A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

1762 R. LLOYD Poems 38 You may deride my awkward pace, But slow and steady

wins the race. 1894 G. F. NORTHALL Folk-Phrases 22 Slow and steady wins the race.

2002 Washington Post Book World 14 Apr. 4 In Gould’s theory, slow and steady

sometimes wins the race, but more often than not life is punctuated by catastrophic

contingencies that fall in the realm of unique historical narratives rather than predictable

natural laws. patience and impatience; ways and means

SLOW but sure

Sure means properly ‘sure-footed, deliberate’ and is frequently contrasted with slow as in
1562 G. LEGH Accidence of Armoury 97 Although the Asse be slowe, yet is he sure. Closely
related to the previous proverb.

1692 R. L’ESTRANGE Fables of Aesop ccclxix. Slow and sure in these cases, is

good counsel. 1859 S. SMILES Self-Help xi. Provided the dunce has persistency and

application, he will inevitably head the cleverer fellow without these qualities. Slow but

sure, wins the race. 1947 M. PENN Manchester Fourteen Miles xvii. No dressmaker..

ever learnt her trade in a hurry. ‘Slow but sure’ was the beginner’s motto. 1985 D. & S.

ROSEN Death & Blintzes xxi. But you know how we work, slow but sure. Getting the

facts first and then narrowing things down. patience and impatience; ways and means

slowly see make HASTE slowly; the MILLS of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding
small.

SMALL choice in rotten apples

1593 SHAKESPEARE Taming of Shrew I. i. 129 Faith, as you say, there’s small

choice in rotten apples. 1931 C. WELLS Umbrella Murder iv. ‘I’m going upstairs, and

you can come with me, or stay behind, as you choose.’ ‘Small choice in rotten apples.’

1958 ‘S. DEAN’ Dishonor among Thieves xxiii. It’s a choice of rotten apples. choices;

necessity

SMALL is beautiful

1973 E. F. SCHUMACHER (title) Small is beautiful. 1977 D. JAMES Spy at

Evening xxiv. Small Is Beautiful—but big pays more. 1991 Washington Post 13 Jan. G8

In the 19th century, some classical composers forgot (if they had ever known) the

principle that ‘small is beautiful.’ 2002 Times 2 May 23 Small isn’t always beautiful and