Many kiss the hand they wish to cut off
Don't be deceived by mere politeness, as people are often polite to those they intend to harm. Chaucer refers to 'the smiler with the knife... Read more →
Many hands make light work
The more people there are to carry out a task, the less each has to do, and the more quickly is the work finished. It has been said that this... Read more →
Many a little makes a mickle
This advises thrift. If you start with a little and continually add a little, you will eventually have a mickle, which is an Anglo-Saxon word... Read more →
Manners maketh man
Another version is 'Manners make the man.' A person is often judged by his manners rather than his character, especially on first acquaintance,... Read more →
A man without a smiling face must not open a shop
This comes to us from the Chinese. A shopkeeper who behaves in a surly way is unlikely to attract customers.
Love your neighbour, yet pull not down your fence
This means the same as A hedge between keeps friendship green.
Love will find a way
Love has such power that it will overcome all difficulties. This means much the same as Love laughs at locksmiths.
The love of money is the root of all evil
All kinds of wickedness and tribulation spring from the desire to become rich. Note that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil,... Read more →
Love me, love my dog
Dr. Brewer wrote of this: 'If you love me you must put up with my faults, my little ways, or (sometimes) my friends. A rather selfish maxim!'
Love me little, love me long
Do not let your passion for a person become too strong, for it may soon burn itself out. Mild affection is more likely to be long-lived. In... Read more →