If wishes were...
Posted by Henry on March 24, 2004
In Reply to: If wishes were... posted by ESC on March 24, 2004
: : I recently heard a phrase "if wishes were cotton". I am wondering if anyone out there knows what that means, or knows where I can find a web site that would tell me. Thank you. Please respond to (ok I got it right this time)
: : jeffgordon_24fan@hotmail.com
: There are several versions, but I haven't heard that one.
: From a previous discussion:
: The full Scottish proverb:
: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride
: If turnips were swords, i'd wear one by my side
: If ifs and ands were pots and pans,
: there'd be no need for tinkers' hands."
: www.phrases.org.uk bulletin_board 17 messages 1203.html
It was originally "ifs and ans" which makes better sense and gives a perfect rhyme too;
If ifs and ans were pots and pans
There would be no need for tinkers !
an - conj. Archaic And if; if.