at the expense of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at the expense of’ mean?
The idiom "at the expense of" means to achieve something by causing harm or disadvantage to someone or something else.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in vain" means to do something without achieving the desired outcome or result. It emphasizes the futility or lack of success in one's efforts.
The idiom "hurt someone's feelings" means to cause emotional pain or upset to someone by saying or doing something that offends or upsets them.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "hell mend someone" means that someone will have to suffer the consequences or outcomes of their actions, usually in a negative way.
The idiom "hard done by" refers to feeling unfairly treated or disadvantaged in a situation. It implies a sense of experiencing hardship or being poorly treated in comparison to others.
The idiom "hard done by" is a commonly used expression in English to describe someone who has been treated unfairly or has experienced hardship or adversity. It originated in the UK or possibly Australia in the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the idiom, however, remains uncertain.
The idiom "go out of one's way" means to make an extra effort or to do something that is not required or expected, often to help someone else or to achieve a specific goal.
The idiom "get back at" means to seek revenge or retaliate against someone for something they have done to you.
The idiom "fall victim" means to become a target or suffer the negative consequences of a particular situation or action.
The idiom "fall foul" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences.
Fall foul is an idiom that has been in use for over 400 years. Its literal meaning can be traced back to the game of falconry, where a hawk or falcon would become entangled in a bush or thicket while chasing prey, known as "falling foul" of the vegetation.
The idiom "down the drain" means that something has been wasted or lost, often due to a mistake or failure.
Unveiling Hidden Expenses
"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.
Overall, these related idioms serve to enrich the understanding and usage of the idiom "at the expense of". They provide additional context, depth, and nuance to the concept of sacrifice, consequences, and imbalance that is inherent in this idiom. By incorporating these idioms into one's language and communication, one can enhance their ability to convey the complexities and nuances of human interactions and decision-making.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "at the expense of" can be used 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.
More "Preposition" idioms
