We all use old sayings from our heritage and culture without considering their truths or origins. Yet sometimes, I hear something and think to myself, “I wonder how that old saying got started….” Do you ever wonder about this? Just for fun, let’s look into the hourglass of time and discover the true meanings of some of these familiar old sayings.
Old Sayings Are a Part of Our Heritage
Growing up in the Deep South, I understood my grandparents’ use of certain sayings. Papa would say, “I’m gonna hope him do that tomorrow.” We all knew he meant he was going to help the person tomorrow. Granny would say, “I’ve got a pawn of cornbread in the oven.” We knew a small pan of cornbread was cooking.
Some of the old sayings we use or are familiar with go back over 300 years! That’s as far as I could trace their use, so I’m sure some of them will go back even further.
I’m always interested in people’s stories and customs. As you know from our Voices of Heritage series, I enjoy sharing and learning from the past to enrich the future. Reflecting on the past to make a brighter future is about being positively thoughtful.
Fences should be horse-high, bull-strong, and pig-tight
Having broken down fences or livestock on the loose was a bad reflection on a farmer. Not only did it indicate he was lazy or incapable of maintaining his farm, but also of looking after his livestock.
In some areas of the old country, if your livestock damaged someone’s property, they could claim it as their own.
The idea was to keep the fences high enough that a horse couldn’t jump over them, strong enough that a bull couldn’t bust them down, and tight enough that pigs couldn’t push through them.
It’s interesting to me that this saying originated at a time when waddle fences were widely used for livestock management.
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Shake the hand before you plow the field
I guess being shafted on the job has been around for a long time. This old saying indicates it’s best to agree upon a price for the job and get a down payment beforehand if at all possible.
It also went for the person hiring the work too. It was just as important for them to have an agreed-upon price before the work was done so they were protected as well.
Let a sleeping dog lie
Don’t cause trouble for yourself by stirring up someone or a situation that isn’t causing you problems at the moment. If your enemy or a certain circumstance is quiet, let it alone.
This is in accordance with the Bible verse Proverbs 26:17: “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump
Large stumps were difficult to remove when clearing land by hand. Farmers would often plow around them to finish the bigger job of planting crops. Then, as time allowed, they’d come back and work on removing the stump.
This is used in life to recognize that there are some things we must let go of and not waste time and energy on. As you grow in experience and wisdom, you can return to the problem or situation and deal with it effectively.
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Don’t do a rain dance if you don’t see clouds
I used to tell my boys something similar when they were growing up, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” Again, I’m reminded of a Bible verse, Proverbs 25:14, “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.”
Others will know you by your actions; don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
A stitch in time saves nine
If something needs repairing, fix it as soon as you see it. Don’t wait until the damage worsens beyond repair.
Some say this old saying originated with ships that used sails. Even the smallest hole was repaired as soon as it was seen to prevent further damage to the sail, which could mean saving the lives of the men on board.
It is also said to come from tailor shops in old England. Clothes were repaired as soon as tears were found to prevent the loss of the whole garment. There weren’t clothing stores on every corner nor funds readily available to replace the garment at will.
If you’re late with one chore, you’ll be late in a lot more
My Papa said a similar thing when I was growing up. He hated being late for anything. We were often 2 hours early for church.
With the unexpected happening all the time on a homestead, it’s easier to adapt throughout the day if the necessary morning chores are done on time. I’ve learned that if I let the chickens out late, then I’m late getting to the barn, which means I’m late milking, which means I’m late…
Never look a gift horse in the mouth
I was surprised to learn that this meant not accepting a gift without questioning it. I always thought it meant being thankful no matter where it comes from.
Its original use meant to question why someone was giving you something without a reason. This thought was based on the person returning later expecting you to do something for them in return for the gift. There was the possibility it would be something you wouldn’t want to do but would feel obligated to since you received a gift from them.
Another old meaning of this saying came from my husband’s family. If someone gives you something, don’t look too closely at it or question it; just receive it with gratitude.
