海老えびで鯛たいを釣つる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

get big returns on a small investment; throw a sprat to catch a mackerel

Proverbial expression meaning to gain a large profit or advantage from a small outlay or effort. Often used when someone gets something valuable in return for a modest gift or favor.

• お土産みやげに安やすいお菓か子しを持もっていったら、高こう級きゅうなワインをお返かえしにもらった。まさに海老えびで鯛たいを釣つるだ。

  I brought some cheap sweets as a souvenir and got a bottle of fine wine in return. That's exactly getting a big return on a small investment.

• 彼かれは少しょう額がくの投とう資しで大おおきな利り益えきを得えて、海老えびで鯛たいを釣つるようなものだと言いわれた。

  He made a large profit from a small investment, and people said it was like throwing a sprat to catch a mackerel.