penny-wise

adjective

1. greatly concerned with saving small sums of money

2. careful about trifles but wasteful in large ventures

Example Sentences

In fiscal terms, the budget cuts are penny-wise and galactically foolish.

From Los Angeles Times

Training enslaved people like Sambo Andersen to do skilled labor saved the penny-wise Washington from having to hire costly outside tradesmen.

From Literature

How penny-wise and plain foolish was her Medicaid policy as governor?

From Los Angeles Times

However, penny-wise, profit-driven developers want homes closer together on narrow streets that allow for more buildings.

From Seattle Times

Ms Devlin added the move is a "penny-wise and pound-foolish approach to workforce".

From BBC

Related Words

• canny 
• careful 
• meticulous 
• prudent 
• stingy 
• thrifty