Blair Collection > Collection of Gaelic proverbs and familiar phrases

271
Is math a' chobhair e, ach 's bochd an sabhal e.
It's a good assistance, but a bad barn.
Stdd of such occupations as fishing, hunting, &c.
Is math a' chùirt 's am faighear rud ri' iarraidh.
It's a good court where a thing can be got for the ashing.
Is math a dh' fhimireadh an dan a dheanamh, 's a
huthad fear-millidh a th' aige.
The lioe.m would need to be well made, since it has so
many spoilers.
Bad reciters and carping critics.
Is math a dh' fhoghnas fir odhar do mhnathan riabhach.
Sallow lads suit swarthy lasses.
Fùiridh fear odhar do bhean riabhach. — Ir.
Is math a ghabh e tomhas mo choise.
iVell did he take the measure of my foot.
I have got the length of liis foot, — Eng.
Is math a' margadh a riaraicheas an ceannaiche.
It's a good market that satisfies the merchant.
Is math am bathar a chòrdas ris a' cheannaiche.
The goods are good that please the merchant.
Is math a' mhàthair-cheile am fòid.
The sod is a good rnother-in-laiv.
A green turf is a guid guid-mither. — Scot.
Die beste Scliwieger, auf der die Ganse weiden — Tiu best mother-
in-law, on whom the geese pasture. — Germ.
Is math a' modh a bhi sàmhach.
It's good manners to be silent.
Is math am baile 's am faighear biadh ri iarraidh.
It a good toivn (or farm) tvhere food can be got for the
asking.
Is math am buachail an oidhche ; bheir i dhachaidh
gach beothach 'us duine.
Night is a good herdman: she brings all creatures home.
Al. gleidhidh i crodh 'us caoraich 'us cearcan — she keeps cattle
and sheep and hens.
The e'ening brings a' hame. — Scot.
This is a pretty and poetical saying ; the Scottish version has
perhaps a deeper meaning.