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

The U.S. sued the three companies in September 2023 seeking damages “to recover Forest Service costs for fighting the fire and the damage it caused to federal land.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

BBC Verify has used satellite imagery from other international providers combined with older images from Planet to track the damage caused by Iranian attacks.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

A claims professional hired by the couple put the damage at more than $527,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

Dozens of people gathered to take photos and videos of the damage done to the last floor of the apartment block hit, where a balcony's exterior looked partially collapsed.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

He goes out often to survey the damage, standing with people who’ve lost their homes, crying with them.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin