To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

A nail in the wound.

A nail in the wound.

To drink away sorrow.

To drink away sorrow.

Through thick and thin, both over Hill and Plain.

Through thick and thin, both over Hill and Plain.

Leap out of the frying pan into the fire.

Leap out of the frying pan into the fire.

With tooth and nail.

With tooth and nail.

Made no more bones.

Made no more bones.

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]