"I suppose it means a child before it be so old as to wear belted truese, will not have the cunning to invent a lie."—Kelly.

A bird in the hand's worth twa fleeing by.

A bit but and a bit ben maks a mim maiden at the board end.

"A jocose reflection upon young maids when they eat almost nothing to dinner, intimating that if they had not eaten a little in the pantry or kitchen, they would eat better at the table."—Kelly.

A bit is aften better gi'en than eaten.

A black hen can lay a white egg.

A black shoe maks a blythe heart.

"Whan a man's shoe is blackened and bedaub'd with industry, it will procure him such a supply as will make him cheerful."—Kelly.

A Blainslie lawin'—there's mair for meat than drink.

A blate cat maks a proud mouse.