The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (448 page)

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It is easier to PULL down than to build up
1577
Hist. Ireland
in Holinshed
Chronicles
89
It is easie to raze, but hard to buylde.
1587
Defence of Government in Church of England
VI
. 518
We may quicklier pull downe with one hande, than wee can easilie builde againe with both.
1644
Dodona's Grove
134
In politicall affaires, as well as mechanicall, it is farre easier to pull downe, then build up.
1909
Times
29 Apr. 9
Turkey and her new .. rulers .. have astonished those who thought they knew the Turks best by .. the vigour .. with which the great change has been conducted … But it is easier always and everywhere to pull down than to build up.
destruction
PUNCTUALITY is the politeness of princes
Fr.
l'exactitude est la politesse des rois
, punctuality is the politeness of kings (attributed to Louis XVIII, 1755–1824).
1834
Helen
II. ix.
‘Punctuality is the virtue of princes.’ .. Mr. Harley .. would have ridiculed so antiquated a notion.
1854
Handley Cross
(ed. 2) xli.
Punctuality is the purlitness o' princes, and I doesn't like keepin' people waitin'.
1981
Shard calls Tune
xv.
One should never keep people waiting; punctuality was the politeness of princes.
politeness
;
punctuality
PUNCTUALITY is the soul of business
1853
Wise Saws
I. iii.
‘Punctuality,’ sais I, ‘my lord, is the soul of business.’
1911
Folk Rhymes of Devon
16
Punctuality is the soul of business, and in these days of cheap watches there can be no excuse for anybody failing to cultivate the habit.
1940
And so to Murder
181
Punctuality .. has been called the politeness of kings. It's more than that: it's plain good business.
business
;
punctuality

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