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. Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to home repairs. Saving a few bit of money now on shoddy work could cost you dearly down the line!
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References in periodicals archive ?
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