I am in serteyn the contrary is true—yt is nomore but that he can not plese all partys.
[1472 E. Paston Letter 16 May in Paston Letters (1971) I. 635]
One can hardly please all men.
[1616 T. Draxe Adages 45]
At Ward's about window—nothing done. Gastineau came up and don't like mine: can't please everybody.
[1844 Ruskin Journal 30 Apr. in Diaries 1835-47 (1956) 274]
The old adage, ‘you can't please everyone’, holds good.
[1981 Daily Telegraph 16 May 18]
Related to: conduct; public relations
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
