a sprat to catch a mackerel

a sprat to catch a mackerel
One may sacrifice something of little value in the hope of gaining something better

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  • sprat to catch a mackerel — If you use a sprat to catch a mackerel, you make a small expenditure or take a small risk in the hope of a much greater gain …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • sprat to catch a mackerel —    If you use a sprat to catch a mackerel, you make a small expenditure or take a small risk in the hope of a much greater gain.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • a sprat to catch a mackerel — ► a sprat to catch a mackerel Brit. a small outlay or risk ventured in the hope of a significant return. Main Entry: ↑sprat …   English terms dictionary

  • a sprat to catch a mackerel — ● sprat …   Useful english dictionary

  • a sprat to catch a mackerel — Brit. a small outlay or risk ventured in the hope of a significant return. → sprat …   English new terms dictionary

  • to throw a sprat to catch a mackerel — a tradesman selling one article cheaply to attract more custom …   Dictionary of ichthyology

  • throw a sprat to catch a mackerel — give up a little in order to gain a lot …   English contemporary dictionary

  • sprat — ► NOUN 1) a small marine fish of the herring family, caught for food and fish products. 2) informal any small sea fish. ● a sprat to catch a mackerel Cf. ↑a sprat to catch a mackerel ORIGIN Old English …   English terms dictionary

  • sprat — /spræt / (say sprat) noun 1. (plural sprats or sprat) a small, herring like marine fish, Clupea sprattus, of European waters; brisling. 2. Colloquial (formerly) a sixpenny piece. –phrase 3. a sprat to catch a mackerel, something given in… …  

  • sprat — noun a small marine fish of the herring family, caught for food and fish products. [Sprattus sprattus (Europe) and other species.] ↘informal any small sea fish. Phrases a sprat to catch a mackerel Brit. a small outlay or risk ventured in the hope …   English new terms dictionary

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