Provençal expression

cop d'argènt es pas cop de mort

Money

Literal translation

a blow of money is not a blow of death

Meaning

a loss of money is never a fatal blow

Explanation

This saying offers comfort for a financial loss by recalling that, unlike a mortal blow, it is never beyond repair. The word blow here denotes a shock, a setback, something that strikes and causes pain in the moment, but which, in the case of money, always leaves room for recovery. The parallel with a death blow, which leaves no chance of return, highlights by contrast the temporary, surmountable nature of a financial loss, however painful at the time it occurs. The saying belongs to a practical and reassuring wisdom, meant to put money worries into perspective against the true tragedies of existence, those touching health or life itself. It is used to comfort someone who has just suffered a loss, a theft, a bad investment, or a bankruptcy, reminding them that money can be earned back, while life, once lost, never can. The register is kindly and proverbial, typical of formulas of popular consolation.

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Other expressions on the same theme

es nus e crushe has absolutely nothing coucho lou merlushe's broke, chasing after money es paure coume un gàrri de glèisohe's as poor as a church mouse es au nis de la serphe's in a dangerous spot a plus que lis uei pèr plourahe's lost everything li sòu venon pas en picant dóu pèdmoney doesn't fall from the sky