He who is connected with a "daw," or drab, has many troubles to put up with.
He who is connected with a "daw," or drab, has many troubles to put up with.
He that marries a widow and twa dochters has three back doors to his house.
Or, as Kelly quotes, "three stark thieves; because his wife will put away things to them, or for them."
Or, as Kelly quotes, "three stark thieves; because his wife will put away things to them, or for them."
He that marries a widow will hae a dead man's head often thrown in his dish.
He that marries before he's wise will dee ere he thrive.
He that middles wi' tulzies may come in for the redding stroke.
To "middle with tulzies" is to interfere with quarrelsome people; the chances are that a person who does so will come off at a loss.
To "middle with tulzies" is to interfere with quarrelsome people; the chances are that a person who does so will come off at a loss.
He that never eats flesh thinks harigals a feast.
Parallel to the English proverb, "He who never eats flesh thinks pudding a dainty."
Parallel to the English proverb, "He who never eats flesh thinks pudding a dainty."
He that never rade never fell.
He that never thinks will ne'er be wise.
He that oppresses honesty ne'er had ony.
He that pays his debt begins to mak a stock.
He that pays last ne'er pays twice.
He that pities another minds himsel.
He that plants trees lo'es ithers beside himsel.
He that plays wi' fools and bairns maun e'en play at the chucks.
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.
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.
He that pleads his ain cause has a fool for his client.
He that puts the cat in the pock kens best how to tak her out.
He that puts on the public gown maun aff the private person.
A maxim of proverbial philosophy which many persons in petty authority might practise with advantage—to the public.
A maxim of proverbial philosophy which many persons in petty authority might practise with advantage—to the public.
He that rides ahint anither doesna saddle when he pleases.
That is, he who is dependent on another must submit to his superior's authority.
That is, he who is dependent on another must submit to his superior's authority.
He that rides or he be ready wants aye some o' his graith.
He that's angry opens his mouth and steeks his een.
That is, vents himself in abuse without looking into the details of the case.
That is, vents himself in abuse without looking into the details of the case.
He that's aught the cow gangs nearest the tail.
He that has most interest in an undertaking or property is willing to run a greater risk than he that has none.
He that has most interest in an undertaking or property is willing to run a greater risk than he that has none.
He that says what he likes will hear what he doesna like.
He that's born to a plack 'll ne'er get a pound.
He that's born to be hanged will never be drowned.
He that's crabbit without cause should mease without amends.
He that seeks alms for Godsake begs for twa.
He that seeks motes gets motes.
He that seeks trouble 'twere a pity he should miss it.
He that sells his wares for words maun live by the loss.
He that's far frae his gear is near his skaith.
A man who is away from his property, or not sufficiently careful of it, is liable to be wronged in his absence.
A man who is away from his property, or not sufficiently careful of it, is liable to be wronged in his absence.
He that's first up's no aye first ser'd.
He that shames, let him be shent.
"An old Scottish proverb not now used, scarcely understood: a wish that he who exposes his neighbour may come to shame himself."—Kelly.
"An old Scottish proverb not now used, scarcely understood: a wish that he who exposes his neighbour may come to shame himself."—Kelly.
He that shows his purse tempts the thief.
He that's ill o' his harboury is gude at the way-kenning.
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.
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.
He that's ill to himsel will be gude to naebody.
He that sleeps wi' dogs maun rise wi' flaes.
Or, he who keeps bad company will be contaminated by it.
Or, he who keeps bad company will be contaminated by it.
He that's mann'd wi' boys and hors'd wi' colts will hae his meat eaten and his wark ill done.
In sarcastic allusion to those who entrust matters of importance to youthful or inexperienced persons. "Because," as Kelly says, "the boy will neglect his business, and the colt will throw him."
In 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."
He that's no my friend at a pinch is no my friend at a'.
He that spares to speak spares to speed.
That is, he who is afraid to speak for his own advancement when an opportunity occurs, does injury to himself.
That is, he who is afraid to speak for his own advancement when an opportunity occurs, does injury to himself.
He that speaks the thing he shouldna will hear the thing he wouldna.
