- English translation
For a negligent worker, the river does the sifting.
- Literal wording
The sea is the lazy woman's sieve.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying criticizes a person who evades the proper effort a task requires, letting a convenient resource replace careful work. In its image, “the sea” refers to the Nile, whose water is used to clean grain instead of sifting it.
It applies to careless, idle, or overly casual work, especially when an easy shortcut replaces thorough attention. Although the traditional wording is gendered, the criticism concerns negligent behavior broadly and should not be taken as a judgment about women.
- When it is used
Use it as a pointed rebuke for someone handling necessary work too casually or relying on convenience rather than ordinary care. Because its traditional wording singles out a woman and its imagery is domestic and agricultural, avoid using it to reinforce gender stereotypes.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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