penny-wisdomn.
/ˈpɛnɪwɪzdəm/, U.S. /ˈpɛniˈwɪzd(ə)m/ The quality of being penny-wise.Frequently coupled with pound-foolishness.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > moderation or reduction in expenditure > [noun] > in small amounts
penny-wisdom1582
1582 E. Worsop Discouerie Sundrie Errours Landemeaters sig. K1v Measurers ignorant of Geometrie make quicker dispatch, then the learned and skilful can: which so pleaseth the ignorant because it diminisheth present charge, that they therefore litle regard him, that maketh true measure, which in troth is penie wisedome, and pound foolishnes.
1642 B. Whitelocke Speech to Lords 7 A narrow and thrifty course in this businesse, will prove after the old Proverb, but penny wisedome.
1785 R. Geoghegan Thoughts Patricius Ded. vi. 329 Penny wisdom is but too often, and strangely coupled with a neglect of pounds.
1829 J. Bentham Justice & Codification Petitions iii. 116 That humanity which has penny wisdom for its counsellor.
1860 G. A. Sala Lady Chesterfield's Lett. v. 8 Penny-wisdom, and pound-foolishness are now as prevalent as ever.
1914 Times 7 Feb. 9/4 There is no room in the case of the Navy for penny-wisdom and pound-folly.
1963 Jrnl. Conflict Resoution 7 218/2 The lives we thereby save reward our penny wisdom in poor coin; for this way lies..Armageddon.
1998 PS: Polit. Sci. & Politics 31 774/2 This pecuniary assault may save a paltry few tens of millions each year, but its penny-wisdom is far outweighed by its pound-foolishness.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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