The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (53 page)

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A BLEATING sheep loses a bite
Opportunities are missed through too much chatter.
1599
Dialogues in Spanish
20
That sheepe that bleateth looseth a bit [mouthful].
1659
English & Italian Dict
. 37
A bleating sheep loseth her pasture.
1861
Tom Brown at Oxford
II. vii.
He said something about a bleating sheep losing a bite; but I should think this young man is not much of a talker.
1978
Most Secret War
xlv.
I thought of reminding him [Churchill] of an adage that I had learnt from my grandfather: ‘Every time a sheep bleats it loses a nibble.’
Opportunity, missed
;
speech and silence
BLESSED is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed
1727
Letter
6 Oct. (1956) II. 453
I have .. repeated to you, a ninth Beatitude .. ‘Blessed is he who expect nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.’
1739
Poor Richard's Almanack
(May)
Blessed is he that expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.
1911
Times Literary Supplement
5 Oct. 359
Evidently Sir Edwin's hope is not too roseate, and he is among those who are accounted blessed because they expect little.
1931
Emerald Necklace
xix.
‘When I get back .. I shall expect to find
all
our luggage in the hall.’ ‘Blessed is he that expecteth nothing,’ said Louis, ‘for he shall not be disappointed.’
1973
Fortnight by Sea
xix.
‘We'll soon see,’ he said pleasantly. ‘Expect nothing, then you'll never be disappointed. I dare say some perspicacious Chinaman said that at some time or other.’
1997
Washington Times
28 Feb. C16
My dear grandmother .. gave me a plaque many years ago that contains a motto to live by: ‘Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they will not be disappointed.’
blessings
;
disappointment

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