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Card #c1060IR // #c1060Synthesis

"This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Don't give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money."

— In our words · Source: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Benjamin Franklin)

[Use when]

You are about to pay for something you wanted on sight.

[Why it matters]

At seven he gave all his coppers for a whistle and his family told him he had paid four times its worth. He kept the phrase as a price check, then applied it to courtiers, misers and men who chase popularity.

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