A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

The only GOOD Indian is a dead Indian

Originally with reference to North American Indians; now also used derogatively of
members of other nationalities or groups.

1868 J. M. CAVANAUGH in Congressional Globe (US) 28 May 2638 I have never

in my life seen a good Indian (and I have seen thousands) except when I have seen a dead

Indian. 1886 A. GURNEY Ramble through United States 29 The Government.. is at

length earnestly endeavouring to do tardy justice to the conquered race; but it was

distressing to hear again and again from American lips the remark that ‘A good Indian is

a dead Indian.’ 1895 E. S. ELLIS People’s Standard History U.S. IV. lxxxiv. In January,

1869,.. Old Toch-a-way.., a chief of the Comanches,.. [said]: ‘Me, Tock-a-way; me good

Injun.’.. General [Sheridan].. set those standing by in a roar by saying: ‘The only good

Indians I ever saw were dead.’ 1934 G. B. SHAW On Rocks (Preface) 146 ‘The only good

nigger is a dead nigger’ say the Americans of the Ku-Klux temperament. 1935 L. I.

WILDER Little House on Prairie xvii. She did not know why the government made

treaties with Indians. The only good Indian was a dead Indian. 1980 R. BUTLER Blood-

Red Sun at Noon II. vi. The only good Jap is a dead Jap. 1994 Washington Times 18 Jan.

A15 Unfortunately, some liberals sound as if they believe that the only good gun owner is

a dead gun owner. 1998 K. NEVILLE Magic Circle 457 Sam had escorted me, and as

we’d passed some other boys in the hallway, one had whispered just loud enough for Sam

to hear: ‘The only good Indian is a dead Indian.’ national characteristics; reputation

The GOOD is the enemy of the best

Also in reverse: the BEST is the enemy of the good.

1912 J. KELMAN Thoughts on Things Eternal 108 Every respectable Pharisee

proves the truth of the saying that ‘the good is the enemy of the best.’.. Christ insists that

we shall not be content with a second-best, though it be good. 1939 R. A. HABAS Morals

for Moderns vii. ‘The good’, runs the old aphorism, ‘is the enemy of the best.’ Nowhere

is this.. better exemplified than in connection with.. self-deceit. good things

A GOOD Jack makes a good Jill

1623 W. PAINTER Palace of Pleasure C8 A good Iacke alwaies maketh a good

Gyll. 1670 J. RAY English Proverbs 108 A good Jack makes a good Gill. .. Inferiours

imitate the manners of superiours.. wives of their husbands. 1876 I. BANKS Manchester

Man III. xv. In George Street he was refused admission, Mrs. Ashton justifying her