Set trees poor, and they will grow rich; set them rich, and they will grow poor.
Meaning: Excessive initial resources weaken plants' root development, while hardship forces them to establish stronger, deeper systems for survival.
Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.
More proverbs about Challenge
- Use the means, and God will give the blessing. — Diligent effort and practical action create the conditions where fortunate outcomes can n…
- The vicar of Bray will be vicar of Bray still. — A pragmatist adapts his principles to survive whoever holds power, ensuring his position…
- Make the vine poor, and it will make you rich. — Pruning grapevines severely forces them to concentrate resources into fewer, higher-quali…
- Vows made in storms are forgotten in calms. — Emotional commitments pledged during crisis dissolve once danger passes and circumstances…
- War, hunting, and law, are as full of trouble as pleasure. — Life's most engaging pursuits inevitably mix hardship with satisfaction, demanding we acc…
- Who preacheth war is the devil's chaplain. — Advocating violence serves evil's purposes, regardless of one's stated justifications or…
Loading the full interactive collection…