Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey

[Brighton]

What Is the definition?

[Greedyfly]

It means if you don't rush things then you will succeed.

[geofbob]

I'm not sure Greedyfly's explanation is entirely accurate. The saying doesn't mean that you should approach every task slowly in order to succeed; but that there are some very tricky situations (like catching a monkey) where stealth and patience pay off better than haste and impetuosity.

[geofbob]

I'm not sure Greedyfly's explanation is entirely accurate. The saying doesn't mean that you should approach every task slowly in order to succeed; but that there are some very tricky situations (like catching a monkey) where stealth and patience pay off better than haste and impetuosity.

[geofbob]

I'm not sure Greedyfly's explanation is entirely accurate. The saying doesn't mean that you should approach every task slowly in order to succeed; but that there are some very tricky situations (like trying to catch a monkey) where stealth and patience are more likely to pay off that haste and impetuosity.

[geofbob]

Sorry about the triple answer - AB didn't appear to have received my posting. Hopefully, the Ed will delete the surplus answers in due course.

[Quizmonster]

It's usually written as 'softly, softly catchee monkey', as if someone, perhaps Chinese, is speaking pidgin English. It first appeared in print in a book of quotations published in 1907. It is just a proverbial phrase recommending caution and the gentle approach as the best way to achieve an objective.

[Brighton]

The pen is mightier than the sword.... Where is it from and what does it mean?

[Quizmonster]

"Beneath the rule of men entirely great

The pen is mightier than the sword."

These words are from a work called 'Richelieu' written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803 - 1873). It means that, in a properly-ruled/organised society, more can be achieved by people writing about problems and having them discussed than can be achieved by those who choose violent means to solve them.

[Janetex]

An', I ain' sayin' nuffin' bow any "t"s.