He that speaks to himsel speaks to a fool.
He that speaks wi' a draunt an' sells wi' a cant, is right like a snake in the skin o' a saunt.
This humorous but withal libellous expression of opinion literally means, that they who speak in drawling, canting terms are wolves in sheep's clothing.
This humorous but withal libellous expression of opinion literally means, that they who speak in drawling, canting terms are wolves in sheep's clothing.
He that speers a' gets wit but o' pairt.
He that speers a' opinions comes ill speed.
He that spends before he thrives will beg before he thinks.
He that spends his gear before he gets 't will hae but little gude o't.
He that spits against the wind spits in his ain face.
He that's poor when he's married shall be rich when he's buried.
He that's rede for windlestraes should never sleep on leas.
Equivalent to the English saying, "He that's afraid of the wagging of feathers must keep from among wild fowl;" and the Dutch one, "He who is afraid of leaves must not go to the wood."
Equivalent to the English saying, "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."
He that's scant o' wind shouldna meddle wi' the chanter.
A "chanter" is the drone of a bagpipe, and a good supply of wind is required to fill it. Proverbially applied to those who undertake more than they are able to accomplish.
A "chanter" is the 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.
He that steals a preen may steal a better thing.
He that steals can hide.
He that strikes my dog wad strike mysel if he daur'd.
He that stumbles twice at ae stane deserves to break his shin bane.
For not removing the stumbling-block at first.
For not removing the stumbling-block at first.
He that's welcome fares weel.
He that thinks in his bed has a day without a night.
He that tholes owercomes.
To "thole" is to suffer or endure.
To "thole" is to suffer or endure.
He that tigs wi' a stranger pays the smart.
He that tigs wi' the tailor gets a button in his sleeve.
He that tines his siller is thought to hae tint his wit.
Meaning that he who willingly loses or risks money is readily supposed to be a fool.
Meaning that he who willingly loses or risks money is readily supposed to be a fool.
He that wants content canna sit easy in his chair.
He that wants to strike a dog ne'er wants stick.
He that wears black maun wear a brush on his back.
He that will be angry for onything will be angry for naething.
He that will to Cupar maun to Cupar.
Applied to foolish or reckless persons who persist in carrying on projects in the face of certain failure, of which they have been duly advised. Why Cupar, the capital of the kingdom of Fife, should have been selected as typical of such "pig-headedness," we are unable to say.
Applied to foolish or reckless 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.
He that winna be counselled canna be helped.
He that winna hear Mother Hood shall hear Stepmother Hood.
"That is, they who will not be prevailed upon by fair means, shall meet with harsher treatment."—Kelly.
"That is, they who will not be prevailed upon by fair means, shall meet with harsher treatment."—Kelly.
He that winna lout and lift a preen will ne'er be worth a groat.
That is, he who despises trifles will never be rich.
That is, he who despises trifles will never be rich.
He that winna thole maun flit mony a hole.
He who will not bear the crosses of the world patiently only increases his sorrows in trying to evade them.
He who will not bear the crosses of the world patiently only increases his sorrows in trying to evade them.
He that winna use the means maun dree the moans.
He that winna when he may, shanna when he wad.
"Spoken of him who has refused a good offer, and then would have it again."—Kelly.
"Spoken of him who has refused a good offer, and then would have it again."—Kelly.
He that woos a maiden maun come seldom in her sight: he that woos a widow maun ply her day and night.
He that would climb the tree maun tak care o' his grip.
He that would eat the kernal maun crack the nut.
He that would pu' the rose maun sometimes be scarted wi' the thorns.
He thinks himsel nae sheepshank.
Spoken of conceited persons who think themselves of great consequence.
Spoken of conceited persons who think themselves of great consequence.
He tines bottles gathering straes.
A variation of "He starts at straes, and lets windlins gae." "Ye hae found it to your cost, that she is a most unreasonable, narrow, contracted woman, and wi' a' her 'conomical througality—her direction-books to mak grozart wine for deil-be-licket, and her Katy Fisher's cookery, whereby she would gar us trow she can mak fat kail o' chucky-stanes and an auld horse-shoe—we a' ken, and ye ken, laird, warst o' a', that she flings away the pease, and maks her hotch-potch wi' the shawps, or, as the auld byeword says, tynes bottles gathering straes."—The Entail.
