proverb · Words worth keeping
A neutral man wants to feast on eggs and to break none.
A neutral man wants to feast on eggs and to break none.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A neutral person wanting eggs without breaking any questions a wish for benefit without an associated cost. The saying criticises avoidance of a difficult choice.
Example
Someone examines a proposal’s real trade-offs instead of promising that nobody will face any change.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The precise traditional context is unverified. A critical reading does not make all neutrality cowardly or justify harm as a necessary price of progress. A useful application checks what a proposed benefit actually requires and whether fair alternatives exist, without assuming every conflict demands taking a side.
When to use it
Use it only as a qualified benefit-and-cost image.
Keep in mind
No universal fault of neutrality or justification for harmful means is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Transylvania Province of Romania