Cheap at half the price

Definitions

• ironic statement
  To express that something is actually expensive, despite its low cost or appearance of a good deal

INTENTION: poor quality USE: To suggest that something is of low value or quality, and therefore not worth the initial cost or effort

Examples of Cheap at half the price

Conclusion

The idiom "cheap at half the price" is typically used in an ironic manner, often to mock or criticize something that is actually expensive or of poor quality. It is a sarcastic way of saying that the item in question is not worth even half of what it is being sold for.

In the first meaning, the intention is to discourage someone from making a purchase that seems like a good deal, but is actually a waste of money. This could be used in situations where a person is trying to sell something at a discounted price, but the buyer realizes that it is not worth the cost.

In the second meaning, the intention is to express disappointment or dissatisfaction with the quality of an item. It is a way of saying that even if the item was sold at half the price, it would still not be worth it due to its low quality.

Origin of "Cheap at half the price"

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. It is possible that it was first used in markets or shops, where vendors would try to sell items at a seemingly low price, only for the buyers to realize later that the item was not worth the cost.

The use of the word "cheap" in this idiom is also interesting to note. It can be interpreted as both "inexpensive" and "of low quality," which adds to the irony of the phrase. It is likely that the idiom evolved over time and became a common saying in everyday language.