and change: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘and change’ mean?
The idiom "and change" refers to a small amount or additional part added to a given number or sum. It implies the idea of increasing an already significant quantity or value by a relatively insignificant amount.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "in no small part" indicates that something or someone contributes significantly to a particular outcome or situation, usually emphasizing the size or importance of their contribution.
The idiom "in no small measure" means to a great extent or to a significant degree. It emphasizes the idea that something has a substantial or considerable impact or influence.
The idiom "in addition" means to include or introduce something extra or supplementary to what is already present or available.
The idiom "great deal" means a large amount or quantity of something. It is used to indicate that there is a significant or considerable extent or degree of something.
The idiom "good and" is used as an intensifier to indicate something is very much or completely in a certain state or condition.
The idiom "get changed" means to change one's clothes or appearance, typically in order to look more presentable or appropriate for a specific situation or event.
The idiom "for a change" is used to express a desire or need for something different, in order to break routine or try something new.
The idiom "drop in the sea" means a very small or insignificant amount in comparison to a larger whole.
Linguistic Mysteries Unveiled
The idiom "and change" is used to describe a small additional amount or value that is added to something that has already been mentioned or estimated. It is commonly used in a financial context to indicate an extra amount of money or currency. The phrase is believed to have originated from the expression "and change," which was used to indicate a small additional amount of coins given back as change after a transaction.
The idiom "and change" is often used when an exact amount is not specified, but there is an understanding that the additional value is relatively small. It serves to emphasize that the extra amount is insignificant or inconsequential compared to the main quantity being discussed.
One example of the usage of this idiom is found in the sentence, "The project cost $10,000 and change." In this context, "and change" conveys that the actual cost of the project is slightly higher than the specific amount stated, but the exact additional value is not significant enough to be explicitly mentioned.
The idiom "and change" can also be used metaphorically to refer to something that surpasses expectations or usual circumstances. For example, consider the sentence, "His performance was outstanding; he gave us $100 worth of work and change." Here, "and change" expresses that the person's performance exceeded the anticipated value or quality. It implies that the individual went above and beyond what was expected.
Another related idiom is "chump-change" or "chump change," which conveys a similar meaning. It is often used to describe a small or insignificant amount of money. The phrase "chump-change" implies that the amount is so small that it is not worth considering or worrying about. It is commonly used in informal conversations and informal writing to denote a trivial sum of money.
In the sentence, "I spent all day working on this project for just chump change," the idiom "chump-change" is used to emphasize that the amount of money earned from the project was minimal and not worth the effort or time invested.
Another related idiom is "a little of something goes a long way." This idiom is used to convey that even a small amount of something can have a significant impact or yield substantial results. It suggests that the quantity, although small, is sufficient to achieve the desired outcome or effect.
The phrase "a little of something goes a long way" can be applied in various contexts, not just financial ones. For example, in the sentence, "A little kindness goes a long way in building strong relationships," the idiom is used to emphasize the importance of small acts of kindness in fostering meaningful connections with others.
The idiom "and change" is a versatile expression that signifies a small additional amount or value beyond what is expressly mentioned or expected. It is commonly used in financial contexts and metaphorically to denote something that surpasses typical standards or predictions. The phrase has its origins in transactions involving the exchange of coins as small additional amounts of money. Additionally, the related idioms "chump-change" and "a little of something goes a long way" convey similar meanings, highlighting small amounts of money and the significant impact that even a small quantity can have, respectively.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *and change* can be used in a sentence:
- He ran the mile in 4 minutes and change.
- The concert tickets cost $50 and change.
- I've been working on this project for a year and change.
An analysis of the idiom *and change*:
The idiom *and change* is often used to indicate a small additional amount of something. It is typically used after stating a specific quantity, such as a time duration or a monetary value, to imply that a little more than that amount is being referred to. In the first example, "4 minutes and change" implies that the actual running time was slightly more than 4 minutes. In the second example, "$50 and change" suggests that the cost of the tickets was slightly higher than $50. Similarly, in the third example, "a year and change" implies that the project has been ongoing for slightly longer than a year.
More "Finance" idioms
