What Does โBargain sth awayโ Mean?
โBargain sth awayโ means to lose or give up something by negotiating or making a deal, often for less value than it is worth.
Introduction
The phrase โBargain sth awayโ is a useful phrasal verb in English that refers to the act of negotiating something away, usually resulting in losing or giving up an item, right, or advantage. When you bargain something away, you exchange it, often for a lower price or less benefit than expected. Understanding the Bargain sth away meaning helps you recognize when someone is making a deal that might not be in their best interest. It is commonly used in business, personal negotiations, or everyday conversations about trading or selling items. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly can improve your communication skills and help you describe situations involving negotiations clearly and naturally.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: bargain something away
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To lose or give up something by negotiating or making a deal.
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โBargain sth awayโ is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it always takes a direct object (something). It is separable, so the object can come between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- Pattern 1: bargain + object + away
Example: She bargained the car away for a low price. - Pattern 2: bargain + away + object
Example: He bargained away his rights without realizing it.
How to Use โBargain sth awayโ?
Use โbargain sth awayโ when talking about giving up or losing something through negotiation or trading. It usually implies that the outcome might not be favorable or that the value was reduced. It is often used in formal or informal contexts involving sales, contracts, or personal agreements.
For example, you can say:
- โDonโt bargain your future away for a quick profit.โ
- โThey bargained away important clauses in the contract.โ
Examples
- โShe bargained her old phone away to get a discount on a new one.โ
- โThe company bargained away its rights to the product design.โ
- โHe accidentally bargained away his chance to negotiate a better salary.โ
- โWe shouldnโt bargain away our principles just to make a deal.โ
- โThey bargained away essential features during the project negotiation.โ
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: He bargained away.
Correct: He bargained the car away. - Incorrect: They bargain away without object.
Correct: They bargained away their rights. - Incorrect: Bargain away the price.
Correct: Bargain the price away.
Differences / Synonyms
Bargain sth away is similar to sell something off or give something up, but it specifically involves negotiation. Unlike just selling, โbargain awayโ often suggests losing value or rights in the process.
Compare with:
- Give away: To give something for free, no negotiation involved.
- Sell off: To sell something quickly or at a low price, often without negotiation.
- Bargain for: To expect or prepare for something, not to lose something.
Common Collocations
- bargain rights away
- bargain property away
- bargain opportunities away
- bargain advantages away
- bargain possessions away
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bargain sth away:
Real-life Dialogue
John: Did you hear about the deal they made on the new office?
Mary: Yes, but I think they bargained away too much space to save money.
John: I agree. Sometimes bargaining away important things can backfire.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of โbargain awayโ:
- She __________ her old bike __________ to get some cash.
- The company __________ its patents __________ during the merger.
- Donโt __________ your rights __________ without thinking carefully.
FAQs
- What does โbargain sth awayโ mean?
It means to lose or give up something by negotiating or making a deal. - Is โbargain awayโ separable?
Yes, you can place the object between โbargainโ and โawayโ or after โaway.โ - Can โbargain awayโ be used in formal writing?
Yes, it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. - Is โbargain awayโ the same as โgive awayโ?
No, โgive awayโ means to give for free, while โbargain awayโ involves negotiation and often losing value. - What types of things can be bargained away?
Rights, property, opportunities, advantages, or possessions can be bargained away.
