| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
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Don’t come the uncle over me. In Latin, “Ne sis patruus mihi” (IIrace: 2 Sat., iii. 88)—i.e. do not overdo your privilege of reproving or castigating me. The Latin notion of a patruus or uncle left guardian was that of a severe castigator and reprover. Similarly, their idea of a step-mother was a woman of stern, unsympathetic nature, who was unjust to her step-children, and was generally disliked. | 1 |
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“Metuentes patruæ verbera linguæ.”—Horace: 3 Odes, xii. 3. |
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