1. Home
2. Idioms
3. discount

discount

---

---

at a discount

1. Below the usual commercial price or value. The prices are so much cheaper over there that I always feel like I'm getting things at a discount.

2. In low regard as to esteem, value, or worth; worthless or undesirable. The rebels were at first celebrated for defying the monarchy, but they are now at a discount since they began attacking civilian targets. Though he was a pioneer of the field, the views of Sigmund Freud are held at a discount by most modern psychologists.

See also: discount

five-finger discount

Sl. shoplifting. Sam used his five-finger discount to get the kind of ring Jane wanted. I got this necklace by five-finger discount.

See also: discount

at a discount

At a lower than usual price; also, held in low esteem. For example, I'm holding off on buying a computer until I can get one at a discount, or Liberals are at a discount in the present administration. The first usage, mainly found in business and commerce, dates from about 1700. The figurative usage is about a century newer.

See also: discount

five-finger discount

n. the acquisition of something by shoplifting. Mooshoo used his five-finger discount to get the kind of ring Britney wanted.

See also: discount