The idiom “Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs” refers to the short-sightedness of destroying a valuable source of long-term benefit for the sake of immediate gains. The phrase comes from a famous Aesop’s fable, where a farmer kills a goose that lays golden eggs, hoping to get all the gold at once, only to lose the source of his wealth.
Warns against being greedy Highlights the importance of long-term thinking Used to describe self-destructive decisions Popular in both business and everyday life
Hindi Equivalent:
“लंबे लाभ को तुरंत लाभ के लिए नष्ट करना”
(इसका मतलब है, तत्काल लाभ की खातिर किसी ऐसी चीज को नुकसान पहुंचाना, जो भविष्य में बड़े फायदे का स्रोत हो सकती है।)
Detailed Explanation
The idiom emphasizes the idea of sacrificing future benefits for the sake of immediate, often impulsive rewards. It warns that hasty decisions made in pursuit of quick profits may end up causing greater harm in the long run. It’s often used when someone makes a choice that seems good at first but leads to a worse situation later.
The phrase comes from an ancient fable about a farmer who has a goose that lays golden eggs. Instead of continuing to wait for the goose to lay more eggs, the farmer kills it, thinking he will find all the gold inside, only to discover that he has destroyed the very thing that made him rich.
When to Use the Idiom
- To caution against making rash decisions
- In business or investment contexts
- To highlight a loss of something valuable due to greed
- To advise someone on making more thoughtful choices
- When someone sacrifices long-term success for short-term rewards
Real-Life Examples
Business Decision
English: “If you keep cutting corners, you might kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”
Hindi: “अगर तुम बार-बार shortcuts लोगे, तो तुम उस मुर्गी को मार दोगे जो सुनहरे अंडे देती है।”
Personal Example
English: “Don’t quit your job for a short-term deal, it’s like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.”
Hindi: “किसी अस्थायी समझौते के लिए अपनी नौकरी मत छोड़ो, यह ठीक वैसे है जैसे तुम उस मुर्गी को मार रहे हो जो सुनहरे अंडे देती है।”
Business Strategy
English: “You can’t just rely on quick profits and neglect your loyal customers. You’re killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.”
Hindi: “तुम सिर्फ तात्कालिक लाभ पर ध्यान देकर अपने पुराने ग्राहकों की उपेक्षा नहीं कर सकते। तुम उस मुर्गी को मार रहे हो जो सुनहरे अंडे देती है।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Idiom Matters:
✓ Teaches foresight: Reminds individuals and organizations to think about the consequences of their actions.
✓ Warns against greed: Highlights how greed or impatience can destroy long-term success.
✓ Encourages patience: Promotes waiting for gradual rewards instead of impulsively seeking quick fixes.
Benefits of Using This Idiom
- Prevents hasty decisions: Helps individuals recognize when they’re tempted to make rash choices.
- Promotes long-term thinking: Encourages people to consider the bigger picture and future benefits.
- Reinforces good decision-making: Useful in advising others to avoid shortsightedness.
- Enhances communication: Adds depth to discussions about decision-making and strategy.
Usage Tips
Perfect for business conversations, especially related to strategy, investments, or growth plans Often used in discussions about personal choices that might lead to regret Ideal in coaching or mentorship situations where patience and foresight are key Can also be used in family discussions about future security
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face | अपने ही नुकसान के लिए खुद को नुकसान मत पहुँचाओ |
| Don’t burn your bridges | अपनी सारी राहें मत बंद करो |
| Make a sacrifice for long-term gain | लंबी अवधि के लाभ के लिए बलिदान देना |
| Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater | छोटी समस्या के लिए पूरी चीज़ को नष्ट मत करो |
Cultural Perspectives
Western Context:
The idiom “kill the goose that lays the golden eggs” is widely used in Western cultures, particularly in the context of business and investments. It carries a strong message against immediate gratification.
Indian Context:
In Indian culture, the idiom aligns with the value of patience and foresight. It resonates with many proverbs like “जो खर्च करेगा, वही खाता है” or “जो भलाई करेगा, वही लाभ पाएगा,” emphasizing the importance of planning for the future.
Global Relevance:
The concept of not sacrificing long-term benefits for quick rewards is universal and applicable in many cultures, especially in discussions about sustainable development, personal finance, and career planning.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever been tempted to make a decision based on quick rewards instead of thinking long-term?
- Can you think of a situation where someone “killed the goose that laid the golden eggs”?
- How can this idiom help you make better decisions in your personal or professional life?
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