As clear as a whistle.

As clear as a whistle.

To grow a philosopher's beard.

To grow a philosopher's beard.

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.

Like his that lights a candle to the sun.

Like his that lights a candle to the sun.

The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

To drink away sorrow.

To drink away sorrow.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Diamonds cut diamonds.