ProverbChallengeEnglish origin1747

Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.

Meaning: Small, consistent savings accumulate into substantial wealth without requiring separate effort.

Often credited to: William Lowndes, Secretary to the Treasury, as quoted by Lord Chesterfield

Origin: Credited to William Lowndes, Secretary to the Treasury from 1696 to 1724. Lord Chesterfield quoted the saying in a 1747 letter to his son, attributing it to "a very covetous, sordid fellow," and in a 1750 letter named the speaker as old Mr. Lowndes.

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