at a premium

Idioms  

1. At a higher price than usual owing to scarcity; also, considered more valuable, held in high esteem. For example, Since that article came out, the firm's stock has been selling at a premium and Space is at a premium in most stores. This idiom uses premium in the sense of “bounty” or “bonus.” [Mid-1800s] Also see put a premium on.

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Example Sentences

Restaurants tend to charge more for extra helpings of meat, and can price innovations, like Starbucks’s protein cold foam at around $2, at a premium.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bars and rings trade at a premium to the world price at gold and jewellery shops across the country, where bullion emblazoned with dragons is sold alongside ornate goldware inlaid with pearls and rubies.

From Barron's

More significantly, doubt is creeping in about how long America’s markets will remain exceptional—stocks that trade at a premium and bonds that stay buoyant despite no end in sight to government red ink.

From The Wall Street Journal

It expects a separate entity could trade at a premium to rival miners.

From The Wall Street Journal

A separately listed base-metals business would likely then trade at a premium to most other miners, given its prized assets and growth potential.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• costly
• extravagant
• fancy
• high
• lavish
• overpriced
• pricey
• upscale
• valuable