Áithiu cech delg is óa.

(sharper * every * thorn * that is * younger)

Younger thorns are sharper. (Younger people are sharper.)

This maxim is found in “Passions and Homilies” (4136-37), where King David tells his son Solomon that he is more clever and keener-witted than himself, “amal atbeir isin derbárusc” (“as it says in the proverb”), which he then quotes. A slightly different version is found in “Acallam na Senórach” (1384), where Garad begs off playing fidchell with the women of the Fían, claiming that he is too old: “Is áithe cach n-delg as só”.

Topics: Maxims & Wise Counsel