- English translation
When a beast has no tail, God himself keeps the flies off it.
- Literal wording
The tailless one: the Lord shoos [the flies] away from her.
- Meaning and lesson
An animal without a tail cannot flick away the flies that torment it, so the saying pictures God stepping in to do that small task on its behalf. The image stands for anyone lacking the natural means to defend themselves against everyday harm.
The broader point is a statement of faith: those who are powerless are not abandoned, because divine protection makes up for what they cannot do themselves. It offers comfort about the vulnerable and discourages despair over their weakness.
- When it is used
Fits moments of reassurance about someone weak, poor, or without defenders, expressing trust that they will be cared for anyway. It can also gently answer someone who worries over a person they consider helpless. Its religious framing suits speakers comfortable with appeals to divine care.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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