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Dialect – Phrases

Soft words butter no parsnips

June 9, 2020July 16, 2004 by John McCullagh
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We’ve had a request for more proverbs, or local sayings if you prefer it.  You too can add your own just by contacting us, on ‘Contact Us’ at the very bottom of this and every page.
 
Why no try the previous exercise of translating each one for the benefit of those who interpret them literally. 
 

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Fox to hoard the Ducks

June 9, 2020June 28, 2004 by John McCullagh
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Wise local sayings of the past, like proverbs in any language refer to a much wider field than that of the animals, people or things alluded to.  As a mental exercise, why not imagine you are explaining the real meaning of each to a visiting non-English speaking tourist!
 

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Common Phrases 4

June 9, 2020May 13, 2004 by John McCullagh
1972kneesup.jpg

Tack       bad taste  [tacky]


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Chew the Fat

June 9, 2020May 13, 2004 by John McCullagh
huntergatherers.jpg

Thatched roofs were certainly warm in winter and cool in summer.  These advantages were welcome to other creatures than man.  The canopied bed came into existence to protect the sleeper from bugs and insects dropping from the thatch.

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Phrases and Explanations

June 9, 2020May 5, 2004 by John McCullagh
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The origin of a few common expressions explained:   ‘Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water!’

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More Local Phrases

June 9, 2020April 29, 2004 by John McCullagh
CottageCartwheels.jpg

There’s no flies on her except they’re paying rent



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Phrases Again

June 9, 2020April 29, 2004 by John McCullagh
19CentCottage.jpg

For good   for ever, ‘I’m finished with him for good’



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Dialect Phrases

June 9, 2020April 29, 2004 by John McCullagh
BenAndCatriona.jpg

She’s bad at fasting but the divil for prayers …



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More (insulting) expressions

June 9, 2020March 4, 2004 by John McCullagh
OutOfTheMountains.jpg

Local Sayings, some still in common usage

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