The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (19 page)

1773
She stoops to Conquer
III. 51
Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no fibs.
1818
Heart of Midlothian
I. ix.
If ye'll ask nae questions, I'll tell ye nae lees.
1900
Over Sliprails
135
‘Where did you buy the steer, father?’ she asked. ‘Ask no questions and hear no lies.’
1906
Puck of Pook's Hill
252
Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie—Watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!
1970
Great Affair
xii.
‘What has happened to Sarah?’.. ‘Ask no questions hear no lies.’
1985
Paradise Postponed
xv.
No questions, boy, then you won't get no lies.
1996
Washington Times
19 Feb. C11
There is wisdom in the very old ditty: ‘Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies.’
1997
Evans Above
vi. 65
Charlie put his finger to his nose. ‘Them that asks no questions, don't get told no lies, that's what my old mother used to say,’ he said.
curiosity
;
lying

 
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if you WANT something done, ask a busy person
.

 
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he that GOES a-borrowing, goes a-sorrowing
.

 
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The usual US version is
the best defense is a good offense
. Cf.
1775
W. H. DRAYTON in R. W. Gibbes
Documentary Hist. American Revolution
(1855) I. 174 It is a maxim, that it is better to attack than to receive one.
1799
Writings
(1940) XXXVII. 250
Make them believe, that offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only .. means of defence.
1930
Murder on Bus
xxxvii.
Inspector Higgins fired his revolver at the sound, deeming attack the better part of defence, whilst someone from the other side of the room had a similar notion.
1965
Apple-Stone
xi.
‘Attack’, she said, ‘is the best means of defence.’ She sounded so smug that I told her the thought was not original.
1980
Desouza in Stardust
iv.
Attack is the best form of defence, they say, and when politicians lose their principles they play a dirty game.
1989
Washington Times
13 Sept. C9
The reigning corporate strategy these days is that the best defense is a good offense.
1997
Washington Post
9 Dec. E5
In the case of the Redskins' two-minute defense, the best defense is a good offense. And Washington had that.
boldness
;
warfare

 
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