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A dime a dozen
When something is described as a dime a dozen, it means that it is very common and easy to find.The idiom suggests that the item has little special value because there are so many of them. It is often used to explain why something is not considered rare or important.
Cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen.
A penny for your thoughts
The idiom a penny for your thoughts is a way to ask people what they are thinking about. You'd ask this if someone has been sitting looking quiet, or like they are daydreaming.This dates back to the 1500s, when a penny was worth a lot more than it is now.
You've been staring out the window for half an hour now. A penny for your thoughts?
At face value
The idiom at face value means accepting something as it appears, without looking deeper. It can be a warning to think more carefully. This phrase originated from the financial markets, where the face value of something monetary is the value printed on that item. For example, a one hundred dollar bill has a face value of one hundred dollars.Don't take his promise at face value.
Bring home the bacon
The phrase bring home the bacon means to earn money for your family. It can also mean achieving success.This idiom dates back to when bacon and other goods were used as payment for work.
She works hard to bring home the bacon.
Cost an arm and a leg
The idiom cost an arm and a leg means something is very expensive. Your arms and legs are very valuable - you need them to do things! The phrase also means to exaggerate the price of something.The concert tickets cost an arm and a leg.
Don't throw good money after bad
Don't throw good money after bad is an idiom that is used to tell you not to waste more resources like time or money in a project or investment that is failing, just because you have already invested a lot.You would use this idiom to give advice to someone to stop what they are doing.
Nobody is going to buy that product, you need to stop development on it. Don't keep throwing good money after bad.
Drive a hard bargain
To drive a hard bargain means to negotiate firmly and refuse to accept less than the best possible terms.The phrase appeared in English trade and market language. Bargaining described the back and forth process of agreeing on a price.
The shop owner drives a hard bargain when buying antiques.
Easy come, easy go
Easy come easy go means that things gained without much effort are often lost just as easily. It is often used when talking about money or possessions that do not stay long.The saying has been used in English since the 1500s. The idea is that things which arrive easily are often not valued or protected carefully.
He spent the lottery winnings quickly, saying easy come easy go.
Feather your nest
To feather your nest means to use a position of power or opportunity to gain money or advantages for yourself, often in an unfair or dishonest way.The expression comes from the way birds line their nests with feathers and soft materials to make them comfortable. The phrase compares this to someone quietly making their own situation more comfortable.
The official was accused of feathering his nest with public funds.
Make a deal with the devil
To make a deal with the devil means to accept help or an offer from someone bad or dangerous in order to get something you want. It suggests that the benefit comes with a serious cost or moral problem.The phrase comes from old stories where a person trades their soul to the devil for power, wealth, or success. People use it when someone chooses a risky or unethical option because it seems useful at the time.
Signing that contract felt like I was about to make a deal with the devil.