Every one preaches for his own saint.
Every one preaches for his own saint.
Meaning in plain English
People often recommend the cause they already favour. Consider their commitments and interests when evaluating enthusiastic advice rather than treating it as neutral by default.
Example
Two clubs each recommend their own course to a beginner. The beginner asks about teaching methods, fees and suitability before choosing between them.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Each speaker champions their own saint, turning personal allegiance into public persuasion. In a broader reading, recommendations are influenced by attachments, experience and possible benefit. These influences can explain why different people present different choices as obviously best. Ask what the speaker knows, what they value and whether they gain from your decision. A disclosed preference can still produce useful advice. Understanding the standpoint helps you weigh the recommendation rather than dismissing everyone who cares about their subject.
When to use it
Use it to identify the standpoint behind a recommendation.
Keep in mind
Having a commitment is not proof of dishonesty. Evaluate the advice and its evidence as well as the speaker’s interests.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857)
Printed page 12; French section, paragraph 240; source wording: Chacun prêche pour son saint.
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 ↗