expend on

expend (something) on (someone or something)

To use some resource to attempt to make a change of some kind in someone or something in particular. I don't want to expend much energy on my side business anymore because I'm just not making that much money from it. We don't have to expend much training time on Lisa—she already knows the ropes. You have expended way too much energy trying to change Todd. If you don't love him for who he is, just break up with him.

See also: expend, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

expend something on someone or something

to use something on someone or something. Don't expend too much energy on him. He isn't worth it. There is no point in expending any more money on this car.

See also: expend, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.