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.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Let George do it — Shirking responsibility by assuming someone else will handle the task instead.
- Loss and gain are brothers twain — Misfortune and prosperity are inseparable companions in life's journey, each inevitably f…
- March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb — Harsh beginnings soften with patience; turbulent starts often yield to gentle endings thr…
- Marry in haste, repent at leisure — (by extension) Joining (or merging) two things together too soon will lead to problems.
- Money is the root of all evil — Excessive pursuit of wealth corrupts moral judgment and leads to harmful actions.
- Ne'er cast a clout till May be out — Delay removing winter clothing until late spring arrives to avoid illness from unexpected…
From our compliments & insults
- 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.