What does the phrase "waste not want not" really mean? It does not make sense in the context that is actually used.

I think it means don't just throw away things that for the, "at the moment", you feel has no worth to you. I don't know how many times I have done just that and found not soon after, Doh!, what was I thinking. I also think this can apply to family, friendships, and business as well.

"Never make rash decisions about what for the moment seems of no value to you".
Howz dat!?

Thats not bad. But waste not seems to mean not to waste. or isit that the "not" comes after the "waste" so it means to waste. and dido for "want not"

I'll stick with my first thought, TY. Your confusing the interaction of the words to the point it and I are getting dizzy. It was a term used by farm people in the 1700'* and brought to focus by Ben Franklin who collect them for use on his calenders and almanacs. I don't these peoples had the grammatical and literary skills you are trying to read into it.

I'm going to agree with V. I burned a set of books from my career center just for fun once and found out later that since they were CompTia+ certified I could have used them to study for certification tests. Major doh!

Shouldn't we be saying "waste want not"

Waste not, want not = Do not waste anything, because if you don't you'll not want it later.

Mouse I think you have done it. Deciphered the age old question. Now for the ultimate challenge. Are you ready?????

If you cant handle the pressure anymore let us know!