A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

1963 F. MOWAT Never Cry Wolf (1979) 90 This is why the caribou and the wolf are

one: for the caribou feeds the wolf but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong. 2006

World Wildlife Fund website 31 Oct. ‘Arctic Wolf’ In most Native American

mythologies, the wolf is revered as a powerful spirit and its place in the web of life is

seen as vital. An old Inuit saying from the Kivalliq Region in northern Canada, says: ‘The

caribou feeds the wolf, but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong.’ 2007 ‘Without a

Park to Range’ weblog 30 Jan. If you don’t believe biologists, heed an Inuit proverb

based on thousands of years of observation: ‘The caribou feeds the wolf, but it is the wolf

who keeps the caribou strong.’ strength and weakness

A CARPENTER is known by his chips

a 1533 LD. BERNERS Hist. Arthur (1582) 162b I know well my lorde Arthur hath

been here. .. He is a good carpenter, for he hath made here a faire sight of chips. 1546 J.

HEYWOOD Dialogue of Proverbs I. vii. 14 Muste she not (quoth he) be welcome to vs

all, Amonge vs all, lettyng suche a farewell fall? But such carpenters, such chips. Quoth

she folke tell. 1738 SWIFT Polite Conversation ii. 153 ‘You have eaten nothing.’.. ‘See

all the Bones on my Plate: They say, a carpenter’s known by his Chips.’ 1962 Washington

Daily News 24 July 14 In the idiom of the Middle West, you can tell a wood chopper by

his chips. President Kennedy’s economic report.. was based on the scientific estimates of

his Council of Economic Advisers. appearance; human nature

carry see a DOG that will fetch a bone will carry a bone; SPEAK softly and carry a big
stick; everyone SPEAKS well of the bridge which carries him over.

cart see don’t PUT the cart before the horse.

case see CIRCUMSTANCES alter cases; HARD cases make bad law; no one should be
JUDGE in his own cause.

Ne’er CAST a clout till May be out

A warning not to leave off old or warm clothes until the end of May. The proverb does not
refer to May blossom, as is sometimes assumed.

1706 J. STEVENS Spanish & English Dict. s.v. Mayo, Hasta passado Mayo no te