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bargain on

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To expect something to happen and include it in your plans.

Literal meaning: To base a bargain or plan on something — relatively transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To plan for or expect something to happen, especially something that then turns out to be different from what was anticipated.

"We hadn't bargained on the project taking three months longer than planned."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

To rely on or count on something as part of a plan or strategy.

"The team was bargaining on good weather for the outdoor shoot."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very similar to 'bargain for' in the expectation sense. Also commonly used in the negative or with 'hadn't'. Slightly more British than American.

Commonly used with

delay complication interference opposition outcome support

Forms

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

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