Elden gelen öğün olmaz
What you get from charity/others doesn't truly satisfy; independence is important
Literal translationA meal from others' hands is not a meal
Usage contextEmphasizes Turkish value of self-sufficiency and pride
Frequencyoccasional
Example
Kendi paranla al, elden gelen öğün olmaz.Modern usage
Used to encourage independence and self-reliance
Similar English proverb
There's no such thing as a free lunch