I’d sooner make do with a thorn for…

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27

Meaning: Verified

English translation: I’d sooner make do with a thorn for a needle than pay someone else to sew.
Literal wording: I would sew with a thorn rather than have the seamstress say, “Give me my fee.”

Meaning and lesson: Use what you have and do a manageable job yourself instead of spending money unnecessarily.
When it is used: Said to encourage thrift and resourcefulness when a simple task can be handled without paying for help.

Register: Colloquial

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PROVERB (ARABIC)
«أَخَيَّطْ بِسِلَّايَهْ وَلَا المِعَلِّمَهْ تُقُولْ: هَاتِي كِرَايَهْ»
Literal translation: I would sew with a thorn rather than have the seamstress say, “Give me my fee.”
Natural translation: I’d sooner make do with a thorn for a needle than pay someone else to sew.
Meaning: Use what you have and do a manageable job yourself instead of spending money unnecessarily.
Used when: Said to encourage thrift and resourcefulness when a simple task can be handled without paying for help.

Permanent link: https://proverbhub.com/proverb/id-sooner-make-do-with-a-thorn-for-a-needle-than-pay-someone-else
Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
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