proverb · Words worth keeping
A thin meadow is soon mowed.
A thin meadow is soon mowed.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A task with little material to deal with may be finished quickly. The thin meadow pictures a small amount of work, suggesting that speed of completion should be considered alongside the task’s size and substance.
Example
Two volunteers finish cataloguing at different times, and the organiser notes that one set contained many more objects before comparing their pace.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The meadow takes little time to mow because there is little in it. Figuratively, a quick result can reflect a limited workload rather than unusual skill or effort. A useful comparison asks what was actually included, what standard applied and whether two tasks had similar demands. The saying should not dismiss a concise result merely for being short; a small task may be exactly what is needed. Nor does it provide mowing advice or establish why any particular person finished early. Its value is to make the amount of work visible before speed alone is praised or criticised.
When to use it
Use it when completion time is being assessed without considering workload.
Keep in mind
A small or concise task can be valuable; compare the actual scope and requirements.
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
- English