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

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar" - To ruin something important or valuable because of neglect directed towards something small and insignificant

Often appears as...

  • fail to spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar
  • spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar by neglect

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar"
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Idiom Origin

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

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

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

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

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

Illustration for Modern Relevance
By buying cheap, unreliable tools, he spoilt the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar.
Visual representation of the word "Spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar"

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