Funny Sayings in the South About Time
Grandma Sayings
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Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much. They've passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and their parenting tips, for starters. But we've just realized—they've passed down their vocabularies too. We have inherited their styles, their heirlooms, and more than a few of their favorite sayings as well. And we're beginning to understand what a treasure that truly is. From adages and proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way with words. Have you heard any of these classic phrases? Surely your grandma has told you to eat an apple a day. Or perhaps she mentioned that "pretty is as pretty does." Maybe you've heard that "still waters run deep." She has almost certainly exclaimed "Goodness gracious!" (And, of course, we have too.) We heard all of these adages growing up, and we couldn't help but pick up a few ourselves. However, we're starting to think that these words are passed down to us like our hair color and height. They feel so right—they must be in our DNA. Give your grandma a call, and you're sure to hear at least one of these sayings before you say goodbye. What sayings does your grandma always use?
You're the Bee's Knees
You're the bee's knees.
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If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right.
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Many Hands Make Light Work
Many hands make light work.
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Never underestimate a little help.
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They've Hatched
Don't count your chickens before they've hatched.
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When Grandma offers this advice, she wants to ensure that we don't count on something that may not happen.
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A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
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This classic proverb either encourages action instead of standing still or reminds that it's hard to put down roots when you're moving.
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
Credit: Southern Living
Made famous by Forrest Gump, this phrase reminds us to look a little deeper.
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
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A little effort now may save you lots of effort later.
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You'll Catch More Flies with Honey Than with Vinegar
You Catch More Flies with Honey than with Vinegar
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It Was Like Herding Cats
It Was Like Herding Cats
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Have you ever tried to herd cats?
One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure
One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure
Credit: Southern Living
Also: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
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The loudest problems receive all the attention.
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
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The Early Bird Catches the Worm
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
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Grandma is a proponent of proactivity.
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A Watched Pot Never Boils
A Watched Pot Never Boils
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Take your mind off things. The time will pass anyway.
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Gravy
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Gravy
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Collaboration is one thing. This phrase is another.
A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned
A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned
Credit: Southern Living
Don't forget about that savings account.
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Don't Put the Cart Before the Horse
Don't Put the Cart Before the Horse
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Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
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The jury's still out on this one.
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Credit: Southern Living
Another reminder to be measured about what you do and how you do it.
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You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can't Make It Drink
You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can't Make It Drink
Credit: Southern Living
There's only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway).
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
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Make Hay While the Sun Shines
Make Hay While the Sun Shines
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Beggars Can't Be Choosers
Beggars Can't Be Choosers
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Say "Thank you," and move on.
There's No Accounting for Taste
There's No Accounting for Taste
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Though Grandma's taste is impeccable.
A Thing of Beauty Is a Joy Forever
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Credit: Southern Living
This phrase is from John Keats' Endymion.
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Goodness Gracious
Goodness Gracious
Credit: Southern Living
It's been said every day, all day, for as long as we can remember.
Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels
Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels
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Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Birds of a Feather Flock Together
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Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth
Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth
Credit: Southern Living
A "thank you" will suffice.
People Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones
People Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones
Credit: Southern Living
Because those walls aren't shatterproof. Or opaque.
You Can't Make an Omelet Without Breaking a Few Eggs
You Can't Make an Omelet Without Breaking a Few Eggs
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A Trouble Shared Is a Trouble Halved
A Trouble Shared Is a Trouble Halved
Credit: Southern Living
Don't underestimate the power of a good friend's ear.
Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater
Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater
Credit: Southern Living
Keep what you treasure, let the rest go.
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Credit: Southern Living
Healthy eating, all the way.
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Home Is Where the Heart Is
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Credit: Southern Living
Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
Credit: Southern Living
A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtime—and general wellbeing. This phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin.
This Isn't My First Rodeo
This Isn't My First Rodeo
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Grandma knows. She always knows.
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If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
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If it works, leave it alone.
There's No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk
There's No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk
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So mop it up and move along.
You're a Day Late and a Dollar Short
You're a Day Late and a Dollar Short
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I Love You a Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck
I Love You a Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck
Credit: Southern Living
'Cause she's Grandma, that's why. (And because she still listens to this Doris Day tune.)
You're Barking up the Wrong Tree
You're Barking up the Wrong Tree
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Grandma doesn't have time for this.
Fortune Favors the Brave
Fortune Favors the Brave
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It Doesn't Cut the Mustard
It Doesn't Cut the Mustard
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Whatever it is, it is not quite up to par.
Confession Is Good for the Soul
Confession Is Good for the Soul
Credit: Southern Living
She already knows anyway—somehow—so you should go ahead and come clean.
More than You Can Shake a Stick at
More than You Can Shake a Stick at
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That's quite a lot, indeed.
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Strike While the Iron Is Hot
Strike While the Iron Is Hot
Credit: Southern Living
Share and Share Alike
Share and Share Alike
Credit: Southern Living
Divide equally, and everyone will be happy.
The Apple Never Falls Far from the Tree
The Apple Never Falls Far from the Tree
Credit: Southern Living
Whether it's attitude or style, we get it from our mamas (and grandmamas).
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There's More Than One Way to Skin a Cat
There's More Than One Way to Skin a Cat
Credit: Southern Living
If at first you don't succeed, there's surely another strategy to try.
As I Live and Breathe
As I Live and Breathe
Credit: Southern Living
If Grandma's surprised, you'll hear this immediately.
You're Preaching to the Choir
You're Preaching to the Choir
Credit: Southern Living
You're working too hard to convince people who are already on board.
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Don't Buy a Pig in a Poke
Don't Buy a Pig in a Poke
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Grandma would not recommend buying something sight unseen.
You're Making a Mountain out of a Molehill
You're Making a Mountain out of a Molehill
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Grandma's good at offering much-needed perspective.
Any Job Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well
Any Job Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well
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She taught us this, and we took it to heart.
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You Can't Make a Silk Purse out of a Sow's Ear
You Can't Make a Silk Purse out of a Sow's Ear
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You can always count on Grandma to be realistic.
Every Dog Has Its Day
Every Dog Has Its Day
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Good fortune comes to everyone eventually.
If It Had Been a Snake, It Would Have Bitten You
If It Had Been a Snake, It Would Have Bitten You
Credit: Southern Living
Keep your eyes—and wits—about you.
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You're the Cat's Meow
You're the Cat's Meow
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It Doesn't Amount to a Hill of Beans
It Doesn't Amount to a Hill of Beans
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Again, she's a pro at offering perspective, which is one of the many reasons we love her.
Hurry Up, We're Burning Daylight
Hurry Up, We're Burning Daylight
Credit: Southern Living
AKA: "It's time to go!" This is how Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and Grandpa.
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What's Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander
What's Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander
Credit: Southern Living
If it's appropriate for one, surely it's appropriate for the other too.
Where There's a Will, There's a Way
Where There's a Will, There's a Way
Credit: Southern Living
Encouragement, Grandma style.
Bless Your Heart
Bless Your Heart
Credit: Southern Living
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Source: https://www.southernliving.com/culture/southern-grandma-sayings
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