- English translation
The one who governs you stands against you: disobey him and he will do you injustice.
- Literal wording
Your ruler is your adversary; if you do not obey him, he will wrong you.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying treats whoever holds power over you as a potential opponent rather than a protector. Defying that person is expected to bring injustice and harm upon the one who refuses.
Its practical lesson is to obey those in authority so as to stay out of reach of their harm. Submission is offered as a prudent shield, not as an expression of loyalty or respect.
- When it is used
Suited to moments when someone is tempted to defy an official, a superior, or anyone with power over their affairs. The speaker uses it to urge going along with that authority in order to avoid being harmed by it.
- Register
- Colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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