The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (248 page)
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HALF a loaf is better than no bread
Similar to
SOMETHING is better than nothing.
1546
Dialogue of Proverbs
I. xi. D4
V
Throwe no gyft agayne at the giuers head, For better is halfe a lofe then no bread.
1636
Remains concerning Britain
(ed. 5) 297
Halfe a loafe is better than no bread at all.
1681
Rover
II. II. ii.
You know the Proverb of the half Loaf, Ariadne, a Husband that will deal thee some Love is better than one who can give thee none.
1841
Old Curiosity Shop
I. xxxiii.
‘Mr. Swiveller,’ said Quilp, ‘being pretty well accustomed to the agricultural pursuits of sowing wild oats, Miss Sally, prudently considers that half a loaf is better than no bread.’
1979
Guardian
6 Aug. 10
Half a loaf is better than no bread at all. The ending of half a war is immensely better than no truce at all.
content and discontent
SOMETHING is better than nothing.
1546Dialogue of Proverbs
I. xi. D4
V
Throwe no gyft agayne at the giuers head, For better is halfe a lofe then no bread.
1636
Remains concerning Britain
(ed. 5) 297
Halfe a loafe is better than no bread at all.
1681
Rover
II. II. ii.
You know the Proverb of the half Loaf, Ariadne, a Husband that will deal thee some Love is better than one who can give thee none.
1841
Old Curiosity Shop
I. xxxiii.
‘Mr. Swiveller,’ said Quilp, ‘being pretty well accustomed to the agricultural pursuits of sowing wild oats, Miss Sally, prudently considers that half a loaf is better than no bread.’
1979
Guardian
6 Aug. 10
Half a loaf is better than no bread at all. The ending of half a war is immensely better than no truce at all.
content and discontentThe HALF is better than the whole
A proverb advising economy or restraint. Cf. HESIOD
Works & Days
40
o
µ
u
ó
, half is more than the whole.
1550
Sermon before King's Majesty
G3
Ther is a proverbe ..
Dimidium plus toto:
The halfe somtymes more then the hole. The meane lyfe is the best lyfe and the most quyet lyfe of al.
1828
Curiosities of Literature
2nd Ser. I. 419
The half is better than the whole.
1906
From College Window
v.
It is true of conversation as of many other things, that the half is better than the whole. People who are fond of talking ought to beware of being lengthy.
moderation
Works & Days
40
oµuó, half is more than the whole.1550Sermon before King's Majesty
G3
Ther is a proverbe ..
Dimidium plus toto:
The halfe somtymes more then the hole. The meane lyfe is the best lyfe and the most quyet lyfe of al.
1828
Curiosities of Literature
2nd Ser. I. 419
The half is better than the whole.
1906
From College Window
v.
It is true of conversation as of many other things, that the half is better than the whole. People who are fond of talking ought to beware of being lengthy.
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