Literal translation
a too tame ewe is suckled by too many lambs
Meaning
a too-tame ewe gets suckled by too many lambs: people exploit the easygoing
Explanation
This saying pictures a ewe made so tame that she lets any lamb suckle her, even ones that are not her own. The image speaks to excessive kindness or gentleness: by always welcoming and never refusing, one ends up attracting people who take advantage of that goodwill without restraint. The proverb warns against too much familiarity, which erodes respect and opens the door to exploitation. It is used to comment on a person, a business, or an institution that is too accommodating, from which everyone helps themselves shamelessly, knowing there will be no pushback. The register belongs to peasant wisdom drawn straight from flock life, where lambing and suckling are familiar daily realities. The saying links two connected images, taming and nursing, to show that docility almost mechanically leads to abuse, without any need for ill intent on the part of those who exploit it.