# throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

> English word · Verb

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

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/throw-a-sprat-to-catch-a-mackerel