bore holes through the kernels of plums before selling them (so that others may not get the good seeds) —extremely selfish ❍ 王戎有好李，卖之恐人得其种，恒钻其核。(刘义庆《世说新语 ·俭啬》)At Wang Rong's place there were some excellent plums which he frequently sold. But fearing lest other people might get possession of the pits,he always bored holes through their kernels.