Page:Shetland Folk-Lore - Spence - 1899.pdf/237



Tuss and tuk are old Shetland expressions used to denote broken parts or refuse of hay, straw, etc. Buss is bedding for an animal, and is always applied to material used by a bird for building its nest; and the inference of the proverb is that one having numerous things passing through his hands is likely to succeed in “feathering his nest.”

This is used when the unexpected happens.

Akin to “The worm will turn when trod upon.” “Provocation is enough to make a wise man mad.”

refers to the folly of meddling with matters that do not concern us.