waste (something) on (someone)

to not be noticed or appreciated.

I wouldn't waste this material on high school students — they don't have the background to understand it.

Usage notes: often used when speaking of something of special quality:

The difference between a really fine French wine and one that's not as good is wasted on me.

• play ace
• play a game of cat and mouse
• play a joke
• play a joke on
• play a joke on someone
• play along
• play along with
• play along with someone
• play along with something
• play around
• play around with
• play around with something
• play a straight bat
• play at
• play at own game
• play at something
• play at their own game
• play a waiting game
• play away from home
• play back
• play back something
• play ball
• play ball with
• play ball with someone
• play both ends against the middle