Explaining "One man's trash is another man's treasure"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 20/10/2024, 12:48

English.me team member

What does it mean?

One man's trash is another man's treasure

The phrase means that something that one person considers worthless or useless may be valued highly by someone else.

Tone

Reflective

Origin

The earliest recorded use of the specific "trash to treasure" expression is found in Hector Urquhart’s introduction to "Popular Tales of the West Highlands" in 1860. However, similar expressions existed earlier, evident in writings such as "One man's meat is another man's poison" from the 17th century and various early 18th-century texts that highlighted themes of subjective worth and contrasting values.

Examples of usage

While she thought the old chair was an eyesore, her friend saw it as a perfect piece for refurbishing, proving the adage that one man's trash is another man's treasure.
At the flea market, you realize that one man's trash is another man's treasure as people eagerly buy items others have discarded.