A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

It is idle to SWALLOW the cow and choke on the tail
Quot. 1721 explains the meaning.

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  1659 J. HOWELL Proverbs (English) 13 To swallow an Ox, and be choaked with the tail. 1721 J. KELLY Scottish Proverbs 190 It is a Shame to eat the Cow, and worry [choke] on the Tail. It is a Shame to perform a great Task all but a little, and then give over. 1915 J. BUCHAN Salute to Adventurers xviii. We had gone too far to turn back, and as our proverb says, ‘It is idle to swallow the cow and choke on the tail.’ 1935 C. M. RUSSELL Murder at Old Stone House xvi. I’m not one to swallow a cow and choke on the tail. ■ perseverance
  

swallow (noun) see also the ROBIN and the wren are God’s cock and hen.
swap see don’t CHANGE horses in mid-stream.
A SWARM in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in July is not worth a fly

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  1655 S. HARTLIB Reformed Commonwealth of Bees 26 It being a Proverb, that a Swarm of Bees in May is worth a Cow and a Bottle [bundle] of Hay, whereas a Swarm in July is not worth a Fly. 1710 Tusser Redivivus May 11 The Proverb says, ‘A Swarm in May is worth a Load of Hay’. 1879 R. JEFFERIES Wild Life in Southern County vii. ‘A swarm in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in July is not worth a fly’—for it is then too late.. to store up.. honey before the flowers begin to fade. 1945 F. THOMPSON Lark Rise v. As she reminded the children: A swarm in May’s worth a rick of hay; And a swarm in June’s worth a silver spoon; while A swarm in July isn’t worth a fly. 1985 D. FOSTER Dog Rock ii. Aswarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay, A swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon, A swarm of bees in July is worth not a fly. On that basis, a swarm of bees now would be worth a milking cow, but I won’t be joining it to one of my colonies. ■ calendar lore