Who would keep a cow when he may have a bottle of milk for a penny!

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Access to a small benefit may be preferable to taking on the burden of maintaining its whole source. The cow and bottle of milk contrast ownership with obtaining only what is needed.

What the words are saying

The question compares keeping an animal with buying a modest amount of what it provides. As a broader reading, it asks whether a continuing commitment is worthwhile when a simpler option meets the actual need. It can prompt comparison of effort, responsibility and benefit in a practical situation. The stated price is part of the old expression, not a current cost or a dependable economic rule. The image must not be used to treat people or relationships as commodities whose value is measured only by convenience.

Everyday example

Someone borrows a rarely needed tool rather than buying and storing equipment they would seldom use.

When to use it

Use it to compare a manageable short-term option with an unnecessary continuing burden.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.