Waste not, want not Meaning and Origin - Poem Analysis
“Waste not, want not,” asks everyone to pay attention to what they “waste” as that waste might lead to “want.” Due to the vagueness of this phrase, it can apply to almost any situation. One might use it to …
Waste not, want not - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
For example, I just hate to throw out good food-waste not, want not. This proverbial saying was first recorded in 1772 but had an earlier, even more alliterative version, willful waste makes woeful want …
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Feb 6, 2016 · The meaning of WASTE NOT, WANT NOT is —used to say that if a person never wastes things he or she will always have what is needed.
History of Waste not, want not - Idiom Origins
This saying means if you do not waste anything, you will not want for anything and is first attested in this form from the late 18th century. It is, however, preceded by an earlier version, ‘wilful waste makes …
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT definition: 1. said to advise someone not to waste anything, because they might need it in the future 2. said…. Learn more.
Waste not, want not - GRAMMARIST
Waste not, want not is a proverb that has been in use for hundreds of years. We will examine the meaning of the proverb waste not, want not, where the expression came from, and some examples …
waste not, want not - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Nov 24, 2025 · “They take the cocoa-nuts to the town kitchen,” said the captain, “to be made into cocoa-nut ice for the army breakfast; waste not want not, you know.” I'm a believer in “waste not, want not”, …
Explaining "Waste not, want not" - english.me
Oct 25, 2024 · What does it mean? The phrase "Waste not, want not" means that if you do not waste resources and use them wisely, you will not lack them in the future. In 1721, it was recorded as …
Waste not, want not - Grey Bears
We’ve all heard the proverb, “Waste not, want not.” This old saw has its origins from 1576 in, The Paradise of Dainty Devices by Richard Edwardes, a distinguished lyricist and playwright who was …
'Waste Not, Want Not' Meaning - UsingEnglish.com
What does the idiom 'Waste Not, Want Not' mean? With a clear, concise definition and usage examples, discover this idiom's meaning and usage in the English language.