Throw Good Money After Bad — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To waste more money on something that has already failed.

When you throw good money after bad, you keep investing in a losing situation hoping to recover what you already lost.

It is often used as a warning against letting past losses drive poor future decisions.

Use it when…

When someone keeps spending on a failing project or business
When repairing something costs more than replacing it
When a company continues funding an initiative with no results

Don’t confuse with...

"Cut Your Losses"

—

To stop investing in a failing situation to prevent more loss

"Bite the Bullet"

—

To accept a difficult situation and endure it

"Throw Good Money After Bad"

—

To waste more resources on something already failing

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Throw Good Money After Bad" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Meetings

The board warned the founder that continuing to fund the app would just be throwing good money after bad.

Relationships & Social Life

Friends

Her friends told her that fixing the old car for the third time was throwing good money after bad.

Media & Everyday Life

News

Critics say the government is throwing good money after bad by subsidising an industry that no longer has a future.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Throw Good Money After Bad" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Raising concerns

You

I think we should stop the campaign — we're just throwing good money after bad at this point.

Manager

You're right. Let's redirect the budget to something that's actually working.

Relationships

Giving advice

Friend

I'm thinking of putting another two thousand into repairs on the car.

You

That would just be throwing good money after bad — it's time to let it go.

Everyday Conversations

Everyday problems

You

I spent eighty dollars fixing the laptop and it's broken again — I'm just throwing good money after bad.

Friend

Honestly, just buy a new one before you spend more.

‹›

Last updated:

April 20, 2026

Become an Insider

Get exclusive invitations to try our new English online courses FOR FREE.

Enjoy special discounts and unique offers for club members only!

Become an Insider

Tell us a bit about you to unlock more relevant content and insider perks.

Where do you want to improve your English?*

Helps us tailor content to you.

Select an option

Where are you based? (optional)

Select country

What's your native language? (optional)

Select language

First Name (optional)

I consent to theidiomdaily.com collecting and storing my data for the purpose of sending newsletters, updates, and promotional content. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time by using the link provided in the emails. By checking this box, I agree to the Privacy Policy.

You’re in! Welcome to
the Insider Club.

Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.

Unsubscribe
anytime.

Trusted by

1.5M+

English learners &
teachers worldwide