A lazy man takes five steps to avoid one.
A lazy man takes five steps to avoid one.
Meaning in plain English
Five steps taken to avoid one exaggerate extra work created by avoiding a small task. The saying questions effort that defeats its own purpose.
Example
Someone checks whether a workaround saves effort or adds unnecessary complications.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A critical reading does not label every alternate method lazy or assume avoidance has no reason. Access needs, risk and circumstances may change what is easier. A useful application compares actual effort and outcomes without ranking worth by productivity.
When to use it
Use it to compare methods without presuming a character defect.
Keep in mind
No laziness or worth inferred from choosing an alternative method is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 945; PDF page 82; collection label: Transylvania Province of Romania
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Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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