On the cheap
adjective
To do something with little money or by spending less than necessary.
We had to renovate the house on the cheap because of our limited budget.
Often appears as...
- buying on the cheap
- travelling on the cheap
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adverb
In a way that costs little money or less than expected.
She managed to furnish her entire apartment on the cheap by shopping at thrift stores.
Often appears as...
- eat on the cheap
- travel on the cheap
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adjective
To do something with little money or by spending less than necessary.
We had to renovate the house on the cheap because of our limited budget.
Often appears as...
- buying on the cheap
- travelling on the cheap
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adverb
In a way that costs little money or less than expected.
She managed to furnish her entire apartment on the cheap by shopping at thrift stores.
Often appears as...
- eat on the cheap
- travel on the cheap
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Not Luxury
It suggests using the least expensive options, not high-end or luxurious ones.
We opted to decorate our office on the cheap, keeping things simple.
Pro Tip 2/3Budget-Friendly
Indicates being budget-conscious and finding cost-effective alternatives.
They planned their wedding on the cheap but it was still beautiful.
Pro Tip 3/3Resourceful Spending
Shows resourcefulness in spending to stretch funds further.
Buying second-hand books allows me to study on the cheap.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Luxury
It suggests using the least expensive options, not high-end or luxurious ones.
We opted to decorate our office on the cheap, keeping things simple.
Pro Tip 2/3Budget-Friendly
Indicates being budget-conscious and finding cost-effective alternatives.
They planned their wedding on the cheap but it was still beautiful.
Pro Tip 3/3Resourceful Spending
Shows resourcefulness in spending to stretch funds further.
Buying second-hand books allows me to study on the cheap.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Luxury
It suggests using the least expensive options, not high-end or luxurious ones.
We opted to decorate our office on the cheap, keeping things simple.
Pro Tip 2/3Budget-Friendly
Indicates being budget-conscious and finding cost-effective alternatives.
They planned their wedding on the cheap but it was still beautiful.
Pro Tip 3/3Resourceful Spending
Shows resourcefulness in spending to stretch funds further.
Buying second-hand books allows me to study on the cheap.
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