A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

1616 T. DRAXE Adages 163 Possession is nine points in the Law. 1659 J. IRETON Oration 5 This Rascally-devill.. denys to pay a farthing of rent. Tis true, possession is nine points of the Law, Yet give Gentlemen, right’s right. 1709 O. DYKES English Proverbs 213 Possession is a mighty Matter indeed; and we commonly say, ‘tis eleven Points of the Law. It goes a great Way to the giving of Security, but not any Right. 1822 T. L. PEACOCK Maid Marian v. In those days possession was considerably more than eleven points of the Law. The baron was therefore convinced that the earl’s outlawry was infallible. 1920 J. GALSWORTHY In Chancery II. xiv. We’re the backbone of the country. They [Leftists] won’t upset us easily. Possession’s nine points of the Law. 2002 Washington Times 17 Feb. B2 Mrs. Clinton told the New York Post, ‘You know, we followed every single law.’ And they did. So what if it was the law of the jungle (possession is nine-tenths of the law).. ? "property

possible see ALL things are possible with God; all’s for the BEST in the best of all possible worlds.
post see the post of HONOUR is the post of danger.
A POSTERN door makes a thief
Similar to OPPORTUNITY makes a thief. A postern door is a back door or small entrance distinct from the main access.

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  с 1450 Proverbs of Good Counsel in Book of Precedence (EETS) 69 A nyse wyfe, and a back dore, Makyth often tymus A ryche man pore. 1573 J. SANFORDE Garden of Pleasure 107 The posterne dore destroyeth the house. 1611 J. DAVIES Scourge of Folly 146 The Posterne doore makes theefe and whore. But, were that dam’d with Stone, or Clay, Whoores and Theeues would find a way. 1732 T. FULLER Gnomologia no. 6176 The Postern Door Makes Thief and Whore. 1977 J. AIKEN Five-Minute Marriage xi. ‘I shall never be able to sleep securely in this room, if thieves are to be always breaking in and waking me up!’ ‘A postern door do always make a thief.’ "honesty and dishonesty; opportunity, taken
  

pot see if IFS and ands were pots and pans, there’d be no work for tinkers’ hands; a LITTLE pot is soon hot; you cannot get a QUART into a pint pot; a WATCHED pot never boils.
pound see IN for a penny, in for a pound; an OUNCE of practice is worth a pound of precept; take care of the PENCE and the pounds will take care of themselves; PENNY wise and pound foolish.