One hand washes the Other. 
Manus manum lavat.
Meaning and origin
The Latin proverb "Manus manum lavat" translates to "One hand washes the other" in English. This proverb is used to convey the idea that people can achieve more by working together and helping each other, rather than trying to accomplish things alone.
However, the negative connotation of this proverb comes from its association with corruption and unethical behavior. In this context, it implies that people are willing to engage in dishonest or unethical actions to benefit themselves or others, even if it means compromising their integrity.
The origin of this proverb has been traced to a work ascribed to Seneca the Younger, the Pumpkinification of Claudius, which uses the phrase: “Manus manam lavat”.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- Two are better than one.
- Two heads are better than one.
- Many hands make light work.
- Too many cooks spoil the broth.
- One is no number.
- So many men so many minds.
- We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct.
- In union is strength.
- He that will not be counselled cannot be helped.
- Many dogs may easily worry one hare.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in the same language
English
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One hand washes the Other and both the face.
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
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Manus manum lavat.
One hand washes.
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Una manus reliquam lavat.
One hand washes the rest.
French
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Une main lave l'autre.
One hand washes the other.
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Un barbier rase l' autre.
One barber shaves the other.
German
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Eine Hand wäscht die andere.
One hand washes the other.
Czech
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Ruka ruku myje.
The hand washes the hand.
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Jeden se řeřavý uhel od druhého hřeje.
One cutting angle from the other is heating up.
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Ruka ruku myje, obě bývají bílé.
The hand washes the hand, both are white.
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Ručka ručku umývá.
The hand washes the hand.