A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

struggles in India, the darkest hour proved to be that just before the dawn. 2002

Washington Times 4 Feb. B5 It is always darkest before the dawn, the old saying goes,

and often a declarer reaches a dark point during the early play that precedes his ultimate

step toward victory. hope and despair

darkness see BETTER to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

darling see BETTER be an old man’s darling, than a young man’s slave.

daughter see like FATHER, like son; like MOTHER, like daughter; my SON is my son till
he gets him a wife, but my daughter’s my daughter all the days of her life.

dawn see the DARKEST hour is just before the dawn.

As the DAY lengthens, so the cold strengthens

1631 E. PELLHAM God’s Power 27 The New Year now begun, as the Days began to

lengthen, so the Cold began to strengthen. 1639 J. CLARKE Parœmiologia Anglo-Latina

18 As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens. 1721 J. KELLY Scottish Proverbs 52 As

the Day lengthens the Cold strengthens. It is often found that February and March are

much more cold and piercing than December or January. 1899 A. WEST Recollections II.

xxi. The weather at this time was bearing out the old adage and the cold strengthened as

the days lengthened. 1978 R. WHITLOCK Calendar of Country Customs iii. As the day

lengthens, So the cold strengthens, is still a well-known country proverb, applicable to

January and early February. weather lore

Be the DAY weary or be the day long, at last it ringeth to evensong

1509 S. HAWES Pastime of Pleasure xlii. R8V For thoughe the day, be neuer so

longe, At last the belles ryngeth to euensonge. 1612 T. ADAMS Gallant’s Burden 20 If

you could indent with the Sunne to stand still.. yet it shall sette: Be the day never so long,

at length comes evensong. 1732 T. FULLER Gnomologia no. 6132 Be the day never so

long, At length cometh Even-song. 1935 ‘J. J. CONNINGTON’ In whose Dim Shadow xv.

‘“Be the day weary or be the day long, At last it ringeth to evensong”,’ quoted the Chief

Constable. 1969 N. HALE Life in Studio 120 Be the day short or be the day long, At

length it cometh to evensong. perseverance