Waste not, want not

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase Waste not, want not, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression Waste not, want not used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "Waste not, want not"

Meaning

The phrase “waste not, want not” is generally used as a warning or advice to encourage people to use resources carefully. This phrase implies that if one is careful with resources, they will not be in a state of want or need later on. In other words, if someone wastes resources, they may end up having to do without later.

Etymology

This phrase dates back to the 1700s when it was first used in the English language and is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. The phrase was later used by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1786. Burns is credited with making the phrase more widely known and popular. It has been in use ever since and has often been modified in different languages and dialects.

Usage

This phrase is often used to warn people to be careful with how they use their resources. It is also used to remind people that what they do today can have an effect on their lives in the future. Additionally, this phrase is often used to criticize wasteful behavior.

Example Sentences

• My mother always said “waste not, want not” when I was growing up so I learned to be careful with how I used my resources.
• The company has taken the motto “waste not, want not” and applied it to their production process in order to reduce their waste output.
• John’s wasteful behavior was criticized by his friends who told him “waste not, want not”.
• It’s important to remember that “waste not, want not” – if you take care of your resources today, you’ll be thankful in the future.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.