Spare at the spigot and spill at the bung In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "spare at the spigot and spill at the bung", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Katie Anh

2021-08-05 10:08

Meaning of Spare at the spigot and spill at the bung

Spare at the spigot and spill at the bung phrase

To care about trivial matters and not worry about more significant ones

My mom thinks that this old fridge still works well and doesn't need to spend a lot of money on a new one, but she ignores the fact that it consumes a huge amount of electricity to operate. This is like sparing at the spigot and spilling at the bung.

My dad always spares at the spigot and spills at the bung.

I know the reason why her living expenses are high is sparing at the spigot and spilling at the bung.

Other phrases about:

Let not poor Nelly starve

One of the last words of King Charles II when he asked his brother to look after Nell (his mistress)

See a pin and pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck; see a pin and let it lie, bad luck you'll have all day

This is an encouragement to believe that thrift in small things will bring a reward.

to pinch pennies

save as much money as possible

a golden key can open any door

Anything can be accomplished with sufficient money (or the promise of it)

put the bite on (one)

Used to say that someone attempts to get money from you.

Grammar and Usage of Spare at the spigot and spill at the bung

Verb Forms

spared at the spigot and spilled at the bung
spares at the spigot and spills at the bung
sparing at the spigot and spilling at the bung

It's mostly used in the present tense.