Spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar

phrase

To ruin something important or valuable because of neglect directed towards something small and insignificant.

He failed his final exam because he chose not to review many small chapters, he surely did spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar.

Idiomatic

phrase

He failed his final exam because he chose not to review many small chapters, he surely did spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar.

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

Understand that this phrase originates from naval culture where not using enough tar could cause a ship to leak and decay.

Maintaining attention to detail is crucial; don't spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar.

Pro Tip 2/3

Remember it's a primarily British expression, so it's not as commonly used or understood outside the UK.

When I used 'spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar' in the US, they were confused.

Pro Tip 3/3

Though historical, it applies today when small savings cause big problems.

By buying cheap, unreliable tools, he spoilt the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar.

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