud me nae better than the dirt below her feet,' said Effie to herself, 'were I to confess I hae danced wi' him four times on the green down by, and ance at Maggie Macqueen's; and she'll maybe hing it ower my head that she'll tell my father, and then she wad be mistress and mair.'"—Heart of Midlothian.
"'She 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 kythe in his ain colours yet.
"He'll appear without disguise; he'll be known for the man he is."—Jamieson.
"He'll appear without disguise; he'll be known for the man he is."—Jamieson.
He'll lick the white frae your e'en.
"This phrase is always applied when people, with pretence of friendship, do you an ill turn, as one licking a mote out of your eye makes it blood shot."—Allan Ramsay.
"This phrase is always 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.
He'll mak a spune or spoil a horn.
"Ay, ay, we're a' subject to a downcome. Mr Osbaldistone is a gude honest gentleman; but I aye said he was ane o' them wad mak a spune or spoil a horn, as my father, the worthy deacon, used to say."—Rob Roy.
"Ay, ay, we're 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.
He'll mend when he grows better, like sour ale in summer.
"The young laird of Balmawhapple, ... he had no imperfection but that of keeping light company at a time; such as Jinker the horse-couper, and Gibby Gaethroughwi't, the piper o' Cupar; 'O' whilk follies, Mr Saunderson, he'll mend, he'll mend,' pronounced the bailie. 'Like sour ale in summer,' added Davie Gellatley, who happened to be nearer the conclave than they were aware of."—Waverley.
"The young laird of Balmawhapple, ... he had no 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.
He'll need to dree the dronach o't.
He'll ne'er send you awa wi' a sair heart.
He'll neither dance nor haud the candle.
Like the dog in the manger, he will neither enjoy himself, nor allow others to do so.
Like the dog in the manger, he will neither enjoy himself, nor allow others to do so.
He'll neither dee nor do weel.
Sarcastically applied to people who may be peevish or fretful through ill health.
Sarcastically applied to people who may be peevish or fretful through ill health.
He'll neither haud nor bind.
"'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 longheldthat it may beboundwith a rope."—Jamieson.
"'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 longheldthat it may beboundwith a rope."—Jamieson.
He'll neither hup nor wine.
Of similar import to the preceding.Hupandwineare two words used in guiding plough and cart horses.
Of similar import to the preceding.Hupandwineare two words used in guiding plough and cart horses.
He'll never rue but ance, and that'll be a' his life.
"Ride down to Portanferry, and let nae grass grow at the nag's heels; and if ye find him in confinement, ye maun stay beside him night and day for a day or twa, for he'll want friends that hae baith heart and hand; and if ye neglect this, ye'll never rue but ance, for it will be for a' your life."—Guy Mannering.
"Ride down to 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.
He'll no gie an inch o' his will for a span o' his thrift.
That is, regardless of expense, his wishes must be gratified.
That is, regardless of expense, his wishes must be gratified.
He'll no gie the head for the washing.
To "keep the head for the washing" is to retain possession of an article which has been made to order or repaired until all charges upon it are paid.
To "keep the head for the washing" is to retain possession of an article which has been made to order or repaired until all charges upon it are paid.
He'll no let the grass grow at his heels.
He'll no sell his hen on a rainy day.
He will not sell his wares at an unpropitious time.
He will not sell his wares at an unpropitious time.
He'll rather turn than burn.
He'll shoot higher that shoots at the moon, than he that shoots at the midden, e'en though he may miss his mark.
He'll soon be a beggar that canna say "No."
He'll tell it to nae mair than he meets.
He'll wag as the bush wags.
That is, he will do as circumstances compel him.
That is, he will do as circumstances compel him.
He loes me for little that hates me for nought.
His love has never been very strong if it turns for a trifle.
His love has never been very strong if it turns for a trifle.
He'll wind you a pirn.
"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.
"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.
He lo'ed mutton weel that lick'd where the ewie lay.
"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.
"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.
He looks as if he could swallow a cow.
This saying and the four which follow are expressive of peculiarities in the appearance of persons.
This saying and the four which follow are expressive of peculiarities in the appearance of persons.
He looks as if the wood were fu' o' thieves.
He looks like a Lochaber axe fresh frae the grundstane.
He looks like the far end of a French fiddle.
"Gin ye wad thole to hear a friend,Tak tent, and nae wi' strunts offend,I've seen queans dink, and neatly prim'dFrae tap to middle,Looking just like the far-aff endO' an auld fiddle."—The Farmer's Ha'.
