- English translation
Whatever you send ahead with your own hands, you will find waiting for you.
- Literal wording
Whoever sends something forward with his two hands meets it.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying holds that a person's deeds are never wasted. Whatever someone sends forward through their own effort will be there to greet them later, so everyone eventually encounters the results their own conduct has laid up for them.
In practice, speakers mainly use it about generosity and good works. It frames a kind act as an investment that will repay the giver, which makes it a gentle way to commend charity and encourage people to keep doing good.
- When it is used
Say it to encourage or praise someone doing a kindness, reassuring them that the good will come back to them. A follow-up blessing like 'Good fortune to you, doer of good' may be added.
- Register
- Colloquial proverbial speech
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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