# throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-a-sprat-to-catch-a-mackerel
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To sacrifice something of little value in the hope of gaining something better.

## Examples

- I offered a small discount to throw a sprat to catch a mackerel.
- The company gave away free samples as a way to throw a sprat to catch a mackerel and gain new customers.
- By investing a modest sum in the initial research phase, the firm hoped to throw a sprat to catch a mackerel, anticipating a massive return on their long-term development project.

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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.