the damage

Idioms  

1. The cost or price of something, as in So what's the damage for this outfit? This seemingly modern slangy phrase, with damage alluding to the harm done to one's pocketbook, was first recorded in 1755.

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Example Sentences

Strong quarterly reports limit the damage as S&P pulls back from record.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

That tends to occur after most of the damage has been done.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Many of the hundreds of missing trees probably would have recovered from the damage they suffered in the fires, experts say.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

It also raises the question of how much food maxxing is necessary in the future to undo the damage of previous maxxing trends.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Insurance more than covered the damage, so she wound up with a fixed car and new speakers.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson