Don't Rob Peter to Pay Paul

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "rob Peter to pay Paul" means to take resources from one place to cover another debt or need, without solving the bigger problem. It’s a proverb for borrowing from one hand to pay the other.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Proverbs

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I heard 'you'll be robbin’ Peter to pay Paul' often when I was little. I would say it's not as common around here as it used to be, but I use it ever now and again.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I heard 'you'll be robbin’ Peter to pay Paul' often when I was little. I would say it's not as common around here as it used to be, but I use it ever now and again.

Pronunciation

[rob PEE-tur to pay PAWL]

Meaning & Usage

- Shifting resources without solving the problem (saying)

Mae:

We’re just robbin’ Peter to pay Paul with these credit cards.

Earl:

Yep - just diggin’ a deeper hole.

variations: borrow from one to pay another shift debt around take from one pocket to fill the other pay one bill, miss another cover one hole, leave another

★ This saying warns about false solutions - moving money or effort around without fixing the root problem. It’s often said about debt, but fits chores and responsibilities too. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase dates back to at least the 14th century in England, linked to moving funds between the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul. Over centuries, it spread as a proverb worldwide. Appalachia and the South carried it into plain talk about debt and trade-offs.

Usage Notes

Still common in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially in talk of money, bills, and debt. This is a shared proverb, not unique to Appalachia, but long woven into mountain life.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it steady: "rob Peter to pay Paul." Usually told with a warning tone.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it mean actual stealing?

No - it’s figurative. It means shifting resources without solving the problem.

Is it only about money?

Most often about money, but it can also mean shifting effort - fixing one chore while letting another slide.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - especially in rural and working-class talk about juggling bills.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 27). Don't Rob Peter to Pay Paul. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/rob-peter-to-pay-paul
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Don't Rob Peter to Pay Paul." HillbillySlang.com, 27 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/rob-peter-to-pay-paul.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Don't Rob Peter to Pay Paul." HillbillySlang.com. September 27, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/rob-peter-to-pay-paul.

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