Practice not being too literal # 61

Question

As my title says, I am trying to learn to not be literal in translations, so every day I will post a saying in English and ask for suggestions as to how to convey the thought in Spanish. At the end of the day, I will pick the answer that I think most accurately reflects the idea, and I will choose it as best answer for 20 points to the respondent.

Today's phrase is, "penny wise, pound foolish."

Have fun!

A good one. - annierats, Oct 18, 2012

Yes a good one. Can't see many politicians having this as their slogan, even though its true for most of them - Declan_Ireland, Oct 18, 2012

Answer 1

Una persona quien presta atención a ahorrar cantidades pequeñas pero a la misma tiempo perde cantidades largas.

A person who pays attention to saving small amounts but at the same time loses large amounts.

You were very quick! - annierats, Oct 18, 2012

Thanks :o) hopefully I didn't make too many mistakes in my hurry - Declan_Ireland, Oct 18, 2012

Answer 2

Well, as Declan was so quick, I'll try again:

You can't see the wood for the trees.

Los árboles no te dejan ver el bosque. ( No puedes ver el bosque porque hay desmasiados árboles).

So, the big picture, eh? how big is it? - diagonx, Oct 18, 2012

Well, really, I go with my first answer, but Declan was quicker, so I had to think again.. - annierats, Oct 18, 2012

You can't see the forest for the trees. - rac1, Oct 19, 2012

In England we have woods, they are smaller than forests. And more mixed. - annierats, Oct 22, 2012

Answer 3

Por hacer una gracia, hiciste una morisqueta.

I vote first, now I have to look it up, a new one to me, gracias, amigo. - annierats, Oct 18, 2012

Answer 4

Someone who is cautious with a small amount, but extravagant with a large amount.

Alguien que sea cauteloso con una pequeña cantidad, pero extravagante con una gran cantidad.

Answer 5

Being stingy about make small purchases but willing to be extravagant with large ones. Or being very careful about unimportant matters and careless about important ones. Ser tacaño sobre hace pequeñas compras, pero complaciente a ser extravagante con grandes. O mucho cuidado que tiene sobre asuntos sin importancia y descuidado sobre importantes.

Answer 6

Algunas personas pueden solo pensar en las peqeñuas ahorros pero se equivocan de los grandes decisiones en la vida.

Lo barato sale caro?

Answer 7

Hay que pensar en grande.

One has to think big.