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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

chase pennies with dollars en · VERB

Pronunciation

  • /- wɪθ -/ (General-American)
  • /t͡ʃeɪs ˈpɛniz wɪð ˈdɑlɚz/ (General-American)

Etymology

References the foolhardy nature of spending more money, resources, or time, in order to earn or save lesser amounts. Chiefly used within the United States, in business and finance settings and media.

Meanings

  1. (US) To expend more money or effort in gaining something (especially, a cost reduction or revenue addition) than it is worth.
    • "Irrational Greed: Chasing Pennies With Dollars" 2012, L.G. Weinzimmer, J. McConoughey, The Wisdom of Failure: How to Learn the Tough Leadership Lessons Without Paying the Price:
    • “I believe we’re being asked to chase pennies with dollars, and it will cost the taxpayers.” 2015, Glen Gainer, Charleston Gazette-Mail, State employee pay switch plan placed on hold:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
chased pennies with dollars Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
chased pennies with dollars Tense=Past lexicographic
chasing pennies with dollars Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
chases pennies with dollars Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic

Relateds

throw good money after bad · penny wise and pound foolish