The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (89 page)
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CIRCUMSTANCES alter cases
1678Tragedies of Lost Age
177
There may be circumstances that alter the case, as when there is a sufficient ground of partiality.
1776
Memoirs
(1798) 92
Our General reflected for a moment, that as circumstances alter cases, Gen. Washington .. might possibly wish for some aid.
1895
In Market Overt
xxxix.
Circumstances alter cases even with the best of us, as was shown in a day or two in the conduct of the Lord Bishop.
1938
Appointment with Death
xiii.
It is undoubtedly true that circumstances alter cases. I do feel .. that in the present circumstances decisions may have to be reconsidered.
1960
Nuncle
116
Well, circumstances alter cases … With me sitting here .. you haven't got a free hand.
1997
Washington Post
24 Dec. D11
I heartily disagree that making a gift to charity in honor of a third party is no gift at all.As the old saying goes, ‘circumstances alter cases’.
circumstancesA CIVIL question deserves a civil answer
1853Sam Slick's Wise Saws
II.ii.
Give a civil answer to a civil question.
1858
Piney Woods Tavern
xxvii.
The Squire there asked me a civil question, and that desarves a civil answer,—at least that's manners where I come from.
1935
Pins & Needles
xi.
‘Thank you for those few words,’ Aunt said effusively. ‘I've got what I wanted—a civil answer to a civil question.’
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