A man may buy gold too dear.

Even something inherently valuable can be a bad bargain when its price is excessive. Here, “too dear” means too costly, not emotionally cherished: value alone does not make a purchase wise if the cost outweighs the benefit.

The saying can also express a broader caution about pursuit and sacrifice. A desirable gain may cease to be worthwhile if securing it demands too much money, effort, time, or other resources.

Use it when warning that an attractive asset, opportunity, or achievement is being pursued at an unjustifiably high cost. It suits reflective discussion of bargains and trade-offs, rather than a claim that gold lacks value. Its traditional masculine wording need not limit its application to men.