lend your money and lose your friend

Definition & Meaning of "lend your money and lose your friend"

lend your money and lose your friend

used to suggest that lending money to a friend can strain the relationship and potentially lead to the loss of the friendship

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "lend your money and lose your friend" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "lend your money and lose your friend" is unclear, but it has been widely shared as a piece of traditional wisdom. It emphasizes that financial matters can complicate personal connections, suggesting that it is better to be cautious when mixing friendship with money. This serves as a reminder to approach lending with care or, when possible, to avoid it altogether in order to preserve the friendship.

Example

Jane was hesitant to lend money to her friend, as she had heard the saying lend your money and lose your friend, and did n't want to risk her friendship.