Could anybody explain to me please the meaning of "always-in-the-market" expression ?

Question

Thanks !!

Answer 1

Let's take a car. If you have a good car that you're happy with, you don't pay attention to "for sale" signs on cars as you drive past them. You're not "in the market" for a car. If you live in a nice house, you're going to ignore apartments that have "Now renting!" signs in front of them, no matter how many balloons they have.

If you need a minivan, however, you're going to be checking out "for sale" signs and paying attention when your cousin says he's selling his. You're "in the market" for a new car. You're actively shopping.

"Always in the market" means that, no matter what, you're always keeping an eye out for something. If you're always in the market for something, you're shopping if you already have plenty. Me, I'm always in the market for computer books from the 1950's and 60's. I check e-bay frequently and if I happen to be in a used bookstore I peruse the computer shelf.

"Always in the market" can be extended to other situations as well. You might be "always in the market" for a good-looking single guy or girl, using the metaphore of shopping for a mate. You might be "always in the market" for a free babysitter or something. You could even be "always in the market" for advice, or a friend, or a glass of water, although I'd consider these more of a mis-use.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

This goes back to the meaning of "market", which refers to where people do their shopping. So, "always in the market" generally has a commercial meaning. For example, you can "always be in the market" for a new car, meaning that you are always keeping your eye out for a better car to buy, or that you are always, at least in spirit, at the "car store". Since I'm a computer geek, I am "always in the market" for a better computer.

It can also refer to abstract things. Like a comedian might "always be in the market" for a good joke, meaning that he is always keeping his eye out for another knee-slapper.

Even the subject can be abstract: "Fear" is always in the market for a new victim, for example.

And I'm "always in the market" for great questions like this!

Answer 3

To me it means you are always looking for a particular type of item as you may like that item or collect it.