Cf. [Hesiod Works & Days 380] ρλɛίων μεν ρλɛόνων μɛλέṯη, more hands mean more work; [Erasmus Adages ii. iii. 95] multae manus onus levius reddunt, many hands make a burden lighter.
Ascopard be strong and sterk [physically powerful], Mani hondes maketh light werk!
[c 1330 Sir Beves (EETS) l. 3352]
Most Hands dispatch apace, And make light work, (the proverb says).
[1678 S. Butler Hudibras iii. ii.]
Many Hands make light Work. Because it is but little to every one.
[1721 J. Kelly Scottish Proverbs 244]
What is the use of saying that ‘Many hands make light work’ when the same copy-book tells you that ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’?
[1923 Observer 11 Feb. 9]
Tony immediately began to prepare the bone marrow‥His assistant‥simultaneously ran up smears with less usual stains‥Many hands make light work.
[2002 B. D'amato White Male Infant i. 16]
Related to: assistance; work
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
