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

He said Miller had secured the crane without a strap for 40 years and was "devastated by the damage he has caused to the Ableman family".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

He called on policymakers to seek “right policies and stronger global cooperation” to contain the damage.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

In a note to clients, Pavilion Global strategists wrote that the damage to QatarEnergy LNG, formerly Qatargas, the liquefied natural gas company, has taken about a third of global helium supply out of the market.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“What worries us is the damage to infrastructure,” said Stefano Scarpetta, the OECD’s newly-appointed chief economist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

It reminds him of the damage his bipolar has caused to our family.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover