proverb · Words worth keeping
Farewell baskets, the vintage is ended.
Farewell baskets, the vintage is ended.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Baskets dismissed after the vintage is finished picture equipment whose immediate season of use has ended. Recognise when a particular task is over.
Example
After an exhibition closes, organisers store the collection boxes and plan their next use instead of keeping the old collection schedule running.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The farewell marks the end of the grape harvest, when gathering baskets no longer serve that occasion. Figuratively, an arrangement useful during one phase may need storing, redirecting or retiring afterwards. The saying does not make the baskets worthless or prevent another harvest. The useful distinction is between the end of this opportunity and the enduring value of the resource, rather than continuing a task simply because its tools are ready.
When to use it
Use it to mark the end of a task and reconsider the resources assigned to it.
Keep in mind
A season ending does not make its equipment or earlier work worthless.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown