Let the buyer look out for himself.

The proverb advises people making a purchase to pay attention to what they are getting and to the terms of the deal. They should not assume that the seller will safeguard their interests.

More broadly, it warns that a person who stands to lose from a decision should exercise their own judgment. Its focus is on the buyer’s caution, not on excusing a seller’s dishonesty.

Use it to urge someone to examine an item, ask questions, or read the terms before buying. It can also serve as a warning about a purchase that proved disappointing, though it may sound unsympathetic to the buyer.