be penny-wise and pound-foolish

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be penny-wise and pound-foolish

To be so concerned with saving money that one ignores larger problems and ultimately ends up spending more. I know you don't want to pay for this expensive course of treatment, but when ignoring your health lands you in the hospital, you'll see that you were penny-wise and pound-foolish.
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References in periodicals archive ?
Dubai: Freelance butchers have surfaced once again to offer their services to residents who are penny-wise and pound-foolish and have little or no concern for the health risks that they might inflict on their families and colleagues.
Illegal butchers pose health risk
Unfortunately, Boro are penny-wise and pound-foolish.
OFFSIDE or FAIR GAME?; You have your say on the sacking of Brendan Phillips
The county Board of Supervisors and the chief administrative officer are penny-wise and pound-foolish.
PATIENCE EXHAUSTED IN QUEST FOR RAISE; LOS ANGELES COUNTY WORKERS HAVE RIDDEN OUT THE FISCAL STORM. NOW IT'S TIME TO SEE RESPONSIBLE ACTION
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