"Signifying that it is preferable to use strong measures in proper season, than such as are more feeble when it is too late."—Jamieson.
It's better to sup wi' a cutty than want a spoon.
It's but a year sooner to the begging.
"Facetiously spoken when we design to be at a little more expense than we thought."—Kelly.
It's but kindly that the pock savour of the herring.
Literally, it is but natural that the bag should bear traces of what it has contained.
It's by the mouth o' the cow that the milk comes.
According to the meat given, or means employed, is the quality of milk, or the result obtained.
It's clean about the wren's door when there's nought within.