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charity

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charity mugger

Someone who approaches passersby to collect donations or set up standing orders with them for a charity to whom he or she is employed. The charity muggers in this town are so tenacious, and they make you feel like a horrible person if you don't contribute something!

See also: charity, mugger

Vermont charity

An expression of sympathy, especially when more tangible assistance is needed. A: "I'm so sorry that you still have so much work left to do." B: "Don't give me Vermont charity—grab a paint brush, and help me out here!"

See also: charity

Charity begins at home.

Prov. You should take care of family and people close to you before you worry about helping others. I don't think our church should worry so much about a foreign relief fund when there are people in need right here in our city. Charity begins at home. If you really want to make the world a better place, start by being polite to your sister. Charity begins at home.

See also: begin, charity, home

Charity begins at home.

something that you say which means you should try to help your family and friends before you help other people You ought to stay in and look after your father. Charity begins at home.

See also: begin, charity, home

charity begins at home

Be generous to your family before helping others. For example, She spends hours and hours on volunteer work and neglects the children, forgetting that charity begins at home . This proverb was first recorded in English, in slightly different form, in John Wycliffe's Of Prelates (c. 1380); "Charity should begin at himself."

See also: begin, charity, home