Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with your home repairs.
penny wise and pound foolish
idiomPrudent and thrifty with small amounts of money, but wasteful with large amounts.
Origin
disputed originFrom the British currency (one penny being one hundredth of a pound or, prior to decimalisation, one 240th of a pound).
He saved money on cheap tires but caused an expensive accident, proving he was penny wise and pound foolish.
By neglecting the building's structural maintenance to save on minor costs, the owners proved themselves penny wise and pound foolish in the long run.
- 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
- 05
penny for your thoughts
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
- 06
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.