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at a premium
at a premium
1. For an expensive price (typically because the item in question is hard to find). If you don't go Christmas shopping early, you'll only get the most popular toys at a premium later.
2. Difficult to obtain. Quiet moments are at a premium when there's a toddler in the house.
at a premium
at a high price; priced high because of something special. Sally bought the shoes at a premium because they were of very high quality. This new sports car sells at a premium because so many people want to buy it.
at a premium
1. not easy to get
During the negotiations, sleep was at a premium. Usage notes: usually said about something that is highly valued because it is hard to get
2. for a higher price It's possible to get a large apartment, but only at a premium.
at a premium
At a higher price than usual owing to scarcity; also, considered more valuable, held in high esteem. For example,
Since that article came out, the firm's stock has been selling at a premium and
Space is at a premium in most stores. This idiom uses
premium in the sense of "bounty" or "bonus." [Mid-1800s] Also see
put a premium on.
at a premium
More valuable than usual, as from scarcity: Fresh water was at a premium after the reservoir was contaminated.