As I have been tracking my family genealogy back to Scotland, England and Ireland. In the process, I’m discovering fun ways to say things as well as idioms or proverbs. We’ll start with Ireland. Irish proverbs or “seanfhocail” are generally clever and concise.
- A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures. The Irish are known for having their priorities in order and a handle on what constitutes a happy life. In this case—and in every case, just about—that’s laughter and a lie-in.
- That one suffers from a double dose of original sin. This is a clever, Biblical way of calling out someone who seems to be a natural-born troublemaker.
- You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind. You can mentally plan out your to-do list all you like, but you won’t be able to check it off until you actually complete your tasks.
- The older the fiddler, the sweeter the tune. We just get better with age.
- May the most you wish for be the least you get. An Irish blessing that means you want more for your friend than they even dream of for themselves.
- May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead. This blessing hopes that you can outrun any ultimate punishment you’re due. It’s been shortened into the name of a movie and a song title, among other things.
- Two people shorten the road. Every journey goes by faster if you have a little company.
- Where the tongue slips, it speaks the truth. The things you say when you’re not monitoring your speech—especially about sensitive topics—are closer to your true feelings than the responses you planned.
- A good word never broke a tooth. You don’t lose anything by being kind.
What Irish sayings or proverbs would you add?
Meandering Moose 