phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

A little knowledge

Posted by Bob on October 30, 2001

In Reply to: A little knowledge posted by Bob on October 30, 2001

: : I have just come across this database and it seems to be useful.

: : I saw the phrase " a little knowledge" listed. I have always believed that this is a misquote and the actual expression is " a little learning is a dangerous thing", but I cannot remember the origin. Help please.

: : Also, I noticed the word "butchers" listed with the meaning given as "sick" (Australian origin). I have never heard this before and only know the Cockney rhyming slang from which this version is derived, i.e. Butcher's hook = look. This origin is not given on its own, which is odd.

: : I llok forward to the development further of this site.

: "A little learning is a dangerous thing;
: Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring;
: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again."

Pope, An Essay on Criticism

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.