When something gets in your eye, it's your friend who takes it out.

Akan proverb, Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 585 (Christaller 1879, no. B14)

What it means

There are troubles you cannot see well enough to fix on your own. A real friend is close enough and trusted enough to help. Keep people around who can do that, and be that person for them.

The source

"When something gets in your eye, it's your friend who takes it out." This Akan proverb is recorded in Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 585 (Christaller 1879, no. B14). Translated by Rattray, 1916.

"When something gets in your eye, it is your friend who removes it for you."

Rattray, 1916, Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 585 (Christaller 1879, no. B14). Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "When something gets in your eye, it's your friend who takes it out." mean?: There are troubles you cannot see well enough to fix on your own. A real friend is close enough and trusted enough to help. Keep people around who can do that, and be that person for them.
Who said "When something gets in your eye, it's your friend who takes it out."?: Akan proverb. Source: Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 585 (Christaller 1879, no. B14).
What is the original wording?: When something gets in your eye, it is your friend who removes it for you (Rattray, 1916). Translated by Rattray, 1916.
Is "When something gets in your eye, it's your friend who takes it out." on a shirt?: Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 6 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

Cite this line

"When something gets in your eye, it's your friend who takes it out." (Akan proverb, Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 585 (Christaller 1879, no. B14), trans. Rattray, 1916). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/when-something-gets-in-your-eye-its-your