A variation of "He starts at 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.
Het kail cauld, nine days auld, spell yethatin four letters.
The key to this childish puzzle is to be found in the wordthat: it has no deeper meaning.
The key to this childish puzzle is to be found in the wordthat: it has no deeper meaning.
Het love, hasty vengeance.
Het sup, het swallow.
He wad gang a mile to flit a sow.
"Spoken of sauntering persons, who would take any pretence to go from their proper business."—Kelly.
"Spoken of sauntering persons, who would take any pretence to go from their proper business."—Kelly.
He was miss'd by the water, but caught by the widdie.
He has escaped drowning only to be hanged, as "He that is to be hanged will never be drowned—unless the water goes over the gallows."—Dutch.
He has escaped drowning only to be hanged, as "He that is to be hanged will never be drowned—unless the water goes over the gallows."—Dutch.
He wasna the inventor o' gunpowder.
Meaning that a person is very timid or cowardly.
Meaning that a person is very timid or cowardly.
He was ne'er a gude aiver that flung at the brod.
"Spoken of them who spurn at reproof or correction, whom Solomon calls brutish."—Kelly.
"Spoken of them who spurn at reproof or correction, whom Solomon calls brutish."—Kelly.
He was scant o' grey cloth that soled his hose wi' dockens.
"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor."—Kelly.
"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor."—Kelly.
He was scant o' news that tauld his faither was hang'd.
"They're scarce of news who speak ill of their mother."—Irish.
"They're scarce of news who speak ill of their mother."—Irish.
He was the bee that made the honey.
He watsna whilk end o' him's upmost.
He does not know whether he stands on his head or his heels.
He does not know whether he stands on his head or his heels.
He wears Langton's coat o' mail.
"Once, in a skirmish with the English, the Laird of Langton, being unarmed, turned his coat inside out, to make his opponents believe he had on a coat of mail, and so rushed on to the fray. By 'Langton's coat of mail,' is meant a presumptuous but brave man."—G. Henderson.
"Once, 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.
He wears twa faces aneath ae cowl.
He wha mair than his worth doth spend, aiblins a rape his life will end.
He wha marries a maiden marries a pockfu' o' pleasure; he wha marries a widow marries a pockfu' o'pleas-sure.
"These two are always joined together, and are a dissuasive from marrying a widow, because she is often involved in law suits."—Kelly.
"These two are always joined together, and are a dissuasive from marrying a widow, because she is often involved in law suits."—Kelly.
He wha marries for love without money, hath merry nights and sorry days.
He wha tells his wife a' is but newly married.
He winna send you away wi' a fair heart.
Or, he will not grant you the favour you are going to seek.
Or, he will not grant you the favour you are going to seek.
He woos for cake and pudding.
He would fain be forward if he wist how.
He would fain rip up auld sairs.
That is, gladly rake up old grievances, to enable him to pick a quarrel.
That is, gladly rake up old grievances, to enable him to pick a quarrel.
He would gar you trow that the mune's made o' green cheese.
Applied to simple, credulous people, who readily believe the most absurd statements.
Applied to simple, credulous people, who readily believe the most absurd statements.
He wouldna lend his gully,—no! to the deil to stick himsel.
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 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.
He would need to be twice sheeled and ance grund that deals wi' you.
He would rake hell for a bodle.
He would skin a louse for the tallow o't.
In allusion to greedy, parsimonious people, who would rather be put to a great deal of trouble than incur a trifling expense.
In allusion to greedy, parsimonious people, who would rather be put to a great deal of trouble than incur a trifling expense.
He would tine his lugs if they were not tacked to him.
He is so careless and forgetful, that he would lose his ears were they not attached to his head.
He is so careless and forgetful, that he would lose his ears were they not attached to his head.
He's horn deaf on that side o' his head.
That is, he is wilfully deaf on that subject.
That is, he is wilfully deaf on that subject.
Highest in the court, nearest the widdie.
