The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (545 page)
Read The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs Online
Authors: John Andrew Simpson,
BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
13.2Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
You can't TEACH an old dog new tricks
1530Husbandry
(ed. 2) G1
V
The dogge must lerne it when he is a whelpe, or els it wyl not be; for it is harde to make an olde dogge to stoupe.
1636
Remains concerning Britain
(ed. 5)300
It is hard to teach an old dog trickes.
1672
English & Latin Proverbs
46
An old dog will learn no new tricks.
1806
Letter
15 Feb.(1834)14
There is an old proverb,‘You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.’
1987
Little Death Music
V
.
He's listening to records with Vance. Downright rude, if you ask me, but you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
habit;
innovation
;
old age
Don't TEACH your grandmother to suck eggs
A caution against offering advice to the wise and experienced. The metaphorical phrase
to teach one's grandmother (to suck eggs
) is also found.
1707
tr.
Quevedo's Comical Works
IV
. 403
You would have me teach my Grandame to suck Eggs.
1738
Polite Conversation
I. 57
‘I'll mend it, Miss.’ .. ‘You mend it! go, Teach your Grannam to suck Eggs.’
1882
Christowell
II. iii.
A .. twinkle, which might have been interpreted—‘instruct your grandfather in the suction of gallinaceous products.’
1967
English Proverbs Explained
48
Don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs.
1983
Anodyne Necklace
i.
Rota. I'm well aware there's a rota. You trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, Jury?
advice
to teach one's grandmother (to suck eggs
) is also found.
1707tr.
Quevedo's Comical Works
IV
. 403
You would have me teach my Grandame to suck Eggs.
1738
Polite Conversation
I. 57
‘I'll mend it, Miss.’ .. ‘You mend it! go, Teach your Grannam to suck Eggs.’
1882
Christowell
II. iii.
A .. twinkle, which might have been interpreted—‘instruct your grandfather in the suction of gallinaceous products.’
1967
English Proverbs Explained
48
Don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs.
1983
Anodyne Necklace
i.
Rota. I'm well aware there's a rota. You trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs, Jury?
adviceOther books
Fiona Frost: Order of the Black Moon by Dr. Bon Blossman
The War Game by Black, Crystal
Lucy Lane and the Lieutenant by Helen Dickson
Jack Maggs by Peter Carey
The Dead Series (Book 4): Dead End by Schafer, Jon
Touch of a Scoundrel (Touch of Seduction 3) by Mia Marlowe
Smoke and Fire: Part 4 by Donna Grant
moan for uncle 6 by Towers, Terry
B00DSGY9XW EBOK by Ryan, Ashley
Phoenix Heart by Nash, Carolyn