Penny wise, pound foolish.

Penny and pound contrast a small sum with a larger one. The proverb criticises false economy: a decision that looks frugal in the short term but becomes expensive overall. A cheap item may need frequent replacement, or refusing modest maintenance may cause serious damage. It does not mean that expensive choices are always better or that small savings are unimportant. The relevant question is what you receive, what risks you accept and what the likely longer-term cost will be. The saying asks you to examine the whole bargain rather than one attractive number.

When to use it

Use it when a small immediate saving is likely to cause a larger later cost.

Keep in mind

Compare real alternatives and your available resources; a higher price alone does not establish better value.