Materialism, Financial Management, Financial Mismanagement and 6 More Topics · English Proverbs: Wealth And Success

used to suggest that people who have wealth or resources are often able to attract and keep friends more easily

"A rich man always has friends — he that has a full purse never wanted a friend."

"His popularity increased with his wealth — he that has a full purse never wanted a friend."

used to suggest that having a large dowry or focusing solely on material wealth in a marriage can lead to difficulties, challenges, or even unhappiness

"A large dowry causes more problems than it solves — a great dowry is a bed full of brambles."

"Their wealthy marriage was full of arguments — a great dowry is a bed full of brambles."

used to suggest that the pursuit of material wealth should not come at the expense of personal freedom or genuine happiness

"Even golden chains are still chains — no man loves his fetters, be they made of gold."

"The high-paying job came with enormous restrictions — no man loves his fetters, be they made of gold."

used to emphasize that material possessions are ultimately temporary and that focusing on relationships, experiences, and personal growth are more meaningful in the long run

"You cannot take your money with you when you die — you cannot take it with you when you go."

"She donated everything before she died, knowing you cannot take it with you when you go."

used to imply that the most valuable things in life, such as happiness and love, cannot be bought, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing experiences and relationships over wealth

"The most valuable things in life are free — the best things in life are free."

"Friendship, laughter, and good health cost nothing — the best things in life are free."

used to emphasize that in addition to basic necessities like food and shelter, people have emotional, social, and spiritual needs that must be fulfilled to live a happy life

"You need more than money and food to be happy — man does not live by bread alone."

"The salary was generous but the work was meaningless — man cannot live by bread alone."

used to imply that having a lot of money or material possessions does not necessarily lead to happiness or contentment in life

"Money does not make you truly happy — money cannot buy happiness."

"He had everything money could buy and still felt empty — money cannot buy happiness."

used to imply that excessive attachment to material possessions can lead to a loss of personal freedom and control

"Your possessions control you as much as you control them — the things you own end up owning you."

"The more property he accumulated, the more anxious he became — the things you own end up owning you."

used to imply that personal happiness, health, relationships, and personal growth are more important than money, encouraging people to prioritize these values over financial success

"There are more important things than money — money is not everything."

"He turned down a higher salary for a better quality of life — money is not everything."

used to imply that without money to spend, one is not interested in the market, and so will not spend much time there

"A poor person has no power in the market — a moneyless man goes fast through the market."

"With no cash to spend, he quickly walked past the stalls, as a moneyless man goes fast through the market."

used to suggest that it is not enough to simply earn money, but it is important to have the knowledge and skill to manage, preserve, and increase one's wealth over time

"Earning money is easy, keeping it takes wisdom — a fool may earn money, but it takes a wise man to keep it."

"He made a fortune quickly and lost it just as fast — a fool may earn money, but it takes a wise man to keep it."

used to imply that saving money is just as valuable as earning money, as both contribute to increasing one's overall wealth

"Penny saved is earned."

"By bringing my lunch to work every day, I'm following the advice that a penny saved is a penny earned."

used to imply that it is preferable to avoid debt by living within one's means, even if it means going without a meal

"Go to bed hungry rather than go into debt — better go to bed supperless than rise in debt."

"She cut every expense before borrowing a penny — better go to bed supperless than to rise in debt."

used to suggest that it is better to give a small sum of money as a gift than to lend a larger sum that may create financial strain and harm the relationship

"Give money rather than lend it — better give a shilling than lend a half-crown."

"My grandmother always said it is better give a shilling than lend a half-crown when friends ask for large loans."

used to imply that one should prioritize fulfilling their obligations and acting with fairness and integrity before offering help to others

"Be fair before you are kind — be just before you are generous."

"She ensured every team member was paid correctly before offering bonuses — be just before you are generous."

used to imply that it is important to keep track of debts and pay them back promptly, in order to maintain positive and long-lasting relationships

"Settle accounts quickly to keep friendships — short reckonings make long friends."

"They split the bill immediately after every dinner — short reckonings make long friends."

used to advise against borrowing or lending money, as it can lead to financial and interpersonal difficulties

"Do not borrow or lend — neither a borrower nor a lender be."

"She kept her finances entirely separate from friends and family — neither a borrower nor a lender be."

used to suggest that one should be cautious with their spending, and not waste all their money in one location or on one thing

"Don't spend it all in one place."

"If you get some money, do not spend it all in one place."

used to imply that even though someone may have very little money, they can still find ways to make ends meet and survive

"They always survive."

"Despite his poverty, he always managed to find food and shelter, proving that a beggar's purse is bottomless."

used to suggest that anything valuable, such as a position of power or material wealth, should be handled with care and responsibility, as even a small mistake can have significant consequences

"Handle with care."

