Origin
This is a 15th century French proverb whose original form is: Soon acquired, soon spent. This was modified to the present form in 1832.
Explanation
This proverb is in context of money. If money is acquired or obtained very easily, the possessor can’t value it. He would have treasured it if he had acquired it through energy or effort. It is a fact that a person does not realize the need to conserve and use the money when needed if he has not obtained it by the sweat of his brow. Ill-gotten or easy money tempts one to spend it on acquired or comfort needs and not on actual needs. Therefore, what appeared to be a luxury and not a necessity when one did not have enough money that was acquired without much effort, all of a sudden becomes a necessity and no more a luxury. One does not regret or feel for it when such money is spent on useless pursuits/things and thus wasted in the process.
Example
John made a lot of money in the stock market overnight. But the very next day, he lost all in seconds. Rightly said—easy come, easy go.
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