# sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sell-ones-birthright-for-a-mess-of-pottage
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make an unfavorable exchange, especially of something of great, but deferred value, for something of very low, but immediate value.

## Examples

- Don't sell your birthright for a mess of pottage by quitting school early.
- You sell your birthright for a mess of pottage when you trade health for candy.
- Do not sell your birthright for a mess of pottage by choosing sleep over exams.
- He sold his birthright for a mess of pottage when he traded his long-term career prospects for a quick, low-paying job.
- The young artist sold his birthright for a mess of pottage by giving away the rights to his future songs just to pay one month of rent.
- The city council sold their birthright for a mess of pottage by letting a developer destroy the historic park in exchange for a small, one-time fee.
- She realized she had sold her birthright for a mess of pottage after trading her family's antique jewelry for a cheap, modern car that broke down immediately.
- 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.

## Origin

In allusion to the Biblical character Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34).

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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.