| Robert Christy, comp. Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages. 1887. | | | | Supererogation |
| | | He has dashed with his oar to hasten the cataract. | 1 |
| He has waved with his fan to give speed to the winds. Terence. | 2 |
| It is needless to pour water on a drowned mouse. | 3 |
| Owls to Athens, coals to Newcastle, enchantments to Egypt, pepper to Hindostan, indulgences to Rome. | 4 |
| To add water to the ocean. Latin. | 5 |
| To carry a lantern in mid-day. French. | 6 |
| To carry water to the sea or river. French, German, Portuguese, Dutch. | 7 |
| You carry faggots to the wood. Horace. | 8 |
| You carry oil to the city of olives. Hebrew. | 9 | | |
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