Hope and expectation are a fool’s earnings.
Hope and expectation are a fool’s earnings.
Meaning in plain English
Hope and expectation called a fool’s earnings contrast imagined gains with something actually received. The saying questions reliance on anticipation alone.
Example
Someone separates a possible future opportunity from the resources available for a present decision.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A critical reading does not condemn hope or make uncertainty a personal failing. A useful application distinguishes a hoped-for result from available resources and evidence. Planning can include uncertain possibilities while keeping their status clear and respecting situations where a person has few options.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish anticipated outcomes from actual resources.
Keep in mind
No foolishness inherent in hope or financial outcome from expectation is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
Denmark · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 752; PDF page 69; collection label: Denmark
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
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