- English translation
Trouble comes from the people next door.
- Literal wording
Calamities fall upon us from the neighbors.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying expresses the bitter irony of being harmed by those nearby, from whom one would normally expect protection, help, or at least harmless coexistence. It presents misfortune as especially painful when its cause is close at hand.
It can be said when literal neighbors, or more broadly one’s immediate social circle, become the source of difficulty. The focus is not merely on disaster itself, but on the disappointment and breached expectation when familiar people inflict or enable it.
- When it is used
Use it to complain that harm, pressure, or unwanted trouble has come from close neighbors or another nearby, familiar group. It conveys grievance and disappointment and may sound accusatory when directed at specific people.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Trouble comes from the people next door.