proverb · Words worth keeping
The stronger the seam the worse the rent.
The stronger the seam the worse the rent.
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 strongly connected relationship or arrangement can be costly to break. Consider how deeply the parts are joined when assessing the consequences of a rupture.
What the words are saying
A sturdy seam binds cloth firmly, so tearing it can damage more than a loose joining would. The image suggests that strength of connection brings both support and exposure when the connection fails. In a shared undertaking, people may rely on combined resources, trust or long commitments. Disagreement then needs attention to what a break would disturb. The proverb does not mean strong ties are inherently bad or must never end. It encourages planning for the effects rather than assuming that separation will be simple.
Everyday example
Two organisations share staff and equipment. Before ending their partnership, they make a transition plan so neither group unexpectedly loses essential resources.
When to use it
Use it to consider the consequences of breaking a deeply integrated arrangement.
What it does not mean
Some connections should end despite the cost. Dependence must not be used to pressure someone to remain in a harmful situation.
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 14; French section, paragraph 289; source wording: De forte coûture forte déchirure.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.