Cost somebody dear

usgb
phrase

To cause someone a lot of trouble, loss, or harm.

His careless mistakes cost him dear in the final exam.
Visual representation of "cost somebody dear" - To cause someone a lot of trouble, loss, or harm.

Often appears as...

  • mistake cost him dear
  • decision cost her dear

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "cost somebody dear"
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Emotional Weight

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the loss or harm someone has experienced.

Illustration for Emotional Weight
His trust in the wrong partner cost him dear, leaving him heartbroken.
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Negative Outcome

Used to highlight a negative consequence, often avoidable, resulting from an action.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Choosing to cheat on the test cost her dear when she was expelled.
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Severe Consequences

Implies that the consequences faced are particularly severe and significant.

Illustration for Severe Consequences
His habitual lateness eventually cost him dear, losing him his job.
Visual representation of the word "Cost somebody dear"

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