Charity begins at home

usgb
proverb

You should first focus on taking care of your family and people close to you before helping others.

He spends so much time volunteering at the community center and neglecting his sick mother. Doesn't he know that charity begins at home?
Visual representation of "charity begins at home" - You should first focus on taking care of your family and people close to you before helping others.

Often appears as...

  • charity begins at home and stays there
  • charity begins at home

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "charity begins at home"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Misunderstanding

This proverb isn't about actual charity work alone but prioritizing family and close ones first.

Illustration for Literal Misunderstanding
She often volunteers but realized charity begins at home when her brother needed help.
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Not Selfishness

The phrase doesn't justify ignoring wider community needs; it's about addressing immediate responsibilities too.

Illustration for Not Selfishness
He also donates to international causes, understanding that charity begins at home, but doesn't end there.
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Emotive Appeal

It evokes feelings of responsibility towards loved ones, often used to remind someone of personal duties.

Illustration for Emotive Appeal
When she considered adopting another pet, her friend reminded her that charity begins at home.
Visual representation of the word "Charity begins at home"

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