“Charity begins at home”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that one should take care of and prioritize the needs and responsibilities of one’s own family and close community before helping others.
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Where it comes from
The phrase is believed to have originated in England and has been used since the 17th century. It suggests prioritizing personal responsibilities and is often associated with moral and ethical behavior.
Examples
- She donates to various international charities but often remembers that charity begins at home and helps her local community, too.
- Before spending your time volunteering abroad, remember that charity begins at home and see if there’s something you can do for your neighborhood.
- He learned the true meaning of the saying ‘charity begins at home’ when he realized the support his immediate family needed.
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