Highlanders—shoulder to shoulder.
High trees show mair leaves than fruit.
In disparaging allusion to tall persons.
In disparaging allusion to tall persons.
His absence is gude company.
His auld brass will buy her a new pan.
Spoken of young maidens who marry wealthy old men, meaning that when the husband dies his money will help her to a younger one.
Spoken of young maidens who marry wealthy old men, meaning that when the husband dies his money will help her to a younger one.
"Though auld Rob Morris be an elderly man,Yet his auld brass it will buy you a new pan;Then, doughter, you shouldna be so ill to shoo,For auld Rob Morris is the man ye maun loo."—Tea-Table Miscellany.
"Though auld Rob Morris be an elderly man,Yet his auld brass it will buy you a new pan;Then, doughter, you shouldna be so ill to shoo,For auld Rob Morris is the man ye maun loo."
—Tea-Table Miscellany.
His bark's waur nor his bite.
"'Hout, mother,' said Hobbie, 'Elshie's no that bad a chield; he's a grewsome spectacle for a crooked disciple, to be sure, and a rough talker; but his bark is waur than his bite.'"—The Black Dwarf.
"'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.
His corn's a' caff.
"I'll lay my lugs that's the true reason, and brawly does he ken his corn's a' caff, or he wadna keep the sack mouth tied, and try to put us aff wi' bletheration."
"I'll 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."
His e'ening sang and his morning sang are no baith alike.
His eggs hae a' twa yolks.
His geese are a' swans.
Or, his stories are all of a Munchausen order, told more for the sake of effect than of truth.
Or, his stories are all of a Munchausen order, told more for the sake of effect than of truth.
His head will never fill his faither's bonnet.
His head's in a creel.
"My senses wad be in a creel,Should I but dare a hope to speelWi' Allan, or wi' Gilbertfield,The braes o' fame;Or Ferguson, the writer chiel,A deathless name."—Burns.
"My senses wad be in a creel,Should I but dare a hope to speelWi' Allan, or wi' Gilbertfield,The braes o' fame;Or Ferguson, the writer chiel,A deathless name."
—Burns.
His heart's in his hose.
His meal's a' daigh.
His purse and his palate are ill met.
As the first is light, while the second is heavy.
As the first is light, while the second is heavy.
His room's better than his company.
His tongue's nae slander.
For his bad character or motives are so well known that none would believe him were he to speak ill of a person.
For his bad character or motives are so well known that none would believe him were he to speak ill of a person.
His wame thinks his wizen's cut.
This humorous saying is expressive of the most extreme hunger, when the belly has come to the conclusion that the throat has been cut, and all further supply of food stopped.
This 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.
His wit gat wings and would hae flown, but pinchin' poortith pu'd him down.
Honest men marry soon, wise men never.
Honesty hauds lang the gate.
To "haud the gate" is to "maintain the even tenor of your way."
To "haud the gate" is to "maintain the even tenor of your way."
Honesty may be dear bought, but can ne'er be an ill pennyworth.
Honesty's the best policy.
Honours change manners.
Hooly and fairly gangs far in a day.
"Working constantly, though soberly (slowly), will despatch a great deal of business."—Kelly.
"Working constantly, though soberly (slowly), will despatch a great deal of business."—Kelly.
Hooly and fairly men ride far journeys.
Hope hauds up the head.
Hope is sawin' while death is mawin'.
Hope weel and hae weel.
Horns an' grey hair dinna aye come o' years.
Horses are gude o' a' hues.
"A good horse ne'er had a bad colour."—English.
"A good horse ne'er had a bad colour."—English.
Hotter war sooner peace.
Hout your dogs and bark yoursel.
"A sharp return to those that say 'Hout' to us, which is a word of contempt; in Latin,apage!"—Kelly.
"A sharp return to those that say 'Hout' to us, which is a word of contempt; in Latin,apage!"—Kelly.
Humble worth and honest pride gar presumption stand aside.
Hunger is hard in a hale maw.
Or, to a healthy stomach.
Or, to a healthy stomach.
Hunger me, and I'll harry thee.
