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A proverbial phrase or expression is a type of conventional saying similar to a proverb and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. [1] [2] In 1768, John Ray defined a proverbial phrase as:
Pages in category "English proverbs" The following 31 pages are in this category, out of 31 total. ... Curiosity killed the cat; D. The devil is in the details;
20. Happiness being a dessert so sweet, May life give you more than you can ever eat. 21. My seven blessings on you. 22. May you live long, Die happy,
Letting the cat out of the bag; Lies, damned lies, and statistics; Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness; Line in the sand; Lion's share; Lipstick on a pig; Live, Laugh, Love; London streets are paved with gold; Long hundred; Long time no see; The longest suicide note in history; Love means never having to say you're sorry
The reference to horses was first in James Carmichael's Proverbs in Scots printed in 1628, which included the lines: "And wishes were horses, pure [poor] men wald ride". [4] The first mention of beggars is in John Ray's Collection of English Proverbs in 1670, in the form "If wishes would bide, beggars would ride". [4]
An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below).
German – Wenn Schweine fliegen können! is identical with the English saying "when pigs fly", although the older proverb Wenn Schweine Flügel hätten, wäre alles möglich ("if pigs had wings, everything would be possible") is in more common use, often modified on the second part to something impossible, like "if pigs had wings, even your ...
These wise sayings of men of former times, the words of famous men, are consecrated at holy Pytho; from there Klearchos [c] copied them carefully, to set them up, shining afar, in the precinct of Kineas. When a child, show yourself well-behaved; When a young man, self controlled; In middle age, just; As an old man, a good counsellor;