- English translation
When luck is on your side, a single hair will haul in what you want; when luck deserts you, even chains give way.
- Literal wording
If she comes, she pulls along on a hair; and if she turns her back, she snaps the chains.
- Meaning and lesson
The unnamed subject is understood as fortune, or the way of the world, not a woman. When it is on your side, ambitious goals fall into place almost without effort, as though one fine strand were enough to bring a heavy prize home.
When it withdraws, no amount of strength or preparation can keep a hold on things. Even the sturdiest links break. The hair and chains are figurative opposites, contrasting the slightest effort with the strongest means.
- When it is used
Fitting when someone remarks on luck turning, either because a hard goal was reached with surprising ease or because careful efforts and strong resources collapsed anyway. It works as a rueful or philosophical comment on how quickly circumstances can favor or abandon a person.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: When luck is on your side, a single hair will haul in what you want; when luck deserts you, even chains give way.