proverb · Words worth keeping
He ruins himself in promises, and clears himself by giving nothing.
He ruins himself in promises, and clears himself by giving nothing.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Lavish promises can create the appearance of generosity without delivering any benefit. Judge an undertaking by its realistic terms and fulfilment rather than the scale of its words.
Example
A volunteer offers a modest task they can finish by Friday instead of promising to organise the entire event and providing no help.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The person spends extravagantly in promises and settles the account by giving nothing. The contradiction exposes words that create an impression of commitment while leaving the recipient without the promised result. A practical response asks what will be delivered, when it is due and what resources support the undertaking. Clear limits can be more useful than an impressive offer with no workable plan. The proverb does not make every failure to deliver deliberate deception. Circumstances can change, but an honest response explains the change and takes responsibility for its consequences.
When to use it
Use it to compare impressive commitments with actual delivery.
Keep in mind
Plans can fail despite sincere effort. Distinguish misleading promises from a genuine setback and allow people to explain or revise commitments.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown