give away the store: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give away the store’ mean?
Give away the store: To reveal or give up too much, especially in a negotiation or a competitive situation.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to persuade someone to buy something they already have in abundance or do not need, often highlighting the salesperson's exceptional persuasive skills.
The idiom *let slip* means to accidentally reveal something that was supposed to be kept secret or to accidentally lose control of a situation. It can also mean to miss an opportunity or to fail to take advantage of something. The idiom is often used when someone unintentionally says or does something that they shouldn't have, leading to unforeseen consequences.
The idiom "let on" means to reveal or disclose something, often a secret or information that was previously unknown. It implies that the information was not openly known or shared, and someone has now chosen to make it known to others.
"Leave it all on the field" means to give maximum effort or perform one's best in a particular endeavor, usually a competitive one, without holding anything back.
The idiom *I'll tell you* is used to grab someone's attention or emphasize a point before providing information or sharing an opinion. It signals that the speaker has something important to say or wants to share insight.
The idiom "I have a bridge to sell you" means that someone is trying to deceive or trick you by offering something that is obviously false or of no value.
The idiom "horsetrading" refers to the practice of negotiating or bargaining in a shrewd or calculated manner, often involving give-and-take, compromise, and strategic maneuvering to achieve a desired outcome.
The idiom "horsetrade" means to bargain or negotiate, especially in a shrewd or calculating manner, in order to achieve a desired outcome. It is often used in the context of making deals or compromises, where both parties seek to gain an advantage.
The idiom "hold the cards" means to have the control or power in a situation.
Unveiling Profound Significance
The idiom "give away the store" is commonly used in American English. It means to give or reveal too much, especially in a negotiation or business deal, which leads to a disadvantageous outcome for oneself. This idea of being overly generous or careless can result in loss or missed opportunities.
The history and origins of this idiom are not definitively documented, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century, possibly in the United States. The metaphorical meaning behind the idiom relates to generosity, specifically excessive or ill-considered generosity. The term "store" represents a business establishment or merchandise, symbolizing valuable resources or opportunities. By giving away these assets too easily or unnecessarily, one metaphorically "loses" or relinquishes them.
This idiom serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be careful and strategic in negotiations or dealings, in order to avoid potential losses or disadvantageous outcomes. It highlights the importance of not revealing too much or being excessively generous without considering the consequences.
The idiom "give away the store" finds its application in various contexts, including business negotiations, political discussions, and personal relationships. It is often used to express criticism or disapproval towards those who are perceived as being overly openhanded or careless with valuable resources, advantages, or sensitive information.
One related idiom is "give the game away." This phrase means to unintentionally reveal a secret or disclose important information that was meant to be kept hidden. It can be seen as a variation of "give away the store" in the context of divulging information. Both idioms caution against being too open or careless and emphasize the negative consequences that can result from revealing too much.
Another related idiom is "sell ice to Eskimos." This expression refers to the act of convincing someone to buy something they do not need or already have in abundance. It implies an extraordinary persuasive ability or salesmanship. Although seemingly unrelated, this idiom shares the theme of being overly generous or wasteful in a business context. While "give away the store" focuses on giving too much, "sell ice to Eskimos" emphasizes the art of convincing someone to accept something unnecessary or redundant.
Lastly, "give back" is another related idiom that is often used to encourage acts of charity or philanthropy. It suggests returning or donating resources or advantages to those in need, rather than hoarding them or using them solely for personal gain. While it differs from "give away the store" in terms of intention and outcome, both idioms share a common theme of giving or offering something of value.
The idiom "give away the store" warns against being overly generous or careless in negotiations or business dealings. It advises us to be cautious and strategic, so as not to reveal too much or give away valuable resources unnecessarily. The related idioms "give the game away," "sell ice to Eskimos," and "give back" all touch upon variations of this concept, whether it be disclosing secrets, persuading others, or practicing charity. By understanding these idioms and their underlying messages, we can navigate various situations more effectively and avoid disadvantageous outcomes.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give away the store" can be used in a sentence:
- He wants to buy a car, but I think the salesman will try to give away the store and get him to pay more than he should.
- The company offered a huge discount on their products, almost like they were giving away the store.
- She was so excited about the garage sale that she practically gave away the store by offering very low prices on all of her items.
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