proverb · Source-linked selection
He that buys a house ready wrought, Hath many a pin and nail for nought.
He that buys a house ready wrought, Hath many a pin and nail for nought.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
An already completed undertaking may include useful details that would take effort to provide separately. The finished house pictures the value of work already done.
What the words are saying
The pins and nails stand for small components included in a house that has already been built. The saying can recognise the practical advantages of using something complete instead of starting every element again. It does not establish that a finished item is always cheaper, sounder or suited to its new purpose. A careful application examines its condition and what is actually included before treating those details as a benefit.
Everyday example
A group uses an existing set of well-maintained tools and appreciates the small fittings it would otherwise need to obtain separately.
When to use it
Use it to notice useful included details in an existing resource.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
Included components may still need inspection or replacement; this is not property-buying advice.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or 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
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 812 · House
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English