for a song
Meaning
For a very low price; cheaply, often surprisingly so.
Origin
From the idea of paying only with a song—i.e., something of little monetary value—instead of real money. Popularized in English by the 1800s, also reinforced by phrases like “buy it for a song” in songs and literature.
Notes
Implies a bargain, often with a hint of surprise or luck. Informal/neutral tone; commonly used with buy/get/pick up for a song.
Examples
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I found this vintage record player at a flea market for a song.
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They bought the beachfront condo for a song during the downturn.
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You can get last season’s coats for a song if you shop the clearance rack.
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He picked up a barely used laptop for a song from a coworker who was moving abroad.
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The theater tickets went on sale and I snagged front-row seats for a song.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adverbial prepositional phrase: “buy/get/pick up [thing] for a song.” Can appear after the object or at the end. Article is fixed: “a song,” not typically “the song.”
Synonyms
- for next to nothing
- for peanuts
- for a steal
- dirt cheap
- for a pittance
Antonyms
- at a premium
- for an arm and a leg
- through the nose