PhrasesHub

Charity begins at home

    Definitions

      • prioritize one's own family or community before others
        Emphasize the importance of taking care of one's own family or community first before helping others, as they are the closest and most important relationships.

      • being kind and generous to those closest to you
        Encourage kindness and generosity towards one's own family or community, as they are the people who know and support us the most.

      • setting a good example for others to follow
        Highlight the importance of demonstrating kindness and generosity towards one's own family or community, as it can inspire others to do the same.

    Examples of Charity begins at home

    • Sarah has been donating a significant portion of her income to various charities for years now. However, she recently realized that she needs to focus more on helping her own family first. She now understands that charity begins at home.

      The idiom "charity begins at home" means that one should take care of their own needs and responsibilities before helping others. In Sarah's case, she has been generous with her money, but she realizes that she needs to prioritize her family's needs before giving to other causes. This idiom is commonly used to encourage people to be self-sufficient and responsible before extending a helping hand to others.


    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the idiom "charity begins at home" has multiple meanings that all revolve around prioritizing and showing kindness towards one's own family or community. It emphasizes the importance of taking care of those closest to us before helping others, and also promotes setting a good example for others to follow.

    Origin of "Charity begins at home"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was first recorded in English as "charity should begin at himself." This was later changed to "at home" in the 17th century. The phrase was originally used in a religious context, promoting the idea that one should first take care of their own spiritual well-being before helping others.

    Over time, the meaning of the idiom evolved to include the idea of taking care of one's own family or community first before helping others. This is likely due to the strong emphasis on family and community values in many cultures.

    Overall, the idiom "charity begins at home" serves as a reminder to prioritize and show kindness towards those closest to us, whether it be our family, friends, or community. It also highlights the power of leading by example and how our actions towards our loved ones can have a positive impact on others.