«بِخَمْسَهْ قَهْوَةْ تِقْضِي الشَّهْوَهْ»

The saying favors contentment: an inexpensive pleasure can answer a want as effectively as a costly one. Its image refers to a former low-value copper coin, underscoring that satisfaction need not require the most expensive choice.

It warns against reaching beyond one’s means for something desired, especially if this brings hardship or leaves one owing a favor. The wiser course is to accept an affordable enjoyment rather than burden oneself for extravagance.

Use it to counsel someone considering an overpriced indulgence when a modest alternative would do. It fits conversations about living within one’s means, taking satisfaction in simple pleasures, and avoiding unnecessary expense, hardship, or obligation.