Dictionary

a fool and his money are soon parted en · X

Etymology

First appears c. 1587 in the publication Defense of the Government of the Church of England as If they pay a penie or two pence more for the reddinesse of them..let them looke to that, a foole and his money is soone parted. An earlier quote from 1573 by Thomas Tusser reads "A foole and his money be soone at debate: which after with sorow repents him too late."

Meanings

1. It is easy to obtain money from foolish people.
2. It is difficult or unlikely that careless and irresponsible individuals will maintain their hold on acquired wealth.

Forms

Relateds

there's a sucker born every minute · nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people

Translations (6)

pt dinheiro de tolo já sai do bolso (it is easy to get money from foolish people) · fr aux idiots l'argent brûle entre les doigts (it is easy to get money from foolish people) · ru у дурака́ в карма́не дыра́ (it is easy to get money from foolish people) · ja 鴨が葱を背負って来る (it is easy to get money from foolish people) · fr aux idiots l'argent file entre les doigts (it is easy to get money from foolish people) · ki warĩire athĩnirie waigire (it is difficult or unlikely that foolish people maintain their hold on acquired wealth)