His great-grandfather said it’s like when a man buys a horse that looks good on the outside, but then he checks his teeth and finds it not to be what it was supposed to be. If you look too closely at the gift horse, you may change your opinions of the gift and the giver.
Above all else, farming is a life of hope
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Crops fail, but we plant again in hope. Animals die, but we breed or purchase again in hope. Fences break down, but we repair them in hope. We could go on and on about all that could and often does go wrong on a homestead, yet we go on…in hope.
A tottering fence without means trouble in the house
The condition of one’s farm and home was considered a reflection of the inward person and condition of the family. If fences were falling down, then others felt sure there was something wrong with the whole home. This old saying was originally used to indicate marital trouble: A man who doesn’t love his wife or home will not take care of things.
Make Hay While the Sun Shines
It’s akin to the famous John Wayne saying, “You’re burin’ daylight,” which is one of my favorites.
This one is unusual because it was a literal saying from Old England. Those who put up hay know you only cut, rack, stack, and bail hay when it’s sunny and the hay is dry. If rain is in the forecast, farmers rush to get the job done before the hay gets wet and is ruined.
It’s come to mean about the same thing as, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
One of Ma Ingalls’ favorite sayings. Isn’t it interesting how we all know who she is? She lived her life without ever considering that people would recognize her name and think of her a hundred years later.
Anyway, this saying is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t count a thing as so until it is done.
Less said, sooner mended
Another of Ma Ingalls’ old sayings is that if you find yourself in a messy situation, you can cause yourself more heartache and harm if you keep it stirred up. Let it alone, and it will die a natural death.
A month of Sundays
In the old days, there were many religious rules about what could and could not be done on Sunday. This made the day seem long, especially for children. So, of course, this phrase is used to indicate a long, slow period of time.
By hook or by crook
This old saying is said to come from a Medieval law stating peasants could use branches of any tree for firewood with one condition. They had to be able to reach the branch using a shepherd’s crook or a billhook. Using one or both of these tools, they could get wood for heating and cooking.
In our day, it’s come to mean something will be done one way or another.
Nothing falls into the mouth of a sleeping fox
The fox is a sneaky creature and has to work for his food. This goes together with another of the old sayings, “The sleeping fox will catch no chicken.”
These two simply mean a person who doesn’t work doesn’t eat. A lesson many in our society should learn from. No, I don’t mean those who can’t work to provide; I mean those who can and won’t.
Don’t let the cat out of the bag
There’s an interesting story to this saying. Back then, piglets sold in open markets were placed in burlap bags to keep them from getting away. Crooked merchants would put large cats in the bags instead of piglets.
If the buyer didn’t check the bag before he left the merchant, he was stuck holding the bag, another old saying, and was without recourse. He could not prove he didn’t swap them once he left the market.
A shrewd buyer would open the bag to look before he paid the merchant and would “let the cat out of the bag.” Today, it means to keep a secret.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
This old saying has a simple yet profound meaning. Applied to many areas of life, it simply means diversifying yourself, your time, energy, and money.
Learn everything you can, take care of your whole being, invest yourself in relationships, don’t overextend your resources, and don’t hyper-focus on any one money-making adventure.
Won’t Hit a Lick at a Snake
A truly Southern saying among old farmer sayings. It means someone is so lazy they wouldn’t try to hit a snake away with a stick.
She’s as Mad as a Cow Having a Calf With Horns
In old farmer sayings, this would mean the person was extremely angry about something and was very physical in expressing it.
That Dog Won’t Hunt
This would be considered the polite way of saying someone is lying. It stems from the Deep South, where coon hunting dogs were, and in some areas still are, prized. If a dog trailed a rabbit instead of a coon, it was said to be “a lyin’ dog”. If it was a pattern, it was considered no good for hunting or good for nothin’ liar.
