When the cat is away, the mice will play
This is a very old proverb, dating back to the sixteenth century. It means that when the person in authority is away, those under him will take... Read more →
When one door shuts another opens
Failure should not deter us, for there are always other opportunities.
When in Rome do as the Romans do
If you are away from home, adapt yourself to your surroundings and to the local customs. Don't expect the people there to alter their way of... Read more →
When in doubt leave out
This advice applies particularly to writers who are either not sure of their facts, or cannot make up their minds whether or not to include a... Read more →
When in doubt do nowt
This is an old Cheshire proverb, 'nowt' meaning 'nothing'. It is better to refrain from action than to do something you are not sure about.... Read more →
When I lent I had a friend; when I asked he was unkind
This means the same as 'Lend your money and lose your friend'. See also Neither a borrower nor a lender be.
When Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war
When two adversaries are of equal strength of character, the contest of wills is certain to be long and hard-fought. Dr Brewer tells us that... Read more →
When children stand quiet they have done some ill
The rhymed version of this is: When children stand still, They have done some ill. A mother once said her daughter: 'Tommy's very quiet. Go and... Read more →
When all men speak, no man hears
Unless we listen to each other, we shall learn nothing
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap
You will be punished or rewarded according to whether you have lad a virtuous or a sinful life. This proverb means the same as As you sow, so... Read more →