When pumpkins are watered weeds also get nourished.
When pumpkins are watered weeds also get nourished.
Meaning in plain English
Watering pumpkins also nourishing weeds depicts an action benefiting more than its intended target. The saying draws attention to accompanying effects.
Example
A team examines what else a shared resource enables while deciding how to use it fairly.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The plant image is not a cultivation instruction or proof that every action has harmful consequences. A useful reading asks what else a particular choice supports and whether an unwanted effect can be addressed. Intended benefit still matters alongside the wider result.
When to use it
Use it to consider effects beyond an intended recipient.
Keep in mind
No gardening procedure or inevitable unwanted consequence is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
India · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 364; PDF page 36; collection label: India
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