🎲 More Than One Bargained For
Definition: More than one expected from a particular situation, deal, or arrangement, usually implying unforeseen complications or additional benefits.
Ever signed up for a sunny cruise only for it to rain buckets every day? Congratulations, you’ve just experienced “more than one bargained for”! This expression kicked off in the 19th century, quite possibly thanks to Frederick Marryat who famously said, “More wind than we bargained for,” in his book Olla Podrida (1840).
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
- A Blessing in Disguise
- More Than Meets the Eye
- Unforeseen Consequence
Antonyms
- As Expected
- To a T
- No Surprises
Humorous Quotes
- “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” — John Lennon
- “Expect the unexpected, and whenever possible, be the unexpected.” — Lynda Barry
Proverbs
- “Man plans, and God laughs.” — Yiddish Proverb
- “Look before you leap.” — Traditional Proverb
Literary and Pop Culture References
Books:
- Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: A hilarious tale of planning gone awry featuring an angel and a demon trying to prevent the apocalypse.
- A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket: Plenty of unexpected twists for the poor Baudelaire children.
Movies:
- Forrest Gump: Forrest never got what he bargained for, but life turned out to be one big box of chocolates anyway.
- Jumanji: Board game night turned jungle adventure—definitely more than what was expected!
Songs:
- “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette: An anthem for life’s ironic and unexpected occurrences.
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles: A soothing remedy for when life deals unexpected blows.
Poetry:
- The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost: A contemplation of life’s unexpected turns and roads less traveled.
Intriguing Quiz Time! ✍️
### What does “more than one bargained for” mean?
- [x] Unexpected complications
- [ ] Getting exactly what you expected
- [ ] Receiving a refund
- [ ] A lucky break
> **Explanation:** It means encountering unexpected complications or surprises that were not part of the original arrangement or expectation.
### Which phrase means the same as “more than one bargained for”?
- [ ] Hitting the jackpot
- [ ] Cutting corners
- [x] Biting off more than you can chew
- [ ] Sleeping on it
> **Explanation:** "Biting off more than you can chew" similarly expresses taking on more than one had anticipated or can handle.
### True or False: "More than one bargained for" can only have negative connotations.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It can have both positive and negative connotations, indicating either extra benefits or unforeseen problems.
### In which century did the phrase “more than one bargained for” first appear in print?
- [ ] 15th
- [ ] 17th
- [ ] 18th
- [x] 19th
> **Explanation:** The phrase appeared in print during the 19th century, popularized by Frederick Marryat.
In life, always brace yourself, for curveballs often find their way. Always hope for the best, but keep an umbrella handy—just in case you get more than one bargained for.
— Felicity Funwords