You look like you’ve been rode hard and put up wet
Any horseman knows that riding a horse too hard can damage it. A horse that’s been allowed to run so hard it becomes lathered must be cooled down slowly, brushed, and dried before being put in a stall to rest. Not doing so could result in the death of the horse and, in the least, could cause pneumonia.
So, a person who looks run down, exhausted, or even sick may be said to look like this kind of horse.
Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse
I’m sure we’re all familiar with this one. It simply means not getting ahead of yourself in any circumstance but doing things in the proper order.
Put a Sock in it
This is another one of those old sayings that is used in many different ways. One member of TFL Community said his grandmother used this saying in reference to her gramophone. It had no volume control, so she would tell them to put a sock in it to turn down the volume of the speaker’s horn.
Its general use is a polite way of saying shut up or stop speaking.
You couldn’t stir them with a stick
In the Deep South, we use this saying in reference to fire ants because their mounds are numerous, and the ant population is innumerable. It simply means there was a lot of something, often too many to count.
She’s Like an Old Settin’ Hen
If you’ve kept chickens at all, you know when a hen sets hard, she is easily flustered and generally nasty. It also means upset easily.
In A Coon’s Age
This is a funny one originating in the Deep South. It’s a reference to something being a long period of time, i.e., I haven’t been there in a coon’s age. Raccoons live a long time, as any farmer in the South can tell you!
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
This old saying emphasizes the value of being proactive and industrious. In farming, getting up early allows one to start chores and work before the heat of the day sets in, increasing productivity. Similarly, those who act promptly and seize opportunities are more likely to succeed.
One Bad Apple Spoils the Whole Barrel
This is a familiar one in old sayings that warns about the contagious nature of negativity or bad influences. In farming, a rotten apple can release gases that cause nearby apples to spoil faster. Similarly, one negative or toxic individual can harm a group in social or professional settings. It underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
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Drunk as Cooter Brown
This expression describes someone who is heavily intoxicated. Its origins are a bit murky, but it’s often associated with either a figure from the American Civil War or a character from Southern folklore known for his love of spirits.
Some say Cooter Brown was a man who wanted to avoid being drafted into the military during the Civil War, so he stayed drunk to make himself unfit for service. Another theory suggests he was a fictional character known for his perpetual state of inebriation.
Growing up with the surname Brown, I always thought the grown-ups were talking about a drunk old relative. As a child, I imagined Great Uncle Cooter stumbling through life with a perpetual grin and a flask in hand. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized the truth behind the jests and jibes. It’s one of those old sayings that I laugh at myself about.
Jim Dandy
Jim Dandy is one of those old sayings that just roll off the tongue, right? Now, when you hear someone say “Jim Dandy,” they’re talking about something truly outstanding, top-notch, or just plain excellent.
The history behind this saying goes back to the 19th century in the good ol’ U.S. of A. It’s believed to have originated in African American culture, where it was used to describe exceptional things or people. Now, the exact story behind the name “Jim Dandy” is a bit fuzzy, but it’s likely a blend of the common name “Jim” and the word “dandy,” which back then meant something fashionable or top-of-the-line.
As time passed, this saying found its way into everyday American language, becoming a go-to phrase for expressing admiration or approval. Whether praising a job well done or marveling at something truly remarkable, “Jim Dandy” captures that sense of excellence and awe.
So, the next time you come across something truly exceptional, don’t hesitate to give it a nod and say, “Now, that’s a Jim Dandy!” It’s timeless among old sayings and celebrates the best of the best.
An Empty Wagon Rattles the Most
That’s one of those old sayings that hits close to home, right? It’s all about making noise when there’s nothing to show for it. See, when a wagon’s loaded with goods, it moves along quietly, doing its job without a fuss. But take away the cargo, and suddenly, every bump, every jostle, it’s like the wagon’s shouting, “Look at me! I’m here!”
