Famous Sayings #156 — ‘Don’t Tread on Me’

July 14, 2019

As the flag says, ‘Don’t tread on me.’ If you try to attack me, I will strike, just like a rattlesnake.

This famous saying is somewhat controversial, based on who you ask because it has been connected to racists and reactionaries. However, the slogan dates back at least 245 years.

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What Does ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ Mean?

In a general sense, the slogan “Don’t Tread on Me” serves as a warning to people who want to take advantage of someone else or violate their autonomy (Xavier). In short, the slogan means, “Would-be oppressors beware.” If someone tries to hurt someone else, that second person will fight back and won’t back down.

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Famous Sayings: #35 — ‘Spring Forward, Fall Back’

November 6, 2016

Today, Daylight Saving Time ended in the United States. Every time DST begins or ends, we are reminded of the saying “Spring forward, all back.”

Of course, “Spring forward, fall back” is a pneumonic saying because of the seasons involved (DST is supposed to begin in spring, end in the fall). However, that is kind of obsolete when you think about the current schedule.

Now, before I can get into the origin of the phrase, I would like to talk about the etymology of the word “fall” as well as go over the history of Daylight Saving Time.

Famous Sayings: #14 — ‘Honesty Is the Best Policy’

June 12, 2016

Honesty is the best policy.

Image courtesy of kibsri at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Chances are you have heard this quote in some form or another.

I stumbled upon this quote while looking up information about Benjamin Franklin in a previous post. I believe he was credited for coining the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy,” in one of my sources.

Many of us were led to believe that Franklin did indeed coin the phrase, but is that correct?

Famous Sayings: #11 — ‘People in Glass Houses…’

May 22, 2016

“People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”

Such a stunning image.

A got a late start to this post, as I was working on one I have scheduled tomorrow.

Anyway, maybe this topic speaks to me because of recent events.

An alternate to this saying is, “Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Either way, let’s look at the origin of this famous saying.

Famous Sayings: #6 — ‘Nothing Is Certain Except…’

April 17, 2016

Nothing is certain except death and taxes.

Joseph Duplessis [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Before I delve into this topic I need to point out my mistake last week. Off-topic, but I forgot to post Episode 29 of my “Things I Don’t Like about Television” series. I went back and uploaded the post on Friday (and back-dated it), so please give it a read.

Now, let me tell you this: I think of the sayings I want to use on my own and I try to be timely with them. I’m already thinking weeks ahead. For example, I’m already thinking of a post for this Christmas. And, oh boy, is this post timely. I was already thinking about Tax Day in the United States (which is tomorrow), but it turns out that April 17^th is the anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s death. Considering his quote, what a coincidence that is…