sprat

/spræt/
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sprat

A fisherman catches a sprat in his net.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small, silvery fish of the herring family (Sprattus sprattus), often processed for food. 2. (Figurative) A small or insignificant person or thing.

Examples
  • The fishermen caught a large shoal of sprats.
  • This smoked sprat is delicious on toast.
  • (Figurative) In the grand scheme of the corporation, he felt like a mere sprat.
Advanced Usage
  • "A sprat to catch a mackerel" (or "...to catch a whale"): This idiom describes a small concession or investment made in the hope of gaining a much larger return.
    • Example: Offering a free sample is just a sprat to catch a mackerel; they hope you'll buy the full product.
Variants and Related Words
  • Brisling: Another name for a small herring or sprat, often used when canned.
Synonyms
  • (For the fish) Brit, brisling.
  • (For an insignificant thing) Minnow, lightweight, nonentity.
Related Idioms
  • "Throw a sprat to catch a mackerel/whale": The action form of the idiom above, meaning to risk or give something small to get something large.
    • Example: The company threw a sprat to catch a whale by giving away a few free cars in a contest, generating massive publicity.
sprat

A fisherman catches a sprat in his net.

Noun
  1. small herring processed like a sardine
  2. small fatty European fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines

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