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bargain for

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To be ready for something to happen; to try to get a good deal.

Literal meaning: To negotiate (bargain) in exchange for something — transparent in the negotiation sense.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To expect or be prepared for something, especially in a situation that turns out to be more difficult than anticipated.

"Moving abroad was more than she had bargained for — the language barrier was exhausting."

"I got more than I bargained for."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To negotiate or haggle in order to obtain something at a desired price or on desired terms.

"Traders in the market were bargaining for lower prices on the spices."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'expect' sense is most common and often appears in the phrase 'more than I bargained for', indicating something turned out more difficult or extreme than expected. The literal 'negotiate' sense is also standard.

Commonly used with

trouble difficulty outcome result price terms

Forms

Base
bargain for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bargains for
he/she/it
Past simple
bargained for
yesterday
Past participle
bargained for
have + pp
-ing form
bargaining for
continuous

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