what does this proverb mean "it is better to bend than to risk breaking"?

Question

what does this proverb mean "it is better to bend than to risk breaking"

Answer 1

it's refering to the water reed (sometimes a sappling or young tree is used) how it bends with the wind instead of going against it. Because if it did go against it it would be snapped in half. This symbolises that sometimes it easier to "go with the flow" instead of fighting agsinst it a situation and would be healthy mentalling and sometimes physically to do so.

Answer 2

There is actually a reaaly good song by Tanya Tucker that explains this one:

"There's a tree out in the backyard
That never has been broken by the wind
And the reason it's still standing
Is it was strong enough to bend"

It means that if you stay rigid you have a better chance of being broken by what life throws at you but if you are willing to 'bend' (compromise; take others opinions and needs into consideration) you can remain whole.

Answer 3

It's the moral to a tale about an oak tree and a willow tree caught in a storm.
The oak tree broke because it was not flexible while the willow was able to bend and weather the storm.

Answer 4

Think of a twig on a tree, it won't break in the wind if it bends with the wind.

Answer 5

means be a bit flexible with others rather than breaking which is what ends up happening if u cant be flexible or if u cant compromise.

Answer 6

it is better to be flexible and adapt to the situation rather than letting the situation get the best of you because you failed to adapt to it=)