The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (2 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
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ABSENCE makes the heart grow fonder
Cf. PROPERTIUS
Elegies
II. xxxiii
b
. I. 43
semper in absentes felicior aestus amantes
, passion [is] always warmer towards absent lovers.
c
1850
in
Isle of Beauty
(rev. ed.) iii.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
1923
Observer
11 Feb. 9
These saws are constantly cutting one another's throats. How can you reconcile the statement that ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’ with ‘Out of sight, out of mind’?
1979
Rose in Darkness
xi.
‘Oh, I couldn't go now!’ ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’
1985
Dick & Jane
119
‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ ‘Some other organs, too. Like tha nose,’ Nick cracked.
1992
Rather English Marriage
(1993) xi. 178
Absence may have made his heart grow fonder, but it hasn't done wonders for mine.
absence
;
love
He who is ABSENT is always in the wrong
Cf. Fr.
les absents ont toujours tort
;
c
1440
J. LYDGATE
Fall of Princes
(EETS) III. l. 3927 For princis ofte .. Wil cachche a qu[a]rel .. Ageyn folk absent.
1640
Outlandish Proverbs
no. 318
The absent partie is still faultie.
1710
Proverbs
xxi.
The absent party is always to blame.
1736
Poor Richard's Almanack
(July)
The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.
1912
Unbearable Bassington
iv.
The absent may be always wrong, but they are seldom in a position to be inconsiderate.
1981
Soldier no More
57
I will quote first that fine old French saying—which covers any claim Charlie may or may not have on that cake—‘he who is absent is always in the wrong.’
absence
;
error
BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
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