Common American Idioms Borrowed from the Irish

Everyone knows that the Irish are a colorful lot. The Irish started immigrating to the United States in droves starting in the early 1800s. St. Patrick's Day isn't the only thing that we have inherited from the Irish here in the United States. Our language is peppered with colorful proverbs brought straight from the Emerald Isle. Here are some examples of classic idioms we have borrowed from the Irish.

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"
This proverb basically means that it's better to be safe than sorry.

"A fool and his money are easily parted"
This Irish proverb needs no explanation, does it?

"A watched pot never boils"
In other words, don't be impatient. It doesn't solve anything.

"Don't count your chickens before they're hatched"
This idiom is wisely instructing the listener not to rely on anything that hasn't happened yet.

"Trick me once, shame on you. Trick me twice, shame on me."
Another proverb that really needs no explanation. Suffice it to say that the Irish believe if you're gullible enough to fall for something twice, that you get what you deserve.

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."
If you can't handle the pressures of a job or situation, let someone else do it.

"Make hay while the sun shines."
In other words, do chores and responsibilities when it makes most sense and is more convenient.

"Never put off tomorrow what you can do today."
Don't procrastinate.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure."
This Irish phrase is rather self-explanatory.

"Possession is nine-tenths the law."
I wonder how this came to be a popular saying in Ireland? Or in America?

"Red sky at night is a shepherd's delight; red sky in the morning is a shepherd's warning."
If the sky appears red at night, there will be good weather. A red sky in the morning means stormy weather is approaching.

"The early bird catches the worm."
To be successful, you must be a go-getter. Or more specifically, to be successful you must arrive to work early.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
Actions speak louder than words. More specifically, words and intentions are worthless if not acted upon. It's the action that counts.