The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (75 page)

Used with reference to the suitability of names or descriptions as demonstrated by the behaviour of the person concerned. Cf.
if the SHOE fits, wear it
. The cap in question was originally a dunce's cap, as is shown by the following:
1600
N. BRETON
Pasquil's Fools-Cap
A3 Where you finde a head fit for this Cappe, either bestowe it vpon him in charity, or send him where he may haue them for his money.
1732
Gnomologia
no. 2670
If any Fool finds the Cap fit him, let him wear it.
1750
Clarissa
(ed. 3) VII. ii.
If indeed thou findest .. that the cap fits thy own head, why then .. clap it on.
1854
Hard Times
II. vii.
‘Mercenary … Who is not mercenary?’.. ‘You know whether the cap fits you … If it does, you can wear it.’
1985
‘’
Pearlhanger
xi.
Little crooks get chased. Big crooks .. get knighted and freedom. I don't mean bankers and insurance syndicates, incidentally, though if the cap fits …
conduct
;
reputation

 
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see
GENIUS is an infinite capacity for taking pains
.

 
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see
DOGS bark, but the caravan goes on
.

 
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With allusion to
MATTHEW
XXIV. 28 (AV) Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the Eagles be gathered together. Modern translations read ‘vultures’ for ‘eagles’.
c
1566
tr.
Curio's Pasquin in Trance
33
Where the caraine [carrion] is, thither do the Eagles resort.
1734
Poor Richard's Almanack
(Jan.)
Where carcasses are, eagles will gather, And where good laws are, much people flock thither.
1929
Perfect Murder Case
x.
On the way he explained his appearance at the inquest on the twin lines of busman's holiday and that where the carcass is there will the vultures be gathered together.
1979
‘’
Proceed to Judgement
190
[He] was surprised to find Sir Nicholas and Vera, as well as Roger and Meg, having tea with Jenny. ‘Where the carcase is, there shall the eagles be gathered together,’ he commented, not very politely.
associates

 
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