Exchange is no robbery.
Meaning: A fair trade harms no one because both parties voluntarily accept the terms.
Origin: John Heywood's 1546 collection has "Though change be no robbery," a play of about 1590 has "Exchange is no robbery," and James Kelly's Scottish Proverbs (1721) gives "Fair exchange is no robbery," said when one takes one thing and leaves another in its place.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Her face was her fortune. — Beauty alone sustained her livelihood and social position, making her appearance her prim…
- A false report rides post. — Lies spread faster than truth because people eagerly share scandal without verifying fact…
- Fancy goes a long way. — Appearing impressive through style and presentation can achieve considerable success, eve…
- Fast bind, fast find. — Securing something firmly makes retrieving it later swift and effortless.
- Fine feathers make fine birds. — Outward appearance and presentation significantly influence how others perceive and judge…
- Forbearance is no acquittance. — Patience with wrongdoing doesn't erase the debt or obligation owed; tolerance isn't forgi…
From our false friends
- Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
- Librairie — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.
- Constipado — Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold.