proverb · Words worth keeping
The lawyer’s pouch is a mouth of hell.
The lawyer’s pouch is a mouth of hell.
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
The image expresses fear that legal expense may consume resources without a clear limit. Examine costs and scope, while avoiding an unfair accusation against an entire profession.
What the words are saying
The lawyer’s pouch becomes a mouth that keeps swallowing what enters it. This is an exaggerated complaint about expense, not evidence that every lawyer exploits a client. Its constructive question is whether someone understands the scope, likely costs and alternatives of a legal matter. Ask for a clear arrangement and information about what further work may involve. Necessary professional help can protect important interests. The image can support scrutiny of an unclear cost process without encouraging people to abandon assistance simply because the proverb speaks harshly.
Everyday example
A client requests an explanation of the agreed work and likely charges before authorising an additional stage of a dispute.
When to use it
Use it to discuss unclear or escalating expenses without stereotyping practitioners.
What it does not mean
The saying supplies no legal guidance or proof of wrongdoing; assess the particular service and 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 (French-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 29; French section, paragraph 569; source wording: La gibecière de l’avocat est une bouche d’enfer.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.