Even small birds must have meat.
Even small birds must have meat.
Meaning in plain English
Even those who seem small or unimportant still have needs. Do not overlook someone’s basic requirements because they have little status or visibility.
Example
An event organiser includes the youngest volunteers in the meal arrangements instead of planning only for speakers and senior staff.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The small birds are not exempt from needing food. Here meat functions as nourishment in the image, and the emphasis falls on the word even: apparent smallness does not remove a need. Applied to a group, the saying asks whether its less visible members have been considered when resources or arrangements are discussed. A junior helper may need a break or clear instructions just as an organiser does. It is an appeal to notice needs, not a claim that everyone requires an identical provision. Appropriate support depends on the person and the circumstances, with dignity extending beyond rank.
When to use it
Use it when someone’s needs are being missed because their role seems minor.
Keep in mind
Needs deserve attention across status differences; appropriate provision need not be identical for everyone.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-03. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 125 · Birds (small)
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 ↗