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Live horse and youll get grass

Posted by Shae on March 16, 2004

In Reply to: Live horse and youll get grass posted by The Wise One on March 15, 2004

: : : What does it mean and where did it originate.please.

: : I've never heard it. Could it be "live like a horse and you'll get grass"? Along the same lines as "Lie down with dogs and get up with fleas." The way you live influences the person you are and the things that happen to you.

: The phrase is 'Live horse and you'll get grass' and the only place I've ever heard it was in Ireland - the noth - about 40 years ago. I'm not even sure what I understood it to eman but I'll ruminate on it.

Commas after 'live' and 'horse' add some clarity. 'Live, horse, and you'll get grass.' Also 'Live, horse, and you'll eat grass.' Although there's plenty of grass available, the horse can't have any until some time in the future if it lives long enough. The expression is used in the context of vague promises of future benefits. E.g., a Government might promise increases in Social Welfare payments 'at the appropriate time.'

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