The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (247 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
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A GUILTY conscience needs no accuser
Cf.
Disticha Catonis
I. xvii.
conscius ipse sibi de se putat omnia dici
, the man with something on his conscience thinks he is always the subject of talk.
c
1390
Canon's Yeoman's Prologue
1. 688
For Catoun [Dionysius Cato] seith that he that gilty is Demeth alle thyng be spoke of him.
1597
Politeuphuia
10
V
A Guilty conscience is a worme that bites and neuer ceaseth … A guiltie conscience is neuer without feare.
1721
Scottish Proverbs
9
A guilty Conscience self accuses. A Man that has done ill .. shews his Guilt.
1744
Life & Adventures Matthew Bishop
viii.
It is an old saying, a guilty conscience needs no accuser.
1881
Joseph's Coat
I. viii.
‘Where are
you
off to?’ asked George with a great effort … A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
1952
Ellery Queen's Mystery Mag
. Apr. 25
‘Why should I think that?’ I said, groping for his identity. ‘Because you were thinking about me.’ Then I knew he was speaking of Hinckman's murder and must be the murderer—‘a guilty conscience needs no accuser.’
conscience
;
wrong-doers
What you've never HAD you never miss
1912
‘’
Daddy-Long-Legs
(1913) 232
You mustn't get me used to too many luxuries. One doesn't miss what one has never had.
1939
Living in Bloomsbury
ii.
It has been said that what you've never had you never miss, and from all one can gather, those people were not aware of suffering from lack of holiday.
1969
Akenfield
xiv.
I castrate the male lambs .. about an hour after they have been born. They say what you've never had, you never miss.
content and discontent
;
gains and losses

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