at the expense of
Idioms-
Also, at one's expense.
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Paid for by someone, as in The hotel bill for the sales force is at the expense of the company . [Mid-1600s]
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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]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier in the year, after a dramatic conclusion to a thrilling tournament, France also retained their Six Nations title at the expense of Ireland.
From BBC • May 23, 2026
Harry Truman warned against making the Declaration an idol at the expense of its deeper meaning.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
It rests with the motivations and decisions of executives, investors and shareholders who continue to subscribe to a doctrine of short-term profits and revenue at the expense of our health and well-being.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
As Montag’s troublemaker boyfriend, Pratt quickly became a master at stirring up drama, frequently at the expense of Conrad, Montag’s friend and roommate.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
My cheeks burned and guilt coursed through me, the guilt of indulging myself at the expense of his ulcer, his black fingernails and aching wrists.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
