on the cheap

idiomatic phrase

: at minimum expense : cheaply
did the job on the cheap

Examples of on the cheap 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.
Brentford have arguably upgraded the position and managed to do it on the cheap. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 Events on the cheap Here are some must-see sites that will make your bank account happy. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025 The Steelers, as a result, were able to sign him on the cheap. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 The Broncos could always elect to re-up with backup defensive tackle Malcolm Roach on the cheap, too. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for on the cheap

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on the cheap was in 1859

Cite this Entry

“On the cheap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20cheap. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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