Bargains and value · Money and prices
false economy
cheap but costly
A false economy is something cheap that costs more in the long run.
This vs that
The cheap printer was a false economy.
The discounted printer was a great deal.
Hear it in real life
Why don't we take the budget flight?
We could, but paying for all the extras might make it a false economy.
Buying the cheapest printer turned out to be a false economy because the ink cost so much.
Which sounds natural?
Psst — which one would you actually say?
This fixed phrase neatly describes a saving that backfires.
The mistake everyone makes
Not: Buying the cheapest one was a false economic.
Say: Buying the cheapest one was a false economy.
'Economy' is the noun in this fixed phrase.
Say it together
Whole chunks natives use with it.
be a false economy
Buying the cheapest paint can be a false economy.
Skipping the inspection proved to be a false economy.
Phrases to borrow
More for talking about bargains and value.
get more for your money
You get more for your money if you buy the larger pack.
good value for money
This hotel is good value for money, especially in winter.
Bargains and value words
Money and prices · Bargains and value: the words around “false economy”.
More connectionsMore bargains and value words2
More bargains and value words
Your turn: say it out loud
It was a false economy.
Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.
false economy
cheap but costly
“Buying the cheapest printer turned out to be a false economy because the ink cost so much.”
heytardy