He sold his rare collection for a mess of pottage.
mess of pottage
idiomSomething of trivial value, especially of immediate value.
Origin
disputed originSee sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage.
She gave up her long-term career goals for a mess of pottage that offered only a small, temporary raise.
The politician traded his integrity and the long-term prosperity of his constituents for a mess of pottage, securing only a brief moment of political convenience.