Welcome to our fun guide on idioms! Today, we’ll explore phrases related to shopping that make conversations colorful. Even if you’re just starting to learn idioms, this easy list will help you understand and use them like a pro.
Shopping Idioms
Here are 20 shopping idioms in English with meaning and example sentences for each.
Shop around
Meaning: Compare prices
Example: I like to shop around before making a purchase.
Bargain hunter
Meaning: One who looks for great deals
Example: She’s a real bargain hunter at the sales.
On the house
Meaning: Offered for free
Example: The dessert was on the house tonight.
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive
Example: That watch cost an arm and a leg.
Shop till you drop
Meaning: Shop for a long time
Example: We’re going to shop till we drop this weekend.
Window shopping
Meaning: Looking without buying
Example: We went window shopping at the mall.
Pay through the nose
Meaning: Pay too much
Example: He paid through the nose for those tickets.
In the bag
Meaning: Almost secured, certain
Example: The deal is practically in the bag.
Sold out
Meaning: No more items available
Example: The concert tickets were sold out.
Two for one
Meaning: Buy one, get one free
Example: They have a two for one deal on shirts.
Penny pincher
Meaning: Someone very frugal
Example: My uncle is quite the penny pincher.
Cash cow
Meaning: A consistent source of income
Example: That product is a real cash cow for the company.
Cut-price
Meaning: Reduced in price
Example: They bought a cut-price sofa.
Dollar for dollar
Meaning: Equal value exchange
Example: We match all donations dollar for dollar.
Break the bank
Meaning: Cost a lot of money
Example: This vacation might break the bank.
Steal a deal
Meaning: Get a very good price
Example: He stole a deal on that new bike.
Cheap as chips
Meaning: Very cheap
Example: These bananas were cheap as chips.
Shopping spree
Meaning: A period of excessive shopping
Example: She went on a shopping spree with her birthday money.
Fork over
Meaning: Pay (reluctantly)
Example: He had to fork over a lot for the repairs.
Tighten your belt
Meaning: Spend less money
Example: We need to tighten our belts this month.
