- English translation
Whoever sets himself up to judge children's quarrels only ends up bringing a case against himself.
- Literal wording
The judge of the children lodged a complaint against himself.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying warns that anyone who appoints himself referee in children's disputes takes on trouble that is not his own. Children's quarrels have no clear right side and no lasting verdict, so the would-be judge ends up as the one aggrieved and burdened.
The point is self-inflicted harm. Like someone filing a grievance against himself, the arbiter turns the conflict inward. Whatever he decides, he invites resentment, complaints, and wasted effort, and he gains nothing for his trouble.
- When it is used
Use it to warn someone against stepping in to settle squabbles among children, or among people who behave like them. It suits moments when a well-meaning referee is likely to be blamed by every side or dragged into the quarrel.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Whoever sets himself up to judge children's quarrels only ends up bringing a case against himself.