Penny wise and pound foolish Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
Describes someone who goes to great lengths to save small amounts of money but ignores larger, more important expenses, ending up worse off.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
Semi-formal and common in both business and daily conversation. Used to criticize shortsighted saving habits. Often contrasts with ideas like 'look at the big picture'. Not typically used about minor spending or one-off events.
جمل نموذجية
He is penny wise and pound foolish when he skips maintenance to save money but ends up paying more for repairs.
basic
Buying cheap shoes that wear out fast is being penny wise and pound foolish.
basic
If you choose low-quality insurance to save, you might be penny wise and pound foolish.
basic
My uncle always buys the cheapest tools, and they break right away. Total penny wise and pound foolish.
natural
Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish by skipping a car checkup—big problems cost far more later.
natural
She waited months to buy a plane ticket, hoping for a deal, but prices just went up. Classic penny wise and pound foolish move.
natural