Idle folk take the most pains.

The saying observes a paradox: people regarded as idle may still spend considerable effort or trouble—here, “pains” does not mean physical suffering—especially on matters that do not amount to useful work. It contrasts busyness or fussing with purposeful labour.

It can also criticize needless complication. Someone may avoid a straightforward duty yet devote great energy to delays, excuses, rituals, or minor tasks, making idleness appear more laborious than the work being evaded. It is a generalization, not a claim about every idle person.

Use it as a mildly reproachful observation when someone who avoids worthwhile work nevertheless makes elaborate efforts over trivialities, delays, or unnecessary complications. It suits comments on misplaced effort rather than a literal claim that every idle person works hardest, and may sound judgmental when aimed at someone.