clogs to clogs in three generations

English

Etymology

Circa 1700, perhaps of Lancashire origin, due to clogs being stereotypical clothes of peasants. Compare shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.

Proverb

clogs to clogs in three generations

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

Synonyms

• shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations

Translations

wealth earned in one generation seldom lasts

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: simpl. 富不过三代

• Dutch: please add this translation if you can

• Finnish: minkä yksi sukupolvi rakentaa, sen toinen kasvattaa ja kolmas hävittää
• German: Erwerben, Vererben, Verderben (de) (earn it, bequeath it, spoil it)
• Italian: please add this translation if you can: “from the stables to the stars and back in three generations”

References