"Leading the company through this crisis required careful decisions, because a full cup needs a steady hand."

used to advise that it is more beneficial to take a smaller but sustainable benefit from a resource or opportunity, rather than trying to consume or exhaust it completely for short-term gain

"Take small sustainable benefits."

"We should harvest the fruit sustainably, better to drink the milk than to eat the cow."

used to suggest that it is preferable to have a steady and dependable source of income or wealth, even if it is modest, rather than relying on occasional large sums that may not be sustainable or reliable

"A small reliable income beats irregular large gains — better a steady dime than a rare dollar."

"She chose the stable role over the commission-only position — better a steady dime than a rare dollar."

used to imply that foolish, unwise, or careless people tend to lose their money quickly and easily, often due to poor financial decisions or scams

"Foolish people lose money quickly — a fool and his money are soon parted."

"He spent his inheritance in six months — a fool and his money are soon parted."

used to warn that borrowing money may lead to negative consequences, such as financial difficulties and regret, and so people should be cautious and responsible in their financial dealings

"Borrowing leads to stress — he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing."

"She avoided loans at all costs — he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing."

used to suggest that the longer a debt is left unpaid, the more it will grow and become more difficult to manage

"Debt keeps growing on its own — interest on debt grows without rain."

"The unpaid balance doubled in three years — interest on debt grows without rain."

used to discourage people from lending money to those who are not good at managing their own money, as they are likely to be bad at managing other people's money as well

"Don't lend to spendthrifts."

"He constantly overspends his own budget, so great spenders are bad lenders."

used to imply that being in debt can create financial instability, making it hard to achieve goals and escape poverty

"Debt is a terrible burden — debt is the worst kind of poverty."

"She worked two jobs to clear what she owed — debt is the worst kind of poverty."

used to emphasize the importance of balance and self-discipline, suggesting that having an abundance of resources can lead to excess and lack of control

"Too much leads to nothing."

"His lavish lifestyle depleted his fortune, proving a fat kitchen makes a lean will."

used to advise that small or seemingly insignificant expenses can add up over time and have a significant impact on one's finances

"Small expenses add up — beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship."

"The minor subscription fees accumulated into a significant monthly cost — beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship."

used to imply that money is an essential tool or resource that is necessary for achieving goals and desires, and without it, a person is unable to take action or make progress towards their objectives

"Money is needed for action."

"Without funding, his ambitious project stalled; a man without money is a bow without an arrow."

used to imply that being out of debt is a key factor in staying safe and secure financially

"No debt means safety."

"Once all his loans were repaid, he felt secure, knowing out of debt, out of danger."

used to suggest that in a state of desperation, one must accept whatever is available, rather than being selective or demanding

"It was not a great hotel, but beggars cannot be choosers."

"With limited funding and a tight timeline, they accepted the modest office space — beggars cannot be choosers at this stage."

used to imply that people are attracted to success and wealth, but true friendship is revealed in times of hardship, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and support in friendships

"True friends help in hardship."

"When his business failed, most of his so-called friends vanished; in times of prosperity, friends will be plenty; in times of adversity, not one in twenty."

used to suggest that financial difficulties or poverty can put a strain on a relationship, causing love and affection to diminish or disappear

"Financial pressure destroys love — when poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window."

"The constant money worries wore the relationship down — when poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window."

used to imply that being poor or lacking material wealth is not a moral failing or a source of shame, encouraging empathy and understanding toward those who are less fortunate

"Being poor is not shameful."

"The community outreach program emphasized that poverty is no sin, offering support without judgment."

used to imply that someone who has nothing cannot experience financial ruin, as they have no material possessions or assets to lose, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and humility in life

"Having nothing means no loss."

"After losing his job and home, he realized a beggar can never be bankrupt."

used to imply that people may be less inclined to associate with those who are poor or struggling

"Poverty drives friends away — an empty purse frightens away friends."

"As the money ran out, people stopped calling — an empty purse frightens away friends."

used to imply that a poor man often ends up spending more due to the need for cheaper, lower-quality items that require frequent replacement or repair

"The poor pay more for everything in the long run — the poor man pays twice."

"She could not afford the upfront cost and ended up paying more in instalments — the poor man pays twice."

used to imply that while being poor is not a shameful condition, it can create significant challenges, hardships, and limitations in life

"Poverty causes hardship."

"She acknowledged that poverty is not a disgrace, but it is a great inconvenience for daily life."

used to imply that being poor is not inherently a moral failing or a punishable offense, and individuals should not be treated as inferior or guilty due to their economic circumstances

"Being poor is not illegal."

"The charity's mission was to remind people that poverty is not a crime."

used to imply that people who lack financial resources tend to focus on their basic needs and move quickly through life, driven by necessity rather than material desires

"A poor man moves fast."

