Spoil not the ship for a penn'orth of tar.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Do not endanger something valuable by refusing a small necessary expense or effort. The contrast between a ship and a little tar warns against a saving that undermines the larger purpose.

What the words are saying

The ship supplies the valuable whole, while a penn’orth of tar supplies the comparatively small provision withheld. The saying criticises a false economy: attention to a tiny saving obscures what that saving might put at risk. Applied to ordinary work, it can concern a needed finishing step, suitable material or modest preparation. Its value depends on establishing that the small provision really is necessary; an extra purchase does not become wise merely because someone invokes the proverb. Resources may also be scarce, making alternatives worth considering. The printed image supports a judgement about relative importance, without establishing the expression’s historical origin or a technical repair method.

Everyday example

An exhibition team prints legible labels before opening rather than saving a small amount on text that visitors need to understand the display.

When to use it

Use it when a small necessary provision protects the value or usability of a larger effort.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.