To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

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.]

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.

By hooke or crooke.

By hooke or crooke.

Something given that way.

Something given that way.

To give importance to trifling matters.

To give importance to trifling matters.

A flea in his ear.

A flea in his ear.

By all that's good and glorious.

By all that's good and glorious.

As shines the moon amid the lesser fires.

As shines the moon amid the lesser fires.