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A decision that sacrifices long-term or significant benefits for short-term or minor gains, often leading to greater overall loss.
为了节省几块钱而选择便宜的材料，结果因小失大，产品质量下降导致客户流失。
To save a few dollars by choosing cheap materials, they made a penny-wise and pound-foolish decision that led to declining product quality and customer loss.
她因小失大，拒绝了这份高薪工作，结果错过了职业发展的机会。
She made a penny-wise and pound-foolish decision by rejecting the high-paying job, missing out on career growth opportunities.
Commonly used in business, personal finance, and daily decision-making contexts to criticize short-sighted choices.
Always weigh the long-term benefits and risks of a decision, not just the immediate gains. Ask yourself: 'Will this choice lead to bigger problems later?'
Before making a decision, consider its potential long-term impact. Short-term savings or gains often lead to larger losses if they compromise quality, safety, or sustainability.
The phrase originates from the ancient Chinese text '战国策' (Warring States Strategies), where it was used to describe rulers who prioritized minor gains over major losses. The idiom reflects Confucian values of long-term thinking and prudence in governance.
This idiom is often used to advise against making decisions based solely on immediate or trivial benefits. It emphasizes the importance of considering long-term consequences. Common in both formal and informal contexts.