A penny saved is a penny earned

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does A penny saved is a penny earned mean? In what situations is A penny saved is a penny earned used?

Meaning of "A penny saved is a penny earned"

Meaning

The idiom "A penny saved is a penny earned" is a proverbial saying that emphasizes the importance of being frugal and avoiding wasteful spending. It suggests that people should use the money they have with care, as saving a small amount of money now can be just as beneficial as earning more money later on. This phrase also hints at the idea that even the smallest amount of effort can be beneficial in the long run.

Etymology

This popular idiom originated in the 17th century, when Benjamin Franklin wrote the phrase in his book “The Way to Wealth”. The book was filled with a variety of advice on personal finances and it was particularly popular among the lower classes who did not have much money to begin with. In the book, Franklin wrote "a penny saved is a penny got" which is the basic concept of the phrase we use today.

Usage

This idiom is used to encourage people to be mindful of their spending habits and to practice frugality, even when it comes to small expenses. It is also a reminder to save money whenever possible and to invest it in the right places. The phrase is often used as an expression of gratitude towards someone who has saved money instead of recklessly spending it.

Example Sentences

• My grandmother always reminds me that "a penny saved is a penny earned" and to never waste my money on unnecessary items.
• I'm so glad I listened to my parents' advice and stopped spending money on things I didn't need. A penny saved is a penny earned!
• My dad always says "a penny saved is a penny earned" whenever I ask him for extra money.
• I'm going to put my money in a savings account; a penny saved is a penny earned after all!

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.