"If servants get not their meat honestly and decently, they will neglect their master's business, or embezzle his goods."—Kelly.
"If servants get not their meat honestly and decently, they will neglect their master's business, or embezzle his goods."—Kelly.
Hunger never fails of a gude cook.
Hunger's gude kitchen.
"Hunger is the best sauce."—English.
"Hunger is the best sauce."—English.
Hunger's gude kitchen to a cauld potato, but a wet divot to the lowe o' love.
That is, hunger is good sauce for common meat, but a wet turf (vulgariter, "a damper") to love.
That is, hunger is good sauce for common meat, but a wet turf (vulgariter, "a damper") to love.
Hunger will break through stane wa's.
The English add to this, "or anything except a Suffolk cheese."
The English add to this, "or anything except a Suffolk cheese."
Hungry dogs are blythe o' bursten puddins.
"To him who is hungry any bread seems good, or none comes amiss."—Ray.
"To him who is hungry any bread seems good, or none comes amiss."—Ray.
Hungry folk are soon angry.
Hungry stewards wear mony shoon.
I
ancegied a dog his hansel, an' he was hanged ere night.
Used as a reason for not giving a gratuity, intimating that it would harm rather than benefit a person.
Used as a reason for not giving a gratuity, intimating that it would harm rather than benefit a person.
I bake nae bread by your shins.
Or, I am not indebted to you for any obligation.
Or, I am not indebted to you for any obligation.
I brought him aff the moor for God's sake, and he begins to bite the bairns.
"Spoken when they whom we have supported make unhandsome and unthankful returns."—Kelly.
"Spoken when they whom we have supported make unhandsome and unthankful returns."—Kelly.
I canna afford ye baith tale and lugs.
Spoken to a person who is inattentive to what has been said to him, and who asks to have it repeated.
Spoken to a person who is inattentive to what has been said to him, and who asks to have it repeated.
I canna baith spin an' rin.
I canna sell the cow an' sup the milk.
"He cannot eat his cake and have it."—English.
"He cannot eat his cake and have it."—English.
I can scarce believe ye, ye speak so fair.
I can see as far into a millstane as he that pick'd it.
I carena whether the fire gae about the roast, or the roast gae about the fire, if the meat be ready.
That is, no matter what means are employed to accomplish an end, so that it be done.
That is, no matter what means are employed to accomplish an end, so that it be done.
I carena whether the tod worry the goose, or the goose worry the tod.
I could hae done that mysel, but no sae weel.
I deny that wi' baith hands and a' my teeth.
Expressive of the most emphatic denial.
Expressive of the most emphatic denial.
Idle dogs worry sheep.
Idle young, needy auld.
If a' be weel I'll be wyteless.
"Spoken with a suspicion that all will not be well, and if so, I have no hand in it."—Kelly.
"Spoken with a suspicion that all will not be well, and if so, I have no hand in it."—Kelly.
If a' bowls row right.
"Ye are right, Mr Owen—ye are right; ye speak weel and wisely; and I trust bowls will row right, though they are awee ajee e'enow."—Rob Roy.
"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.
If ae sheep loup the dyke, a' the rest will follow.
If a gude man thrive, a' thrives wi' him.
If a lee could hae chokit you, ye wad hae been dead langsyne.
An indirect or jocular manner of intimating to a person that he is guilty of falsehood.
An indirect or jocular manner of intimating to a person that he is guilty of falsehood.
If a man's gaun down the brae ilka ane gies him a jundie.
"If" an' "an" spoil mony a gude charter.
If ane winna, anither will; sae are maidens married.
If ane winna, anither will—the morn's the market day.
If a' thing's true,that'snae lee.
A saying expressive of unbelief of some improbable story.
A saying expressive of unbelief of some improbable story.
If a' things were to be done twice, ilka ane wad be wise.
If a' your hums and haws were hams and haggises, the parish needna fear a dearth.
"To 'Hum and Haw,' to dally or trifle with one about any business by indefinite and unintelligible language."—Jamieson.
"To 'Hum and Haw,' to dally or trifle with one about any business by indefinite and unintelligible language."—Jamieson.
If better were within better wad come out.
If Candlemas day be dry and fair, the half o' winter's to come and mair; if Candlemas day be wet and foul, the half o' winter's gane at Yule.
If e'er you mak a lucky puddin' I'll eat the prick.
"That is, I am much mistaken if ever you do good."—Kelly.
"That is, I am much mistaken if ever you do good."—Kelly.
If grass does grow in Janiveer, 'twill be the worse for't a' the year.
If he be na a souter, he's a gude shoe clouter.
If he cannot make new shoes well, he is very good at repairing old ones.
If he cannot make new shoes well, he is very good at repairing old ones.
If he binds his pock she'll sit down on't.
"Spoken when a niggardly man is married on a more niggardly woman."—Kelly.
"Spoken when a niggardly man is married on a more niggardly woman."—Kelly.
If he gies a duck he expects a goose.
If I canna do't by might I can do't wi' slight.
If I canna keep my tongue I can keep my siller.
If I canna kep geese I can kep gaislins.
"If I cannot work my revenge upon the principal author of my injury, I will upon his children, relations, or friends."—Kelly.
"If I cannot work my revenge upon the principal author of my injury, I will upon his children, relations, or friends."—Kelly.
If I come I maun bring my stool wi' me.
For, as I am not properly invited, there will be no seat allotted to me.
For, as I am not properly invited, there will be no seat allotted to me.
If "ifs" an' "ans" were kettles an' pans there would be nae use for tinklers.
"Were it not for 'if' and 'but,' we should all be rich for ever."—French.
"Were it not for 'if' and 'but,' we should all be rich for ever."—French.
If I had a dog as daft, I wad shoot him.
Signifying that mischievous or silly doings should be put a stop to.
Signifying that mischievous or silly doings should be put a stop to.
If I had you at Maggy Mill's house, I would get word about wi' ye.
Used when, in argument or dispute, a man has not a proper opportunity to defend himself.
Used when, in argument or dispute, a man has not a proper opportunity to defend himself.
If I hae done amiss, I'll mak amends.
If I live anither year, I'll ca' this fern-year.
If I'm no kind I'm no cumbersome.
If it be a faut it's nae ferlie.
Or, it is no wonder, as any other result should not have been expected.
Or, it is no wonder, as any other result should not have been expected.
If it be ill it's as ill rused.
"Spoken of those who discommend what we have."—Kelly.
"Spoken of those who discommend what we have."—Kelly.
If it can be nae better, it's weel it's nae waur.
If it sair me to wear, it may sair you to look at.
A pertinent reply to those who find fault with a person's dress.
A pertinent reply to those who find fault with a person's dress.
If it werena for hope the heart would break.
If it werena for the belly the back wad wear gowd.
If it winna be a gude shoe we'll mak a bauchel o't.
If it winna sell it winna sour.
Meaning that an article is good, and will not spoil by keeping.
Meaning that an article is good, and will not spoil by keeping.
If marriages are made in heaven, you twa hae few friends there.
If ony body speir at ye, say ye dinna ken.
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.
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.
If she was my wife I would mak a queen o' her.
If strokes be gude to gie they'll be gude to tak.
If that God gie the deil daurna reive.
If the auld wife hadna been in the oven hersel, she ne'er wad hae thought o' looking for her dochter there.
That is, if a person had not been guilty of a particular crime himself, he would never have suspected another of it. Kelly inserts this proverb, but says it is English; and Henderson makes it the subject of an illustration.
That is, if a person 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.
If the badger leave his hole the tod will creep in.
If the deil be laird, ye'll be tenant.
If the deil find ye idle, he'll set ye to wark.
For "An idle brain is the devil's workshop."—English.
For "An idle brain is the devil's workshop."—English.
If the deil were dead, folk would do little for God's sake.
If the laird slight the leddie his menyie will be ready.
Menyie—the servants or followers will be ready to follow the example.
Menyie—the servants or followers will be ready to follow the example.
If the lift fa' the laverocks will be smoored.
Literally, if the sky falls the larks will be smothered. Spoken when people are anticipating some very improbable occurrence.
