would give a Jew's eye: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  British Englishhistoricaldatedoffensive
  • Dated and offensive expression meaning to be extremely reluctant to give or part with anything; to be stingy or parsimonious. The phrase is based on an antisemitic stereotype and is now considered unacceptable.

  Examples

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  • Old Mr. Jenkins would give a Jew's eye before lending anyone a dime, no matter the situation.

    El viejo Sr. Jenkins no prestaría ni un centavo a nadie, sin importar la situación.

  • She was so stingy that she would give a Jew's eye rather than share her dessert with friends.

    Ella era tan tacaña que preferiría no compartir su postre con amigos.

  • You wouldn't believe how tight-fisted he is; he would give a Jew's eye even to his own family.

    No creerías lo agarrado que es; no compartiría nada ni con su propia familia.