Have you ever tossed out a catchy phrase and later wondered: Where on earth did I get that from, and do I even know what it means?
That happened to me yesterday, after Hubs and I experienced a scheduling glitch. I texted a friend to update her, and added, “but I’m going to turn this sow’s ear into a silk purse” and proceeded to inform her how I might turn the delay to my advantage. Then I second-guessed myself, wondering if I got the proverb’s meaning correct.
I did not.
According to Word Histories, the proverb means you can’t create something fine out of inferior materials. So maybe I should have texted a my friend a pithy phrase about clouds and silver linings. Regardless, I learned something new, and from that can conclude that the old idiom about not being able to teach old dogs new tricks, is patently untrue.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay well, my friends. And may your bread always land buttered side up.
Deborah
Name the greatest of all inventors: Accident.
~Mark Twain
