What does “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” mean?

"Money is a good servant but a bad master" means that money can be a useful tool if used wisely and appropriately, but if one becomes obsessed with accumulating wealth, it can become a destructive force that controls one’s life. It suggests that people should use money as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He used to be a humble person, but now he's completely changed. Money is a good servant but a bad master.

Example

She realized that she had been prioritizing money over everything else in her life. Money is a good servant but a bad master.

Example

They thought that having more money would bring them happiness, but they soon realized that *money is a good servant but a bad master.

Is “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Money is a good servant but a bad master.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” effectively in context?

You can use "Money is a good servant but a bad master" to emphasize the importance of using money wisely and not letting it control your life. For example, if someone is becoming too focused on accumulating wealth at the expense of their relationships or well-being, you might say, 'Remember, money is a good servant but a bad master. Don't let it consume you.'

1Personal Finance
He used to be a humble person, but now he's completely changed. Money is a good servant but a bad master.
2Prioritizing Values
She realized that she had been prioritizing money over everything else in her life. Money is a good servant but a bad master.
3Seeking Happiness
They thought that having more money would bring them happiness, but they soon realized that money is a good servant but a bad master.

Similar phrases to “Money is a good servant but a bad master.”:

Money can't buy happiness

This phrase means that material wealth does not guarantee true happiness or fulfillment in life.

Example

He thought that buying expensive things would make him happy, but he soon realized that money can't buy happiness.

Put your money where your mouth is

This phrase means that one should back up their words with action or financial support.

Example

If you truly believe in this cause, why don't you put your money where your mouth is and donate?

A penny saved is a penny earned

This phrase means that saving money is just as valuable as earning money.

Example

She decided to cut back on unnecessary expenses because she believed that a penny saved is a penny earned.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Money is a good servant but a bad master" is unknown.

Is “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Money is a good servant but a bad master" is not as common in everyday conversation as some other proverbs, but it is still recognizable and understood by many English speakers. It is often used in discussions about personal finance, values, and the pursuit of happiness.

What tone does “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” have?

"Money is a good servant but a bad master" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It encourages people to reflect on their relationship with money and reminds them of the potential dangers of becoming too obsessed with wealth.

Can “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Money is a good servant but a bad master" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a thought-provoking proverb that can be used in discussions about personal finance, values, and life choices. It is suitable for conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as presentations or written essays.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He used to be a humble person, but now he's completely changed. Money is a good servant but a bad master.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "money is a good servant but a bad master"' to remind someone of the importance of using money wisely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

use money wisely
don't let money control you
money should serve you, not the other way around
be mindful of your relationship with money
don't be a slave to money

Antonyms

money is the key to happiness
money is everything
money is the ultimate goal
money equals success
money is the master