Interpretation
The proverb "Keep the wolf from the door"
means to have enough money to meet the basic necessities of life, such
as food, clothing, and shelter, and to avoid hunger and poverty. The
origins of the proverb can be traced back to the Middle Ages when wolves
were a genuine threat to people's livelihood. If a family did not have
enough food, they might have been forced to sell their land or livestock
or suffer from hunger. The proverb served as a reminder of the
importance of having enough resources to survive.
In contemporary usage, the proverb still signifies the struggle to
maintain a basic standard of living. It can be employed literally to
describe someone barely affording the essentials, or figuratively to
depict someone facing difficulties in providing for their family.
The proverb is often used in sentences like:
"The family was struggling to keep the wolf from the door after the
father lost his job."
"I'm working two jobs just to keep the wolf from the door."
"The government's new policies are designed to help people keep the wolf
from the door."
"Keep the wolf from the door" serves as a reminder of the significance
of financial security and the ongoing challenges faced by those striving
to make ends meet. It can also act as a motivation to work hard and
ensure the well-being of one's family. |