A good paymaster never wants workmen.
A good paymaster never wants workmen.
Meaning in plain English
The saying gives a good paymaster no shortage of workers. It connects reliable compensation with willingness to work for someone.
Example
An organiser clarifies fair terms and the task’s conditions rather than assuming pay alone settles participation.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Never makes the relationship sound certain. A qualified interpretation can discuss fairness and reliability while recognising that working conditions, skills and circumstances also matter. The phrase does not verify a labour-market rule or promise suitable workers merely because payment is offered.
When to use it
Use it to discuss compensation as one part of a working arrangement.
Keep in mind
No guaranteed recruitment outcome or labour-market relationship is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 334; PDF page 51
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