# mess of pottage

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mess-of-pottage
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something of trivial value, especially of immediate value.

## Examples

- He sold his rare collection 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.

## Origin

See sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.