proverb · Source-linked selection
The sheep that is too tame is sucked by too many lambs.
The sheep that is too tame is sucked by too many lambs.
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
A person who always accommodates others can become overburdened by repeated demands. The nursing image highlights the need to recognise limits, while avoiding blame toward people who need support.
What the words are saying
The sheep’s willingness allows more lambs to draw on a finite supply. In human situations, someone may keep accepting tasks because it feels easier than disappointing people. Others can then overlook how much that person is already doing. A useful reading invites clearer requests, shared responsibilities and a limit that can be explained without hostility. The recipients are not necessarily acting maliciously; they may not know the total demand. The source’s image therefore works best as a prompt to make an arrangement visible, not to condemn generosity.
Everyday example
A helpful volunteer agrees to cover every absence until their own tasks suffer. The group creates a shared rota and asks about availability before assigning additional work.
When to use it
Use it when repeated requests depend on one person’s reluctance to state a limit.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
It should not be used to mock dependants or blame someone for being pressured. Limits can coexist with kindness and support.
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 9; French section, paragraph 184; source wording: Brebis trop apprivoisée de trop d’agneaux est tettée.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.