Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny presents President Donald Trump with a gift of shamrocks in 2017 Alamy Stock Photo
St Patrick's Day
Quiz: Can you spot which of these 'Irish' sayings are real and which are completely made-up?
A certain US president has got it wrong before…
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY always brings plenty of attention to this little green island of ours, its history, its culture, and its proverbs…
While often well-intentioned, people abroad have a habit of attributing sayings to Ireland that are either completely made-up or actually come from other parts of the world.
In 2017, when then Taoiseach Enda Kenny was visiting Donald Trump at the White House, the US President shared an “Irish” proverb he’d heard “for many many years” that turned out not to be Irish at all.
“Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you,” was the saying Trump said “a lot of us” know well.
“It”s a great phrase,” the president said.
So, for the week that’s in it, can you spot which of these ‘Irish’ sayings are real and which are completely made-up (by The Journal)?
"May the road rise up to meet you." (Wishing someone well)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"It is often a person's mouth broke their nose." (Being mouthy will get you in trouble)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"Enough milk to butter the Burren." (Having an ample supply of something)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"Like a bad joke told twice." (Someone or something is useless and unwelcome)
Shutterstock
Real
Made-up
"You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." (You can't make something that is inherently flawed into something better)
Shutterstock
Real
Made-up
"He'd mind mice at a crossroads." (A person is stingy, tightfisted)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"Like a devil at the altar." (Someone or something is totally out of place)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"As sick as a plane to Lourdes." (Feeling very unwell)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"You can't shear another man's sheep, nor weave the jumper for him." (People need to do things for themselves)
Alamy
Real
Made-up
"If there was work in the bed, he'd sleep on the floor." (A person is lazy)
Shutterstock
Real
Made-up
You scored out of !
Turtley Awful
Shell of a bad effort
You scored out of !
What are ewe doing?
Baaaad
You scored out of !
Fin-tastic
Flippin good
You scored out of !
Clever cat
Almost purrfect
You scored out of !
Top dog
Pawsitively wonderful
have your say