13 of the best Scottish proverbs to use in everyday life
Scots are a wise folk so we have plenty to say, and therefore plenty of sayings, for every occasion.
If there's one thing the Scots excel at, it's offering advice – whether you think you need it or not. If you grew up with Scottish grandparents or elder relatives, you'll already know they have a saying for every occasion.
Always keen to offer these snippets of advice (though perhaps less inclined to take the) in Scotland, there are hundreds of proverbs and sayings that are useful for nearly any given situation.
From the expressions your granny was fond of, to well-turned proverbs that have been around for centuries, there are some great sayings that are highly useful for getting through even the toughest of times.
With that in mind, here are some of the best Scottish proverbs to use in everyday life.
"Keep the heid/ Dinnae Fash Yersel" – Meaning: Keep your head, this too will pass.
A great expression for when times are tough, just try not to worry about the things you can't change.
"Mony a mickle maks a muckle" – Meaning: This expression translates as "Many a mickle (small amount) makes a muckle (large sum)".
Putting money away, working out... it applies to so many things, you don't need to make huge changes, loads of small changes are just as effective. It was most famously used by George Washington.
"We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns" – Meaning: We are all human and we are all facing similar challenges.
Reportedly this saying originated with a much loved Scots minister in the 19th century; Reverend John Thomson (Jock Tamson) was fond of his saying his congregation were all his 'bairns'.
The world today seems much bigger and farther apart than it's ever been but sometimes its important to remember that despite our differences we are all still human.
"Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye" – Meaning: "Whatever will be, will be."
What’s meant for you won’t pass you by, so don't fret about things you can do nothing about.
"There's always time for a wee blether" – Meaning: There's always time for that wee chat with your friends or family you've been meaning to have.
Even if you feel like you are busy all the time at the moment, there's always time to stop for a chat with the people you love, it'll make you - and them - feel so much better.
There's a reason blether (informal chat) is regularly voted as one of Scotland's favourite words.
“A nod’s as guid as a wink tae a blind horse” –Meaning: No matter how hard you try, some people are just not going to get the message.
Don't stress yourself with trying to change people's minds on the internet, it's not worth the hassle.
"I'm up to high doh" – Meaning: They are stressed or not dealing well with the situation.
If someone looks like they are struggling, give them some space or reach out to them if they need it.
“Dinnae teach yer Granny tae suck eggs!” – Meaning: Be patient and don't try to tell the experts how to do their jobs.
"A lie is halfway aroon Scotland afore the truth has even goat its boots oan" – Meaning: “News travels fast, so be careful with what you are saying.
In this age of misinformation and social media, be sure to be cynical about anything you are reading or being told - particularly before you share it on.
"Be sure to taste your words afore you spit them" – Meaning: "Be careful to think about what you are saying before you say it."
Often we can't take back what we say in haste or spite, so take a moment to think before you speak.
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“Never draw your dirk when a blow will do it” – Meaning: Never use a sword when your fists are more than adequate.
If you have to offer feedback or give someone a reality check, don't be overly harsh if you don't need to be.
"Better be ill-spoken of by one before all than by all before one" – Meaning: Don't worry about one person gossiping about you.
"It's a lang road that's no goat a turnin'" – Meaning: Don’t lose heart in dark times, things can’t keep going in the same direction forever.
It's important to remember that though it doesn't feel like it right now, things will get better.
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