The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (492 page)
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ship
From SHIRTSLEEVES to shirtsleeves in three generations
Shirtsleeves denote the need to work hard for one's living. This saying has been attributed to A. Carnegie (1835–1919), manufacturer and philanthropist, but is not found in his published writings.
From CLOGS to clogs is only three generations expresses
the same idea.
1907
True & False Democracy
ii.
No artificial class distinctions can long prevail in a society like ours [in the US] of which it is truly said to be often but three generations ‘from shirt-sleeves to shirt-sleeves.’
1957
in
Psychological Review
L
XIV
. 125
From shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations: we are back with the founding and founded content of the pre-Gestalt Gestalters.
1980
Princess Daisy
xvii.
What's this? Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.
family
;
poverty
From CLOGS to clogs is only three generations expresses
the same idea.
1907True & False Democracy
ii.
No artificial class distinctions can long prevail in a society like ours [in the US] of which it is truly said to be often but three generations ‘from shirt-sleeves to shirt-sleeves.’
1957
in
Psychological Review
L
XIV
. 125
From shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations: we are back with the founding and founded content of the pre-Gestalt Gestalters.
1980
Princess Daisy
xvii.
What's this? Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.
family;
poverty
If the SHOE fits, wear it
A predominantly
US
variant of
if the CAP fits, wear it.
1773
New-York Gazette & Weekly Mercury
17 May
Why should Mr. Vanderbeek apply a general comparison to himself? Let those whom the shoe fits wear it.
1876
Century of Gossip
125
If the shoe fits you, you can wear it a little wile [sic], Jack; but we won't quarrel about that.
1934
Emerald Murder Trap
260
Some one, devilishly inspired, had made a noose in the end and the knot was what is so widely known as a Hangman's knot … ‘There's an old saying, you know; if the shoe fits, wear it. The words might be made to apply to knots, I suppose!’
1980
No Country for Young Men
vi.
I was talking in a general way, Judith, but of course if the shoe fits.
conduct
;
reputation
US
variant of
if the CAP fits, wear it.
1773New-York Gazette & Weekly Mercury
17 May
Why should Mr. Vanderbeek apply a general comparison to himself? Let those whom the shoe fits wear it.
1876
Century of Gossip
125
If the shoe fits you, you can wear it a little wile [sic], Jack; but we won't quarrel about that.
1934
Emerald Murder Trap
260
Some one, devilishly inspired, had made a noose in the end and the knot was what is so widely known as a Hangman's knot … ‘There's an old saying, you know; if the shoe fits, wear it. The words might be made to apply to knots, I suppose!’
1980
No Country for Young Men
vi.
I was talking in a general way, Judith, but of course if the shoe fits.
conduct;
reputation
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