- English translation
Applaud someone, and they will come forward to perform.
- Literal wording
Whoever is clapped for comes to dance.
- Meaning and lesson
People commonly respond in the way they are invited or encouraged to respond. The form of a request often helps determine the answer, cooperation, or behavior that follows; the image of applause and dancing is figurative, not necessarily about an actual performance.
It can suggest that praise, attention, or prompting draws a person into action. Depending on tone, it may offer approving advice about encouragement or pointedly observe that people give the response their invitation has prompted.
- When it is used
Used when stressing that an outcome depends on how someone is approached or asked. It may comment on encouraging participation, or on receiving a response that matches the invitation given; its force can be approving or mildly pointed.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Applaud someone, and they will come forward to perform.