proverb · Words worth keeping
He who is feared gets more than his own.
He who is feared gets more than his own.
In print by 1857 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Fear may lead others to surrender more than someone is entitled to receive. The saying exposes power gained through intimidation, rather than making the excess a fair reward.
What the words are saying
The feared person receives more than his own. The comparison separates what belongs to him from what fear brings him. In another setting, people may comply with an excessive demand because refusal seems difficult or risky. That compliance is not proof of consent or rightful entitlement. Read the statement as an observation of a power imbalance, not advice to become frightening. Fair arrangements need room to question demands without punishment and ways to address an established abuse.
Everyday example
A committee reviews an extra favour demanded by an intimidating organiser instead of treating reluctant agreement as evidence that everyone considers it fair.
When to use it
Use it to question whether fear is producing compliance beyond a fair entitlement.
What it does not mean
Intimidation does not establish a right, and reluctant compliance is not proof of voluntary agreement.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1857 AD · industrial
In print by 1857: recorded in A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857) (1857 AD)
Printed page 201; Spanish section, paragraph 4188; source wording: A quien miedo le han, lo suyo le dan.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.