not worth the powder

English

Alternative forms

• not worth the powder and shot

Etymology

An allusion to gunpowder being wasted on small birds etc.

Phrase

not worth the powder

1. (colloquial) Not worth the time or effort.

Usage notes

• Occurs in various extended forms: not worth the powder to blow it away, ...to blow it up, ...to blow it to hell, etc.

See also

• juice is worth the squeeze