English Explanatory Dictionary

sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make an unfavorable exchange, especially of something of great, but deferred value, for something of very low, but immediate value.

Word forms

sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage sells one's birthright for a mess of pottage selling one's birthright for a mess of pottage sold one's birthright for a mess of pottage

Etymology

In allusion to the Biblical character Esau, who sold his birthright for a meal of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34).

Related words

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush sell the family silver my kingdom for a horse
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