duction to Henderson's _Proverbs_, Motherwell relates a
humorous anecdote in connection with this proverb. An indefatigable
collector of "rusty sayed saws," a friend of his, was in the habit
of jotting down any saying new to him on the back of cards, letters,
&c., and thrusting them into his pocket. On one occasion he had an
altercation with a stranger at a friend's house. The quarrel
becoming warm, ended by Motherwell's friend excitedly handing the
other (as he thought) his card. On the gentleman's preparing to
vindicate his honour next morning, it occurred to him to learn the
name of his antagonist. On looking at the card he found no name,
but, in place of it, traced in good legible characters, "Naething
should be done in a hurry but catching fleas." The effect of this
was irresistible, and the result an immediate reconciliation.

Naething to do but draw in your stool and sit down.

Everything is so far advanced that the finishing stroke only is
wanting. Applied to a man who is courting a widow or spinster
already in possession of a well-furnished house.

Naething venture, naething win.

Nae weather's ill an the wind be still.

Nae wonder ye're auld like, ilka thing fashes you.

That is, because you allow every little trifling occurrence to vex
you.

Nane are sae weel but they hope to be better.

Nane but fools and knaves lay wagers.

Henderson, in his _Proverbs_, reads "poets" for "fools," possibly as
a hit upon some of his friends, several of whom were poets of local
celebrity.

Nane can mak a bore but ye'll find a pin for't.

Meaning that none can find fault with you but you will be able to
give an excuse for it. "As soon find hare without a mense as you
without excuse."--_English._

Nane can play the fool sae weel as a wise man.

Nane can tell what's i' the shaup till it's shelt.

That is, in the husk until it is shelled.

Nane kens whaur a blister may light.

Narrow gathered, widely spent.

Nature passes nurture.

Nearer e'en the mair beggars.

Nearer God's blessing than Carlisle fair.

"You need but go to your closet for the one, but you must go out of
the kingdom for the other."--_Kelly._

Nearer the bane, sweeter the flesh.

"And for eating--what signifies telling a lee? there's just the
hinder end of the mutton-ham that has been but three times on the
table, and the