Irish Proverbs

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Common Irish Phrases You’ll Hear Every Day

Everyday Irish phrases explained to help students understand local English. When you arrive in Ireland, you may notice that people speak English a little differently than you expect. Irish people often use friendly phrases in everyday conversations that can be confusing at first. This blog explains some common Irish phrases

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1. For every mile of road there are 2 miles of ditches
Meaning: There are two sides to every story.

2. There is no use boiling your cabbage twice
Meaning: Stop going over and over worries in your head because it solves nothing.

3. The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune
Meaning: Things and people improve over time.

4. A woman planted feathers in a dunkel and thought she had grown hens
Meaning: Just because you ‘thought’ something would work out doesn’t mean you were right.

5. It’s often that a man’s mouth broke his nose
Meaning: Watch what you say because it could get you in trouble

6. As the old cock crows the young cock learns
Meaning: Children learn by example

7. If there was work in the bed he would sleep on the floor
Meaning: Used to describe people who are very lazy

8. No need to fear the ill-wind when your haystacks are tied down
Meaning: Once you have prepared properly then there’s no need to worry the outcome

9. The longest road out is usually the shortest road home
Meaning: If you invest time and effort into something it will pay off in the latter end

10. You will arrive back with one arm longer than the other
Meaning: You are heading out on a thankless quest. You’ll arrive back with nothing to show for it

11. You will never plough a field by turning it over in your mind
Meaning: Merely thinking about something won’t get it done

12. He didn’t lick it off a stone
Meaning: Peoples actions are influenced by those around them

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