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shop around

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shop around (for something)

to shop at different stores to find what you want at the best price. I've been shopping around for a new car, but they are all priced too high. You can find a bargain, but you'll have to shop around.

See also: around, shop

shop around

to compare the price and quality of similar items before buying one You should certainly shop around before buying a new computer.

See also: around, shop

shop around

1. Look for the best bargain, opportunity, or the like, as in This job offers only minimum wage so she decided to shop around for one with better pay . This expression alludes to looking in different stores in search of bargains or a particular item. [c. 1920]

2. Look for a buyer for, offer for sale to various parties, as in The company is now being actively shopped around. [Second half of 1900s]

See also: around, shop

shop around

v.

1. To go from store to store in search of merchandise or bargains: We shopped around for the best price before buying. Don't buy the first pair of shoes you see; shop around first.

2. To look for something better: I think the receptionist is shopping around for a new job.

3. To offer something, such as a large block of common stock, for sale to various parties: They shopped the deal around for a couple of months but couldn't find a buyer.

See also: around, shop