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Meaning of throw a sprat to catch a mackerel | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To sacrifice something of little value in the hope of gaining something better.

British, idiomatic

Examples

“It is pertinent to remember that in 1892, the M.S.W.J.R. had secured from the L.S.W.R. running powers between Andover and Southampton Dock, so no doubt the "Solent Scheme" should properly be regarded as a sprat set (successfully) to catch a mackerel.”

CEFR level

C2

Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See also

throw a tantrum throw a wet blanket on throw a wobbly throw a wrench in throw a wrench in the gears throw a wrench in the works