Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-02
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
The proverb tells a person that eating their food is no cause for shame. It treats eating as an ordinary act that need not bring embarrassment.
Its encouragement is to put aside self-consciousness about eating. A person can have their food without feeling that the act reflects badly on them.
- When it is used
Use the saying to reassure someone who seems embarrassed about eating. It addresses that feeling without giving advice about what or how much to eat.
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Never be ashamed to eat your meat.