Please remember that if you're submitting an ism or quotation to the Institution for consideration then, broadly, it should be either silly or meaningless - that's why we're called what we're called. Isms can also be just funny or amusing or just a run-of-the-mill.
But, there's no point in sending us well-known proverbs or sayings - they just don't qualify. For example, someone saying "Cat got your tongue?" is not acceptable but someone saying "Dog got your tongue?" could be.
If you follow the links to our database, you will see examples of good isms, or click the following link to read about the six main types of database ism in our 'What is an ism?' guide. See also our Tips for Writers in our Language fun section.
Best wishes
Chairman & Chief Executive, ISMS
