- English translation
Every woman sitting on the rubbish heap once had her day.
- Literal wording
There is not a single woman on the heap who has not seen a day of her own.
- Meaning and lesson
Even the most wretched woman now sitting among the poor on a refuse mound once had her moment of pride, prosperity, or respect. Present lowliness says nothing about what a person has been or has known in earlier days.
The saying therefore cautions against belittling anyone. The person you look down on today may have stood where you stand now, and fortune can turn, so humility and respect are wiser than contempt.
- When it is used
Said as a warning when someone sneers at a person who now looks poor, humble, or fallen. It reminds the listener that this person may once have enjoyed standing or comfort, and that the scorn is misplaced.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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