I have a proverb in my native tongue saying something like "there is no cat chasing fish for God" which implies that anyone who does anything that may seem beneficial to you, is doing it for themselves. What is the equivalent proverb in English?
Learn English – “Nobody does something for nothing”
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Best Answer
In the UK there's "You don’t get owt for nowt." (owt = ought = anything/something, and nowt = nought = nothing).
Also Look out for number one, often followed by If you don't, no one else will., which effectively expresses the same sentiment.
Plus, as Wayfaring Stranger comments, There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.