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What does “at the expense of” mean?

Question

What does “at the expense of” mean?

Answer

If something is done at the expense of someone or something, it is done in a way that harms someone or something.

Here are some example sentences using the phrase:

• 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.
• She’s focusing on math at the expense of her other interests.

Another way to say the same thing is “at someone’s expense.” Here are some example sentences using it this way:

• Much of rail’s success comes at the trucking industry’s expense.
• She took the job at her friend’s expense.
• The nurses went on strike at their patients’ expense, knowing it would be better in the long run.

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