"A moneyless man goes fast through the market, unburdened by the desire for luxury goods."

used to emphasize the importance of the process of achieving one's goals, and suggests that the journey itself can be fulfilling and rewarding

"Enjoy the process of success."

"She learned to appreciate the challenges and growth, realizing success is a journey, not a destination."

used to imply that a success can create a positive cycle where more success is likely to follow, as the initial success can build momentum and inspire further success

"Success builds on itself — nothing succeeds like success."

"Their first big win attracted more clients, more funding, and more talent — nothing succeeds like success."

used to imply that successful outcomes or accomplishments are rarely criticized or questioned

"Nobody criticises a winner — success is never blamed."

"The controversial decision was forgotten the moment the results came in — success is never blamed."

used to imply the best or most talented individuals or ideas will eventually become successful or recognized, regardless of any obstacles or competition they may face

"The best always rise — cream always rises to the top."

"Despite the chaos around her, her talent became impossible to ignore — cream always rises to the top."

used to emphasize that individuals or things with great potential require challenging environments or situations to fully realize their capabilities

"Ambitious goals need strong foundations — a great ship asks deep waters."

"The scale of the project demanded a level of resource most organisations could not provide — a great ship asks deep waters."

used to imply that the person who ultimately succeeds or triumphs in a situation will experience the greatest satisfaction, especially if they have faced obstacles or criticism from others

"They laughed at her plan, but it worked — he who laughs last, laughs loudest."

"He was dismissed early in his career, but went on to outperform them all — he who laughs last, laughs best."

used to emphasize the importance of enjoying and appreciating the journey toward a goal or achievement, rather than solely focusing on reaching the end or destination

"The journey is not just about arriving — the end of a melody is not its goal."

"She had loved the research as much as the publication — the end of a melody is not its goal."

used to imply that it is preferable to be admired for one's success and accomplishments, even if it means being the object of envy, rather than being pitied for one's misfortunes or failures

"It is better to be envied than pitied — better be envied than pitied."

"She worked hard to be successful enough that better be envied than pitied applied to her."

used to emphasize that collaboration and balance are key to achieving success

"One effort is never enough — a bird never flew on one wing."

"A single meeting was not enough to close the deal — a bird never flew on one wing."

used to imply that one should be ready to seize opportunities when they arise, as they may not come again

"Opportunities do not come back often — opportunity seldom knocks twice at any man's door."

"She took the chance without hesitation — opportunity never knocks twice at any man's door."

used to imply that one should make the best of a difficult or unpleasant situation, and turn it into an opportunity for something positive

"Turn bad situations into good ones — when life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

"The factory closure forced her to start her own business — when life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

used to imply that opportunities are only valuable when acted upon in the present moment and cannot be regained once they have passed

"You cannot use time that has already passed — the mill cannot grind with water that is past."

"There was no point dwelling on what should have been done earlier — the mill cannot grind with water that is past."

used to imply that one should utilize and enjoy good fortune or advantageous circumstances when they are presented, rather than taking them for granted or letting them go to waste

"Accept the good things that come your way — take the goods the gods provide."

"The unexpected offer was not exactly what she had planned but she took the goods the gods provide."

used to emphasize the importance of enjoying the present moment and not postponing happiness or fulfillment for an uncertain future

"Make the most of today — live for today, for tomorrow never comes."

"She stopped postponing pleasure and began to live for today, for tomorrow never comes."

used to imply opportunities in life are not limited to just one chance, but can recur again and again, encouraging people to stay optimistic and hopeful

"Good things can return — a flower blooms more than once."

"Her career had a second act that surpassed her first — a flower blooms more than once."

used to suggest that when conditions are favorable for success, one should act quickly to achieve their goals

"Act when conditions are right — hoist your sail when the wind is fair."

"The market conditions were ideal and the board agreed — hoist your sail when the wind is fair."

used to imply that everyone deserves a fair chance or opportunity to succeed or experience something, regardless of their past behavior or reputation

"Everyone gets at least one chance — every dog gets one bite."

"Despite his past mistakes, the coach gave him a chance, believing every dog gets one bite."

used to suggest that when an opportunity is missed or a situation does not work out as planned, there will always be new opportunities or options that arise

"When one door closes, another one opens."

"As one door shuts, another one opens, so stay hopeful about new chances."

used to suggest that the present moment is more valuable than the future, as taking action now can lead to greater rewards and benefits in the long term

"Seize the day — one today is worth two tomorrows."

"She acted immediately rather than waiting — one today is worth two tomorrows."

used to imply that having a good reputation, character, and integrity is more important than having wealth or material possessions

"A good reputation is more valuable than money — a good name is far better than riches."

"He chose honesty over profit because he believed a good name is far better than riches in the long run."

used to imply that a person's good reputation and character will remain intact even when they are not in the public eye or when they are facing difficult circumstances

"A good reputation survives even in difficult times — a good name keeps its luster in the dark."

