News 4. 9. 2013

Irish proverbs to live by, 26 nuggets of wisdom

4. A woman planted feathers in the dunkel and thought she’d grow hens
Meaning: Just because you ‚thought‘ something would work doesn’t mean you were right.
5. It’s often that a man’s mouth broke his nose
Meaning: Watch what you say because it could get you in trouble.
6. As the old cock crows the young cock learns
Meaning: Children learn by example.
7. If there was work in the bed he’d sleep on the floor
Meaning: Used to describe people who are very lazy.
8. No need to fear the ill wind when your haystacks are tied down
Meaning: Once you’ve prepared properly then there’s no need to worry the outcome.
9. The longest road out is the shortest road home
Meaning: If you invest time and effort into something then it will pay off in the latter end.
10. You’ll arrive back with one arm as long as the other
Meaning: You heading out on a thankless quest. You’ll arrive back with nothing to show for it.
11. You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind
Meaning: Merely thinking about something won’t get it done.
12. He didn’t lick it off a stone
Meaning: People’s actions are influenced by those around them.
13. What I’m afraid to hear I had better say first myself
Meaning: One must be honest and wary of their own shortcomings.
14. I wouldn’t call the Queen my aunt
Meaning: Being in such a contented mood that even becoming royalty couldn’t improve upon it.
15. Now you know you’re home
Meaning: You’re in a happy state.
16. It’s a long road there’s no turn in
Meaning: No matter how bad the situation is things always change.
17. Telephone, telegraph, tell a woman
Meaning: The three best ways to spread news. Back before the days of the internet.
18. An empty sack does not stand
Meaning: Bluffers and ignorance will always be found out.
19. Even black hens lay white eggs
Meaning: You should never judge a book by its cover.
20. The road to Heaven is well signposted, but it’s badly lit at night
Meaning: Life has many challenges but the reward is good.
21. It’s as easy to catch a cold in a King’s castle as in a shepherd’s hut
Meaning: Wealth doesn’t protect you from the trials of life.
22. It’s better to pay the butcher than the doctor
Meaning: Don’t skimp on healthy food as it will cost you your health in the long run.
23. A lamb’s bleat is often more telling than a dog’s bark
Meaning: Subtlety and a quiet approach can be more beneficial than brute force and loudness.
24. A broken man is better than no man
Meaning: Having any man is better than being alone
25. No matter how many rooms you have in your house you can only sleep in the one bed
Meaning: Possessions are not what they’re made out to be.
26. It’s a lonely washing that has no man’s shirt in it
Meaning: ….. Ermm … I haven’t a clue??

Václav Bernard