- English translation
Make a friend in every town you know, but do not go collecting enemies from land to land.
- Literal wording
Take for yourself a companion from every town, and do not take an enemy from every region.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying urges a person to gather goodwill widely, gaining a trusted friend or companion in each place they pass through or deal with. Friends scattered across many towns become a network of support, hospitality, and help that can be called upon wherever life leads.
Its second half warns against leaving hostility behind in one region after another. Town and region form a loose parallel rather than precise territories. An enemy made anywhere can resurface later, so prudence counsels restraint, courtesy, and reconciliation rather than careless quarrels that spread ill will.
- When it is used
Suitable when advising a traveler, newcomer, trader, or anyone whose dealings reach many places: build friendships wherever you go and settle quarrels quietly rather than leaving resentment behind you. Its plain colloquial tone suits everyday advice.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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