Penny-wise, pound-foolish

Meaning

Being thrifty on small things while wasting bigger opportunities.

Usage

Warns against short-term savings that cause bigger losses.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

British currency metaphor contrasting cheap pennies with heavy pounds.

Common in financial advice pamphlets from the 19th century.