proverb · Source-linked selection
He that lives upon his wits, breaks for want of stock.
He that lives upon his wits, breaks for want of stock.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Ingenuity alone may not sustain an undertaking that lacks necessary resources. Wit and stock contrast a clever approach with the means that let it work.
What the words are saying
The person relies on resourcefulness but is imagined to fail for want of a foundation. It can encourage checking what a plan actually needs beyond persuasive ideas. It does not make intelligence unimportant or predict the failure of every person with limited means. A useful reading identifies the missing support and considers cooperation rather than judging the person’s worth by available capital.
Everyday example
A team with a promising idea checks whether it has the materials and capacity to carry it out reliably.
When to use it
Use it to connect an idea with the resources needed for implementation.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
Lack of resources does not show lack of ability; this is not financial advice.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1817 · Wits
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English