Mess of Pottage

What Does "Mess of Pottage" Mean?

"Mess of pottage" is an English idiom. It means "something of little value given up for something of great value." It is derived from Esau's Biblical story where he sold his birthright for a meal (pottage).

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "mess of pottage" used in a sentence:

A Quick Test

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gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

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See Also

meaning of the idiom "mess up" meaning of the idiom "method to one's madness"