Better give a shilling than lend a half-crown.
It is better to give money or help immediately rather than lend it and risk losing both the money and the friendship. Because lending can damage relationships when the borrower fails to repay. A shilling was a smaller amount than a half-crown, so the proverb advises that it is less risky to give a small amount than to lend a larger sum that may strain the relationship.
The core message is that a gift is a gesture of goodwill, while a loan involves an expectation of repayment that can cause friction if not met. It emphasizes that giving money without the expectation of repayment can preserve relationships, while lending large amounts can create tension, misunderstandings, or conflict. It advises generosity without expecting anything in return over lending that may cause trouble.
Historically, a half-crown was worth 30 pence (or two shillings and sixpence), making it a larger sum than a shilling. The proverb highlights the potential for a larger loan to become a point of contention. In contemporary terms, the proverb still holds true, advising that a gift can be a way to show generosity without the potential for conflict that can arise from lending money to friends or family.
