
ProverbWisdom
American origin1884
Knee-high by the Fourth of July
Meaning: Corn must reach substantial height by mid-summer to mature fully before autumn frost arrives.
Origin: A traditional rule of thumb among American corn farmers: if the crop is knee-high by Independence Day, it is on track for a good harvest. Its age is disputed; an Iowa newspaper is said to have used it in 1884. Modern hybrid varieties usually leave corn far taller than that by July.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Bête comme ses pieds Really not very bright.
- Avoir un poil dans la main To be incurably lazy.
- Tête de linotte A scatterbrain who can't hold a thought.
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