杖に縋るとも人に縋るな つえにすがるともひとにすがるな Meanings Expression don't be a burden to others (literally: lean on your cane, but don't lean on others) Kanji 杖 staff; cane. Read as つえ. 縋 cling; hang on; depend. Read as すがる. 人 person. Read as ひと. Word lists Proverbs Jinuma: Japanese Dictionary · Word lists