A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

Footprints i. Talk’s cheap. You could never make me believe that. 2002 Washington

Times 16 Mar. F15 (Herb & Jamaal comic strip)’Talk is cheap.. because the supply

always exceeds the demand.’ boasting; words and deeds

TALK of the Devil, and he is bound to appear

Also abbreviated to talk of the Devil!, used when a person just spoken of is suddenly seen.

1666 G. TORRIANO Italian Proverbs 134 The English say, Talk of the Devil, and

he’s presently at your elbow. 1721 J. KELLY Scottish Proverbs 299 Speak of the Dee’l,

and he’ll appear. Spoken when they, of whom we are speaking, come in by Chance. 1773

R. GRAVES Spiritual Quixote II. VIII. V. ‘How free he had made with the Devil’s

name.’.. ‘Talk of the Devil, and he will appear.’ 1830 MARRYAT King’s Own II. V. The

unexpected appearance of Mrs. Rainscourt made him involuntarily exclaim, ‘Talk of the

devil—’ ‘And she appears, Sir,’ replied the lady. 1979 Radio Times 27 Oct.-2 Nov. 66

Talk of the Devil.. and he’s bound to appear, they say. 2001 R. HILL Dialogues of Dead

xiii. 107 ‘Talk of the devil, there he is. How do, Your Lordship! Who’s looking after the

maggots?’ coincidence

talk see also MONEY talks; if you can WALK you can dance, if you can talk you can sing.

tango see it takes TWO to tango.

tar see do not spoil the SHIP for a ha’porth of tar.

Tartar see SCRATCH a Russian and you find a Tartar.

tartest see from the SWEETEST wine, the tartest vinegar.

taste see there is no ACCOUNTING for tastes; EVERY man to his taste.

TASTES differ

1803 J. DAVIS Travels in USA ii. Tastes sometimes differ. 1868 W. COLLINS

Moonstone I. xv. Tastes differ. .. I never saw a marine landscape that I admired less. 1924

H. DE SELINCOURT Cricket Match iii. It’s no use arguing about that. .. Tastes differ.