weɪst nɒt wɒnt nɒt
Money & Finance
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- If you don't waste, you won't be in want
What does "waste not want not" mean?
- Being frugal prevents future shortage
- Don't waste resources or you'll regret it later
Examples
- Finish your dinner—waste not, want not.
- She saved everything; her motto was waste not, want not.
- Waste not, want not, as my grandmother used to say.
Origin
Proverb dating back to 1772. Emphasizes thrift and avoiding waste.
How to use it
Old-fashioned proverb. Often used by older generations about food and resources.
Similar expressions
be frugal
save resources
don't be wasteful
Opposites
waste freely
be extravagant
throw away
Related idioms
- pay an arm and a leg
To pay an extremely high price
- make ends meet
To earn just enough money to cover basic expenses
- cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive
- money doesn't grow on trees
Money is not easily acquired; it must be earned
- break the bank
To cost too much money
- hit the jackpot
To achieve great success or win something valuable
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