to the tune of

Idioms  

1. To the sum or extent of, as in They had profits to the tune of about $20 million. This idiom transfers tune, a succession of musical tones, to a succession of figures. [First half of 1700s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

to the tune of

Retirees will be asked to contribute to the tune of 5.5 billion euros, according to the plan.

From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026

Unified would benefit mightily from such funds — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, but that infusion would not solve the district’s financial problems or remedy the enrollment decline.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

Yes, because they have withstood the loss of huge names to a breakaway tour that has been financed to the tune of $5bn and that tour has now filed for bankruptcy protection.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026

He also posted another AI video showing him replacing a sign that said “Welcome to Lake Ontario” with one that says “Welcome to Lake America,” and then dancing to the tune of “Y.M.C.A.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

As we got settled to the tune of “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” I found myself sitting next to Declaration.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

Related Words

• bring in
• come to
• require
• sell for
• take
• yield