price is right

English

Etymology

Usage began in the second half of the 1900s.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Phrase

price is right

1. (idiomatic) The cost of a thing is reasonable and represents good value.

   The price is right for this used car.

   • 2024 May 1, Mel Holley, “Network News: Elizabeth line '345s' offer a lifeline for Derby Works”, in RAIL, number 1008, page 8:

     The Government has thrown a lifeline to Alstom's Derby Works, with an offer of an order for ten Class 345 nine-car electric multiple units (EMUs) for the Elizabeth line - but only if the 'price is right'.

Usage notes

• Sometimes used to describe something that is free, but is junk or unusable: "The car the Smiths gave me for Christmas is junky and dangerous; but the price is right."