the idiom "pay through the nose" is believed to be of Scandinavian origin. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone pays an excessive or exorbitant amount of money for a particular item or service.

What is the origin of the idiom "pay through the nose" and when to use it?

to [pay] through the nose for {sth}

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The idiom "out of pocket" has its origins in the early 18th century. The term "pocket" here refers to a place where money is kept or carried. This phrase is used to describe a financial situation where someone is short of money or has incurred expenses that are not reimbursed or covered by someone else.

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

{num} out of {one's} own pocket

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The origin of the phrase "at one's expense" is derived from the idea of bearing the cost or suffering the consequences of something. The word "expense" here refers to the price or burden associated with an action, often paid by an individual or entity. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is bearing the cost or effort of something instead of others.

What is the origin of the idiom "at one's expense" and when to use it?

at {one's} expense

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The origin of the idiom "foot the bill" is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the world of accounting and finance. In this context, "foot" means to add up or calculate the total. It is used to describe the action of paying for something, especially when the cost is significant or burdensome.

What is the origin of the idiom "foot the bill" and when to use it?

to [foot] the bill

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The origin of the phrase "on the hook" is uncertain, but it likely comes from fishing terminology. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is obligated or responsible for a debt, duty, or commitment.

What is the origin of the idiom "on the hook" and when to use it?

on the hook for {sth}

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The idiom "pay one's way" originated from the world of travel and transportation. It is used to describe the act of financially supporting oneself or covering one's expenses without relying on others for financial assistance.

What is the origin of the idiom "pay one's way" and when to use it?

to [pay] {one's} (own|) [way]

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The idiom "going rate" has its origins in economic and business contexts. It refers to the prevailing or current market price or standard rate for a particular product, service, or labor. It is used to describe the standard or average price or fee that is commonly accepted or charged for a specific item or service in a given market or industry.

What is the origin of the idiom "going rate" and when to use it?

going rate

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The Phrase "nothing down" is closely associated with the world of real estate and property transactions. It became popular during the mid-20th century in the United States, particularly during the housing boom of the 1950s and 1960s. This idiom is used to describe a financial arrangement in which no initial payment or down payment is required.

What is the origin of the idiom "nothing down" and when to use it?

nothing down

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The origin of the phrase "pick up the bill" is not precisely known, but it likely developed from the idea of someone physically picking up a restaurant bill or invoice after a meal or transaction. This idiom is used to describe the act of paying for something, especially the expenses or costs incurred by oneself or others.

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

to [pick] up the (bill|check|tab) for {sth}

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The phrase "go Dutch" is believed to have originated in the 17th century and is associated with the Dutch culture of fairness and equality. It became more prevalent during the 19th century as a way to promote a sense of egalitarianism in social settings. It is used when people want to split the cost of an activity or expense equally among all participants.

What is the origin of the idiom "go Dutch" and when to use it?

to [go] Dutch

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The idiom "go halves" is derived from the practice of dividing something equally between two parties, with each party contributing an equal share. It is used to suggest that two individuals will divide the cost, responsibility, or benefits of something equally, each contributing an equal share.

What is the origin of the idiom "go halves" and when to use it?

to [go] halves

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The idiom "buy a lemon" originates from the early 20th century, where "lemon" was a slang term used to describe a faulty or defective vehicle, especially a used car. This phrase is used to describe the act of purchasing something, especially a big-ticket item like a car, that turns out to be faulty, defective, or of poor quality, leading to disappointment and regret.

What is the origin of the idiom "buy a lemon" and when to use it?

to [buy] a lemon

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The idiom "window shopping" comes from looking at items displayed in store windows without intending to make a purchase. It refers to browsing stores or online shops for enjoyment or ideas without the intention of buying anything.

What is the origin of the idiom "window shopping" and when to use it?

window shopping

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The idiom "offer one's hen for sale on a rainy day" is likely derived from agricultural or rural settings where hens were valuable assets for providing eggs and sometimes meat. This phrase is used metaphorically to describe making a hasty or impulsive decision to sell something valuable or essential during a difficult or unfavorable time.

What is the origin of the idiom "offer one's hen for sale on a rainy day" and when to use it?

to [offer] {one's} [hen] for sale on a rainy day

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Discover how English idioms like "foot the bill" and "out of pocket" relate to paying and purchasing in English.

English Idioms for "Paying & Purchasing"