proverb · Words worth keeping
Rich garments weep on unworthy shoulders.
Rich garments weep on unworthy shoulders.
In print by 1857 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Fine clothing cannot establish the character of the person wearing it. The weeping garments turn outward distinction into criticism of conduct, rather than a judgement of anyone’s human worth.
What the words are saying
The garments are imagined as grieving over the shoulders on which they rest. Their richness contrasts with the conduct implied by unworthy: an impressive presentation has not been matched by the person’s actions. Ask whether an honour, title or display is being used to substitute for responsibility. The clothes cannot actually judge their wearer, and the saying supplies no proof about a real individual. Reading it critically separates a question about deserving an honour from the unacceptable claim that someone has less basic dignity.
Everyday example
A committee considers how an award recipient has treated colleagues rather than treating ceremonial dress as evidence that the honour was well earned.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish an outward mark of distinction from the conduct expected of its holder.
What it does not mean
Do not infer character from clothing, wealth or social position; judge the relevant actions.
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 (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1857 AD · industrial
In print by 1857: recorded in A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857) (1857 AD)
Printed page 34; French section, paragraph 670; source wording: Les belles robes pleurent sur des épaules indignes.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.