at the expense of

Also, at one's expense.

1

Paid for by someone, as in The hotel bill for the sales force is at the expense of the company. [Mid-1600s]

2

To the detriment or injury of a person or thing, as in We can't speed up production at the expense of quality, or The laughter was all at Tom's expense. [Late 1600s]

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disgruntle
to deprive of ability, qualification, or strength
to put into a state of sulky dissatisfaction
to make repayment or return for (service, benefits, etc.)
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Words nearby at the expense of

at that rate, at that stage, at the crossroads, at the drop of a hat, at the end of one's rope, at the expense of, at the hand of, at the helm, at the last minute, at the latest, at the least
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.