It’s a reminder, plain and simple that sometimes, the loudest ones in the room aren’t necessarily the most substantial. Just because someone’s making a racket doesn’t mean they’ve got something worthwhile to say. The ones who carry their load quietly, without all the fuss, often have the most to offer.
It’s An Ill Wind That Blows Nobody Any Good
This old saying is about finding the bright side even when things aren’t going your way.
You see, life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes, we find ourselves facing tough times or setbacks. But here’s the kicker—even in the darkest clouds, there’s often a silver lining waiting to be discovered. It’s about looking past the gloom and finding those little rays of sunshine, those hidden opportunities for growth and learning.
It’s a reminder to keep your chin up, keep pushing forward, and keep your eyes peeled for those unexpected blessings in disguise.
Fine Words Butter No Parsnips
Here’s another gem of wisdom among old sayings. You see, in this fast-paced world, there are a lot of talkers out there—folks who can spin a tale or charm the socks off anyone they meet. But here’s the thing: all the fancy words in the world won’t get the job done when it comes down to brass tacks. It’s like trying to butter your parsnips with sweet talk—nice, but it won’t fill your belly.
This saying reminds us that actions speak louder than words. Sure, it’s great to be able to talk the talk, but what really counts is walking the walk. It’s a gentle nudge to focus on substance over style, to prioritize action and results over empty rhetoric.
He Who Pays The Piper Calls The Tune
When someone is footing the bill, whether for a project, a gathering, or any other occasion, they call the shots. It’s like they hold the reins, and everyone else has to fall in line.
This saying illuminates the sway that money holds. It reminds us that when someone is the one paying, they’ve earned a say in how things are run and where the funds flow. It’s a blunt reminder that whoever holds the purse strings holds the power when it comes to money.
If You’re Going to Dance, You Have to Pay the Fiddler
Another of the old sayings from the beloved Ma Ingalls, who gave sage advice to her daughter Laura during a pivotal time. As Laura faced the news of her expectancy with Rose, Ma Ingalls shared this sentiment with her.
In the gentle and practical manner that Ma was known for, she reminded Laura of the fundamental principle that actions have consequences. If you choose to partake in an activity or enjoy a pleasure, you must also accept the responsibility or consequences that come with it.
Metaphorically, this saying emphasizes the importance of accountability and facing the results of one’s actions. Whether it’s a literal payment or the repercussions of a decision, there’s a cost associated with every choice made. It encourages prudence and mindfulness in decision-making, reminding us that pleasure often comes with its own set of obligations. So, before indulging in any endeavor, consider the price to be paid, for in life’s dance, the fiddler always awaits their due.
Water Ain’t Gonna Clear Up Until You Get The Pigs Out Of The Creek
At its core, this saying is all about addressing the root cause of a problem. Imagine a creek muddied by pigs wading in it. No matter how much you wait or hope for the water to clear, it won’t happen until you deal with the real issue – the pigs in the water.
This old saying can be applied to many aspects of life. It teaches us the importance of direct action and confronting issues head-on. It reminds us that sometimes the solutions to our problems are as straightforward as removing the pigs from the creek.
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Wrap Up
In our quest to understand the meanings behind these old sayings, we delve into the depths of our collective history, seeking the threads that connect us to our ancestors and the wisdom they imparted.
With each saying we explore, we uncover layers of meaning that speak to the trials, triumphs, and timeless truths of the human experience. Some reflect practical advice gleaned from generations of hard-earned lessons. Others echo the values and beliefs that have shaped our cultures and societies over centuries.
Yet, beyond their surface meanings, these old sayings carry with them a sense of nostalgia and familiarity woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. They remind us of our roots, grounding us in our heritage even as we navigate the complexities of modernity.
As we unravel the stories behind these sayings, we gain insight into our past and find guidance for the present and future. They offer us pearls of wisdom to treasure, guiding us through life’s challenges and illuminating the path ahead.
How well did you do? Did you know the origins or meanings of these old farmer sayings? Can you share other old sayings with us in the comments below?