Korean Proverb : Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

Korean Proverb Series 83

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

“아랫돌 빼서 윗돌 괴기”
(Aret-dol ppaeseo wit-dol goeggi)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “아랫돌 빼서 윗돌 괴기” literally means
“Taking out the lower stone to support the upper stone.”

It describes a short-sighted solution that fixes one problem by creating another.
Instead of solving the root cause, one merely shifts the burden elsewhere,
leaving the overall situation unstable or worse in the long run.

This proverb warns against temporary fixes and superficial problem-solving.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

▪️ Solving one issue by causing another is not a real solution.
▪️ Short-term relief can lead to long-term damage.
▪️ Sustainable solutions require addressing the root cause.

The saying teaches us to think holistically —
a stable structure needs every stone in its place.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

▪️ Paying one debt by borrowing another loan.
▪️ Cutting a vital budget to cover a temporary expense.
▪️ Fixing one department’s problem by overloading another team.

These actions may look effective at first,
but they weaken the foundation over time.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
　→ Solving a problem by shifting it elsewhere.

▪️ China — “拆东墙补西墙 (Chāi dōng qiáng bǔ xī qiáng).”
　→ Tear down the east wall to repair the west wall.

▪️ Japan — “焼け石に水 (Yakeishi ni mizu).”
　→ Pouring water on a hot stone — ineffective solutions.

▪️ France — “Déshabiller Pierre pour habiller Paul.”
　→ Undress Peter to dress Paul.

Across cultures, people warn against
solutions that weaken the foundation while pretending to help.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“A strong solution supports the whole structure —
not just the part that’s about to fall.”

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📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).

Please do not copy without permission.
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