A house divided amongst itself cannot stand.
A house divided amongst itself cannot stand.
Meaning in plain English
The saying pictures a divided house as unable to stand. It connects internal conflict with loss of stability in a shared arrangement.
Example
A group resolves conflicting instructions so members can work toward an understood purpose.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The house makes cooperation a supporting structure. A qualified application can discuss a group undermining its own agreed work, while recognising that disagreement may reveal a needed change. Unity is not valuable merely because it suppresses objections, and the phrase does not prove all divisions cause collapse.
When to use it
Use it to discuss conflict that undermines shared work.
Keep in mind
Agreement should not be imposed by suppressing legitimate concerns or dissent.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 108; PDF page 19
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