A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

MIGHT is right

C f. PLATO Republic I. 338c
for I [Thrasymachus] say that justice is nothing else than the interest
of the stronger; LUCAN Pharsalia 1. 175 mensuraque iuris vis erat, might was the measure of
right.

a 1327 in T. Wright Political Songs (1839) 254 For miht is right, the lond is

laweless. 1546 J. HEYWOOD Dialogue of Proverbs II.V. H2V We se many tymes myght

ouercomth ryght. 1790 J. TRUSLER Proverbs Exemplified 78 The law is so expensive.

..Might too often overcomes right. 1892 J. NICHOL Carlyle iv. [In] Chartism.. he clearly

enunciates ‘Might is right’—one of the few strings on which.. he played through life.

1979 Guardian 17 May 24 By adult examples, pupils are being taught such evil doctrines

as ‘Might is right’. 2001 Times 7 Nov. 16 All this means is that in politics, as in war,

might is right. justice and injustice; power

mightier see the PEN is mightier than the sword.

mighty see a REED before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks do fall.

mile see a MISS is as good as a mile.

milk see why buy a COW when milk is so cheap?; it is no use CRYING over spilt milk.

The MILL cannot grind with the water that is past

1616 T. DRAXE Adages 151 The water that is past, cannot make the mill goe. 1640

G. HERBERT Outlandish Proverbs no. 153 The mill cannot grind with the water that’s

past. 1856 R. C. TRENCH Poems 197 Oh seize the instant [present] time; you never will

With waters once passed by impel the mill. 1980 G. RICHARDS Red Kill xiv. It did no

good to think back. The mill cannot grind with the water that is past, as the old people in

the mountains used to say. opportunity, missed; past

mill see also all is GRIST that comes to the mill.

The MILLS of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small