Short-sighted gain
Meaning
An immediate benefit or advantage that ultimately leads to more significant negative consequences in the future.
Origin
Picture the person who can only see what’s directly in front of them, their gaze fixed on the immediate, tangible reward. This is the essence of "short-sighted gain." The term "short-sighted" itself migrated from describing literal poor vision—myopia—to a lack of mental foresight as early as the 17th century. It paints a vivid mental image: someone grabbing for the coin right under their nose, oblivious to the chasm just a few steps ahead. When we talk about "short-sighted gain," we're not just describing a bad decision; we're condemning the seductive lure of quick profits or easy wins that deliberately blinds us to the costly consequences lurking in the future. It’s a timeless caution against trading enduring prosperity for fleeting success, reminding us that sometimes, what looks like an advantage in the moment is just a setup for a later fall.
Examples
- The company's decision to cut corners on safety was a clear case of short-sighted gain, as it eventually led to a costly product recall.
- While outsourcing all their local jobs provided a quick boost to profits, many argued it was a short-sighted gain that damaged community relations and long-term innovation.