Literally, if the sky falls the larks will be smothered. Spoken when people are anticipating some very improbable occurrence.
If the mare has a bald face the filly will hae a blaze.
Equivalent to saying, that if the mother is of one complexion the child will be the opposite.
Equivalent to saying, that if the mother is of one complexion the child will be the opposite.
If this be a feast, I hae been at mony.
The inference is, that he is not pleased with the treatment he is receiving.
The inference is, that he is not pleased with the treatment he is receiving.
If we canna preach in the kirk, we can sing mass in the quire.
If we haena the warld's wealth, we hae the warld's ease.
If wishes were horses beggars wad ride, and a' the warld be drowned in pride.
If you be angry, claw your wame, an' cool i' the skin ye het in.
"Spoken to them whose anger we value not."—Kelly.
"Spoken to them whose anger we value not."—Kelly.
If you be angry, sit laigh and mease you.
If ye be na gall'd ye needna fling.
Synonymous with the English saying, "If the cap fits, wear it."
Synonymous with the English saying, "If the cap fits, wear it."
If ye dinna haud him he'll do't a'.
Spoken of lazy people, meaning, that if not restrained they will do too much. Applied tauntingly of course.
Spoken of lazy people, meaning, that if not restrained they will do too much. Applied tauntingly of course.
If ye dinna like what I gie ye, tak what ye brought wi' ye.
If ye dinna see the bottom, dinna wade.
If you do not see your way clearly through an undertaking, do not venture on it at all.
If you do not see your way clearly through an undertaking, do not venture on it at all.
If ye do nae ill, dinna be ill like: if ye steal na my kail, breakna my dike.
"He that would no evil do, must do nought that's like thereto."—English.
"He that would no evil do, must do nought that's like thereto."—English.
If ye gang a year wi' a cripple, ye'll limp at the end o't.
For "Evil communications corrupt good manners."
For "Evil communications corrupt good manners."
If ye had as little money as ye hae manners, ye would be the poorest man o' a' your kin.
If ye'll blaw your ain whistle, ye maun uphaud the win'.
If you had been anither, I would hae denied you the first word.
Meaning that you are granted more indulgence than another would be if similarly situated.
Meaning that you are granted more indulgence than another would be if similarly situated.
If ye had stuck a knife in my heart it wadna hae bled.
He was so much surprised by some information.
He was so much surprised by some information.
If ye hae little gear ye hae less care.
If ye're nae better, ye're snoder like, quo' the wife, when she cut off the doggie's lugs.
If you laugh at your ain sport, the company will laugh at you.
If you lo'e me, let it kythe.
That is, if you love me let it appear.
That is, if you love me let it appear.
If ye like the nut, crack it.
If ye sell your purse to your wife, gie her your breeks to the bargain.
"For if your wife command your purse, she will certainly have the mastery in everything else."—Kelly.
"For if your wife command your purse, she will certainly have the mastery in everything else."—Kelly.
If you spend muckle, put mair to the fore.
If you want your business weel done, do't yoursel.
If you win at that you'll lose at naething.
"Spoken to them that are about an ill thing, which will undoubtedly prove to their damage."—Kelly.
"Spoken to them that are about an ill thing, which will undoubtedly prove to their damage."—Kelly.
"If you winna come you'll bide," quo' Rory to his bride.
It was a matter of perfect indifference whether Rory got her or not.
It was a matter of perfect indifference whether Rory got her or not.
If you would be a merchant fine, beware o' auld horses, herring, and wine.
Because, proverbially speaking, the first will die, the second stink, and the third sour.
Because, proverbially speaking, the first will die, the second stink, and the third sour.
I gaed through the bear-land wi' him.
"This is a phrase used by a person who has gone through all the particulars of a quarrel with another, or told him all the grounds of umbrage at his conduct."—Jamieson.
"This is a phrase used by 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.
I gied his birn a hitch.
Or, assisted him in a strait.
Or, assisted him in a strait.
"Though he bans me, I wish him well,We'll maybe meet again;I'll gie his birn a hitch, an' helpTo ease him o' his pain."—Poems in the Buchan Dialect.
