An emphatic assertion that the truth had been told. At school we had a pious faith in these words. Any narrative clenched with them was invariably believed. If anything was said of a questionable nature, the listener would say, "Say sure's death to that, then." If repeated, confidence was fully restored.
A steek in time saves nine.
As the auld cock craws the young cock learns.
As the day lengthens the cauld strengthens.
As the fool thinks the bell clinks.
As the market gangs the wares sell.
As the sow fills the draff sours.
As the wind blaws seek your beild.
That is, endeavour to suit yourself to circumstances. Kelly pawkily remarks, This is "a politick proverb! advising us to make our interest as the times change. This proverb some act very dexterously, and others cannot get acted."