- English translation
Someone who keeps mending their clothes does not let them become worn out.
- Literal wording
Whoever patches does not wear out clothes.
- Meaning and lesson
Looking after possessions through small repairs keeps them serviceable. The saying values intervention before wear and damage are allowed to take over, using patched clothing as its concrete image.
It also expresses a wider lesson in handling one’s affairs: attentive, capable management helps keep things in order. Addressing needs as they arise can prevent avoidable deterioration and preserve what one has.
- When it is used
Used to praise careful maintenance and sensible management when a small repair or timely response helps preserve clothing, belongings, or other practical matters. It can encourage people to deal with manageable problems rather than letting neglect worsen them.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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