cheap thrill
5
4.1
- noun
- Informal
:
diversión barata
- If you're looking for a cheap thrill, why don't you go to the dog races?
- just a cheap thrill
- looking for a cheap thrill
- quick and cheap thrills
Examples
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Now, that said, I find the cheap thrills promoted by this and other rags of its nature pretty lame at best and dangerous at worst.
Blog text (15) -
Free and cheap thrills around town, restaurants, entertainment, local stores, and the occasional online deal.
Blog text (14) -
Never miss a cheap thrill
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Good for a cheap thrill.
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It's just a cheap thrill.
Fiction book (2001) -
Okay, it was a cheap thrill; it was stupid, I admit it, alright?
Fiction book (1993) -
It was a cheap thrill.
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They want a cheap thrill.
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You're glad the kid is happy, but you know they could have gotten that same cheap thrill from any other box.
Blog text (1) -
The amusement park offers a variety of rides that provide cheap thrills for tourists.
Synonyms
Fun TV shows or books that do not need much thought
How Thrilling
1
4.1
- Informal
5
4.1
14
5.2
59
2.0
9
2.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently built from 'cheap' (low cost/effort) + 'thrill' (a sudden excitement), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer an experience that gives quick excitement for little cost. This compositional pattern is straightforward and has cross-linguistic parallels, making the expression immediately comprehensible without prior exposure.
Etymology
Cheap thrill links cheap ('low cost') and thrill ('a quick feeling of excitement'). Think of a small candy or a short, cheap ride that makes you happy for a moment, so the phrase means 'an experience that gives quick excitement for little cost or effort'.