Charming, old fashioned sayings

[randomer]

My IL used to say they couldn't "get on with " something like a cooker or a book.That used to make me smile.
My mother used to say " Oh I like you in that" meaning that suits you, another one which made me smile.

"Doing a line" as in going out with someone.

I remember so many of these.

If you asked my mother in law where she was going she'd say "there and back to see how far it is".

My Nan would say “All done up like lamb and lettuce.” Meaning smartly dressed.
“Set herself like a duck at thunder” was aggressive.
“About as true as I’m here.” Meant gormless.

Omg! Mine is so old and so crazy obscure. My grandmother was born in 1905 and was a flapper! Well, not past the 1920’s, but just to tell you she was a colorful person. She would wrinkle up her nose at someone and say “ He looks like he was strained through a cheesecloth”. No idea what that could mean? Well, apparently in the way-back, there was no birth control. Women would soak a wad of cheesecloth in vinegar and tuck in up inside as a sperm blocker!

My Grandma used to say of ladies with large chest " she's got a marvellous frontage that one" and "she's all bells and whistles but no backbone" for someone beautiful and popular but no 'umph'

I still say quite a few of these . . . I'm 53.

My Granny used to say someone looked peely wally, if they looked ill.
And my other Granny would say: 'Eeh, you look a right picnic', if you looked a bit of a mess.
My Grandpa said 'I'll skin you alive'.

I say 'guts for garters' 'off to Bedfordshire' 'Home James home and don't spare the horses'

Feeling a bit queer if someone was unwell.
'Look what the cat dragged in'
'Up the wooden hills ( going to bed)
I'll have your guts for garters,
'Doesn't he/she look well ( while standing in the chapel of rest over coffin)
Wait till ya father gets home.

Fur coat and no knickers
Mutton dressed as mutton.

A good meat pie would probably kill him ( someone who was thin)
I've seen More meat on a butchers pencil ( someone who was thinner) 🤣

Ask don't want,don't ask don't need ( meaning don't bloody ask).

Sorry got that wrong it was:
Ask don't get
Don't ask don't want.

My Nan used to say “if in doubt, do nowt”.

It’s stuck with me, but pretty much in only one situation. It always pops into my head when I’m waiting to pull out from a busy junction - been numerous times when I’ve thought “I’ll give it a go” and then those words come to me.

I’m a confident driver, but I still apply my nan’s words when I’m driving.

Five and twenty past whatever hour
Are you alright? No, I'm half left.
It's snowing (when your petticoat was showing below your hem).
As fit as a racing snake.
Been all round Will's mother's.

My old boss used to say. “There are only two things made in a hurry. Mistakes and babies”

I used to ask my mum every night what was for pudding (massive sweet tooth) and she’d always say “wait and see pudding with patience sauce”.

“He looks like he was strained through a cheesecloth”. No idea what that could mean? Well, apparently in the way-back, there was no birth control. Women would soak a wad of cheesecloth in vinegar and tuck in up inside as a sperm blocker!

Love this, @MadCattery! I've heard they used to pop a slice of lemon up there, too, if no cheesecloth were at hand.

Here are some archaic Australianisms that I like to surprise DD with:
"Pash off" = snog
"Deadset unreal" = excellent
"Rack off" = get lost
"Get stuffed" = shut up/get lost
"Dry as a dead dingo's donger" = very thirsty
"Wouldn't it rot your socks?" = wouldn't you despair about this crappy thing that has happened?

And one from frugal wartime Australia:

"Use it up,
Wear it out.
Make it do
Or do without."

This might be an Americanism but my friend's mother says someone looks "as good as most and better'n some" when dressed up for something important.

'This isn't getting the baby washed' meaning sitting around doing nothing when you should be getting on with things. I say it now.

“This won’t buy the baby a new frock” is the same for me.

Great thread!

Also, one of my favourite Australianisms ...

“Flat out like a lizard drinking”.

Old fashioned, working class Australians are awesome, so colourful.

Let us never forget - “fair dinkum” meaning both “are you for real?” and “why, yes I am”, as well as genuine.

My dad always says he’s got a bone in his leg. Just means you can’t be arsed

As a kid, my family always said “make us a cuppa, would you? I’ve got a bone in my leg”.

I used to be a bit “but I’ve got bones in my legs too”

And they were all - “yes, but ours are older”. I did always end up making the cup of tea.

Forgot - if we asked my granny how old she was, she’d say ‘As old as my tongue and a little bit older than my teeth.’

I love old sayings, mine are -

Bent as a two Bob note
Lummy or blimey
Keep it buttoned or put a sock in it (although I think the latter is still used)
Throwing the baby out with the bath water

My friend is in his late 80’s, he still says lummy.

My mum always said night night God bless as did I when the children were small. If we didn’t take our coats off she would say we wouldn’t feel the benefit ( when we went out) I still say this! I have always driven old cars and my favourite saying was “third class riding is better than first class walking !”

My husband’s family would say “ he’d peel an orange in his pocket” to describe someone who was mean or wouldn’t share.