At somebody’s expense

prepositional phrase

Causing inconvenience or disadvantage to someone, often in order to benefit others or oneself.

I don't want to enjoy my life at my family's expense. It's not fair to them.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense" - Causing inconvenience or disadvantage to someone, often in order to benefit others or oneself.

Often appears as...

  • at his expense
  • at my expense

Usage tips

General,Idiomatic

prepositional phrase

Treated as a subject of humor; to be made fun of.

Just because he's a little unconventional, doesn't mean he should always be the butt of jokes at his expense.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense" - Treated as a subject of humor; to be made fun of

Often appears as...

  • jokes at his expense
  • laughter at her expense

Usage tips

General,Idiomatic

prepositional phrase

Charged to someone, typically referring to a bill or cost.

The trip was made at the company's expense, as they covered all the costs.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense" - Charged to someone, typically referring to a bill or cost

Often appears as...

  • travel at company's expense
  • dinner at his expense
prepositional phrase

Causing inconvenience or disadvantage to someone, often in order to benefit others or oneself.

I don't want to enjoy my life at my family's expense. It's not fair to them.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense" - Causing inconvenience or disadvantage to someone, often in order to benefit others or oneself.

Often appears as...

  • at his expense
  • at my expense

Usage tips

General,Idiomatic

prepositional phrase

Treated as a subject of humor; to be made fun of.

Just because he's a little unconventional, doesn't mean he should always be the butt of jokes at his expense.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense" - Treated as a subject of humor; to be made fun of

Often appears as...

  • jokes at his expense
  • laughter at her expense

Usage tips

General,Idiomatic

prepositional phrase

Charged to someone, typically referring to a bill or cost.

The trip was made at the company's expense, as they covered all the costs.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense" - Charged to someone, typically referring to a bill or cost

Often appears as...

  • travel at company's expense
  • dinner at his expense
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "at somebody’s expense"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Impact

Used when someone's actions negatively affect someone else, often for personal gain.

Illustration for Negative Impact
He got the promotion at his colleague's expense.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Cost

Might imply emotional consequences like guilt or strained relationships.

Illustration for Emotional Cost
She achieved her goals, but at her friend's expense.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Sensitivity

Be aware this phrase can be sensitive; avoid suggesting selfish behavior.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
He won the argument, but it was at his partner's expense.
Visual representation of the word "At somebody’s expense"

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