proverb · Words worth keeping
Much bran, little meal.
Much bran, little meal.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A large amount of material may contain little that serves the purpose. The bran and meal contrast questions apparent abundance, encouraging attention to useful substance rather than volume alone.
Example
A meeting pack contains many repeated slides but omits the two decisions participants need to make; the chair asks for a concise statement of those choices.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The image compares much bran with little meal, setting the surrounding bulk against the part wanted for the purpose imagined. Figuratively, it can describe a long account, a large collection or a busy process that produces relatively little useful information or progress. The saying does not establish that every supporting detail is worthless; context can be necessary for understanding the main point. Nor does a brief result guarantee quality. The useful question asks which parts contribute to the intended task and which merely enlarge the total, so that an impressive quantity does not hide a shortage of the thing actually needed.
When to use it
Use it when volume is being mistaken for useful information or practical progress.
Keep in mind
Supporting context can matter; assess relevance rather than assuming that shorter is always better.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English