proverb · Legacy record
If you marry a monkey for his wealth, the money goes, and the monkey remains as it is.
If you marry a monkey for his wealth, the money goes, and the monkey remains as it is.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Marrying a monkey for wealth and retaining the monkey after the money goes criticises a relationship chosen chiefly for possessions. The animal insult makes the remaining relationship the consequence.
What the words are saying
A critical reading does not endorse dehumanising a partner or predict the loss of money. A useful application considers compatibility, respect and consent beyond resources. Financial circumstances can matter legitimately, but wealth alone does not settle whether a relationship is caring or suitable.
Everyday example
Someone considers how a relationship works beyond material advantage instead of insulting a partner’s worth.
When to use it
Use it critically to discuss motives and mutual respect.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No partner inferiority, inevitable loss of wealth or universal marriage motive is established.
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
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 580; PDF page 53; collection label: Assyria/Ethiopia
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Assyria/Ethiopia