bargain down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive): 1. To negotiate with a seller to lower the price of an item; to persuade a seller to accept a lower price than originally asked.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the specific action of haggling or negotiating a price reduction. It implies a direct interaction between a buyer and a seller, where the buyer is the active party trying to reduce the cost. The object of the verb is typically the seller or the price itself.
Examples
- Direct object (the seller): "I managed to bargain the vendor down and saved twenty dollars on the rug."
- Direct object (the price): "She tried to bargain down the price of the car before agreeing to buy it."
- With an amount: "He bargained the dealer down by $100 on the antique chair."
Advanced Usage
- The phrasal verb can sometimes be used in a more figurative sense to mean negotiating any starting figure or demand downward, not strictly a monetary price.
- Example: "The union bargained the company's initial offer down to a more acceptable number."
Variants and Related Words
- Bargain (verb): To negotiate the terms of a transaction.
- Haggle (verb): To argue or negotiate, especially over a price. (A close synonym for 'bargain down').
- Negotiate down (verb phrase): A more formal synonym.
Synonyms
- Haggle
- Beat down (informal)
- Negotiate a lower price
- Chisel (informal)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Bargain for/on: To expect or anticipate something (often used in negative constructions).
- Example: "I got more work than I bargained for."
- Bargain over: To negotiate about the terms of something.
- Example: "They spent an hour bargaining over the details of the contract."
Related Idioms
- Drive a hard bargain: To negotiate in a very determined and effective way to get a favorable deal.
- Example: "Be careful when negotiating with her; she drives a hard bargain."
Verb
- persuade the seller to accept a lower price
- She beat the merchant down $100