得不偿失 débùchángshī the gains do not make up for the losses
the gains do not make up for the losses (idiom)
How to remember 得不偿失: 得 get + 不 not + 偿 to repay + 失 to lose = the gains do not make up for the losses.
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How it is used
- Idiom: the loss outweighs the gain, not worth it - 为省小钱伤了身体，得不偿失 (wèi shěng xiǎo qián shāng le shēntǐ, débù-chángshī) ruining your health to save a little money isn't worth it.
- Used to judge that the cost/downside exceeds the benefit.
- Note reading débùchángshī (偿 cháng, to repay/make up for).