"Gin ye wad thole to hear a friend,Tak tent, and nae wi' strunts offend,I've seen queans dink, and neatly prim'dFrae tap to middle,Looking just like the far-aff endO' an auld fiddle."
—The Farmer's Ha'.
He looks like the laird o' fear.
He loses his time that comes sune to a bad bargain.
Help for help in hairst.
Farmers in time of harvest occasionally give each other a "day's shearing," or the use of the whole reaping staff for a day. Of course, the favour is returned, and the benefit rendered mutual.
Farmers 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.
Help is gude at a'thing, except at the cog.
"At the cog," signifies in taking our food.
"At the cog," signifies in taking our food.
He maks nae bairn's bargains.
He maun be a gude friend when you dinna ken his value.
He maun be soon up that cheats the tod.
He maun hae leave to speak that canna haud his tongue.
Addressed to people who talk foolishly or without purpose.
Addressed to people who talk foolishly or without purpose.
He maun lout that has a laigh door.
He maun rise soon that pleases a'body.
He may be trusted wi' a house fu' o' unbored millstanes.
Meaning that such a person cannot be trusted at all.
Meaning that such a person cannot be trusted at all.
He may find fault that canna mend.
He may laugh that wins.
He may tine a stot that canna count his kine.
"The man may ablens tyne a stotThat cannot count his kinsch,In zour awin bow ze are owre-schotBe mair than half-an-inch."—Cherrie and the Slae.
"The man may ablens tyne a stotThat cannot count his kinsch,In zour awin bow ze are owre-schotBe mair than half-an-inch."
—Cherrie and the Slae.
He may weel soom wha has his head hauden up.
Meaning that a task is easy when assistance is given.
Meaning that a task is easy when assistance is given.
He needs a lang-shanket spoon that sups kail wi' the deil.
"He that has to do with wicked and false men had need to be cautious and on his guard."—Kelly.
"He that has to do with wicked and false men had need to be cautious and on his guard."—Kelly.
He needs maun rin that the deil drives.
He ne'er did a gude darg that gaed grumbling about it.
"A gude darg" means here a good day's work.
"A gude darg" means here a good day's work.
He ne'er tint a cow that grat for a groat.
Literally, he never lost a cow who cried for the loss of a groat.
Literally, he never lost a cow who cried for the loss of a groat.
He never lies but when the holly's green.
The holly being an evergreen, that is to say, a person never speaks truth at all.
The holly being an evergreen, that is to say, a person never speaks truth at all.
He picked it up at his ain hand, as the cow learned flinging.
He puts his meat in an ill skin.
Meaning that although a person takes plenty of food and nourishment, his appearance belies it.
Meaning that although a person takes plenty of food and nourishment, his appearance belies it.
He puts in a bad purse that puts in his pechan.
He reads his sin in his punishment.
Henry Clark never slew a man till he come at him.
"A ridicule upon them that threaten hard and dare not execute."—Kelly.
"A ridicule upon them that threaten hard and dare not execute."—Kelly.
Hen's are aye free o' horse corn.
Hen scarts and filly tails, make lofty ships wear lowly sails.
"Certain light kinds of clouds are thus denominated, from their supposed resemblance to the scratches of hens on the ground and the tails of young mares. They are held as prognosticative of stormy weather."—Robert Chambers.
"Certain 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.
Here-awa, there-awa, like the Laird o' Hotch Potch's lands.
"Castle fa'an?—na', but the sute's fa'an, and the thunners come right down the kitchen-lumm, and the things are a' lying here-awa, there-awa, like the Laird o' Hotch Potch's lands."—Bride of Lammermoor.
"Castle fa'an?—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.
Here's the wine, but where's the wa-nuts?
He reives the kirk to theek the quire.
To "steal from the church to roof the choir," is "to rob Peter to pay Paul."
To "steal from the church to roof the choir," is "to rob Peter to pay Paul."
He rides on the riggin' o't.
That is, he goes to a very great extreme.
That is, he goes to a very great extreme.
He rides sicker that never fa's.
He rides well that never falls: he is a perfect man who never errs.
He rides well that never falls: he is a perfect man who never errs.
He rules easier wi' a saugh wand than wi' a sharp brand.
He's aftener there than in the parish kirk.
He's a bodie o' the nick-stick kind.
"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 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.
