- English translation
The neighbor has first claim.
- Literal wording
The neighbor is more entitled to the right of pre-emption.
- Meaning and lesson
On its face, the saying names the neighbor as the party holding the stronger claim to pre-emption, a specific right of first claim to take something up before others can. It voices a traditional view of who deserves priority rather than endorsed advice.
More broadly, it points to anyone whose connection to a thing gives them a better entitlement to it than people without that connection. This figurative extension does not imply any particular legal rule; the tie itself ranks one claimant above the rest.
- When it is used
Said of a person who, because of some link or relationship to a thing, is considered more entitled to it than others. It can be used to back that person's claim or to explain why they were given priority.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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