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bang for the buck

bang for the buck

7 4.4
A good value for the money you spend
  • idiom
  • /bæŋ fɔr ðə bʌk/
  • US
translation icon : buena relación calidad-precio
  • Yes, in general, we want to use resources efficiently to get the most bang for the buck.
  • get bang for the buck
  • biggest bang for the buck
  • most bang for the buck

They're basic, but a lot of bang for the buck, right.

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Examples

  • States that effectively evaluate business tax incentives get the most "bang for the buck."

    Blog text (9)
  • Which one gets you the best bang for the buck?

    Blog text (7)
  • The US system gives the least "bang for the buck" of any health insurance system in the world.

    Blog text (28)
  • I think you get the best bang for the buck in Sony.

    Blog text (22)
  • Individual lab-run grants usually produce much more bang for the buck.

    Blog text (21)
  • "I think a two-month processing period is optimal because it gives the most bang for the buck," he explains.

    Academic text (1996)
  • But the Nissan GT-R still remains the best bang for the buck when you consider the high-priced company.

    Blog text (29)
  • In terms of performance, this model offers the best bang for the buck in its class.

  • Many consumers are looking for products that provide a good bang for the buck without sacrificing quality.

  • Investing in energy-efficient appliances can lead to significant bang for the buck savings over time.

Synonyms

return on investment
vsbang for the buck
  • Specialized
15 3.5

How much money you gain from putting money into something, shown as a percent

is a general idea of value rather than a strict percentage measure
good value
vsbang for the buck
9 1.7

A product or service that is worth the money you pay because it works well

focuses on measurable benefit received for the money spent

Antonyms

1.0

To use or spend something carelessly and without good reason

How Economical

bang for the buck
  • US
7 4.4
economic value
  • Specialized
5 3.3

Surface Forms

Morphology

bang + for + the + buck

The phrase composes a metaphorical use of 'bang' (impact/effect) with 'for the buck' (per dollar), so a learner who knows the words could plausibly infer a sense like 'impact per money spent' → value. However, 'bang' here is slang/metaphorical and the idiomatic ordering 'bang for the buck' is conventional; the precise sense 'good value for money' may not be fully predictable to a B1 learner without exposure.

Etymology

The idiom bang for the buck may come from the image of a single buck, meaning a dollar, making a loud bang, so a small amount of money gives a big effect. That's why it means 'a good value for the money'.