The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (358 page)
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MAY chickens come cheeping
The proverb literally means that the weakness of chickens born in May is apparent from their continual feeble cries.
1868
Proverbs of Scotland
223
May birds are aye cheeping. This refers to the popular superstition against marrying in .. May, the children of which marriages are said to ‘die of decay’.
1895
Household Tales
II
. viii.
Children born in the month of May require great care in bringing up, for ‘May chickens come cheeping.’
calendar lore
;
misfortune
1868Proverbs of Scotland
223
May birds are aye cheeping. This refers to the popular superstition against marrying in .. May, the children of which marriages are said to ‘die of decay’.
1895
Household Tales
II
. viii.
Children born in the month of May require great care in bringing up, for ‘May chickens come cheeping.’
calendar lore;
misfortune
May
There is MEASURE in all things
Similar to
MODERATION in all things
. HORACE
Satires
I
. i. 106
est modus in rebus
, there is measure in things.
c
1385
Troilus & Criseyde
II
. 715
In every thyng, I woot, there lith mesure [moderation].
1598
–
9
Much Ado about Nothing
II
. i. 59
If the prince be too important, tell him there is measure in every thing.
1616
Adages
131
There is a measure in all things.
1910
Rewards & Fairies
84
There's no clean hands in the trade. But steal in measure…There is measure in all things made.
1942
Marling Hall
iii.
‘Good God, mamma dear,’ said Oliver. ‘You cannot throw old governesses together like that. There is measure in everything’.
1958
King must Die
II
. i.
One expects some fooling when they bring the bridegroom, but there is measure in everything.
moderation
MODERATION in all things
. HORACE
Satires
I
. i. 106
est modus in rebus
, there is measure in things.
c1385
Troilus & Criseyde
II
. 715
In every thyng, I woot, there lith mesure [moderation].
1598
–
9
Much Ado about Nothing
II
. i. 59
If the prince be too important, tell him there is measure in every thing.
1616
Adages
131
There is a measure in all things.
1910
Rewards & Fairies
84
There's no clean hands in the trade. But steal in measure…There is measure in all things made.
1942
Marling Hall
iii.
‘Good God, mamma dear,’ said Oliver. ‘You cannot throw old governesses together like that. There is measure in everything’.
1958
King must Die
II
. i.
One expects some fooling when they bring the bridegroom, but there is measure in everything.
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