The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (392 page)
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If you gently touch a NETTLE it'll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an' as soft as silk remains
.
.
The metaphorical phrase
to grasp the nettle
, to tackle a difficulty boldly, is also found.
1578
Euphues
I. 212
True it is Philautus that he which toucheth ye nettle tenderly, is soonest stoung.
1660
Nonsuch Professor
I. 156
Sin is like the nettle, that stings when it is gently touched, but doth hurt not when it is ruggedly handled.
1753
Works
IV. 120
Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you, for your pains: Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains.
1830
Vocabulary of East Anglia
430
‘Nip a nettle hard, and it will not sting you’ — i.e. Strong and decided measures prevail best with troublesome people.
1925
Juno & Paycock
I
. 35
Be firm, Captain… If you gently touch a nettle it'll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an' as soft as silk remains.
boldness
to grasp the nettle
, to tackle a difficulty boldly, is also found.
1578Euphues
I. 212
True it is Philautus that he which toucheth ye nettle tenderly, is soonest stoung.
1660
Nonsuch Professor
I. 156
Sin is like the nettle, that stings when it is gently touched, but doth hurt not when it is ruggedly handled.
1753
Works
IV. 120
Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you, for your pains: Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains.
1830
Vocabulary of East Anglia
430
‘Nip a nettle hard, and it will not sting you’ — i.e. Strong and decided measures prevail best with troublesome people.
1925
Juno & Paycock
I
. 35
Be firm, Captain… If you gently touch a nettle it'll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an' as soft as silk remains.
boldnessNEVER is a long time
c1390
Canon's Yeoman's Tale
l. 1411
Nevere to thryve were to long a date.
1721
Scottish Proverbs
260
Never is a long Term… Spoken to them that say they will never get such a Thing effected.
1887
Springhaven
I. xvii.
She never could pay her rent. But ‘never is a long time’ .. and .. she stood clear of all debt now.
1979
Sealed Envelope
iii.
‘I never reveal my sources.’ .. ‘Never is a long time.’
futureNEVER say never
Probably a pithy modern reformulation of the preceding proverb.
1977
Economist
9 April 6
Mr Colley .. is politician enough never to say never.
1978
Washington Post
2 Mar. A1
Marshall did not rule out a resumption of talks, saying ‘you can never say “never” in this business.’
1984
Washington Post
27 Apr. A23
A president should ‘never say never.’
1996
Daily Mirror
4 Jan. 41
He is still in my plans. You never say ‘never’ in this game.
future
1977Economist
9 April 6
Mr Colley .. is politician enough never to say never.
1978
Washington Post
2 Mar. A1
Marshall did not rule out a resumption of talks, saying ‘you can never say “never” in this business.’
1984
Washington Post
27 Apr. A23
A president should ‘never say never.’
1996
Daily Mirror
4 Jan. 41
He is still in my plans. You never say ‘never’ in this game.
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