cost (someone) dearly/dear

idiom

: to cause (someone) to lose something or to suffer a lot
Changing your mind now could cost you dearly.

Examples of cost (someone) dearly/dear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Companies that fail to take workers’ desire for flexibility have paid the cost dearly. — Jane Thier, Fortune, 23 July 2024 The Chiefs still had issues Sunday night — Mecole Hardman fumbled a ball out of the end zone for a late touchback, which could have cost dearly. — Dave Skretta, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

cost sheet
cost (someone) dearly/dear
cost system
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Cite this Entry

“Cost (someone) dearly/dear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost%20%28someone%29%20dearly%2Fdear. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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