bargain away
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To give up something important when making a deal, often when you didn't need to.
Literal meaning: To negotiate (bargain) something away from yourself — relatively transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To surrender or lose something of value as part of a negotiation, often unwisely.
"The union accused management of bargaining away workers' pension rights in the latest agreement."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To give up a principle, right, or advantage in exchange for short-term gain.
"He bargained away his independence for a comfortable government position."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Almost always carries a negative connotation — the subject gave away something they should have kept. Common in political, legal, and business contexts.
Commonly used with
rights freedoms sovereignty advantages future principles
Forms
Base
bargain away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bargains away
he/she/it
Past simple
bargained away
yesterday
Past participle
bargained away
have + pp
-ing form
bargaining away
continuous
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