Definition

Adverb: In addition; over and above what is expected. Used to add an extra, often surprising or negative, piece of information to a statement.

Usage

This phrase is used to emphasize an additional fact, usually one that makes a situation more extreme, complete, or remarkable. It is placed at the end of a clause.

Examples

• The car was unreliable, and it used a lot of fuel into the bargain.
• She's a brilliant scientist and a talented musician into the bargain.
• He had to work late, and it started raining into the bargain.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a slight nuance of something being "thrown in" as an extra, whether good or bad. It can imply the final, completing element of a situation.
• It is more common in British English than American English, where "to boot" or simply "also" are more frequent.

Variants and Related Words

• In the bargain: A less common variant with identical meaning.
  • He was rude and unhelpful in the bargain.

Synonyms

• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Moreover
• As well
• To boot
• On top of that

Related Idioms

• To cap it all (off): Used to introduce the final and worst item in a list of bad things.
  • The train was late, it was overcrowded, and to cap it all, I left my bag on board.
• The last/final straw: The last in a series of unpleasant events which makes the situation unbearable.
  • His constant complaining was the final straw.

Adverb

1. in addition; over and above what is expected
   • He lost his wife in the bargain