Ask but enough, and you may lower as you list.
Ask but enough, and you may lower as you list.
Meaning in plain English
A request made at a higher level leaves room to reduce it later. The saying describes flexibility in an opening demand, while its advice needs limits: an inflated request can undermine trust or ignore what the other person can reasonably offer.
Example
A community group initially requests two rehearsal evenings, explains why, and later agrees that one longer session would meet the same need.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The movement in the saying is downward: after asking enough, a person can lower the request as they choose. It describes the room created by an initial demand rather than promising that the demand will be accepted. In discussion, the image may encourage someone to leave space for a concession instead of beginning at the least they would accept. Yet a request also communicates expectations and shapes the relationship. An excessive opening can make a conversation harder, especially when the other party has little freedom to negotiate. A useful reading considers both flexibility and credibility. It does not make deception, pressure or an unrealistic claim a sound starting point.
When to use it
Use it when discussing how an opening request leaves room for a later adjustment.
Keep in mind
Room to negotiate does not justify misleading demands or pressure; no financial recommendation is implied.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-04. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 42 · Ask
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