Meaning
This proverb means that if the members of a group—like a family, team, or nation—are in constant conflict with one another, they will eventually fail. Unity is strength. When people fight among themselves, they become weak and vulnerable to outside threats. Only through cooperation, trust, and shared purpose can any group remain strong and stable.
Understanding the Idea of the Proverb
The proverb teaches the importance of harmony and teamwork. Internal disagreements, ego clashes, or jealousy can slowly destroy even the strongest families, organizations, or communities. When energy is wasted in fighting each other, there’s nothing left to face challenges together. Whether it’s a home, business, or society—only unity brings growth. Division, even if small, can lead to collapse if not addressed.
Interesting Story to Relate the Proverb
The Bull Brothers and the Hungry Lion
In the heart of a green forest lived four strong bull brothers—Bheem, Dhruv, Nakul, and Sahil. They were known far and wide for their mighty horns and unbreakable bond. Wherever they went, they grazed together, walked together, and protected one another from danger.
A cunning lion named Shera lived nearby and had tried many times to hunt them. But their unity made them impossible to defeat.
One evening, Shera sat under a tree, thinking, “I can never win while they’re united. But what if… I divide them?”
From the next day, Shera began whispering lies. To Bheem, he said, “Nakul says you’re too slow.”
To Dhruv, he said, “Sahil thinks he’s stronger than you.”
Slowly, doubts grew. The bulls began to argue. They stopped eating together. Each chose a different part of the forest.
Shera’s eyes gleamed with joy.
One by one, he attacked them when they were alone—first Bheem, then Nakul, then Dhruv. None could survive without the others. Only Sahil remained, hiding in fear.
Lying near the bones of his brothers, Sahil wept, “If only we had stayed united, none of this would’ve happened.”
The wise old tortoise passing by said,
“A house—or a herd—divided against itself, cannot stand.”
Moral:
Unity is strength. Division invites downfall. Stay together, stand strong.