Definition
Penny-wise means being careful about small amounts of money but careless about larger expenses. It describes someone who focuses on saving small sums while potentially wasting larger ones. Imagine cutting coupons to save a few dollars but then buying an expensive car you can't afford. The term implies a misplaced sense of economy. Penny-wise behavior can ultimately lead to financial losses. It's like focusing on the leaves while ignoring the health of the tree.