There are so many commonly used phrases that we are only using part of. Here are some great examples of phrases we use that are missing the full context:
“Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.”
“Jack of all trades, master of none, but better than a master of one.”
“Great minds think alike, but fools rarely differ.”
“Birds of a feather flock together until the cat comes.”
“The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.”
“My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; if wrong, to be set right.”
Know any more phrases missing full context? Let us know in the comments below!
You need to fact check this article; the “blood of the covenant” and “Jack of all trades” extended versions are plain modern (late C20th early C21st) fictions with no historical source.
What about “second mouse gets the cheese”? I always thought that was a snarky clapback to morning-person proselytizers. I will be equally fascinated if it is or isn’t genuine, to be honest.
The origin of the term ‘jack of all trades’ was neutral, and simply a way of describing someone able to do a bit of everything. It dates back to the 1600s in common English parlance. It was rendered into an insult in the 1700s by the addition of “but a master of none”; which was indeed unflattering. But today, it’s been turned into a more sensible rhyming couplet which restores its original neutral to mildly benevolent intent:
“A jack of all trades, but a master of none
Is often better than a master of one.”
Language is adaptive, and it evolves. It’s as equally incorrect to call the modern rhyming couplet false as it is to proclaim the unflattering version the term’s true and original use and intent. And when you follow the progress of the term’s historical use, it’s in fact quite reasonable to declare that this modern rhyming couplet reflects a truer version than does the unflattering corruption of the 1700s.
One bad apple WILL spoil the whole barrel.
It’s not “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” It’s “You can’t eat your cake and have it too”.
The ending to “The customer is always right” is “in matters of taste”. The customer wants a suit you think looks hideous on them? They’re right. The customer wants that beautiful steak well-done? Their money! The customer wants to recieve special treatment and scream at you? Not a matter of taste, throw them out.