Proverb – If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
If you pay low wages, you will only attract poor workers. A boss who offers a poor salary shouldn’t expect skilled staff. The proverb is often shortened to pay peanuts, get monkeys.
It isn’t usually meant to be offensive, but it can sound insulting to people who are paid low wages – so be careful how you use it.
This is a British English proverb that is now recognised by most English speakers. Peanuts is slang for a very small amount of money: “I work really hard but they pay me peanuts.”
A Similar Expression:
You get what you pay for works for buying anything, not just paying wages. If you buy a phone that costs next to nothing, don’t be surprised when it breaks after 10 minutes!
Example:
- “The company hired the cheapest builders they could find, and now the roof leaks. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.“
Learn More
Look it upIf you pay peanuts, you get monkeysWiktionaryWhat is a proverb?
A proverb is short, useful and well known expression. A proverb will state a general or obvious truth or a useful piece of advice. A proverb might teach you how to have a good life. A proverb may teach you to be healthy or kind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you pay low wages, you will only attract unskilled or poor-quality workers.
A very small amount of money, as in “They pay me peanuts.”
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