ProverbHub
EnglishLatin scriptExpression: Verified

Who more busy than they that have least to do.

Meanings

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Sense: Verified
Meaning and lesson

The proverb observes a contrast between the amount of work someone has and how busy they appear. A light workload does not always bring an air of ease.

It can gently mock a person who makes a great commotion over small tasks, suggesting that visible activity is not a reliable measure of how much needs doing.

When it is used

Use it to comment wryly when someone with few apparent responsibilities seems unusually occupied or makes a minor task look demanding. It is a judgment about appearances, not proof that the person is idle.