proverb · Words worth keeping
Things promised are things due.
Things promised are things due.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A promise creates an expectation of action. Take commitments seriously and communicate promptly when fulfilling them becomes difficult rather than letting another person rely on silence.
Example
A neighbour promises to collect a parcel on Friday. When their schedule changes, they tell the recipient early enough to arrange another collection.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying treats a promised thing as something another person is now entitled to expect. That expectation can influence their plans, so a promise has consequences before it is fulfilled. It is better to consider capacity before making a commitment and then track what was agreed. If circumstances change, explain the problem and seek a revised arrangement. The proverb expresses a moral expectation about reliability; it is not a statement that every informal promise has the same legal force or can never be reconsidered.
When to use it
Use it to emphasise the practical responsibility created by a commitment.
Keep in mind
Promises made under pressure or towards harmful ends may need to be refused or revised. Reliability does not require carrying out harm.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their 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
- Date unknown