Idioms
“One hand washes the other”: origin and meaning
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It is often said: one hand washes the other. But what does that actually mean, and where does this phrase come from?
“One hand washes the other”: examples
- After Julia got tutoring in math from Vanessa, she actually manages to write a 2 in the exam. Otherwise she was on a shaky 4 in math. Afterwards Vanessa and Julia asks: “You are so good at playing the piano, can you help me to play my first song?” Julia replies: “Of course, I like to help you. One hand washes the other.”
- Julian spent the whole weekend with his grandma. In addition to relaxing things like watching TV or cooking together, he also helped his grandma to bring the garden back into shape. He also shows her how to use a smartphone and explains current trends in technology. On Sunday, his grandmother gave him a 200 euro note and said: “You really helped me through the days, and I know that you are currently saving up for a new computer. One hand washes the other.”
“One hand washes the other”: meaning
The phrase “one hand washes the other” means that one doing someone a favor for something in return. Say: someone helped you, and then you return the favor by helping him.
At the same time, the phrase can also be called Expectation or announcement be understood that one expects help from someone because one has already made advance payments in the past, or one utters the saying as a helper to make sure that one is also something good in the future has with the other.
“One hand washes the other”: origin
The phrase “one hand washes the other” can be used up to the 1st century in the time of the Romans trace back. The now world-famous Philosopher and poet Seneca wrote in Latin: “Manus manum lavat”, which translates as “One hand washes the other”.
Even other writers have used the Latin wording to make mutual favors a recognized norm. Goethe uses in his poem the synonymous pronunciation: “As you me, so I you.”
Similar or related idioms:
- Tit for tat.
- You help me, i help you.
- If you give me, I will give you.
- Need a firm hand (need to be controlled).
- One hand doesn’t know what the other is doing (communication is poor).
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