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Waste not, want not

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Generated image of a grandmother saving items
Waste not want not means that if you do not waste things, you will not find yourself without them later. It encourages people to use resources carefully and avoid unnecessary waste.

The saying has been used in English since the 1700s and reflects the practical idea that saving and reusing things helps prevent future shortages.

She saved the leftover vegetables for soup the next day, saying waste not want not.