- English translation
If it is free, take plenty.
- Literal wording
What costs nothing, have more of it.
- Meaning and lesson
This is a cheerful push to make the most of a handout. Whenever something is on offer for nothing, the saying urges a person to help themselves generously instead of settling for a token amount.
The reasoning is practical. Holding back makes sense when each extra portion has to be paid for, but when nothing is being charged, modesty earns nothing, so one may as well accept the fuller share.
- When it is used
Say it to someone hesitating over a second helping, an extra item, or any additional portion handed out freely, to nudge them to accept more. It can also explain your own decision to take a generous share of a giveaway.
Cite or copy proverb
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