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cheap out

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To spend less money than you should, ending up with something worse than people expected.

Literal meaning: To opt out of spending properly — to exit the expected standard by going cheap.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To choose the cheapest available option when spending less is seen as inappropriate, stingy, or disappointing.

"Don't cheap out on the birthday cake — it's her thirtieth!"

2 B2 idiomatic informal

To reduce quality or investment in something to save money, resulting in an inferior product or experience.

"The developers clearly cheaped out on the game's graphics engine."

Usage notes

Primarily American English but spreading globally. Usually carries a negative connotation — the person has made a choice that disappoints others or compromises quality for the sake of saving money. Often followed by 'on' ('cheap out on something').

Commonly used with

gift materials ingredients equipment wedding meal

Forms

Base
cheap out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cheaps out
he/she/it
Past simple
cheaped out
yesterday
Past participle
cheaped out
have + pp
-ing form
cheaping out
continuous

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Synonyms

skimp cut corners go cheap scrimp cheapen out penny-pinch

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