The idiom "chicken feed" originates from the practice of feeding chickens with inexpensive grains and seeds. In this context, "feed" refers to the food provided to chickens, and "chicken feed" denotes something of little value or significance. It is used to describe a small or insignificant amount of money, usually considered to be paltry or meager.

What is the origin of the idiom "chicken feed" and when to use it?

chicken feed

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The idiom "red cent" has its origin in the United States during the 19th century. It refers to the small copper coin known as the "cent," which used to have a reddish hue due to its copper content. This phrase is used to emphasize the idea that there is no money or an extremely small amount of money involved.

What is the origin of the idiom "red cent" and when to use it?

red cent

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The idiom "small fortune" has its origin in the late 18th century. It is derived from the concept of a "fortune," which refers to a large sum of money or wealth. It is used to describe a considerable or substantial amount of money, often in the context of an expense or cost that is surprisingly high or more than expected.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

small fortune

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The origin of the idiom "for a song" is uncertain, but it dates back to at least the 19th century. This phrase is used to describe something that is sold or acquired at a very low price or at a significant discount.

What is the origin of the idiom "for a song" and when to use it?

for a song

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The idiom "dirt cheap" is a relatively recent expression, dating back to the 20th century. This phrase is used to describe something that is available at an extremely low cost or price, indicating that it is a remarkable bargain or deal.

What is the origin of the idiom "dirt cheap" and when to use it?

dirt cheap

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The origin of the idiom "cheap and cheerful" is not precisely known, but it has been in use since the mid-20th century. It is used to describe something that is affordable or low-cost while still being enjoyable, satisfactory, or providing good value for money.

What is the origin of the idiom "cheap and cheerful" and when to use it?

cheap and cheerful

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The origin of the idiom "suit every pocket" is not precisely known, but it has been in use for many years. This phrase is used to describe products, services, or experiences that are available at different price points to cater to individuals with varying financial capacities.

What is the origin of the idiom "suit every pocket" and when to use it?

to [suit] every pocket

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The origin of the idiom "bang for one's buck" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. This phrase is used to describe the value, benefit, or impact obtained in exchange for the money spent or invested.

What is the origin of the idiom "bang for one's buck" and when to use it?

bang for {one's} [buck]

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The origin of the idiom "rich for one's blood" is not entirely clear, but it likely originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase is used to describe something that is too much or too intense for a person's taste, preference, or capacity to handle.

What is the origin of the idiom "rich for one's blood" and when to use it?

rich for {one's} blood

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The idiom "white elephant" comes from Southeast Asian traditions, where owning a sacred white elephant was a mark of prestige—but the animal couldn't be put to work and required expensive upkeep. Kings would sometimes gift one to a rival as a financial burden.

What is the origin of the idiom "white elephant" and when to use it?

white elephant

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The origin of the idiom "an arm and leg" is uncertain, but it is believed to have become popular in the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by similar expressions that imply a significant cost or sacrifice. This phrase is used to describe something that is excessively expensive or requires a significant sacrifice in terms of cost or effort.

What is the origin of the idiom "an arm and leg" and when to use it?

an arm and (a|) leg

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The idiom "at a price" is a simple expression that has been used in the English language for many years. It is derived from the concept that most things, especially valuable or desirable ones, come with a cost or a price that must be paid. It is used to indicate that something is available or attainable, but it requires payment, sacrifice, or compromise.

(at|for) a price

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The idiom "break the bank" originates from the world of gambling, particularly from casino games like roulette or blackjack. In these games, the "bank" refers to the total amount of money or chips that the casino has available to pay out winnings to players. It is used to describe a situation where someone spends an exorbitant amount of money or exceeds their budget on a purchase, venture, or event.

What is the origin of the idiom "break the bank" and when to use it?

to [break] the bank

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The idiom "highway robbery" originated from the criminal activity of robbing travelers on the highways or roads, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is used to describe a situation where someone is charged an extremely high price for goods or services, especially when the cost is perceived as unfair or excessive.

What is the origin of the idiom "highway robbery" and when to use it?

highway robbery

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The idiom "up the ante" has its origin in gambling, particularly in poker games. In poker, the term "ante" refers to the initial bet that all players must place into the pot before the hand is dealt. It is used to describe a situation where someone increases the level of commitment, intensity, risk, or demand in a particular context.

What is the origin of the idiom "up the ante" and when to use it?

to [up|raise] the ante

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The origin of the phrase "over the odds" is uncertain, but it likely comes from the world of betting and gambling. This idiom is used to describe a situation where something is offered or valued at a higher price or with better terms than usual or expected.

What is the origin of the idiom "over the odds" and when to use it?

over the odds

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The origin of the idiom "a pretty penny" dates back to the 16th century. The word "pretty" in this context does not refer to beauty but rather to a considerable or substantial amount. This phrase is used to describe something that is expensive or costs a significant amount of money.

What is the origin of the idiom "a pretty penny" and when to use it?

a pretty penny

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The idiom "be a steal" originates from the world of shoplifting or theft, but in the context of the idiom, it does not refer to illegal activities. This phrase is used to describe something that is available at a very low price or an exceptionally good deal that provides excellent value for money.

What is the origin of the idiom "be a steal" and when to use it?

to [be] a steal

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The origin of the idiom "price oneself out of the market" is not precisely known, but it likely developed from business and economic contexts. This phrase is used to describe a scenario where someone or a business sets prices so high that they lose competitive advantage and fail to attract customers.

to [price] {oneself} out of the market

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The origin of the idiom "see the color of one's money" is rooted in the practice of currency exchange and business transactions, particularly in the context of trade and gambling. This phrase

What is the origin of the idiom "see the color of one's money" and when to use it?

to [see] the color of {one's} money

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Dive into English idioms regarding price and money, like "break the bank" and "red cent".

English Idioms for "Price & Money"