"Even during the difficult period, her integrity kept her reputation intact — a good name keeps its luster in the dark."

used to suggest that once someone's reputation is tarnished, it can be difficult to restore

"A bad reputation destroys a person — give a dog a bad name and hang him."

"Once the rumour spread, his career was finished — give a dog a bad name and hang him."

used to imply that a person with a negative reputation is more likely to be judged harshly or punished severely, even if they are innocent

"A bad name makes life very hard — he that has an ill name is half hanged."

"The product's association with the scandal made it almost impossible to sell — he that has an ill name is half hanged."

used to imply that physical wounds can heal with time and treatment, whereas damage to one's reputation or good name can be more lasting and difficult to repair

"A damaged reputation never fully heals — an ill wound is cured, not an ill name."

"The retraction was published but the damage was done — an ill wound is cured, not an ill name."

used to warn about the potential pitfalls of notoriety or fame, and encourage careful consideration of one's actions and how they might be perceived by others

"Famous people are known by more people than they know — more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows."

"He was recognised everywhere but knew almost no one personally — more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows."

used to suggest that any publicity or attention, even if negative, is ultimately beneficial for someone or something because it raises awareness and generates interest

"Any publicity brings attention — there is no such thing as bad publicity."

"The controversy actually boosted sales — there is no such thing as bad publicity."

used to suggest that if someone makes enough false or negative accusations against another person, some of those accusations are likely to be believed, regardless of whether they are true or false

"Repeat an accusation enough and people believe it — throw dirt enough, and some will stick."

"The campaign made relentless false claims, knowing that throw dirt enough and some will stick."

used to suggest that having a broad range of skills or knowledge can be more useful than expertise in only one area

"Knowing a bit of everything is sometimes more useful than mastering one thing — a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one."

"She applied her varied skills everywhere, proving a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one."

used to suggests that even the most skilled and experienced professionals have their own methods or tricks for getting the job done

"Every profession has its secrets and tricks — there are tricks in every trade."

"She quickly learned the informal methods nobody had taught her — there are tricks in every trade."

used to imply that a person's character or reputation can be judged by the quality of their work or actions, and the traces or results they leave behind

"You can tell a craftsman by their work — a carpenter is known by his chips."

"The quality of the output revealed everything about who had done it — a carpenter is known by his chips."

used to highlight the importance of skill, precision, and expertise in achieving success, rather than the specific tools or resources employed

"You judge a person by their aims, not just their results — a good archer is not known by his arrows but by his aim."

"He missed the target but his intentions and method were sound — a good archer is not known by his arrows but by his aim."

used to imply the value of having diverse abilities and being adaptable, indicating that those who possess a variety of skills or can perform various tasks are considered more capable and complete

"Many small contributions make a whole person — nine tailors make a man."

"No single skill made her exceptional — nine tailors make a man, and she had cultivated them all."

used to suggest that mastery in a particular trade or craft can lead to greater efficiency and productivity, as the master can intuitively know how to accomplish more with less effort

"Master's eye works hard."

"The eye of the master will do more work than both his hands, demonstrating superior efficiency through expertise."

used to emphasize the importance of resourcefulness and open-mindedness, as everything can be useful in some way

"Use everything that comes your way — all is grist that comes to the mill."

"Every experience, good or bad, fed into her understanding — all is grist that comes to the mill."

used to suggest that one should make the best of any opportunity or situation that presents itself, regardless of whether it is desirable or not, as there is value to be found in everything

"Use every opportunity available — all is fish that comes to the net."

"She took every referral and every lead — all is fish that comes to the net."

used to suggest that individuals often hold a favorable view of something or someone that has directly benefited them

"People praise what has helped them — everyone speaks well of the bridge that carries them over."

"He championed the policy that had benefited him most — everyone speaks well of the bridge which carries him over."

used to imply that a fair exchange involves giving something in return for what one receives, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity and balance in relationships

"Fairness in exchange keeps things balanced — give and take is fair play."

"In their partnership, both contributed equally; give and take is fair play."

used to suggest that the winner of a conflict or competition is entitled to the rewards or benefits of their victory

"Winners take all the rewards — to the victor go the spoils."

"The company that won the bid captured the entire market segment — to the victor go the spoils."

used to imply that a fair deal or exchange should be mutually beneficial and satisfactory to both parties, without any unfair or dishonest practices

"A fair swap is not theft — a fair exchange is no robbery."

"She traded her old car for his and both were satisfied — a fair exchange is no robbery."

used to imply that one should appreciate and not criticize the things or people that have helped them in the past, even if they may not be ideal for others

"Praise what has helped you — let every man praise the bridge he goes over."

"He never failed to acknowledge those who had supported his rise — let every man praise the bridge he goes over."