- English translation
If you do someone a kindness, see it through to the end.
- Literal wording
Whoever performs a good deed should complete it.
- Meaning and lesson
A helpful act loses much of its value when it is abandoned halfway. The saying urges a person who has begun doing someone a favor to finish the task rather than leave the recipient without the promised benefit.
It also conveys that goodwill is measured not merely by intention or a promising start, but by follow-through. In practical terms, it advises completing an undertaking so that the assistance offered becomes genuinely useful.
- When it is used
Used to encourage someone to finish a favor, charitable act, or other helpful undertaking after they have already begun it. It may also gently reproach incomplete assistance that leaves another person still unable to resolve the matter.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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