What’s the damage?

usgb
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?'
Visual representation of "what’s the damage?" - Asking how much something costs or what the price is.

Often appears as...

  • find out the damage
  • pay the damage

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "what’s the damage?"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Inquiry

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

Illustration for Casual Inquiry
After eating at the new restaurant, I chuckled and asked my friend, 'what’s the damage?'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

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

Illustration for Not Literal
She admired her new haircut and asked the stylist, 'what’s the damage?'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Light-hearted Tone

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

Illustration for Light-hearted Tone
Seeing the mechanic's face, he joked, 'So, what’s the damage this time?'
Visual representation of the word "What’s the damage?"

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