Meaning of the word "daughters and dead fish are not keeping wares" in English

What does "daughters and dead fish are not keeping wares" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

daughters and dead fish are not keeping wares

US /ˈdɔːtərz ænd dɛd fɪʃ ɑːr nɒt ˈkiːpɪŋ wɛərz/
UK /ˈdɔːtəz ænd dɛd fɪʃ ɑː nɒt ˈkiːpɪŋ weəz/
"daughters and dead fish are not keeping wares" picture

Idiom

an old proverb suggesting that daughters should be married off quickly and dead fish should be disposed of promptly, as neither improves with age

Example:
In the old novel, the father hurried the wedding, muttering that daughters and dead fish are not keeping wares.
The phrase 'daughters and dead fish are not keeping wares' reflects historical attitudes toward marriage and family.