PENNY WISE Meaning and
Definition
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Penny wise is an idiomatic expression that refers to a person or behavior that prioritizes saving or being thrifty in small, inconsequential matters while failing to consider or address larger, more important ones. It is often used to describe someone who is overly concerned with saving money on minor expenses or who excessively focuses on small financial gains, often at the expense of bigger financial or practical considerations.
The phrase "penny wise" originates from the concept that a penny represents the lowest unit of currency and, therefore, refers to a mindset that only considers the immediate financial benefits or drawbacks of a decision. This mindset often ignores the potential long-term consequences or larger expenses that may result from prioritizing short-term savings.
Penny wise behavior can be seen in various situations. For example, it can be observed in a person who relentlessly searches for the cheapest possible option for every small purchase, yet disregards the quality or durability of the product. It can also apply to a business that cuts costs on essential resources or services, such as maintenance or employee training, but suffers long-term damage or inefficiency as a result.
In summary, the term "penny wise" describes a person or action that is narrowly focused on saving small amounts of money, often at the expense of larger considerations or potential consequences.
Common Misspellings for PENNY WISE
- penny-wose
- penny-wize
- penny-wiese
- penn-wise
- pennywise
- pennywize
- oenny wise
- lenny wise
- -enny wise
- 0enny wise
- pwnny wise
- psnny wise
- pdnny wise
- prnny wise
- p4nny wise
- p3nny wise
- pebny wise
- pemny wise
- pejny wise
- pehny wise
Etymology of PENNY WISE
The term "penny wise" comes from the combination of two words: "penny" and "wise". Here is the etymology of each of these words:
1. Penny: The word "penny" is derived from the Old English word "penig", which means a coin. It can be traced back to the Germanic word "pingan", meaning to pay or to bargain.
2. Wise: The word "wise" originates from the Old English word "wīs", which means having insight or sagacity. It is rooted in the Proto-Germanic word "wīsaz" and can be connected to the Sanskrit word "vidya", meaning knowledge or wisdom.
When combined, "penny wise" suggests someone who is wise or prudent when it comes to financial matters concerning small amounts of money (pennies).
Idioms with the word PENNY WISE
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penny wise and pound foolish
The idiom "penny wise and pound foolish" refers to someone who is careful with small amounts of money (pennies) but wasteful with larger amounts of money (pounds), ultimately resulting in poor financial decision-making.
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