An adage is a time-tested truism, but some adages don’t ad up anymore. “A penny saved is a penny earned” has deflated in meaning because of inflation.
“Penny-wise and pound foolish” is an English adage. Here it would be more effective as an ad for Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. Another truism about money is “A fool and his money are soon parted”. This one must explain Las Vegas.
Then there’s the one about saving for a rainy day. Because I live in Southern California, I wouldn’t save much - certainly not as much as people living in Seattle. Actually, it’s Prince Charles who should be saving for a reigny day.
Not all adages are about money. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” applies to politics. It means you won’t accomplish anything by taking Milk Bones into the United States Senate.
Pig ears are another dog treat. This makes me think the saying “Deaf as a door nail” should be changed to “Deaf as a pig”.