proverb · Words worth keeping
Every man as his business lies.
Every man as his business lies.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
People may need to act according to the particular responsibilities or circumstances before them. The saying invites attention to the task that actually belongs to someone, without making occupation the whole of their identity.
Example
At an exhibition, one volunteer checks the labels while another welcomes visitors, and they agree how to help each other when either task becomes busy.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The phrase as his business lies points towards the situation in which someone’s work or concern is placed. A useful reading recognises that different roles can require different next steps even when people share a larger purpose. Before judging their choices by one rule, ask what they are responsible for and what information they have. This is not a licence to disregard others merely because something falls outside an assigned role. Responsibilities can overlap and arrangements may need discussion. The proverb helps make the relevant task visible while leaving room for cooperation, changed circumstances and commitments beyond a person’s occupation.
When to use it
Use it when different responsibilities call for different actions within a shared undertaking.
Keep in mind
Clarify roles without treating them as rigid identities or excuses to ignore a shared need.
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