penny-wise

See also: pennywise

English

Etymology

From penny +‎ wise.

Adjective

penny-wise (comparative more penny-wise, superlative most penny-wise)

1. Thrifty in regards to small amounts of money.

Usage notes

• Used in the expression penny wise and pound foolish to describe someone whose thrift does not extend to larger amounts.

Related terms

• penny wisdom

See also

• take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves