A man may lose his goods for want of demanding them.

A person can forfeit possessions or a rightful claim by failing to ask for them, assert them, or pursue their return. Here, “goods” means property broadly, not merely merchandise; inaction may be as costly as an overt mistake when what is due is left unclaimed.

The saying advises timely self-advocacy in practical dealings. “Demanding” means making or pressing a claim, not behaving rudely or aggressively; it warns that rights and possessions may slip away if their owner never takes the necessary step to request or claim them.

Use it to caution someone not to let a debt, possession, entitlement, or other legitimate claim lapse through silence or delay. It suits advice about taking reasonable, timely steps to seek what one is owed, rather than urging rude or aggressive demands.