Stretch your legs according to your coverlet.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Match an undertaking to the resources that can actually support it. Legs and coverlet picture the limits of available provision, encouraging adjustment without implying that a shortage is the person’s fault or that more support cannot be sought.

What the words are saying

The coverlet has a limited reach, so stretching beyond it leaves part of the person uncovered. Figuratively, a plan may exceed the time, materials or assistance available to sustain it. The saying encourages checking that relation before promising a result. Its useful reading can reduce scope, change the method or ask for additional support. It does not require accepting an unfair shortage as permanent, or imply that needing help shows bad judgement. Some goals are worthwhile precisely because they seek better provision. The image concerns making the current arrangement workable while recognising that its resources and demands may both be changed.

Everyday example

A club plans a display that its present team can maintain and asks for additional volunteers before extending it to another room.

When to use it

Use it when the scope of a plan needs to be matched with real support.

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