The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (128 page)
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Authors: John Andrew Simpson,
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DIRTY water will quench fire
Mainly used to mean that a man's lust can be satisfied by any woman, however loose or ugly.
1546
Dialogue of Proverbs
I. v. B2
As this prouerbe saieth, for quenchyng hot desire, Foul water as soone as fayre, wyl quenche hot fire.
1796
Political Censor
Sept. 62
That I have made use .. of the British Corporal for a good purpose, I have little doubt—Dirty water will quench fire.
1945
Ragged Robin
vi.
It's flocks and straw for us … Well, dirty water's good enough to quench a fire with.
1995
Simeon's Bride
xxvi. 173
She had the thick ugly feet of a streetwalker … ‘How could anyone go with her?’ Dewi shrugged. ‘They do say dirty water puts out fire just as well.’
necessity
;
ways and means
1546Dialogue of Proverbs
I. v. B2
As this prouerbe saieth, for quenchyng hot desire, Foul water as soone as fayre, wyl quenche hot fire.
1796
Political Censor
Sept. 62
That I have made use .. of the British Corporal for a good purpose, I have little doubt—Dirty water will quench fire.
1945
Ragged Robin
vi.
It's flocks and straw for us … Well, dirty water's good enough to quench a fire with.
1995
Simeon's Bride
xxvi. 173
She had the thick ugly feet of a streetwalker … ‘How could anyone go with her?’ Dewi shrugged. ‘They do say dirty water puts out fire just as well.’
necessity;
ways and means
dirty
disappointed
DISCRETION is the better part of valour
Cf. EURIPIDES
Suppliants
l. 510
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Suppliants
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