- English translation
They made his rope out of his own beard.
- Literal wording
From his beard they twisted a rope for him.
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb describes a person whose affairs are handled entirely with what belongs to him. Just as a rope twisted from his own beard needs no outside fiber, his needs are supplied from his own stock, and nothing has to be brought in from elsewhere.
More broadly, the image stresses self-containment: the material for the task grows on the man himself, so he depends on no one else's goods or assistance to get his business done.
- When it is used
Use it when someone's needs are met from what they already have, so that outside help, materials, or resources turn out to be unnecessary. It fits remarks about a matter that was settled from a person's own means rather than from anyone else's.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: They made his rope out of his own beard.