What’s the damage?

phrase

Asking how much something costs or what the price is.

Tom spilled coffee on my laptop, I took it for repair and asked the technician 'what's the damage?'

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrase

After the storm, the mayor surveyed the city and asked 'what's the damage?'

phrase

Tom spilled coffee on my laptop, I took it for repair and asked the technician 'what's the damage?'

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrase

After the storm, the mayor surveyed the city and asked 'what's the damage?'

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Used informally, when asking about cost in a relaxed or humorous way.

After eating at the new restaurant, I chuckled and asked my friend, 'what’s the damage?'

Pro Tip 2/3

Figurative speech, not about actual physical damage, but related to financial cost.

She admired her new haircut and asked the stylist, 'what’s the damage?'

Pro Tip 3/3

Often used to lighten the mood when anticipating a high cost or bill.

Seeing the mechanic's face, he joked, 'So, what’s the damage this time?'

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