proverb · Words worth keeping
Bad is “a bad” servant, but worse is being without him.
Bad is “a bad” servant, but worse is being without him.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A bad servant considered preferable to none contrasts an unsatisfactory arrangement with a lack of assistance. The saying judges imperfect help through a hierarchical role.
Example
A group considers what assistance is genuinely useful and whether its conditions are fair to everyone involved.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A critical reading rejects people being treated as owned tools or required to endure unfair work. The unusual source wording is preserved. A useful application can compare feasible support arrangements while distinguishing ordinary imperfection from harm and keeping responsibilities, consent and resources fair.
When to use it
Use it critically as an imperfect-support comparison.
Keep in mind
No ownership, legitimacy of exploitation or duty to accept harmful help 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
United Kingdom
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- United Kingdom