Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels
I remember my dad saying, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” At the time, I had no idea what he meant. I knew wooden nickels were not real money. So, why would he make such a strange statement?
Don’t take any wooden nickels warns us not to be conned or swindled.
A wooden nickel is:
- Fake
- Worthless
- Suspicious
Don’t be fooled.
Take precautions. Never accept anything unless you know it is the real thing.
Don’t take any wooden nickels offers a word to the wise.
Before trying anything new, check with people who:
- Have experience
- Can be trusted
- Are wise as an owl
We often hear this primarily American phrase when people say goodbye.
The speaker means:
- Be careful.
- Take care of yourself.
According to The Free Dictionary, it probably originated in the early 20th century. “Country residents visiting the city were considered easily duped.” Therefore, they needed to protect themselves from being deceived.
Banks used wooden nickels for promotions during and after the Great Depression.
They redeemed the fake coins for prizes.
Don’t cheat and don’t get cheated.
We never want to hornswoggle or be hornswoggled. Instead, let’s stay so honest that people can take it to the bank.
“If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11 NIV).
Thanks to Sharon Berry, Laurel Blevins, Karen Hart, Judy Glen Corbin, Beckham Wilson, and Rebecca Stafford for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.