Bang for the buck

Meaning

The idiom "bang for the buck" refers to getting a lot of value or benefit for a relatively low cost or price. It suggests that the product or service being purchased is worth the money spent on it. The idiom can also be used to describe a situation where a lot of effort, time, or resources are put into achieving something with little or no return.

Usage

• "The new smartphone was great value for money, offering a range of features that made it worth the investment."
• "I tried several different brands of coffee before finding one that delivered a great bang for the buck."
• "Despite the long hours spent on the project, the team was disappointed with the results and felt they hadn't gotten their bang for the buck."
• "The vacation to Hawaii was an amazing experience, and we got so much value for the money we spent on it."
• "After comparing prices, I found that buying a used car would give me more bang for my buck than purchasing a new one."

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "bang for the buck" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the 20th century. The earliest known use of the idiom can be traced back to the 1940s, where it was used in advertising and marketing campaigns. It became more popular in everyday language during the 1960s and 70s, with its usage increasing alongside inflation rates and the desire for value-for-money products.

Synonyms in English

• Best bang for the buck
• Great value
• Good worth
• Worthwhile investment
• Reasonable price

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Mejor valor por el precio
• French: Le meilleur prix/le meilleur rapport qualité prix
• German: Maximum Gewinn beim Minimum aufwand
• Italian: Il meglio valore per il prezzo
• Dutch: De grootste waarde voor het prijjsgelid

Similar Idioms

• blazing row

• below the belt

• blind alley