Who would keep a cow when he may have a bottle of milk for a penny!

Meaning: Owning the burden of providing for something costs more than simply purchasing what you need when you need it.

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

More proverbs about Perseverance

A wise man changes his mind; a fool never. — Holding firm to wrong beliefs demonstrates stubbornness, while reconsidering based on new…
A fool may make money, but a wise man should spend it. — Wealth without prudent use becomes meaningless; wisdom lies in strategic, purposeful spen…
The morning sun never lasts a day. — Early advantages fade without sustained effort; initial success doesn't guarantee lasting…
A mother's heart never grows old. — Maternal love remains eternally protective and nurturing regardless of children's age or…
A good name keeps its lustre in the dark. — Integrity unseen by others still preserves your character's worth and inner value.
A nimble ninepence is better than a slow shilling. — Quick profit from small ventures outpaces sluggish returns from larger investments.

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