Excerpt from English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases That popular phraseology which has subsisted among us time out of mind, and which may be said to constitute a kind of common speech, presents to our notice a theme peculiarly abounding in curiosity, interest and social illustration. The Rev. John Ward, Vicar of stratford-on-avon in the time of Charles II., observes in his diary Six things required to a proverb; 1. Short; 2. Plain; 3. Common; 4. Figurative; 5. Ancient; 6. True. If we allow this to be a fair criterion or standard, it follows that in the existing collections are a very great number of articles which have no real title to a place there; and such is, indeed, the actual fact. In Dr. Fuller's Gnomologia, 1732, there are 6496 sayings; but of these a considerable proportion would have to be eliminated to satisfy Mr. Ward's postulates; for there are, assuredly, many which do not fall under any of those heads. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases: Collected From the Most Authentic Sources, Alphabetically Arranged and Annotated Worcester, in his Dictionary. Explains a proverb to be a common and pithy expression, which embodies some moral precept or admitted truth. I do not aspire to turn leaicegrapher; but I cannot forbear to record my belief that Worcester's description is scarcely exhaustive. If I had to define the thing myself, I confas that I would rather set a proverb down as an expression or combination of words conveying a truth to the mind by a figure. Phrasis, antithesis, or hyperbole. To put the matter did - er ently, it seems to me essential that a proverb should have a figurative sense, an inner sense, or an approximate sense. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The 'Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' curated by Thomas Preston, is a seminal collection that weaves together the rich tapestry of English proverbs, illuminating the cultural, historical, and linguistic complexities inherent in these concise phrases. This anthology does not merely list proverbs but explores their origins, variations, and the contexts in which they have been employed across centuries. It encompasses a broad spectrum of literary styles, from the archaic to the contemporary, demonstrating the dynamic evolution of the English language and its reflections on societys evolving values and beliefs. Highlighting standout entries, the collection diligently traces the lineage of each proverb, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of their enduring significance. The contributing scholars, under the astute editorship of Thomas Preston, bring together a collective expertise in linguistics, folklore, and cultural studies, providing a multidimensional exploration of English proverbs. These authors mine historical records, literary works, and oral traditions to present a compilation that aligns with various literary and cultural movements, encapsulating the wisdom of ages and the perennial nature of human experiences. Their collective scholarship enriches the anthology, allowing it to serve as a bridge between past and present, and inviting reflection on the human condition. This collection is an invaluable resource for students, educators, and enthusiasts of language and culture, offering an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the wisdom encapsulated within English proverbial phrases. It encourages readers to appreciate the nuance and depth of these phrases, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shape our language and our lives. The 'Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' is not just a scholarly endeavor; it is an invitation to engage in a dialogue with the past, and through that dialogue, gain insights into the present and future of human cultural expressions.