- English translation
Misfortune strikes broadly, but mercy is selective.
- Literal wording
Affliction spreads widely, while mercy is set apart for some.
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb sets extensive suffering against mercy that does not extend to everyone. Its force lies in the unequal scope of the two: trouble is portrayed as broad, whereas mercy is selective in whom it reaches.
It expresses a somber view of adversity and favor as unevenly distributed. The contrast may be invoked to stress that widespread hardship does not entail an equally widespread share of mercy.
- When it is used
Use this saying to make a concise, grave observation about hardship affecting many people while mercy is portrayed as selective, singling out particular recipients rather than reaching everyone alike.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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