proverb · Words worth keeping
He that by the plough would thrive, Himself must either hold or drive.
He that by the plough would thrive, Himself must either hold or drive.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Someone who expects a task to prosper should take practical responsibility for its work. Holding or driving the plough pictures direct involvement.
Example
A project lead joins the practical discussion and resolves obstacles instead of only asking when others will finish.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying joins the hoped-for benefit of a field with participation in the labour behind it. The owner is not pictured merely waiting for a result but having a working role. A broader application can encourage understanding and supporting a project rather than judging it only from a distance. Direct involvement need not mean doing every task personally; cooperation and delegation can be responsible too. The useful question is whether the person seeking the result has accepted a suitable share of care and accountability.
When to use it
Use it to connect an expected benefit with active responsibility for the work.
Keep in mind
Responsible delegation is possible, and not everyone can perform the same physical tasks.
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