He's a cake and pudding courtier.
He's a causey saint and a house deil.
One whose outward deportment towards strangers is not in unison with the harshness which he exercises at home.
One whose outward deportment towards strangers is not in unison with the harshness which he exercises at home.
He's a' fair gude e'en, and fair gude-day.
He's a fool that asks ower muckle, but he's a greater fool that gies it.
He's a fool that forgets himsel.
He's a fool that marries at Yule; for when the bairn's to bear the corn's to shear.
He's a gude horse that never stumbled, and a better wife that never grumbled.
"Both so rare, that I never met with either."—Kelly.
"Both so rare, that I never met with either."—Kelly.
He is a gude piper's bitch; he's aye in at meal-times.
He's a gude shot that hits aye the mark.
He's a hardy man to draw a sword at a haggis.
He's a hawk o' a right nest.
He's a man o' wise mind that o' a foe can mak a friend.
He's an auld horse that winna nicher at corn.
He's ane o' snaw-ba's bairntime.
"That is, such as wealth and prosperity make worse, or who insensibly go behind in the world."—Kelly.
"That is, such as wealth and prosperity make worse, or who insensibly go behind in the world."—Kelly.
He's a poor beggar that canna gang by ae door.
He's a poor man that's never missed.
He's a proud beggar that maks his ain awmous.
That is, he is proud or well pleased who succeeds in realising his own expectations or wishes.
That is, he is proud or well pleased who succeeds in realising his own expectations or wishes.
He's a proud horse that winna carry his ain corn.
He's a sairy cook that canna lick his ain fingers.
He's as bare as the birk at Yule.
He's as bauld as a Lammermuir lion.
"A sheep is called a Lammermuir lion; and the proverb is applied, in a sarcastic way, to a boasting or assuming person, or to a braggadocio fellow, who is a coward at bottom."—G. Henderson."As fierce as a lion on Cotswold."—English.
"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.
He's as gleg as a gled.
He's as happy as a dead bird.
He's a selfish skyte that cares but for his ain kyte.
He's as fu' as a fiddler.
Equivalent to being as "drunk as a lord."
Equivalent to being as "drunk as a lord."
He's as gleg as M'Keachen's elshin, that ran through sax plies o' bend-leather into the king's heel.
Quoted in theHeart of Midlothianwhen Sharpitlaw, accompanied by Ratcliffe and Madge Wildfire, go to Muschat's Cairn in search of Robertson.
Quoted in theHeart of Midlothianwhen Sharpitlaw, accompanied by Ratcliffe and Madge Wildfire, go to Muschat's Cairn in search of Robertson.
He's as hard wi' me as if I had been the wild Scot o' Galloway.
He's a silly chield that can neither dae nor say.
He's as stiff as if he had swallowed the poker.
He's as welcome as snaw in hairst.
He's as welcome as water in a riven ship.
He's auld and cauld, and ill to lie beside.
He's awfu' big ahint the door.
To be "big ahint the door," is to be very courageous when there is no occasion for it.
To be "big ahint the door," is to be very courageous when there is no occasion for it.
He's a wise man that can tak care o' himsel.
He's aye for out o' the cheese-fat he was moulded in.
"'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.
"'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.
He's aye wise ahint the hand.
"Ye noo hae hit the nail upo' the head,I better wi' less travel micht hae deen,Had I been tenty as I sud hae been;But fouks, they say, are wise ahint the han',Whilk to be true unto my cost I fan."—Ross's Helenore.
"Ye noo hae hit the nail upo' the head,I better wi' less travel micht hae deen,Had I been tenty as I sud hae been;But fouks, they say, are wise ahint the han',Whilk to be true unto my cost I fan."
—Ross's Helenore.
He's as wise as Wudsie's calf, that kent milk frae water.
He's been at the kirk o' Crackabout, whaur the kail pat was the minister.
He's better fed than bred.
He's blind that eats marrow, but far blinder that lets him.
He's but Jock the laird's brither.
"The Scottish lairds concern and zeal for the standing and continuance of their families, makes the provision for their younger sons very small."—Kelly.
"The Scottish lairds concern and zeal for the standing and continuance of their families, makes the provision for their younger sons very small."—Kelly.
He's cooling and supping.
"That is, he has nothing but from hand to mouth."—Kelly.
"That is, he has nothing but from hand to mouth."—Kelly.
He's cowpet the crans.
"It's a great misery to me that I hae nae books to let you look ower to see my losses; but what gude, when I think on't, would the sight o' losses do to you? It wouldna put a plack in your pouch—aiblins every twa or three pages ye wad see this ane or that ane cowpet the crans, and deep in my debt."—Laird of Logan.
"It's a 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.
He seeks nae mair than a bit an' a brat.
Meaning that he is content with little.
Meaning that he is content with little.
He's either a' honey or a' dirt.
He is either exceedingly affectionate and kind, orvice versa.
He is either exceedingly affectionate and kind, orvice versa.
He sell't his soul for a cracket saxpence.
He's failed wi' a fu' hand.
When a man "fails wi' a fu' hand," he defrauds his creditors with the assistance of the Bankruptcy Act.
When a man "fails wi' a fu' hand," he defrauds his creditors with the assistance of the Bankruptcy Act.
He's frae the tap o' the wing, but ye're a grey-neck quill.
Meaning, we presume, that a man is not so good as he would like to be thought, or as some person he may have compared himself with.
Meaning, we 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.
He's free o' fruit that wants an orchard.
He's fond o' barter that niffers wi' Auld Nick.
He's gane aff at the nail.
Or "destitute of any regard to propriety of conduct; mad; wrongheaded; tipsy."—Jamieson.
Or "destitute of any regard to propriety of conduct; mad; wrongheaded; tipsy."—Jamieson.
He's gane a' to pigs and whistles.
"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.
"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.
He's gane ower the buss taps.
"To behave extravagantly; to go over the tops of the bushes."—Jamieson.
"To behave extravagantly; to go over the tops of the bushes."—Jamieson.
He's gane to seek his faither's sword.
He's gane to the dog-drave.
He's got his leg ower the harrows.
He's got his nose in a gude kail pat.
Meaning that a person has been well provided for. Generally applied to a poor man who has married a rich wife.
Meaning that a person has been well provided for. Generally applied to a poor man who has married a rich wife.
He's gude that never failed.
He's his faither's better, like the cooper o' Fogo.
"Fogo is a small decayed village near Dunse. It appears that each generation of its coopers improved upon the plans or workmanship of their ancestors, and the son became better than the father."—G. Henderson.
"Fogo is a small 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.
He's horn deaf on that side o' his head.
That is, he has already made up his mind upon that matter.
That is, he has already made up his mind upon that matter.
He should be seldom angry that has few to mease him.
He's idle that might be better employed.
He's ill-faur'd that dogs bark at.
"'I have had that wad sober me or ony ane,' said the matron. 'Aweel, Tib, a lass like me wasna to lack wooers, for I wasna sae ill-favoured that the tikes wad bark after me.'"—The Monastery.
"'I 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.
He's in the wrang when praised that glunshes.
He sits fu' close that has riven breeks.
"This elegant speech was made by the Earl of Douglas, called Tineman, after being wounded and made prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, where
"This elegant speech was made by the Earl of Douglas, called Tineman, after being wounded and made prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, where
"'His well-labouring swordHad three times slain the semblance of the king.'"—Fortunes of Nigel.
"'His well-labouring swordHad three times slain the semblance of the king.'"
—Fortunes of Nigel.
He sits wi' little ease wha sits on his neighbour's coat tail.
He's John Tamson's man.
"'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.
"'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.
He's laid down the barrow.
That is, "he's cowpet the crans,"q. v.
That is, "he's cowpet the crans,"q. v.
He sleeps as dogs do when wives sift meal.
Meaning that a person is very sharp, and that he, figuratively, sleeps with one eye open.
Meaning that a person is very sharp, and that he, figuratively, sleeps with one eye open.
He's lifeless that's faultless.
Implying that no one is without fault.
Implying that no one is without fault.
He's like a bagpipe, ne'er heard till his wame's fu'.
He's like a chip amang parritch—little gude, little ill.
He's like a cow in a fremit loaning.
That is, strange, or out of place. "Fremit loaning," strange lane.
That is, strange, or out of place. "Fremit loaning," strange lane.
He's like a flea in a blanket.
He's like a singet cat—better than he's bonny.
He's like the craws, he eats himsel' out o' ply.
He's like the smith's dog—so weel used to the sparks that he'll no burn.
Spoken of people who are so much accustomed to tipple, that they never seem any the worse of it.
Spoken of people who are so much accustomed to tipple, that they never seem any the worse of it.
He's like the wife's bawty—kens naething about it.
He slippet awa like a knotless thread.
He's loose in the heft.
He's mair buirdly i' the back than i' the brain.
He's mair fleyed than hurt.
He's mair worth hanging than hauding.
He's nae gude weaver that leaves lang thrums.
No good workman who wastes material, or leaves work in a slovenly state.
No good workman who wastes material, or leaves work in a slovenly state.
He's nae sma' drink.
He's ne'er at ease that's angry.
He snites his nose in his neighbour's dish to get the brose himsel.
This rude but expressive saying is used when a person has done another an injury in order to benefit himself.
This rude but expressive saying is used when a person has done another an injury in order to benefit himself.
He's no a man to ride the water wi'.
"A phrase applied to one who, it is believed, cannot be depended on."—Jamieson.
"A phrase applied to one who, it is believed, cannot be depended on."—Jamieson.
He's no a stirk o' the right stock.
"I was a friendless lad, and ye took me by the hand,—and could I sit still and see scathe befa' my benefactor, I wouldna be a stirk o' the right stock, that's bred on the land o' Scotland."—Sir Andrew Wylie.
"I was a friendless 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.
He's no gude to creel eggs wi'.
"Not safe or easy to deal with."—Jamieson.
"Not safe or easy to deal with."—Jamieson.
He's no nice but needfu'.
He's no sae daft as he lets on.
He's no steel to the bane.
He's no the best wright that casts maist spails.
He's no the fool that the fool is, but he that wi' the fool deals.
He's no the happiest wha has maist gear.
He's no worth kissing caps wi'.
To "kiss caps wi'," is to keep company with, to associate together in drinking.
To "kiss caps wi'," is to keep company with, to associate together in drinking.
He's out and in, like a dog at a fair.
He's ower auld a cat to draw a strae before.
"The rents and the lands are but a sair fash to me," re-echoed Ailie; "and I'm ower failed to tak a helpmate, though Wylie Mactrickit, the writer, was very pressing, and spak very civilly; but I'm ower auld a cat to draw that strae before me—he canna whilliwhaw me as he's done mony a ane."—Old Mortality.
"The rents and the lands are 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.
He's ower-shot wi' his ain bow.
Overreached with his own weapons.
Overreached with his own weapons.
He's ower soon up that's hanged ere noon.
He's soger bred but major minded.
He's ta'en a start and an owerloup.
"The usual expression for a slight encroachment on a neighbour's property."—Sir Walter Scott.
"The usual expression for a slight encroachment on a neighbour's property."—Sir Walter Scott.
He speaks like a prent book.
He speaks in his drink what he thinks in his drouth.
He spoke as if every word would lift a dish.
In allusion to a person who has addressed another in a very pompous or affected manner.
In allusion to a person who has addressed another in a very pompous or affected manner.
He's poor enough that's ill faur'd.
He's poor that canna promise.
He's rich that has nae debt.
He's sairest dung that's paid wi' his ain wand.
That is, he suffers most who injures himself by his own folly, or by means which may have been intended to injure another.
That is, he suffers most who injures himself by his own folly, or by means which may have been intended to injure another.
He's silly that spares for ilka speech.
He's sometimes i' the air, but ye're aye on the grund.
He's the bee that maks the honey.
He's the best spoke o' your wheel.
He's the slave o' a slaves wha ser's nane but himsel.
He's twice fain that sits on a stane.
"That is, glad to sit down, because he is weary, and glad to rise, because the stone is hard."—Kelly.
"That is, glad to sit down, because he is weary, and glad to rise, because the stone is hard."—Kelly.
He starts at straes, and lets windlins gae.
This saying is, we think, exclusively Scotch. It very briefly but pithily applies to those who, while anxiously correcting trifling errors, allow greater ones to pass unheeded: who strain at gnats, and swallow camels.
This saying is, we 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.
He streaks reem in my teeth.
"Spoken when we think one only flattering us, and not earnest or sincere in what they pretend."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we think one only flattering us, and not earnest or sincere in what they pretend."—Kelly.
He struts like a craw in the gutter.
He stumbles at a strae and loups ower a linn.
He's unco fond o' farming that wad harrow wi' the cat.
He's unco fu' in his ain house that canna pick a bane in his neighbour's.
Satirically applied to those who are unwilling to partake of a meal in a friend's house.
Satirically applied to those who are unwilling to partake of a meal in a friend's house.
