Between two stools he comes to the ground.

Meaning: Trying to sit on two stools simultaneously leaves you falling between them, unsupported and hurt.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

Translations

French: Entre deux selles le cul à terre (literally: Between two stools the breech comes to the ground)

He must stoop that hath a low door. — Adapting yourself to constraints, however humble, requires humility and flexibility rathe…
Weight and measure take away strife. — Precise accounting and fair standards prevent disputes over fairness in transactions.
He that runs in the night stumbles. — Rushing blindly without proper awareness or preparation invites failure and missteps.
He that stumbles twice over the same stone, deserves to break his shins. — Repeated failure from ignoring lessons demands no sympathy; wisdom lies in changing cours…
The young suckers drain the old tree. — Young dependents exhaust elderly parents' resources and vitality through continuous deman…
That suit is best that best fits me. — Individual circumstances determine the right choice, not universal standards or what suit…

Loading the full interactive collection…