throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

Meaning: (British,idiomatic)To sacrifice something of little value in the hope of gaining something better.1948November and December, “Notes and News: Southampton and the M.S.W.J.R.”, inRailway Magazine, page410:It is pertinent to remember that in 1892, the M.S.W.J.R. had secured from the L.S.W.R. running powers between Andover and Southampton Dock, so no doubt the "Solent Scheme" should properly be regarded asa spratset (successfully)to catch a mackerel.

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