Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
waste-not-want-not
proverb
/weɪst nɒt wɒnt nɒt/
Definition
A proverb suggesting that if you do not waste, you will not need or want.
Examples
- If you save even a little money each month, you’ll likely live by the saying ‘waste-not-want-not.’
- My grandmother always taught us to finish our food, believing in ‘waste-not-want-not.’
Meaning
It implies that by being frugal and not wasting resources, you will always have what you need.
Synonyms
- Save for a rainy day
- Make do and mend
- Look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves
