penny wise and pound foolish
idiomPrudent and thrifty with small amounts of money, but wasteful with large amounts.
- 01
a pound to a penny
Very likely; almost certainly.
- 02
an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
Precaution and prevention of an undesirable thing is preferable to dealing with its potential consequences.
- 03
bad penny
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
- 04
Merry-go-round
[Cockney slang]pound
In the sterling sense. Referring to the saying that "money was made round to go round".
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penny for your thoughts
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
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penny in the fusebox
An improvised repair made with no regard for safety.
- 07
penny pincher
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
- 08
penny wedding
A wedding at which the guests contribute payments in order to fund the event and to benefit the newly-married couple.