clogs to clogs in three generations
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.48 in modern English
40
Scrabble Score
30
Letters
8
Syllables
12
Unique Chars
Meaning
proverb
Wealth earned in one generation seldom lasts through the third (grandchild's) generation.
British usage
Etymology
From the common use of clogs by manual workers in north England and following the style of similar phrases which have been attested since 1700. The particular phrasing is perhaps of Lancashire origin. Compare shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.
Usage
- British usage
Synonyms
shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations
wealth does not survive three generations
sandals to sandals in three generations
the third generation ruins the house
stables to stars to stables
goon to Grange to goon