present participle of wise up

(idiomatic) Prudent and thrifty with small amounts of money, but wasteful with large amounts.

Alternative form of penny wise and pound foolish

Alternative form of penny wise and pound foolish

Alternative form of old head on young shoulders

Particularly wise for one's age group; wiser than most others of one's age.

After one has seen the consequences of a decision, it is easy to tell whether or not the decision was favorable, but it is also too late, since the consequences have already occurred.

One can never be sure of one's paternity.

Alternative form of you can't put an old head on young shoulders

A person who goes to bed early and wakes up early will lead a more successful life.