ENGLISH
REFERENCE

throw good money after bad

idiom
Meaning

To waste money in a fruitless attempt to recoup losses previously incurred.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't throw good money after bad by fixing that old car.

CONTEXTUAL

The project is failing, so stop throwing good money after bad and cut your losses now.

COMPLEX

Investors often struggle to admit defeat, choosing instead to throw good money after bad in a desperate attempt to salvage their original investment.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a good deal

    Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.

  2. 02

    all good

    It's all good.

  3. 03

    bad actor

    An individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator.

  4. 04

    bad apple

    A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.

  5. 05

    bad books

    Disfavor.

  6. 06

    bad business

    Synonym of bad news (“irritating, troublesome or harmful thing, situation or person”).

  7. 07

    bad company

    The wrong crowd.

  8. 08

    bad egg

    Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.

Last updated April 17, 2026