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French speaking countries | | Date: Centuries-old | Notes: French Folk Sayings, Axioms or Proverbs on Monkeys, Elephants...
o in English translation (literally): You can't teach old monkeys how to make faces.
- English equivalent: You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
- French original: Ce n'est pas aux vieux singes qu'on apprend a faire des grimaces. | Contributed by: Image Courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #106720
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English speaking countries | | Date: Centuries-old | Notes: English Folk Sayings, Axioms or Proverbs on Insects
A
o An arrogant bug is a cocky roach.
o As snug as a bug in a rug (Meaning: To feel very comfortable under the bed covers.).
B
o The birds and the bees.
C
o A closed mouth catches no flies (Meaning: It is often safer to keep one's mouth shut.).
o Crazy as a Bessie bug. (Archaic)
F
o Family and friends welcome. Fleas are not.
o A fly may sting a horse and make him wince.
L
o Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas.
Y
o You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar (Meaning: Kind words are more effective than harsh ones.).
| Contributed by: Image courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #806466
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German speaking countries | | Date: Centuries-old | Notes: German Proverbs, Axioms or Folk Sayings on Insects
B
o A blind man swallows many a fly.
C
o A close mouth catches no flies.
H
o in English translation: Hit two flies with one blow.
- Meaning: Do two things at the same time.
- Equivalent: Kill two birds with one stone.
- German original: Zwei fliegen mit einer klappe schlagen.
T
o in English translation (Literally): To make an elephant out of a mosquito.
English equivalent: To make a mountain out of a molehil.
Meaning to blow things out of proportion.
German original: Aus einer mucke einen elefanten machen.
| Contributed by: Image Courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #806410
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French speaking countries | | Date: Centuries-old | Notes: French Proverbs, Axioms or Folk Sayings on Insects
o Don't imitate the fly before you have wings.
o in English translation: You don't catch flies with vinegar. Equivalent: Honey catches more flies than vinegar.
French original: On ne prend pas les mouches avec du vinaigre.
| Contributed by: Image Courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #8064103
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Spanish Speaking Countries | | Date: Centuries-old | Notes: Spanish Proverbs, Axioms or Folk Sayings on Insects
o in English translation: A closed mouth catches no flies.
- Spanish original: En boca cerrada no entran moscas.
o in English translation (Literally): Fleas jump on a skinny dog.
- Meaning: The weak attract problems.
- Spanish original: A perro flaco se le suben las pulgas.
o Laws catch flies but let hornets go free. | Contributed by: Image Courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #107770
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