those that have, get

those that have, get

1. People who already have wealth and status are the most likely to acquire additional wealth and status (usually with the implication that the distribution of life's benefits and opportunities is unfair).
   • 1917, Alice Walton, “Fortuna's Daughters”, in Good Housekeeping, volume 65, number 3, page 90:

     You may have heard the old adage about "those that have, get," and it is true. . . . The getting started on money-making is the hardest part.

   • 1978 January 1, Sarah Booth Conroy, “Of Kingdoms, Principalities and Carolina Castles”, in Washington Post, retrieved 21 July 2015:

     In the great capitalist tradition of "those who have, get," Vanderbilt's investment today returns rich dividends to his grandsons.

   • 2005 September 17, Carol E. Lee, “In Lieu of a Gift Bag, Send Donations to...”, in New York Times, retrieved 21 July 2015:

     Those that have, get. For lending their status to Fashion Week events, the rich and the famous scored, among other things, $225 jeans and coupons for $200 PuchiBags for their pets.

   • 2008, Andrew P. Smith, The Dimensions Of Experience, →ISBN, page 279:

     In other words, “the rich get richer” or “those that have, get” (indeed, distribution of wealth in America follows a scale-free organization).

• The alternative form them what has, gets, and its close variations, are intentionally expressed in non-standard rustic language to create the impression of folksy, homespun wisdom.

• the rich get richer

• Matthew effect
• nothing succeeds like success
• to the victor go the spoils