Question
What is the origin of the phrase “Time and tide waits for no man”?
Answer
This phrase may be a derivative of two historical quotes. One is “Nae man can tether time or tide,” written by Robert Burns (1759-1796) in “Tam o’ Shanter.” Another is “Hoist up saile while gale doth last, Tide and wind stay no man’s pleasure,” written by Robert Southwell in “St. Peter’s Complaint,” 1595.
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