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