Proverbs and Sayings
“Far-come fools (birds) hae fine feathers”
teaches that strangers, however fair to appearance, are not to be taken into confidence until we know somewhat of their character.
“Föls (foolish persons) soodna see half-döne wark.”
“Föls soodna hae shappin' sticks.”
“Föls are better to be flattered than fought.”
It was customary in Shetland for sons to marry and take their wives into their father's house, and often two or even three families might be found under one roof. But it generally happened that such families did not live in that harmony which ought to pervade the domestic circle, and here are a few old sayings having reference to this condition of things:
“Freends 'gree best at a distance."
“Freends 'gree best wi' a knowe atween them."
“There's nae boose grit enough for twa guidwives."
“Twa wives in ae hoose are shör ta live laek cat an' moose."
“See your neighbours every day, an' your freends on Yule day."
221
