He is poor indeed that cannot promise nothing.
Meaning: Poverty of character stems from inability to offer even modest hope or commitment to others.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Communication
- Be slow to promise, but quick to perform. — Caution in commitment prevents broken trust; swift action in fulfilling pledges builds re…
- Apt to promise, apt to forget. — Those quick to make commitments often lack the diligence to honor them.
- Promises are too much like pie-crusts, made to be broken. — Keeping promises requires discipline; convenience often trumps commitment, especially whe…
- If we do not hear reason she will one day make herself be heard. — Ignoring justified criticism only delays inevitable consequences; resistance to truth eve…
- Men hold the reins, but the women tell them which way to drive. — Behind visible authority, women's influence subtly directs outcomes through persuasion ra…
- A story never loses by re-telling. — Repeated tellings enhance a story's impact through familiar enjoyment and accumulated det…
From our compliments & insults
- Sei un fenomeno — You're amazing — exceptionally good at what you do.
- Eres la leche — You're the best — absolutely fantastic.
- Eline sağlık — Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.