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He that shows his purse longs to be rid of it.

Meaning: Displaying wealth openly invites theft, so the careless advertiser unconsciously desires to lose it.

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

More proverbs about Wisdom

  • Don't quarrel with the beggar for his bone. — Arguing with someone who has nothing to lose is pointless and beneath your dignity.
  • Raise no more spirits than you can conjure down. — Ambition beyond your control creates chaos you cannot contain or resolve.
  • There's reason in roasting of eggs. — Even mundane tasks, properly executed, follow rational principles worth understanding.
  • If there were no receivers there would be no thieves. — Demand for stolen goods creates the market incentive that drives theft itself.
  • He that reckons without his host must reckon again. — Failing to consult those involved in plans leads to miscalculation and necessary revision.
  • Reconcile yourself to present trials, the future may bring worse. — Accepting current hardships preserves mental resilience for potentially greater suffering…

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