- English translation
Your life isn't something to throw away.
- Literal wording
Life is not a scattering.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying treats a person's lifespan as something precious that should not be scattered or spent carelessly; it concerns throwing one's life away, not money or general thrift. It cautions against rushing into an undertaking that carries real danger, urging the listener to weigh the risk before acting.
It also works in the opposite direction, as a defense for someone who pulls back from a hazardous plan. Retreating from mortal danger is framed as good sense, not shameful weakness, since one's life cannot be recovered once wasted.
- When it is used
Say it to talk someone out of a reckless, dangerous venture, or to defend your own decision to back out of one. It fits when the risk is to life or safety; if the listener thinks the danger small, it may sound like an excuse for cowardice.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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