Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—R

Reed

A broken reed. Something not to be trusted for support. Egypt is called a broken reed, to which Hezekiah could not trust if the Assyrians made war on Jerusalem, “which broken reed if a man leans on, it will go into his hand and pierce it.” Reed walking sticks are referred to.

A bruised reed,
in Bible language, means a believer weak in grace. A bruised reed [God] will not break.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Reed Shaken by the Wind
Ree
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