Sold for a Song 🎤
Definition:
An item sold or bought for a trifling sum, often far less than its true worth.
Origins:
The expression is believed to come from the pennies given to itinerant songsters performing outside inns and public houses (bars), as well as the very small amount required to buy sheet music. The expression dates from the sixteenth century.
Literary Snippets:
- William Shakespeare: “I know a man . . . sold a goodly manor for a song” (All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 3, Scene 2).
- Lord Byron: “The cost would be a trifle—an ‘old song’” (Don Juan, 1824).
Related Expressions:
- For a pittance: (Synonym) Something obtained or offered for a very small amount of money.
- Dirt cheap: (Synonym) Extremely inexpensive or obtainable for very little cost.
- Next to nothing: (Synonym) Almost no money or value.
Antonyms:
- Cost an arm and a leg: Something extremely expensive.
- High-priced: Excessive cost.
- Exorbitant: Unreasonably high in price.
Proverbs:
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.” - Franklin’s advice on frugality.
- “The best things in life are free.” - Suggesting the most valuable experiences come without cost.
Humorous Quote:
“Why pay a fortune when you can pay a melody?”
Further Reading:
- Literature: Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare – Examines themes of justice and morality, often involving valuation of life and honor in different ways.
- Books: Bargaining for Advantage by G. Richard Shell – Insight into the art of negotiation and finding value in deals.
- Songs: “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits – Touches on getting something of value for very little effort.
- Movies: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – A focus on achieving success and value against all odds.
### Which phrase refers to something extremely inexpensive?
- [ ] Buttering the gnome
- [x] Sold for a song
- [ ] Flying with kites
- [ ] Brewing with whispers
> **Explanation:** "Sold for a song" means something sold or bought for very little money. Business talk doesn’t usually involve gnomes or whispers!
### Identify the real expression:
- [ ] Singing with borrowed voices
- [ ] Buying the leftover beat
- [x] For a pittance
- [ ] Cooking for choruses
> **Explanation:** "For a pittance" refers to obtaining or offering something for a very small amount of money. The others are pure nonsense with some musical twists.
### True or False: "Dirt cheap" means something costs a significant amount.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! "Dirt cheap" means something is very inexpensive.
Farewell thought from Mel O’Dy:
“May your life be filled with priceless moments and all bargains be songs worth singing.” 🌟
