- English translation
It hurts neither of us, so I'll hand you as much as you like from the dirt heap.
- Literal wording
Not in me and not in you; from the mound I give to you.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying treats an exchange of insults as harmless to both people involved. Since the abuse does not really stick to either side, each one is free to pile as much of it on the other as he wishes. Nothing of value is lost.
The image of handing something over from a mound of dirt is a metaphor for a cheap, endless supply, not a reference to land or a real gift. Such words cost the speaker nothing and leave the listener unharmed, so the quarrel becomes an empty trade.
- When it is used
Suited to a heated quarrel in which both sides trade insults, as a wry remark that the abuse is costless and harmless. It can sound dismissive and shrugs the exchange off, so it fits banter more than a real attempt at reconciliation.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: It hurts neither of us, so I'll hand you as much as you like from the dirt heap.