Don't let the bastards grind you down
What's the meaning of the phrase 'Don't let the bastards grind you down'?
The meaning of this proverbial saying is self evident.
What's the origin of the phrase 'Don't let the bastards grind you down'?
Often given in the cod Latin version - 'nil carborundum illegitimi'. It was in wide circulation during the Second World War at which time General "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell used it as his motto.
It is possible that whoever coined the phrase utilised a play on words involving the 'bastard file'. This form of file had been in use since the 17th century and was referred to in Joseph Moxon's Mechanick Exercises, 1677:
"The Bastard-tooth'd file is to take out of your work, the deep cuts ... the Rough-file made; the Fine-tooth'd file is to take out the cuts ... the Bastard-file made."
See other 'Don't...' proverbs:
Don't cast your pearls before swine
Don't change horses in midstream
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched
Don't cut off your nose to spite your face
Don't keep a dog and bark yourself
Don't let the cat out of the bag
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Don't put the cart before the horse
Don't shut the stable door after the horse has bolted
Don't throw good money after bad
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater