Meaning of the word "neither a borrower nor a lender be" in English

What does "neither a borrower nor a lender be" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

neither a borrower nor a lender be

US /ˈniːðər ə ˈbɑːroʊər nɔːr ə ˈlendər biː/
UK /ˈnaɪðər ə ˈbɒrəʊər nɔːr ə ˈlendə biː/
"neither a borrower nor a lender be" picture

Idiom

a proverb advising against lending money to or borrowing money from friends, as it often leads to the loss of both the money and the friendship

Example:
I'd rather not lend you the money; as the saying goes, 'neither a borrower nor a lender be'.
He lives by the rule neither a borrower nor a lender be to keep his friendships simple.