Money doesn't grow on trees
Meaning: Money is hard to earn and should be spent wisely.
Origin: A parent's reply to a child asking for something. The earliest clear example in print is from a North Carolina newspaper in 1891. It means money has to be earned and cannot simply be picked when wanted.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: L'argent ne pousse pas sur les arbres (literally: Money doesn't grow on trees)
- Spanish: El dinero no crece en los árboles (literally: Money doesn't grow on trees)
- Japanese: 金のなる木はない (Kane no naru ki wa nai) (literally: There is no tree that grows money)
- German: Das Geld liegt nicht auf der Straße (literally: Money doesn't lie in the street)
More proverbs about Wisdom
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do — Adapt to local customs when visiting a new place.
- Keep your friends close and your enemies closer — It's wise to monitor those who might harm you.
- Jack of all trades, master of none — Versatility can come at the cost of expertise.
- Haste makes waste — Rushing leads to mistakes and wasted effort.
- Don't cry over spilled milk — Don't worry about things that have already happened.
- A penny saved is a penny earned — Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.