at the expense of

idiom

: in a way that harms (something or someone)

Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.

He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.

Examples of at the expense of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In response, class counsel has accused the objectors’ lawyers of attempting to use procedural tactics to secure millions of dollars in fees—potentially at the expense of hundreds of thousands of athletes. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025

Then Florida growers would benefit, presumably, being able to charge higher prices for their tomatoes – at the expense of American consumers. —Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Biggest winners Like Penn Wharton, other researchers have said the Republican bill is likely to benefit wealthy Americans at the expense of people lower down the ladder. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 26 June 2025

If Washington continues to erect significant barriers to foreign goods, its trading partners will seek out other markets, increasing their integration with one another at the expense of American companies. —Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

Rhymes for at the expense of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove