Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27
Sense: Verified- English translation
I’d sooner make do with a thorn for a needle than pay someone else to sew.
- Literal wording
I would sew with a thorn rather than have the seamstress say, “Give me my fee.”
- Meaning and lesson
Use what you have and do a manageable job yourself instead of spending money unnecessarily.
- When it is used
Said to encourage thrift and resourcefulness when a simple task can be handled without paying for help.
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- Colloquial
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: I’d sooner make do with a thorn for a needle than pay someone else to sew.