- English translation
Even in rags—or dressed in animal feed sacks—they remain people of high standing.
- Literal wording
If they put on poor clothes, they are still the great ones; if they put on feedbags, they are still the lofty ones.
- Meaning and lesson
Outward poverty, plain dress, or humiliating circumstances do not lessen a person’s inherent dignity, worth, or high character. The saying insists that true stature survives an undistinguished appearance.
It can praise people whose conduct and self-respect remain elevated despite hardship. Its image of wearing animal feedbags is deliberately extreme, emphasizing that even degrading clothing cannot diminish genuine stature or determine who deserves esteem.
- When it is used
Use it to defend or commend someone whose clothing or circumstances look poor while their character, reputation, or bearing commands respect. It suits a contrast between superficial appearance and enduring personal worth, especially when the appearance is being judged unfairly.
- Register
- Proverbial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Even in rags—or dressed in animal feed sacks—they remain people of high standing.