In for a penny, in for a pound
Once we have admitted ourselves to some extent in an undertaking, we may as well go through with it. The American English variant of the... Read more →
In a calm sea every man is a pilot
We are all ready to do the other fellow's job – or offer advice – when there is no risk attached, but we are not so eager to volunteer when... Read more →
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
To flatter is to give too much praise, to compliment unduly. By its very nature it is insincere, not an expression of honest opinion. If,... Read more →
Ill weeds grow apace
Though the plants we value will not grow in our gardens without endless care and attention, worthless weeds always thrive; and worthless people... Read more →
An ill payer never wants an excuse
Here 'wants' means 'lacks'. A man who keeps his creditors waiting always has an excuse ready for not paying their bills.
Ill news comes apace
The more modern version of this proverb is Bad news travels fast. Bad news nearly always reaches us more quickly than good news. News about... Read more →
If you want peace, prepare for war
By arming itself to meet aggression, a country reduces the risk of being attacked. George Washington said in his address to Congress on January... Read more →
If you want a thing well done, do it yourself
This is good advice up to a point, yet an employer who does not delegate authority because he does not trust his staff to carry out his... Read more →
If you sing before breakfast, you will cry before night
If you start the day in too joyful a mood, the good spirits are unlikely to last the day out. This is the warning of the pessimist.
If you run after two hares you will catch neither
Don't try to do two things at once. Concentrate on one or the other.