is mairg

Irish

Etymology

Contracted from is mairg don té (“sorrow is to the one”).

Phrase

is mairg (past/conditional ba mhairg)

1. woe to the one/to those; unlucky is the one/are those; come to grief (followed by a relative clause)

   Is mairg a fhaigheann drocheolas.

   Woe to those who find bad direction.

   Is mairg a bheadh thíos den chéad bhuille.

   Unlucky is he who is down at the first blow.

   Is mairg a chuireann suim sa tsaol.

   Those who set their hearts on this world will come to grief.