proverb · Words worth keeping
We let him in, he brought his donkey along.
We let him in, he brought his donkey along.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A welcomed person bringing a donkey along pictures an invitation expanding beyond what was expected. The saying questions an additional burden or commitment assumed without agreement.
Example
Someone clarifies the scope of an invitation rather than assuming an unagreed additional commitment.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The precise traditional scene is unverified. A qualified reading can examine expectations without treating a guest or animal as inherently unwelcome. Hospitality and need should be discussed fairly, and an invitation does not automatically include every extra request.
When to use it
Use it only as a qualified invitation-and-expectation image.
Keep in mind
No universal guest misconduct or obligation to accept every addition is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Egypt
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Egypt