- English translation
I may side with my brother against my cousin, but I will side with my cousin against an outsider.
- Literal wording
My brother and I stand against my cousin; my cousin and I stand against the stranger.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying sets out a hierarchy of kinship loyalties. In a dispute between brother and cousin, the brother receives support; when the cousin faces a stranger, the wider family tie becomes the stronger allegiance.
It portrays alliances as dependent on who stands on the other side of the conflict. A relative may be an opponent in one setting, yet become an ally when the dispute brings in someone outside the family.
- When it is used
Use it to describe kin-based solidarity that changes with the immediate dispute: a brother is backed over a cousin, while cousins unite when facing a stranger.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: I may side with my brother against my cousin, but I will side with my cousin against an outsider.