The Village Idiom

at the expense of

The idiom "at the expense of" means to achieve something by causing harm or disadvantage to someone or something else.

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In a sentence

  • He achieved great success in his career, but it was at the expense of his personal life.
  • The company focused on maximizing profits at the expense of employee satisfaction.
  • She became famous as a singer, but it was at the expense of her mental health.

Where it comes from and how it is used

"Hell to pay", "at pains", "at stake", and "at the mercy of" are idioms that are related to the idiom "at the expense of". These idioms all convey a sense of sacrifice, consequences, and imbalance in different contexts.

The idiom "hell to pay" is used to describe a situation where there will be serious consequences or punishment for one's actions. It implies that someone will have to face the consequences of their actions, even if it comes at a great cost or sacrifice. This idiom emphasizes the idea that actions have consequences, and sometimes those consequences can be severe.

The idiom "at pains" is used to express the idea of making a great effort or going to great lengths in order to achieve something. It suggests that someone is willing to endure hardships, sacrifice their own comfort, or put in extra effort to achieve a desired outcome. This idiom underscores the idea that some achievements require sacrifices or extra effort.

The idiom "at stake" is used to describe a situation where something valuable or important is at risk or in jeopardy. It highlights the potential consequences or negative outcomes that can occur if certain actions or decisions are made. This idiom emphasizes the idea that there is something significant or valuable that could be lost or negatively impacted.

The idiom "at the mercy of" is used to convey the idea of being completely dependent on or vulnerable to someone or something. It suggests that someone has no control or power over their situation and must rely on the goodwill or actions of others. This idiom emphasizes the idea that there is a power imbalance or vulnerability in a particular situation.

When considering the idiom "at the expense of" in relation to these other idioms, it becomes evident that they all involve some form of sacrifice, consequences, or imbalance. Whether it be facing severe punishment, enduring hardships to achieve something, risking something valuable, or being at the mercy of others, these idioms all highlight the potential costs or negative impacts associated with certain actions or decisions.

The use of these related idioms can help to further emphasize the concept of sacrifice and consequences that is inherent in the idiom "at the expense of". By incorporating these idioms into a discussion or analysis of a particular situation, the speaker or writer can convey a deeper understanding of the potential costs or negative impacts associated with certain actions or decisions.

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