The Village Idiom

price of eggs

The idiom "price of eggs" refers to an insignificant or unimportant matter that is not worth worrying about or discussing in great detail.

Food & drink · Filed under P

In a sentence

  • The price of eggs has skyrocketed, making breakfast a luxury for many families.
  • She complained about the price of eggs at the grocery store, stating they were more expensive than ever before.
  • Considering the price of eggs, I decided to skip making an omelette and opted for a cheaper breakfast option.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "price of eggs" is used to emphasize the insignificance or unimportance of something. It is often used in a dismissive or sarcastic manner to downplay the value or relevance of a particular thing or situation. The idiom is primarily used in informal contexts and is not commonly used in formal or professional settings.

The idiom "price of tea in China" is a related expression that is often used interchangeably with "price of eggs" to convey the same connotation of insignificance or unimportance. This idiom compares the subject matter to the price of tea in China, which is seen as something trivial and irrelevant to most people.

The idiom "not worth a dime" is another related expression that is used to convey the idea that something has little or no value. It emphasizes the insignificance or worthlessness of something, similar to the way the idiom "price of eggs" is used.

The idiom "not much of anything" can also be used in a similar context to convey the same idea of insignificance or unimportance. It suggests that something has little or no importance or value, just like the idiom "price of eggs."

The idiom "no biggie" is another related expression that is often used to downplay the significance or importance of something. It suggests that something is not a big deal or not worth much attention or concern, similar to the way the idiom "price of eggs" is used.

Despite the limited information on its origins, the idiom "price of eggs" is widely understood and used in contemporary American English. It has become a part of everyday language and is used to convey a sense of triviality or unimportance. The idiom is versatile and can be applied to various situations and topics, allowing individuals to express their disregard or indifference towards certain matters.

The metaphorical meaning of the idiom stems from the idea that the price of eggs is generally low and unremarkable, thus making it an ideal representation of something of little value or significance. By comparing the subject matter to the "price of eggs," individuals convey their belief that it is not worth much consideration or attention.

The idiom "price of tea in China" can also be used in a similar way to convey the same idea of insignificance or unimportance. It is often used to downplay the value or relevance of a particular thing or situation, just like the idiom "price of eggs."

Likewise, the idiom "not much of anything" can also be used to convey the same idea of insignificance or unimportance as the idiom "price of eggs." It suggests that something has little or no importance or value, just like the idiom "price of eggs."

While the idiom "price of eggs" may seem straightforward, its usage and interpretation can vary depending on the context and the individuals involved in the conversation. The idiom's flexibility allows it to be adapted to different situations, making it a useful tool for expressing dismissiveness or downplaying the importance of certain matters.

The idiom "price of eggs" is a commonly used expression in American English to convey the insignificance or unimportance of a particular thing or situation. Its origins are unclear, but it has become a part of everyday language. This idiom serves as a versatile tool for expressing disinterest or trivializing the value of certain matters. Despite its simplicity, the idiom carries meaning and allows individuals to convey their attitude towards a subject.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.