What Does "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish" Mean?
"Penny wise and pound foolish" is an English idiom. It is a phrase used to describe someone who is careful or thrifty with small or minor expenses (pennies) but wasteful or extravagant with larger, more significant costs (pounds).Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "penny wise and pound foolish" used in a sentence:- She's penny wise and pound foolish; she saves on groceries but buys expensive gadgets she rarely uses.
- Being penny wise and pound foolish can lead to financial problems in the long run.
- Some people prioritize saving on everyday items but overspend on major purchases, showing a penny-wise-pound-foolish mentality.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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