About a stepchild: if he does not wash his hands, he is dirty; if he does, he is wasting water.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

A stepchild blamed both for not washing and for using water portrays a person condemned whichever choice they make. The saying exposes incompatible standards rather than a real fault in the child.

What the words are saying

A responsible interpretation does not endorse stepfamily prejudice or presume all such households act this way. A useful application examines a double bind and asks what fair, consistent expectations would be. Children’s dignity and needs should not depend on satisfying contradictory demands.

Everyday example

An adult notices a child is criticised under opposing rules and changes the expectations to be fair and clear.

When to use it

Use it to identify contradictory criticism without endorsing the stereotype.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.