Happy St. Patricks Day!
In the spirit of celebrating the holiday in a frugal manner, and hopefully keeping more green in your pocket here are some old Irish Proverbs that convey wisdom in some wise words. I have highlighted the FRUGAL proverbs in RED so you can see if you're living the life of a frugal one.
A buckle is a great addition to an old shoe.
(Be frugal and make something old usable by fixing it up)
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A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle.
(Live within your means, don't be house poor)
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A disease known is half cured.
(Be aware of your ills, know the cause and you can heal faster)
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A fast is better than a bad meal.
(Eat healthy and well, it is better to not eat if its not good for you)
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A good retreat is better than a bad stand.
(If you don't have a valid argument, don't get involved)
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A good servant makes a good master.
(Work hard and you will be promoted)
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A hut is a palace to the poor man.
(Any roof over your head is better than no roof)
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A lock is better than suspicion.
(Secure your belongings)
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A new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners.
(Experience and familiarity make a difference) |
A quarrel is like buttermilk: once it's out of the churn, the more you shake it, the more sour it grows.
(duh, don't prolong quarrels) |
A quiet tongue shows a wise head.
(Silence is golden) |
A small benefit obtained is better than a great one in expectation.
(It is better to receive your benefit than to expect to get one and not get it) |
A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.
(If you have something, it is better than the potential to get something – keep it) |
A true friend laughs at your stories even when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your troubles even when they're not so bad.
Source: (Irish) |
Anything will fit a naked man.
(or a frugal man) |
Better be safe than sorry.
(know your risk) |
Better fifty enemies outside the house than one within.
(don't make enemies of someone you must live with) |
Better one good thing that is than two good things that were.
(Enjoy what you have, not what you had) |
Every Jack has his Jill.
(Keeping looking for you life partner, they're out there) |
Every patient is a doctor after his cure. (We think we know everything once we've lived it)
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Everyone is wise until he speaks. (Silence will be construed as wisdom, just keep quiet)
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Falling is easier than rising. (to succeed takes more effort than to fail, keep trying)
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Handfuls make a load. (Every little bit helps, saving a small amount does add up to a lot)
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Handle the pudding while it's hot. (Seize the opportunity when it is there, don't delay your decisions)
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If you have to swallow a frog, try not to think about it. If you have to swallow two frogs, don't swallow the smaller one first.
(If you have an unpleasant task or situation, handle the worst one first and the next won't seem so bad) |
It destroys the craft not to learn it. (Don't put out poor quality work, learn the correct way to do something)
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It is a long road that has no turning. (Give yourself a break in striving for that big goal, a small diversion may help you achieve it)
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It is better to exist unknown to the law. (Just don't get involved in trouble)
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It is not a fish until it is on the bank. (Don't rely on something til you have it in your hand)
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It is not a sin to sell dear, but it is to make ill measure. (Its okay to make a profit, just don't cheat people)
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It's no delay to stop to edge the tool. (Take time to sharpen your skills and tools, it will then make work quicker )
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It's no use locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.
(Always do the right thing and accidents won't happen) |
Its no use going to the goat's house to look for wool. (Look in the right place for what you want)
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Let him who will not have advice have conflict. (If you won't listen to wisdom, figure it out yourself and make mistakes)
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Need teaches a plan. (When you need something, you'll figure out a way to make it happen)
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Never burn your fingers to snuff another man's candle. (Don't harm yourself to help others, you won't be able to help yourself then)
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Never buy through your ears but through your eyes. (Don't believe everything you hear, see it for yourself)
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Nodding the head does not row the boat. (A good intention does not get you anywhere, action is what matters)
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The best way to keep loyalty in a man's heart is to keep money in his purse.
(Loyal workers stay if paid well, Loyal customers come if they save well) |
The full person does not understand the needs of the hungry. (If you have all you desire, it is easy to forget the needs of others who lack what we have)
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The hole is more honorable than the patch. (Frugality, use something up so completely, and then patch it with pride)
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The mason who strikes often is better than the one who strikes too hard.
(Consistency & increased frequency in your actions makes for better quality) |
The seeking for one thing will find another. (Keep your eyes open, you never know what you will find or learn)
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The slow horse reaches the mill. (Consistent small or slow efforts will eventually get your there)
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The thief is no danger to the beggar. (If you have nothing to lose, you are free from fear)
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The wearer best knows where the shoe pinches. (You know best what works for you based on your nature, more so than others)
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The work praises the man. (Your work is an example of your skills, it is your reputation)
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There is light at the end of the tunnel. (Eventually you will solve your problem and it will be over)
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There's no need to fear the wind if your haystacks are tied down.
(Preparation is the key to confidence in times of adversity) |
Though honey is sweet, do not lick it off a briar. (Some things are not worth the cost to get it)
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Two shorten the road. (Share your journey with someone and it is easier)
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Two-thirds of help is to give courage. (Help others help themselves with encouragement)
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We'll never know the worth of water till the well go dry. (The frugal person knows the well will run dry some day, and is prepared for it)
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What fills the eye fills the heart. (what you see is what you want, don't let your eyes lust)
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What the child sees, the child does. What the child does, the child is.
(Be a good example, others will follow your lead) |
What's good for the goose is good for the gander. (Do unto others as they do unto you)
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When a twig grows hard it is difficult to twist it. Every beginning is weak.
(Don't let bad habits or situations solidify, correct it in the beginning) |
Where the tongue slips, it speaks the truth. (watch what you say)
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Winter comes fast on the lazy. (If you are not prepared for hard times, you will suffer quickly)
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You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have sailed under full sail, and you have not built a wall unless you have rounded a corner.
(You need to succeed through the difficult situation to call yourself experienced) |
You must crack the nuts before you can eat the kernel. (Work is necessary before you receive the fruits of your labor)
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You must cut your coat according to your cloth. (You must deal with life as it is presented to you, deal with what you have)
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You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind. (Good intentions never accomplish anything unless you put them to action)
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You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.
(You must nuture your own potential even if you have great ancestry) |