There’s an old saying that goes “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” and it’s often used to justify why someone would rather date someone they’re not serious about or why someone would rather have a one night stand than enter into a committed relationship.
But why is this saying so prevalent? And is it really true?
There are a few reasons why this saying exists and why it might hold some truth. For one in the past women were seen as property and their worth was based on their ability to produce offspring. So if a man could get the same thing (sex and companionship) from a woman without having to commit to her then it made more sense both financially and logistically.
Another reason this saying exists is because of the biology behind reproduction. For a man he can reproduce with multiple partners and father many children. But for a woman she can only have one child at a time and her reproductive years are limited. So if a woman is giving away her milk (sex) for free she’s not getting anything in return that will benefit her biologically.
But is this saying still relevant today?
With the rise of feminism and the change in social norms the old saying doesn’t hold as much weight as it used to. For one women are no longer seen as property and their worth is not based on their ability to reproduce. And two thanks to birth control women have more control over their reproduction and can have sex without the fear of getting pregnant.
So while the old saying might have had some truth to it in the past it’s not as relevant today.
How did the saying “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?
” originate?
The phrase is of unknown origin but it was first printed in the early 1800s.
Why is this phrase used?
The phrase is used to point out that it is cheaper and easier to get something for free rather than to buy it.
What is another way to say this phrase?
“There’s no need to buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.
”
What does this phrase mean?
This phrase means that it is better to get something for free than to pay for it.
Where is this phrase commonly used?
This phrase is commonly used in the United States and Canada.
Is this phrase negative or positive?
This phrase is typically used in a negative way to describe someone who is taking advantage of a situation.
What is an example of this phrase in use?
“I was going to buy a new car but then I realized that I could just get a free one from my parents.
”
When is it not a good idea to use this phrase?
This phrase should not be used when describing a serious or committed relationship as it is seen as insulting.
What are some other phrases that have a similar meaning?
“There’s no need to reinvent the wheel” and “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
”
What is the origin of this phrase?
The origin of this phrase is unknown but it was first printed in the early 1800s.
What does this phrase mean?
This phrase means that it is easier and cheaper to get something for free than to buy it.
What is another way to say this phrase?
“There’s no need to buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.
”
When is it not a good idea to use this phrase?
This phrase should not be used when describing a serious or committed relationship as it is seen as insulting.
What are some other phrases that have a similar meaning?
“There’s no need to reinvent the wheel” and “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
”
What is the history of this phrase?
The phrase is of unknown origin but it was first printed in the early 1800s.
