Penny wise and pound foolish.

Meaning: Obsessing over minor savings while making careless decisions about major expenses creates net financial loss.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Human Nature

• Peril proves who dearly loves. — Danger reveals the depth of someone's affection through their willingness to sacrifice or…
• Foolish pity spoils a city. — Indiscriminate compassion toward the undeserving undermines social order and justice.
• Next to love, quietness. — Tranquility in relationships matters as deeply as affection itself; peace sustains bonds…
• Reckless youth makes rueful age. — Foolish choices made in youth create regret and hardship that haunts the rest of one's li…
• Man reigns and woman rules. — Women exercise subtle, indirect influence over decisions while men hold formal authority…
• Every man to his trade. — Individuals excel when focusing on their own expertise rather than attempting unfamiliar…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…