a fool and his money are easily parted

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a fool and his money are easily parted (proverb)
/ə ful ənd hɪz ˈmʌni ɑr ˈizəli ˈpɑrtɪd/

The saying “a fool and his money are easily parted” is a timeless proverb that speaks to the predictable tendency of unwise individuals to quickly lose their wealth.

Meaning

• Someone who is foolish can easily lose their money as it would be easy to dupe them out of it.
• Warns that careless or naive people quickly lose their money through bad decisions or exploitation.
• States that people lacking wisdom or judgment are easily tricked out of their money.
• Suggests that the reckless spend their money without thinking and soon end up without it.

Synonyms: spendthrift; prodigal; waster; squanderer; gullible; easy mark.

Example Sentences

1. Investing in that scam was a disaster — a fool and his money are easily parted.
2. He bought the overpriced gadget without checking reviews; a fool and his money are easily parted.
3. She kept gambling despite losing every time — a fool and his money are easily parted.
4. Woody was cheated many times in his life — a fool and his money are easily parted.
5. She gave away her entire estate on nothing more than a verbal promise — a fool and his money are easily parted.

Origin and History

The core idea behind the phrase—that foolishness and financial stability do not mix—has likely existed in various cultures for a very long time, passed down through oral tradition. The concept is a simple observation of human behavior, making it a universal piece of wisdom. Some theories even speculate a connection to ancient texts, such as the Bible, with Proverbs 21:20 conveying a similar sentiment:

“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”

Country of Origin

The phrase, in a form very close to its modern usage, emerged in England. Its wisdom is generally considered to reflect the observations of elders and has been used to teach younger generations about managing their finances wisely.

Earliest Printed Records

While the exact earliest instance is subject to some variation in wording, a notable early appearance is attributed to Thomas Tusser in his 1573 work, Five Hundreth Pointes of Good Husbandrie. He wrote:

“A foole & his money, be soone at debate: which after with sorow, repents him to late.”

This version carries the same meaning, emphasizing the swift separation of a foolish person from their funds.

The expression as it is most commonly known today, “A fool and his money are easily parted,” is widely recognized to have been precisely coined in 1587 by Dr. John Bridges in his book, Defence of the Government of the Church of England. The specific line reads:

“If they pay a penie or two pence more for the reddinesse of them… let them looke to that, a foole and his money is soone parted.”

This later rendition solidifies the current wording of the proverb.

In conclusion, “a fool and his money are easily parted” is an English proverb with a history reaching back to the 16th century. It highlights the timeless truth that a lack of financial wisdom, whether due to impulsiveness, susceptibility to fraud, or poor management, inevitably leads to the swift loss of wealth.

Variants

• a fool soon parts with his money
• a fool and his money are soon parted

Fool, Money, Proverbs

Last update: July 31, 2025 4:58 AM