Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—I

Idle Worms

It was once supposed that little worms were bred in the fingers of idle servants. To this Shakespeare alludes—

A round little worm
Pricked from the lazy finger of a maid.

Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, 1. 4.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Idleness
Idle Wheel
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