[Maille (= mite) was the smallest coin in France, and therefore could not be divided. Hence the saying means to have a quarrel with some one. Notice the old meaning of partir in this idiom = to divide (Lat. partiri).]

Maille à maille se fait l’haubergeon = Many a little makes a mickle. (See [Goutte] and [Petit].)

Main

Donnez-moi une poignée de main = Shake hands with me.

Donnez-moi un coup de main = Give me a helping hand.

Vous n’y allez pas de main morte = You hit with a vengeance; You don’t do things by halves.

Avoir un poil dans la main = To be very lazy (so that hair grows on the palm of the hand).

Avoir la main heureuse = To be lucky at cards (or, at other things).

Avoir la main rompue à quelque chose = To be well versed at something.

Je le connais de longue main = I have known him for a long time.