Old timey sayings

When we say, "I wash my hands of the whole affair," we declare that we will have nothing to do with a certain matter. It alludes to the time when Pontias Pilate was forced to make a decision about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He could find no fault with Jesus and did not want to condemn him, therefore he physically washed his hands in front of the accusors.

Growing up in Southeast Missouri, I heard many sayings handed down through the ages. There were phrases like, She's madder than an old wet hen and Mind your own beeswax.

One my mother-in-law often said was, "My head feels like a stump full of grand daddies." By that, she meant her hair needed washing.

My father-in-law had some sayings too. If asked how he was feeling, he'd respond, "Fine as frog's hair" or "Fair to middlin'."

Once when an aunt was discussing a woman of "questionable character" she commented, "Men pass her around like a piece of cornbread."

I remember sayings in my household too. Such as, I'll swan to my time, and Knee-high to a grasshopper. My hardworking dad used to say," I'm wore to a frazzle."

I'm sure you can recall sayings or idioms of your own.

Here are some you may have heard: Many are self explanatory; others aren't.

Too big for his britches (conceited).

Go fly a kite. (don't bother me).

I'm going to see a man about a dog. (don't ask me where I'm going).

People in hell want ice water too. (You can't have everything you want).

A month full of Sundays (a long while).

When Hector was a pup (a long time ago).

I'll be jiggered! (surprised or impressed).

It's hot as Hades.

The whole nine yards (encompasses everything).

Hell bent for leather (in a rush).

There were various sayings to describe a pretty baby or youngster, such as:

Cute as a button or cuter than a bug's butt.

As pretty as a speckled pup.

Cat's pajamas or bee's knees (describing someone special).

There were sayings about not so bright individuals. Such as,

She's got bats in her belfry.(unstable).

As crazy as a betsy bug.

Dumber than a bag of hammers.

Dumb as a door knob.

He's so lazy he wouldn't move if pigs were eatin' him.

He doesn't know beans (an ignorant person).

He's about as handy as a back pocket on a shirt.

Southern end of a northbound horse (describing a disliked person).

He's as crooked as a barrel of snakes.

He'd gripe with a ham under each arm.

There were advice sayings, such as:

Don't cry over spilt milk.

Stick to your knittin' (be about your own business).

Chop your own wood; it will warm you twice.

Cutting off a mule's ears doesn't make it a horse.

What goes around, comes around (retribution).

It'll all come out in the wash.

A few germs never hurt anyone.

And various other sayings you may recall:

I'm full as a tick.

Handier than a pocket on a shirt.

As scarce as hen's teeth.

Slower than molasses in January.

Smiling like a possum eatin' grapes.

She's so ugly she could stop a Mack truck at 100 yards.

She looks like she's been whooped with an ugly stick.

It's no skin off my back (doesn't concern me).

You make a better door than a window. (In other words, move out of the way; you're blocking my view).

Six feet of earth make us all equal.

Bought the farm (died).

Deader than a door nail.

Quiet as a church mouse.

Poor as a church mouse (out of money).

Poor as Job's turkey.

He's older than Methuselah (.Methuselah died at age 969).

What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? (stay on the subject).

There are other sayings but sometimes "less is more."