Shopping is an integral part of daily life, filled with unique experiences and expressions. Idioms about shopping capture the essence of these experiences, adding color to our conversations. Here are 20 idioms that describe shopping, each with a brief meaning and an example sentence.
Idioms That Describe Shopping
1. Shop till you drop
Meaning: Shop until you’re exhausted.
Example: We shopped till we dropped on Black Friday.
2. Window shopping
Meaning: Looking at items without intending to buy.
Example: We enjoyed window shopping at the mall.
3. Retail therapy
Meaning: Shopping to improve mood or relieve stress.
Example: She indulged in retail therapy after a bad day.
4. Hit the shops
Meaning: Go shopping.
Example: Let’s hit the shops this afternoon.
5. Shop around
Meaning: Compare prices and quality before buying.
Example: I like to shop around before making a purchase.
6. Bargain hunting
Meaning: Looking for items at reduced prices.
Example: She loves bargain hunting at flea markets.
7. Spend a fortune
Meaning: Spend a lot of money.
Example: He spent a fortune on his new car.
8. Flea market
Meaning: A market selling second-hand goods.
Example: We found great deals at the flea market.
9. Shopping spree
Meaning: Buying many items in a short period.
Example: They went on a shopping spree after payday.
10. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: That designer dress costs an arm and a leg.
11. In the market for
Meaning: Looking to buy something.
Example: I’m in the market for a new laptop.
12. Big spender
Meaning: Someone who spends a lot of money.
Example: He’s known as a big spender at the casino.
13. Blow money
Meaning: Spend money carelessly.
Example: He blew all his money on gadgets.
14. Buyer’s remorse
Meaning: Regret after making a purchase.
Example: She had buyer’s remorse after buying the dress.
15. A steal
Meaning: A very good deal.
Example: This jacket for $20 is a steal.
16. Pricey
Meaning: Expensive.
Example: The new restaurant downtown is quite pricey.
17. Shopaholic
Meaning: Someone addicted to shopping.
Example: She’s a shopaholic who can’t resist sales.
18. Pay through the nose
Meaning: Pay a lot of money.
Example: We paid through the nose for concert tickets.
19. Clearance sale
Meaning: Sale to clear out stock.
Example: I bought a lot at the clearance sale.
20. Buy on credit
Meaning: Purchase something with a promise to pay later.
Example: He prefers to buy on credit and pay monthly.
