Know/learn/find something to your cost

phrase

To experience the negative consequences or disadvantages of a situation, action, or decision.

You'll learn the importance of saving money to your cost if you spend recklessly now.

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

The phrase implies you'll discover a truth through a bad experience.

He didn't take the warnings seriously and found the risks to his cost.

Pro Tip 2/3

It must be something personally experienced, not witnessed or heard.

She skipped studying and learned the material's difficulty to her cost.

Pro Tip 3/3

The phrase often carries emotional weight, hinting at regret or a tough lesson.

They cut corners on the construction and knew their mistake to their cost.

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