get your money’s worth
Meaning
To receive good value for the money you spent; to make sure a purchase/experience is worth its cost.
Origin
From the literal idea of receiving goods/services equal to the amount paid. Recorded in English since at least the early 1900s, and extended naturally to experiences (e.g., “get your money’s worth out of a trip”).
Notes
Often implies making full use of something to justify the cost (staying longer, using it more). Neutral to slightly casual; can sound a bit calculating depending on context.
Examples
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If you’re paying for the buffet, make sure you get your money’s worth.
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We rented bikes for the day and rode everywhere so we could get our money’s worth.
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The hotel was expensive, but the free breakfast and spa access helped us get our money’s worth.
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I wasn’t sure about the course at first, but I ended up learning a ton and really got my money’s worth.
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Bring a jacket and stay for the whole concert—you’ll get your money’s worth.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed core: “get your money’s worth.” Often followed by “out of” + noun (“get your money’s worth out of the pass”). Can vary possessive/pronoun (“get my/our money’s worth”).
Synonyms
- get value for money
- get what you paid for
- make the most of it
Antonyms
- waste your money
- get ripped off