04/09/24 Grif.Net - "Expired Phrases" (part 2)
b...@grif.net
[more common phrases of a hundred or more years ago]
11. IT COST YOU NOTHING TO TAKE A LOOK
(nothing wrong with window shopping as long as you don’t go in debt)
12. CAN’T GET BLOOD OUT OF A TURNIP (or out of a STONE)
(impossible task; often focused on money if a person is cheap)
13. DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO
(don’t imitate my actions, since I am fallible, but obey what is preached – from a pulpit commentary in 1654, so not new with our grandparents!)
14. SHAKE A LEG
(hurry up or you’ll be late, from action of a sleeping dog standing up and slowly stretching before movement)
15. THICK AS THE HAIR ON A DOG’S BACK
(meant to indicate thickness or plentiful, at our house it was always referring to the pile of bills)
16. YOU SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD
(repeatedly asking for the same thing over and over again)
17. DON’T BUY WHAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD
(advice to newlyweds that they can’t live the way their parents live; remember, it took them time to buy and save, and it will take you time, too)
18. WORRYING IS PRAYING FOR WHAT YOU DON’T WANT
(focus on positive results instead of putting your attention, energy, and thoughts on what you don’t want to happen)
19. EVERY OLD CROW THINKS HERS ARE THE BLACKEST
(all grandparents think their grandkids are the smartest or cutest or most athletic, like mine are)
20. DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW
(moderation is the key; I found I can put 3 donuts in my mouth at once, but then . . . )
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"
