proverb · Words worth keeping
Accept an undeserved gift and you have sold your freedom.
Accept an undeserved gift and you have sold your freedom.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
An undeserved gift costing freedom pictures a benefit creating pressure or dependence. The saying questions an apparently generous offer with possible hidden expectations.
What the words are saying
Sold is a power image rather than proof that every unearned gift transfers rights. A useful application asks about actual terms, motives and consent without treating freely offered support as shameful. Receiving help does not automatically remove autonomy or create an unlimited obligation.
Everyday example
Someone clarifies whether an offer carries expectations before deciding whether to accept it.
When to use it
Use it to examine possible strings attached with actual evidence required.
What it does not mean
No automatic loss of freedom or duty to reject unconditional support is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
United States
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 144; PDF page 19; collection label: United States
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- United States