sprat

n.

UK //spɹˈæt// sprat

Archaic Slang

Synonyms

brisling

Origin

From Middle English sprotte, from Old English sprot. Older source is unknown. Cognate with German Sprotte, Dutch sprot. Compare sprout.

Idioms1 entry

01
throw a sprat to catch a mackerel
To sacrifice something of little value in the hope of gaining something better.

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