proverb · Words worth keeping
A refusal is better than a broken promise.
A refusal is better than a broken promise.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A refusal preferred to a broken promise values an honest limit over an assurance that is not fulfilled. It asks for care before taking on a commitment.
What the words are saying
The comparison can encourage realistic agreement without assuming every unmet promise was dishonest. Changed circumstances, communication and fair revision can matter. A considerate refusal need not show indifference, and inability to fulfil one undertaking does not establish a person’s whole character.
Everyday example
Someone declines an unrealistic request or proposes a workable alternative instead of promising what they cannot provide.
When to use it
Use it to discuss credible commitments with circumstances and communication considered.
What it does not mean
No complete character judgment from nonfulfilment or duty to accept every request is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
United States
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 130; PDF page 18; collection label: United States
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- United States