Don't sell your birthright for a mess of pottage by quitting school early.
sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage
idiomTo make an unfavorable exchange, especially of something of great, but deferred value, for something of very low, but immediate value.
Origin
disputed originIn allusion to the Biblical character Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34).
He sold his birthright for a mess of pottage when he traded his long-term career prospects for a quick, low-paying job.
By sacrificing his integrity for a fleeting moment of popularity, he essentially sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, losing the respect he had spent years building.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.