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Reference : Sayings : Quizzes : 2 : Rags to rags in three generations

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Rags to rags in three generations

Meaning: The first generation in a family makes money (goes from rags to riches); the second generation holds or keeps the money; and the third generation squanders or loses the money (and so goes back to rags).

Note: rags (noun) = old, tattered clothes | generation (noun) = all of the people born and living at about the same time; a set of members of a family born and living at about the same time

Quick Quiz:

"Rags to rags in three generations" could be said to be a cynical observation about
  1. rags
  2. clothing
  3. money


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