- English translation
Let a careless woman know the house is hers, and she will either clean it herself or pay to have it cleaned.
- Literal wording
Tell the foolish, idle woman that she has a house, and she will sweep it; if she does not sweep it, she will hire someone to do it.
- Meaning and lesson
People tend to devote energy, care, and resources to what they regard as their own. A sense of ownership can turn an otherwise neglectful person into someone who takes responsibility.
The saying also suggests that personal stake matters more than general exhortation. Once a person benefits directly from a task or possession, they may find a practical way to protect and maintain it.
- When it is used
Used when explaining why someone becomes attentive to property, work, or responsibilities after gaining a personal interest in them. Its domestic image relies on a derogatory, gendered portrayal of a woman as foolish and lazy, so it may reinforce stereotypes and be unsuitable in formal or mixed settings.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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