Barley straw's good fodder when the cow gives water.

Meaning: When resources are scarce, even poor substitutes become valuable for survival.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Morality

Better to be beaten than be in bad company. — Physical hardship endures briefly; corrupting influences from vice seep into character pe…
Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast is a better. — Boasting accomplishes nothing; actually keeping what you have through persistence and rel…
Brag's a good dog, but that he hath lost his tail. — Boasting loses you the respect that makes bragging worthwhile in the first place.
Brag's a good dog if he be well set on; but he dare not bite. — Empty boasting lacks substance—confidence unsupported by real ability cannot sustain itse…
Business is the salt of life. — Commerce and productive work preserve society's vitality, preventing the staleness and de…
A bad bush is better than the open field. — Imperfect shelter still protects you better than standing completely exposed to danger.

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