sell the family silver
The phrase "sell the family silver" is often used metaphorically to describe the act of selling valuable assets for short-term gain, potentially at the expense of long-term stability.
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Definition
C1Finance
(informal, idiomatic)To sell valuable assets for immediate financial gain, often at the expense of future benefits.
Example
- The company decided to sell the family silver to cover its short-term debts.
- Critics argue that privatizing the national railway is like selling the family silver.
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To part with important or treasured possessions, usually as a last resort to raise money.
Example
- In hard times, many families are forced to sell the family silver to make ends meet.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sell the family silver":