What the farmer does not know he doesn’t eat.
What the farmer does not know he doesn’t eat.
Meaning in plain English
The saying has a farmer avoid eating what is unfamiliar. It depicts reluctance to try something not already known.
Example
A reader asks what information would help them assess an unfamiliar idea before rejecting it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The named occupation supplies a character, not evidence about every farmer. A useful interpretation can examine whether unfamiliarity is being mistaken for a reason to reject something. It does not require eating unknown things or dismiss sensible limits, preferences or safety considerations.
When to use it
Use it to examine rejection based only on unfamiliarity.
Keep in mind
No group stereotype or obligation to try unknown food is justified.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 434; PDF page 64
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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