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3. bargain for

bargain for

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bargain for

To prepare for or expect something. This report has been more than I bargained for—I've been working on it for hours. They bargained for an easy flight but faced a lot of turbulence instead.

See also: bargain

bargain for something

 and bargain on something

to plan for something; to expect something. We knew the project would be difficult, but we didn't bargain for this kind of trouble. I bargained on an easier time of it than this.

See also: bargain

bargain for

1. Also, bargain over. Negotiate about something, usually a price. For example, In open-air markets it is standard practice to bargain for the best price. [Late 1300s]

2. Also, bargain on. Expect, be prepared for, as in In planning the picnic, we hadn't bargained for bad weather, or I hadn't bargained on John's coming along. [c. 1800] For a synonym, see count on.

See also: bargain

bargain for

v.

1. To negotiate with someone about obtaining something: I had to bargain for the car with the sales person, who finally lowered the price by $250.

2. To expect or be prepared for something: She got more than she had bargained for when the little puppy she bought grew into a very big dog with a large appetite.

See also: bargain