proverb · Words worth keeping
It takes money to make money.
It takes money to make money.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes having money a condition for making more money. It points to the advantage of resources at the beginning of an undertaking.
Example
A reader asks what starting resources a particular project actually requires rather than accepting a universal rule.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Takes presents the condition as necessary without identifying a method. A qualified interpretation can discuss barriers to starting while avoiding an investment recommendation or promise of return. Existing money does not guarantee gain, and the phrase does not prove all earning requires the same initial resources.
When to use it
Use it to discuss initial resources without making a financial prediction.
Keep in mind
No investment method, guaranteed return or universal earning condition is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their 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
- Date unknown