If a man once fall, all will tread on him.

Meaning: Misfortune invites exploitation; those already disadvantaged face renewed abuse from others.

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

More proverbs about Challenge

• The first blow is half the battle. — Taking decisive initial action often determines victory more than prolonged struggle afte…
• Fire and water are good servants but bad masters. — Both elements prove invaluable when controlled but destructive when allowed to dominate u…
• Well may he smell of fire whose gown burneth. — A person reeking of smoke has demonstrably experienced flames, so visible consequences pr…
• It's good fishing in troubled waters. — Exploiting chaos and confusion allows cunning people to gain unfair advantages over other…
• It is one thing to flourish and another to fight. — Thriving requires different skills than defending oneself; prosperity and conflict demand…
• What God will, no frost can kill. — Divine purpose transcends natural destruction; what's meant to survive will endure despit…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…