"Though he bans me, I wish him well,We'll maybe meet again;I'll gie his birn a hitch, an' helpTo ease him o' his pain."
—Poems in the Buchan Dialect.
I had but little butter, an' that I coost on the coals.
Said by a person who has been reduced either in circumstances, or in the possession of a particular article, signifying that even the little that was left had been allowed either by carelessness or accident to slip through his fingers.
Said by 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.
I had nae mind that I was married, my bridal was sae feckless.
Meaning that a circumstance was of so little importance that no notice was taken of it.
Meaning that a circumstance was of so little importance that no notice was taken of it.
I hae a gude bow, but it's i' the castle.
Satirically remarked of those who pretend that they could do great things if they had some article by them, but which they know very well is not near at hand.
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.
I hae a Scotch tongue in my head—if they speak I'se answer.
I hae baith my meat and my mense.
I hae gi'en a stick to break my ain head.
Engaged in an undertaking which will be to my own disadvantage.
Engaged in an undertaking which will be to my own disadvantage.
I hae gotten an ill kame for my ain hair.
I hae had better kail in my cog, and ne'er gae them a keytch.
"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor. It alludes to an art among the Scottish reapers, who, if their broth be too hot, can throw them up into the air, as they turn pancakes, without losing one drop of them."—Kelly.
"The 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.
I hae ither fish to fry.
I hae ither tow on my rock.
That is, I have other work to do.
That is, I have other work to do.
I hae mair dogs than I hae banes for.
I hae mair to do than a dish to wash.
That is, I have work of importance to do.
That is, I have work of importance to do.
I hae muckle to do, and few to do for me.
I hae my back to the wa': if I dinna slip I'll no fa'.
A saying expressive of a feeling of confidence or security.
A saying expressive of a feeling of confidence or security.
I hae seen as fu' a haggis toom'd on the midden.
Or as good an article thrown away. Applied disparagingly to any article in question.
Or as good an article thrown away. Applied disparagingly to any article in question.
I hae seen mair snaw on ae dike, than now on seven.
I hae seen mair than I hae eaten, else ye wadna be here.
A sharp retort to those who doubt a statement of which the narrator has had ocular demonstration.
A sharp retort to those who doubt a statement of which the narrator has had ocular demonstration.
I hae taen the sheaf frae the mare.
I hae the Bible, an' there's no a better book in a' your aught.
I hae tint the staff I herded wi'.
I have lost the support I depended upon.
I have lost the support I depended upon.
I hae twa holes in my head, an' as mony windows.
"I hate 'bout gates," quo' the wife when she haurl'd her man through the ingle.
Meaning that she approves of straightforward conduct. Kelly says that the second part is "added only to make it comical."
Meaning that she approves of straightforward conduct. Kelly says that the second part is "added only to make it comical."
I ken a spune frae a stot's horn.
"I had the honour to visit his late gracious Majesty, at his palace of Holyrood, where, I can assure you, I was as civilly entreated as the first in the land, not excluding the Lord Provost of Glasgow, tho' he and his tounfolk tried to put themselves desperately far forrit; but the king saw thro' them brawly, and kent a spoon frae a stot's horn as well as the maist of his liege subjects."—Motherwell.
"I had the honour to visit his late gracious Majesty, at his palace of Holyrood, where, I can assure you, I was as civilly entreated as the first in the land, not excluding the Lord Provost of Glasgow, tho' he and his tounfolk tried to put themselves desperately far forrit; but the king saw thro' them brawly, and kent a spoon frae a stot's horn as well as the maist of his liege subjects."—Motherwell.
I ken by my cog how the cow's milk'd.
That is, I know by the appearance of a thing when it is properly done.
That is, I know by the appearance of a thing when it is properly done.
I ken by your half-tale what your hale tale means.
Having told me so much I can guess the rest. Applied to those who come to borrow money.
Having told me so much I can guess the rest. Applied to those who come to borrow money.
I ken him as weel as if I had gane through him wi' a lighted candle.
I ken how the warld wags: he's honour'd maist has moniest bags.
I ken your meaning by your mumping.
Ilka bean has its black.