Hunger does not know a beggar from a king.
Hunger does not know a beggar from a king.
Meaning in plain English
Hunger not distinguishing beggar from king places a bodily need across differences in status. The saying points to a shared aspect of human life.
Example
A discussion recognises a common need while addressing unequal access to meeting it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Shared need does not make unequal resources or experiences identical. A responsible reading respects equal dignity while acknowledging that access to food differs. The statement supplies no medical rule and does not romanticise deprivation as a way to bring people together.
When to use it
Use it to connect shared needs with attention to unequal resources.
Keep in mind
No equality of circumstances or value in imposed deprivation is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
Uganda · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 705; PDF page 64; collection label: Uganda
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗
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