- English translation
Save your energy, mother-in-law, because my wife is the only one I've got.
- Literal wording
Spare yourself, O my mother-in-law; I have nobody but my wife.
- Meaning and lesson
A husband addresses his wife's mother as she rushes to champion her daughter during a marital spat. He tells her to spare her effort and not wear herself out, because he and his wife belong to one another. Whatever the quarrel, it will end in reconciliation, so her effort is unnecessary.
The husband's point is that the argument is a passing matter inside the marriage, not a break in it. The line affirms his attachment to his wife rather than attacking her mother; her struggle on her daughter's behalf simply spends energy on a conflict that will close in renewed peace.
- When it is used
Fits a moment when a wife's mother steps in to defend her daughter during a quarrel with her husband. The husband, not the mother-in-law, speaks, reassuring her that her efforts are unneeded, since he remains devoted to his wife and the two will make up.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Save your energy, mother-in-law, because my wife is the only one I've got.