A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

careful see if you can’t be GOOD, be careful.
The CARIBOU feeds the wolf, but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong
Inuit proverb, stressing the interrelationship between predator and prey.

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  1963 F. MOWAT Never Cry Wolf (1979) 90 This is why the caribou and the wolf are one: for the caribou feeds the wolf but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong. 2006 World Wildlife Fund website 31 Oct. ‘Arctic Wolf’ In most Native American mythologies, the wolf is revered as a powerful spirit and its place in the web of life is seen as vital. An old Inuit saying from the Kivalliq Region in northern Canada, says: ‘The caribou feeds the wolf, but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong.’ 2007 ‘Without a Park to Range’ weblog 30 Jan. If you don’t believe biologists, heed an Inuit proverb based on thousands of years of observation: ‘The caribou feeds the wolf, but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong.’ ■ strength and weakness
  

A CARPENTER is known by his chips

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  a 1533 LD. BERNERS Hist. Arthur (1582) 162^b I know well my lorde Arthur hath been here. .. He is a good carpenter, for he hath made here a faire sight of chips. 1546 J. HEYWOOD Dialogue of Proverbs I. vii. 14 Muste she not (quoth he) be welcome to vs all, Amonge vs all, lettyng suche a farewell fall? But such carpenters, such chips. Quoth she folke tell. 1738 SWIFT Polite Conversation ii. 153 ‘You have eaten nothing.’.. ‘See all the Bones on my Plate: They say, a carpenter’s known by his Chips.’ 1962 Washington Daily News 24 July 14 In the idiom of the Middle West, you can tell a wood chopper by his chips. President Kennedy’s economic report.. was based on the scientific estimates of his Council of Economic Advisers. ■ appearance; human nature
  

carry see a DOG that will fetch a bone will carry a bone; SPEAK softly and carry a big stick; everyone SPEAKS well of the bridge which carries him over.