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."
inseparable
bargain on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To expect or plan for something as part of one's calculations.
In plain English
To expect something to happen and include it in your plans.
What does "bargain on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To base a bargain or plan on something — relatively transparent.
Actually means
To expect something to happen and include it in your plans.
Usage tip
Very similar to 'bargain for' in the expectation sense. Also commonly used in the negative or with 'hadn't'. Slightly more British than American.
Words that pair with "bargain on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
delay complication interference opposition outcome support
How to conjugate "bargain on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "bargain on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bargain on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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