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

Freshly installed plywood partially concealed some of the damage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The authorities have said they cannot yet comment on the number of casualties as they are still assessing the extent of the damage.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Yet there’s still a dearth of accurate information about the damage already done to the energy infrastructure of the Middle East, as well as what safety measures may take hold going forward, Gordon noted.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

This time around, Kagan and Sotomayor may have sought to mitigate the damage rather than take a loss on the chin.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

She pulls a tissue out of the box and leans into the mirror to repair the damage.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson