give (redirected from don't give a damn)

He gives twice who gives quickly.

Prov. When someone asks you for something, it is more helpful to give something right away than to wait, even if you might be able to give more if you waited. Morris didn't have all the money his sister asked for, but he sent what he had immediately, knowing that he gives twice who gives quickly.

See also: twice, who

Silence gives consent.

Prov. If you do not object to what someone says or does, you can be assumed to agree with or condone it. Jill: What did Fred say when you told him we were thinking about leaving the office early? Jane: He didn't say anything. Jill: Then he must not mind if we go. Silence gives consent.

See also: consent, silence

What gives?

Inf. What happened?; What went wrong?; What's the problem? Bill: Hi, you guys. What gives? Bob: Nothing, just a little misunderstanding. Tom's a little angry. Bob: Where's my wallet? What gives? Tom: I think one of those roughnecks who just walked by us has borrowed it for a little while.