bang for your buck

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

Why this phrase?

From 1960s advertising copy: the blast you get per dollar spent.

Example

“Hiring a senior engineer gives more bang for your buck than two juniors.”

Dictionary details

Component words

bang buck

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

pass the buck Neutral · CEFR B2

avoid accountability by shifting responsibility or blame to another person

a rip-off Informal · CEFR B1

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

cost an arm and a leg Informal · CEFR B1

To be extremely expensive.

kill two birds with one stone Neutral · CEFR B1

To accomplish two tasks with a single effort or action.

live it up Informal · CEFR B1

to celebrate or indulge freely, usually by spending more than usual

make ends meet Neutral · CEFR B1

To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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