English Explanatory Dictionary

clogs to clogs in three generations

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. Wealth earned in one generation seldom lasts through the third (grandchild's) generation.

Word forms

clogs to clogs in three generations

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.

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 goon to Grange to goon stables to stars to stables
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