All things have their place, knew wee how to place them.
[1640 G. Herbert Outlandish Proverbs no. 379]
In a well-conducted man-of-war‥every thing in its place, and there is a place for every thing.
[1842 Marryat Masterman Ready II. i.]
There was a place for everything, and everything was in its place.
[1855 T. C. Haliburton Nature & Human Nature I. vi.]
‘I thought you were rather partial to anatomical specimens.’ ‘So I am, but not on the breakfast-table. “A place for everything and everything in its place,” as my grandmother used to say.’
[1928 D. L. Sayers Lord Peter views Body x.]
The sailor's apothegm—‘a place for everything, and everything in its place’—guided us, until at length everything was stowed away‥
[2002 A. Vanneman Sherlock Holmes and Giant Rat of Sumatra ix. 80]
Related to: orderliness
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
