# help a lame dog over a stile

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/help-a-lame-dog-over-a-stile
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to show kindness to, or to help out, someone in distress or in need

## Examples

- It is kind to help a lame dog over a stile when someone struggles.
- When my neighbor lost his job, I tried to help a lame dog over a stile by offering him some extra work.
- She possessed a quiet generosity, always ready to help a lame dog over a stile whenever she encountered those burdened by misfortune or sudden hardship.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.