(idiomatic) To sacrifice something of little value in the hope of gaining something better.

present participle of throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

simple past tense of throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

past participle of throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

Cirrus clouds forebode bad weather.

Alternative form of mackerel sky and mare's-tails make tall ships carry low sails