The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (503 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs
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SLOW but sure
Sure
means properly ‘sure-footed, deliberate’ and is frequently contrasted with
slow
as in
1562
G. LEGH
Accidence of Armoury
97 Although the Asse be slowe, yet is he sure. The related saying
slow and steady wins the race
is also illustrated here.
1692
Fables of Aesop
ccclxix.
Slow and sure in these cases, is good counsel.
1762
Poems
38
You may deride my awkward pace, But slow and steady wins the race.
1859
Self-Help
xi.
Provided the dunce has persistency and application, he will inevitably head the cleverer fellow without these qualities. Slow but sure, wins the race.
1894
Folk-Phrases
22
Slow and steady wins the race.
1947
Manchester Fourteen Miles
xvii.
No dressmaker .. ever learnt her trade in a hurry. ‘Slow but sure’ was the beginner's motto.
1985
Death & Blintzes
xxi.
But you know how we work, slow but sure. Getting the facts first and then narrowing things down.
patience and impatience
;
ways and means
SMALL choice in rotten apples
1593
Taming of Shrew
I
. i. 129
Faith, as you say, there's small choice in rotten apples.
1931
Umbrella Murder
iv.
‘I'm going upstairs, and you can come with me, or stay behind, as you choose.’ ‘Small choice in rotten apples.’
1958
Dishonor among Thieves
xxiii.
It's a choice of rotten apples.
choices
;
necessity

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