More on Sieve and Shears from Infoplease:

• Sieve and Shears - Sieve and Shears (See under Oracle.) Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 ...
• Oracle of Sieve and Shears - Oracle of Sieve and Shears (The). This method of divination is mentioned by Theocritos. The modus ...
• Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: O - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "O"
• Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: S - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "S"