What does “On the cheap” mean?
"On the cheap" means to do something at a low cost or with little expense.
What context can I use the in?
Example
We managed to travel on the cheap by staying in budget accommodations.
Example
They threw a great party on the cheap by making their own decorations.
Example
I found a way to eat healthy on the cheap by buying produce in bulk
Is “On the cheap” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“On the cheap” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “On the cheap” effectively in context?
You can use "On the cheap" to describe doing something at a low cost or with little expense. It implies finding ways to save money or be resourceful. For example, if someone asks you how you managed to travel on a limited budget, you could say, 'We managed to travel "on the cheap" by staying in budget accommodations.'
- 1Travel
They threw a great party on the cheap by making their own decorations.
- 2Party Planning
I found a way to eat healthy on the cheap by buying produce in bulk.
- 3Grocery Shopping
I found a way to eat healthy on the cheap by buying produce in bulk.
Similar phrases to “On the cheap”:
Budget-friendly
Affordable or inexpensive
Example
They found a budget-friendly hotel for their vacation.
Penny-pinching
Being extremely frugal or careful with money
Example
She's known for her penny-pinching ways.
Cut corners
To find ways to save money or reduce expenses
Example
They cut corners by using coupons and shopping during sales.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “On the cheap” come from?
The origin of the phrase "On the cheap" is unknown.
Is “On the cheap” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "On the cheap" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe finding affordable solutions or ways to save money.
What tone does “On the cheap” have?
"On the cheap" conveys a tone of resourcefulness and frugality. It suggests finding creative ways to achieve something without spending a lot of money.
Can “On the cheap” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "On the cheap" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a cost-effective approach. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They managed to throw a great party "on the cheap".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's do it "on the cheap"!' to suggest finding a low-cost solution.
