Ing. Leaning on a bruised reed which will pierce your hand and wound youLeaning on a broken staff, which cannot support you, or on a bruised reed which will pierce your hand and wound you; literally upon a weak and tottering wall; metaphorically, trusting to a false friend who will betray you, or to one who is incapable of performing what he promises, or of furnishing the assistance which he undertook to afford you.
Fuente: Erasmo, 1569.