He's waur to water than to corn.
Fonder of his meat than his drink.
Fonder of his meat than his drink.
He's weel boden there ben that will neither borrow nor lend.
Meaning that a person must be very well off indeed who can afford to dispense with all assistance.
Meaning that a person must be very well off indeed who can afford to dispense with all assistance.
He's weel eased that has o' his ain.
He's weel worthy o' sorrow that buys it wi' his ain siller.
He's wise that kens when he's weel enough.
"This is a pitch of wisdom to which few attain."—Kelly.
"This is a pitch of wisdom to which few attain."—Kelly.
He's wise that's timely wary.
He's worth gowd that can win it.
He's worth nae weel that can bide nae wae.
He that ance gets his fingers i' the dirt can hardly get them out again.
He that bides weel betides weel.
He that bids me to meat wishes me to live.
He that blaws best bears awa the horn.
He that blaws in the stoor fills his ain een.
He that borrows and bigs, maks feasts and thigs, drinks an's no dry,—nane o' these three are thrifty.
He that buys a house that's wrought has mony a pin and nail for nought.
He that buys land buys stanes; he that buys beef buys banes; he that buys nuts buys shells; he that buys gude ale buys naething else.
He that can hear Dumbuck may hear Dumbarton.
Dumbuck Hill, in Argyleshire, is farther from Glasgow (thelocaleof this saying) than Dumbarton: proverbially applied to those who are better acquainted with circumstances than they pretend to be, but who, in their anxiety to gain more information, betray themselves.
Dumbuck Hill, in Argyleshire, is farther from Glasgow (thelocaleof 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 canna do as he would maun do as he may.
He that canna gie favours should seek nane.
He that canna mak sport should mar nane.
He that cheats in daffin winna be honest in earnest.
He that cheats me ance, shame fa' him; he that cheats me twice, shame fa' me.
He that comes first to the ha' may sit where he will.
He that comes o' hens maun scrape.
He that counts a' costs will ne'er put plough i' the grund.
"He that forecasts all difficulties that he may meet with in his business will never set about it."—Kelly.
"He that forecasts all difficulties that he may meet with in his business will never set about it."—Kelly.
He that counts without his host may have to count twice.
He that deals in dirt has aye foul fingers.
He that does as he's bidden deserves nae bannin'.
He that does his turn in time sits half idle.
He that doesna mind corn pickles never comes to forpits.
"Get a large sheet of paper, man, and make a new pen, with a sharp neb, and a fine hair-stroke. Do not slit the quill up too high, it's a wastrife course in your trade, Andrew. They that do not mind corn pickles never come to forpits. I have known a learned man write a thousand pages with one quill."—Fortunes of Nigel.
"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.
He that does you an ill turn will ne'er forgie you.
He that drinks when he's no dry will be dry when he has nae drink.
He that eats a boll o' meal in bannocks eats a peck o' dirt.
He that eats but ae dish seldom needs the doctor.
He that fa's in a gutter, the langer he lies the dirtier he is.
He that fishes before the net, fishes lang or he fish get.
He that gapes till he be fed may gape till he be dead.
He that gets forgets, but he that wants thinks on.
He that gets gear before he gets wit is but a short time maister o't.
He that gies a' his gear to his bairns, tak up a beetle and ding out his harns.
"Taken from the history of one John Bell, who, having given his substance to his children, was by them neglected. After he died there was found in his chest a mallet with this inscription,—
"Taken from the history of one John Bell, who, having given his substance to his children, was by them neglected. After he died there was found in his chest a mallet with this inscription,—
"'I, John Bell, leave here a mell, the man to fell,Who gives all to his bairns, and keeps nothing to himsel.'"—Kelly.
"'I, John Bell, leave here a mell, the man to fell,Who gives all to his bairns, and keeps nothing to himsel.'"
—Kelly.
He that grapes in the dark may fyle his fingers.
He that hains his dinner will hae the mair to his supper.
He that has a bonnie wife needs mair than twa een.
He that has a dog at hame may gang to the kirk wi' a clean breast.
He that has ae sheep in a flock will like a' the lave the better for't.
"Spoken when we have a son at such a school, university, army, or society, we will wish the prosperity of these respective bodies upon his account."—Kelly.
"Spoken when we have a son at such a school, university, army, or society, we will wish the prosperity of these respective bodies upon his account."—Kelly.
He that has a goose will get a goose.
