Not worth the candle

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Meaning

Not worth the effort or cost, a dim gain.

Origin

From 16th-century France, 'le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle'-game not worth the candle, English by 1600s in a Jonson play for waste. Candles lit work; dim returns weren't worth it.

Usage Examples

  • Fixing it's not worth the candle; toss it.
  • Not worth the candle; too much hassle.
  • That fight's not worth the candle; drop it.

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