“Driving a Hard Bargain”
To exact as much as possible from a transaction. ‘Drive’ in this expression is in the sense of vigorously carrying through something. It was so used as long ago as the sixteenth century, when Sir Philip Sidney wrote, “There never was a better bargain driven” (My True Love Hath My Heart, 1583). ‘Hard,’ in the sense of “unyielding,” is coupled with ‘bargain’ even earlier, in a translation from the Greek of Suidas (Lexicon, ca. A.D. 950): “A hard bargainer never gets good meat.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Haggling: To dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something.
- Negotiating: To try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion.
- Bartering: Exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money.
Common Phrases and Idioms:
- Bang for the buck: Getting the most value for one’s money.
- Bargain basement: Items that are sold at very low prices.
- Wheeling and dealing: Making complicated and sometimes dishonest agreements in business.
Quotes:
- “He who trades penny for penny will drive the darkest nights” - Fictitious Bard Wisdom
- “Driving a hard bargain isn’t about winning; it’s about understanding the value on the other side of the table.” - Barter T. Brawn
Literary and Cultural References:
- “The Art of Negotiation” by Michael Wheeler: A tactical guide for navigating the complexities of deal-making.
- “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens: Demonstrates the lengths to which one might go to strike a deal in dire circumstances.
- “The Godfather” (1972): The movie’s slogan, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse,” epitomizes the art of hard bargaining in the world of crime.
Humorous Take:
Negotiating like a pro requires a balance between a dessert recipe and a poker game. Too sweet, you lose; too stoic, you’ll scare away the pie.
Quizzes:
🥂 Farewell Thought: As you journey through life, remember that while driving a hard bargain might get you the best cheese, sometimes it’s the cheerful exchange of smiles and goodwill that sweetens the deal. Happy negotiating!
