- English translation
In the end, only the small coin you actually hold will serve you.
- Literal wording
Nothing will profit you except your five-piece, the one in your hand.
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb cautions against counting on money or help that belongs to other people. Its image is a small copper coin of little value, long out of circulation. Whatever others possess stays under their control, so it cannot be relied upon. What truly serves a person is the little they hold themselves.
In a wider sense, it praises self-reliance and a realistic view of one's own means. A modest resource that is securely yours is worth more than greater riches you can only hope someone will share.
- When it is used
Fitting as a frank reminder to someone who is building plans around another person's money or promised support. It urges them to depend on what they already have. The tone is practical and plain-spoken rather than scolding.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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