Many hands make light work

1. Large tasks become small when divided among several people.

Idioms and Phrases

More helpers make a task easier, as in We need a few more volunteers to move the furniture—many hands make light work, you know . This proverb was first recorded in English in the early 1300s in a knightly romance known as Sir Bevis of Hampton . It appeared in practically all proverb collections from 1546 on. For the converse, see too many cooks spoil the broth .

Example Sentences

The adage that many hands make light work was never better exemplified than on that July day in the berry pasture.

From Project Gutenberg

If a housekeeper can secure the cooperation of all her family, she will find, that "many hands make light work."

From Project Gutenberg

The others got the mending almost done, for many hands make light work.

From Project Gutenberg

Everybody was willing, and many hands make light work, so the tents and all other things came ashore at a lively rate.

From Project Gutenberg

Have been on detail for five days in rotation, but it is not hard work that we have to do, and many hands make light work.

From Project Gutenberg