The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RETORT

IT'S FAR OFF WHAT GOD SENDS.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT HEARD THIS FROM HER IRISH GRANDMOTHER
WHEN LIVING IN NORWALK, OHIO.
{MEANING} IN THE SENSE THAT GOD IS ALWAYS WATCHING OVER
US; HELP OFTEN COMES TO US THROUGH THE KIND DEEDS OF
OTHERS AND AT THE MOST OPPORTUNE TIME. E.G. A PERSON IS
WITHOUT BREAD AND UNEXPECTEDLY A NEIGHBOR BRINGS IN A
FRESHLY BAKED LOAF OF BREAD. THIS PERSON WOULD HAVE
SAID, "IT'S FAR OFF WHAT GOD SENDS."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE

Date learned: 10-16-1967