Best example of today's twist on the Dr.'s inquiry about stitches
, and Mr Fixit's explanation is the Fram Oil Filter commercial. Pay me now (buy an inexpensive oil filter) or pay me later (pay for an expensive engine repair).
Two old phrases that are still occasionally heard today...
Mind your Ps and Qs.
Modern reference is that one should watch one's behavior. The phrase originated in old time taverns where ale was sold in pints (Ps) and quarts (Qs). The phrase served as a reminder to barkeeps and barmaids to pay attention to their customers in order to know when their customers pints and quarts need to be refilled.
Get your ducks in a row.
Most people know that the phrase means that one needs to get their affairs or projects or whatever organized/prepared. But most people don't "get" what ducks have to do with getting organized.
The phrase, however, doesn't refer to ducks as in birds but instead to ducks as in duck pin bowling. Pinsetters- actual people not automated machines- had to ensure that the duck pins were properly aligned and on their correct marks for the bowlers.
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