Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—W

Wooden Wall

When the Greeks sent to Delphi to ask how they were to defend themselves against Xerxes, who had invaded their country, the evasive answer given was to this effect -

Pallas hath urged and Zeus, the sire of all,

Hath safety promised in a wooden wall;

Seed-time and harvest, weeping sires shall tell

How thousands fought at Salamis and fell.

Wooden walls of Old England.
The ships of war. We must now say, “The iron walls of Old England.”

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Wooden Wedge
Wooden Sword
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Wooden Wall from Fact Monster:

Related Content