Better to drink the milk than to eat the cow

Definition & Meaning of "better to drink the milk than to eat the cow"

better to drink the milk than to eat the cow

used to advise that it is more beneficial to take a smaller but sustainable benefit from a resource or opportunity, rather than trying to consume or exhaust it completely for short-term gain

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "better to drink the milk than to eat the cow" and when to use it?

The proverb "better to drink the milk than to eat the cow" does not have a widely documented origin from a specific text or culture, but it is rooted in traditional agricultural wisdom. The saying emphasizes that by preserving resources instead of exhausting them, one can maintain a continuous advantage rather than facing a shortage in the future. It serves as a reminder to think ahead and make choices that ensure lasting profitability rather than short-term satisfaction.

Example

Sarah's family decided to sell a portion of their land and hold onto the rest, ensuring a more sustainable source of income for the future, remembering that it's better to drink the milk than to eat the cow.