Satirically remarked of those who pretend that they could do great things if they had some article by them, but which they know very well is not near at hand.
I hae a Scotch tongue in my head—if they speak I'se answer.
I hae baith my meat and my mense.
I hae gi'en a stick to break my ain head.
Engaged in an undertaking which will be to my own disadvantage.
I hae gotten an ill kame for my ain hair.
I hae had better kail in my cog, and ne'er gae them a keytch.
"The return of a haughty maid to them that tell her of an unworthy suitor. It alludes to an art among the Scottish reapers, who, if their broth be too hot, can throw them up into the air, as they turn pancakes, without losing one drop of them."—Kelly.
I hae ither fish to fry.