Commenting on the meaning of this proverb, one reference work states: “An empty crib [manger] indicates that there are no oxen [cattle] to feed, and hence one is free of the trouble of cleaning and caring for the animals, and expenses would be less.
لكنّ العدد ٤ ب يظهر ان ‹ حسنات المعلف الفارغ › عديمة القيمة :‏ فبدون استخدام الثيران ،‏ كما يُشار ضمنا ،‏ لا تكون الغلة وافرة » .‏