Praise . . . mother

Posted by Masakim on August 14, 2003

In Reply to: Praise . . . mother posted by ESC on August 14, 2003

: : : Is this proverb used in the English speaking countries? in which occasions?
: : : The origin?

: : : Thanks!
: : : STE

: : I've never heard it in the United States.

: That sounds familiar. I've believe I've seen it my references. Not promising anything, but I'll try to find it. I take it to mean that if you want to gain favor with a mother, praise her children.

It is an old saying, "Praise the child, and you male love to the mother"; and it is surprising how far this will go. (Cobbett, _Advice to Young Men_, 1829)
"Praise the child, and you make love to the mother," and it is a thing that no hus band ought to overlook. (Hardy, _How to be Happy though Married_, 1885)
Many kiss the child for the nurse's sake. (English Proverb)
One kisses the child for mother's sake, and the mother for the child's sake. (German proverb)