Origin
This is a famous phrase said by Polonius in Act-I, Scene-III of William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet.
Explanation
This proverb advises that one who borrows money frequently to buy things to be looked more prosperous than others has to remain a borrower throughout one’s lifetime. It also advises to adjust one’s expenditures within one’s means and income which otherwise leads to lose one’s own name and image. It means: do not borrow money from a friend, because if you do so, you will lose both your friend and money. If you lend, he will avoid paying back, and if you borrow you will fall out of your savings, as you turn into a spendthrift, and face humiliation.We find the use of phrase in every walk of life, as it has a didactic tone with universal application. For instance, parents use this to warn their children from lending and borrowing money, because bearing debts onto their personal relationships could cause resentment. The financial advisors in governmental or non-governmental sectors use it as a piece of advice to their authorities to save the organizations from bearing debts. Generally, this line serves as a piece of warning to restrain people from lending and borrowing money by reminding them the negative effects it may have for them.
Example
I advise you not to borrow too much from your friend, as borrowing dulls the edge of husbandary.
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