What does “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” mean?
"To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back" means to sacrifice one’s own comfort or well-being in order to protect oneself from danger or harm, originating from the concept of depriving oneself of food or nourishment to provide clothing or a covering for one’s back as a desperate measure.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He decided to work overtime and sacrifice his leisure time to save money for emergencies. To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.
Example
In order to pay off his debts, he had to sell his car and live frugally. To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.
Example
She skipped meals and cut down on expenses to save money for her children's education. *To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.
Is “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” effectively in context?
You can use "To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back" to describe a situation where someone sacrifices their own comfort or well-being in order to protect themselves from danger or harm. It emphasizes the idea of making a desperate measure to ensure self-preservation. For example, if a friend is considering taking on a second job to pay off debts, you might say, 'It's tough, but sometimes you have to rob your belly to cover your back.'
- 1Financial Sacrifice
He decided to work overtime and sacrifice his leisure time to save money for emergencies. To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.
- 2Debt Repayment
In order to pay off his debts, he had to sell his car and live frugally. To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.
- 3Saving for Education
She skipped meals and cut down on expenses to save money for her children's education. To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.
Similar phrases to “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.”:
Beggars can't be choosers
When in need, one must accept whatever help is offered, even if it is not ideal.
Example
He didn't like the job, but beggars can't be choosers.
Sacrifice oneself for others
To put one's own needs or desires aside for the benefit of others.
Example
He sacrificed his own happiness to take care of his sick mother.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back" is unknown.
Is “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be encountered in literature or academic discussions about proverbs.
What tone does “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” have?
"To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back" conveys a tone of sacrifice and desperation. It highlights the difficult choices people may face when trying to protect themselves or their loved ones.
Can “To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To rob one’s belly to cover one’s back" is formal in nature and may not be suitable for casual conversations. It is more commonly used in writing or formal discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'In times of crisis, people may have to rob their bellies to cover their backs.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Sometimes you have to rob your belly to cover your back.'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- sacrifice oneself
- put oneself at risk
- deprive oneself for protection
- choose self-preservation over comfort
Antonyms
- prioritize comfort over safety
- protect one's belly at the expense of one's back
- choose immediate gratification over long-term security
