J. F. Campbell Collection > Collection of Gaelic proverbs and familiar phrases

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have the reputation of being uncommonly shy, unwilling to par-
take even of the simplest hospitality from strangers.
lounlaididh burn salach làmhan.
Foul water will wash hands.
lonnsaich do d' sheanmhair brochan a dlieanamh.
Teach your granny to make gruel.
Al. ' lit' Ò1 ' — to sup porridge.
Seòl do shean-mliathair lachanaidh a hhleaghan (to milk
ducks). — /?•.
Teach your grandam to suck eggs — to spin — to grope her duck
— to sup sour milk. — Eng.
Learn yir gudewife to mak milk kail. — Scot.
Dysgu gradd i hen farch— To teach ajmce to an old horse. — Welsh.
' Gradd ' is possibly a ' family ' edition of what in a similar
Gaelic saying is ' bram '.
Is adhaiseach cuid an fliir nach toir an dorus air.
His share is slow who doesnt take to the door.
The best interpretation of this is, that he who doesn't go out
for his living will be ill off.
N.B. — In most of the sayings commencing here with 'Is,'
the '1' is in pronunciation entirely omitted. 'Sarin, 'S e, and 'ò'
fhearr, are the vernacular phrases, and not 'Is ann,' Is e,' &c.
Is aimhleasach gach noclid.
Nakedness is hitrtful.
This is a very Celtic sentiment. The chief idea conveyed i.s,
that the destitute are liable to injury.
Is àirde 'n geum na 'm bleoghann.
TJie low is greater than the milking.
See ' A 'bhd '.
Is àirde ceann na gualainn.
Head is higher thaji shoulder.
Uwch pen na dwy ysgwydd. — Welsh.
Is àirde tuathanacli air a cliasan na duin'-nasal air a
glilùinean.
A farmer on his feet is taller than a gentleman on his
knees.
Al. Is fhearr — is better.
This is a very suggestive saying. — See ' Is treasa tuath *.
Is aitline do'n cliù a choire fhein.
A dog knoics his own fault.
A I. Tuigidh CÙ a chioutu.