The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (376 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
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MONEY talks
Meaning that money has influence.
1666
Italian Proverbs
179
Man prates, but gold speaks.
1681
Rover
II.
III
. i.
Money speaks in a Language all Nations understand.
1903
Saturday Evening Post
5 Sept. 12
When money talks it often merely remarks ‘Good-by’.
1915
Something Fresh
iii.
The whole story took on a different complexion for Joan. Money talks.
1984
Hotel du Lac
(1985) xi.
‘At least I assume they are millionaires?’ ‘That is what they would like you to assume, certainly. And if money talks, .. they are certainly making the right amount of noise’.
1998
Washington Post
4. Jan. C3 (
headline
)
Money Talks. Here's What It Says About US.
money
;
power
A MONEYLESS man goes fast through the market
The proverb is explained in quot. 1721. The last example represents a variation of the original proverb, asserting that a person rushes to wherever what he lacks may be found. Cf. late 14th-cent. Fr.
cilz qui n'a point d'argent n'a que faire au marchié
, he who has no money can only go to (i.e. cannot buy anything at) the market.
1721
Scottish Proverbs
10
A silverless Man goes fast through the Market. Because he does not stay to cheapen [bargain] or buy.
1732
Gnomologia
no. 330
A Moneyless Man goes fast thro' the Market.
1977
Five-Minute Marriage
iv.
Found your way here at last, then, miss, have you? A moneyless mare trots fast to the market.
buying and selling
;
poverty

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