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.

• have half an ear on
• have half an ear on something
• have half an eye on
• have half an eye on someone
• have half an eye on something
• have hand in the till
• have hands full
• have hanging over head
• have hanging over your head
• have head in the clouds
• have head screwed on
• have head screwed on right
• have head screwed on the right way
• have head stuck up arse
• have head stuck up your arse
• have head up arse
• have head up your arse
• have heard the last of
• have heard the last of someone
• have heard the last of something
• have heart set on
• have heart set on doing something
• have heart set on something
• have in common
• have in common with