What does “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” mean?
"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" means do not expect somebody to make a commitment or give too much in a relationship before marriage, as the saying goes, "Why pay for something that you can get for free."
What context can I use the in?
Example
He doesn't want to marry her because he believes in the saying, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free'.
Example
She's not willing to move in with him yet, as she follows the principle of 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free'.
Example
They decided to wait until marriage to live together, as they both believe in the idea of 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free'
Is “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” 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 “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” effectively in context?
You can use "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" to express the idea that it doesn't make sense to commit or invest in something when you can enjoy the benefits without any obligations or responsibilities. It is often used in the context of relationships, suggesting that one should not give too much or expect commitment before marriage. For example, if a friend is considering moving in with their partner, you might say, 'Why rush into living together? Remember, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?'
- 1Relationships
He doesn't want to marry her because he believes in the saying, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?'
- 2Commitment
She's not willing to move in with him yet, as she follows the principle of 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?'
- 3Marriage
They decided to wait until marriage to live together, as they both believe in the idea of 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.'
Similar phrases to “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" is unknown.
Is “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in discussions about relationships and commitment.
What tone does “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” have?
"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" conveys a cautionary tone. It suggests a sense of skepticism towards investing too much or expecting commitment without proper commitment or responsibility.
Can “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" is informal and typically used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal settings.
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 doesn't want to marry her because he believes in the saying, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?''. However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?' to imply the idea of not committing or investing too much.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- why commit when you can enjoy without responsibility
- why invest when you can benefit without obligation
- why make a commitment when you can have it for free
