Phrase guide

cost dear

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be expensive.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Those extra nights tacked onto his hotel stay will cost him dear.
  • It will cost him dear to tack additional nights onto his hotel stay.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: cost an arm and a leg, cost a pretty penny

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To cause a lot of pain or suffering.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly

Examples

  • His intransigence will cost him dear in the end.
  • It will cost him dear to be so intransigent for so long.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: käydä kalliiksi (jollekulle) — Translations
  • French: coûter cher — Translations
  • Polish: drogo kosztować — Translations