As clear as a whistle.

As clear as a whistle.

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

To give importance to trifling matters.

To give importance to trifling matters.

The fat's all in the fire.

The fat's all in the fire.

Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

To be praised by a man who has won his laurels.

To be praised by a man who has won his laurels.

As innocent as a new-laid egg.

As innocent as a new-laid egg.

As high as Heaven, as deep as Hell.

As high as Heaven, as deep as Hell.