Or, he that is rich already has legacies left him; as, "The fat sow's tail's aye creash'd."
Or, he that is rich already has legacies left him; as, "The fat sow's tail's aye creash'd."
He that has a gude crap may thole some thistles.
He that has been very fortunate can easily put up with slight drawbacks.
He that has been very fortunate can easily put up with slight drawbacks.
He that has a muckle nose thinks ilka ane speaks o't.
"People who are sensible of their guilt are always full of suspicion."—Kelly.
"People who are sensible of their guilt are always full of suspicion."—Kelly.
He that has a wide wame ne'er had a lang arm.
That is, a corpulent person is never very active.
That is, a corpulent person is never very active.
He that has a wife has a maister.
"He that's not sensible of the truth of this proverb may blot it out or pass it over."—Kelly.
"He that's not sensible of the truth of this proverb may blot it out or pass it over."—Kelly.
He that has but ae ee maun tent it weel.
He that has gall in his mouth canna spit honey.
He that has his hand in the lion's mouth maun tak it out the best way he can.
Meaning that he who has willingly jeopardized himself must extricate himself without assistance.
Meaning that he who has willingly jeopardized himself must extricate himself without assistance.
He that has horns in his bosom needna put them on his head.
He that has just enough can soundly sleep; the owercome only fashes folk to keep.
He that has muckle wad aye hae mair.
He that hasna purse to fine may hae flesh to pine.
"'It will be nonsense fining me,' said Andrew, doughtily, 'that hasna a grey groat to pay a fine wi'—it's ill taking the breeks aff a Hielandman.' 'If ye hae nae purse to fine, ye hae flesh to pine,' replied the bailie, 'and I will look weel to ye getting your deserts the tae way or the tither.'"—Rob Roy.
"'It 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 that hasna siller in his purse should hae silk on his tongue.
He that has routh o' butter may butter his bread on baith sides.
He that has siller in his purse may want a head on his shouthers.
He that has twa hoards can get a third.
He that hath and winna keep it, he that wants and winna seek it, he that drinks and is not dry, siller shall want as well as I.
He that hews abune his head may get a spail in his ee.
He who aims at things beyond his power may be injured by his projects.
He who aims at things beyond his power may be injured by his projects.
He that hides kens whaur to seek.
He that ill does never gude weens.
He who is in the habit of ill-doing himself always has a bad opinion of others.
He who is in the habit of ill-doing himself always has a bad opinion of others.
He that invented the maiden first handselled her.
James, Earl of Morton, who invented the "maiden" or guillotine, was the first who suffered by it.
James, Earl of Morton, who invented the "maiden" or guillotine, was the first who suffered by it.
He that isna handsome at twenty, strong at thirty, wise at forty, rich at fifty, will never be handsome, strong, wise, or rich.
He that keeks through a keyhole may see what will vex him.
"He who looks through a hole will discover his dole."—Spanish.
"He who looks through a hole will discover his dole."—Spanish.
He that keeps the cat's dish keeps her aye crying.
He that kens what will be cheap or dear, needs be a merchant but for half-a-year.
As the exercise of his foresight will enable him to acquire a competency in that time.
As the exercise of his foresight will enable him to acquire a competency in that time.
He that kisses his wife at the market cross will hae mony to teach him.
He that lacks my mare may buy my mare.
Used when a person disparages an article that he may secure it to himself.
Used when a person disparages an article that he may secure it to himself.
He that laughs alane will mak sport in company.
He that lends his pot may seethe his kail in his loof.
He that lends money to a friend has a double loss.
Because he loses both his money and his friend.
Because he loses both his money and his friend.
He that lends you hinders you to buy.
He that lippens to chance lippens his back to a slap.
He that lippens to lent ploughs may hae his land lang lea.
He that relies on favours being granted is liable to disappointment.
He that relies on favours being granted is liable to disappointment.
He that lives on hope has a slim diet.
He that lo'es law will soon get his fill o't.
He that looks not ere he loup will fa' ere he wat.
He that looks to freets, freets will follow him.
"He that notices superstitious observances (such as spilling of salt, Childermass day, or the like) it will fall to him accordingly."—Kelly.
"He that notices superstitious observances (such as spilling of salt, Childermass day, or the like) it will fall to him accordingly."—Kelly.
He that maks friends fear'd o' his wit should be fear'd o' their memories.
He that marries a beggar gets a louse for a tocher.
He that marries a daw eats muckle dirt.