what does the phrase "cheap at half the price" mean?

Question

If it's half the price, surely it's cheaper!

Answer 1

It is a sarcastic response to being told the price. By introducing the word 'cheap' we are thrown and so it has added sarcastic value. Were the item to be half the price - it would be cheap. Therefore it is seriously overpriced. It is also a phrase used in social bantering games where the buyer probably really wants to purchase the item, but wants to half agree- half complain about spending money. That is why it is usually said with a sigh rather than a cheer.

Answer 2

It's a sales gimmick aimed at tricking the buyer into believing that they are getting a bargain. If the store calls something "at half the price", you are being lead to believe that the store has cut the sale price of that item by half and so are getting a better, "cheap" deal on the object. In actuality, the consumer is probably paying what the item is really worth at the new price, the store just might not have been able to move it out of the store.

Answer 3

It is a saying used when referring to something which should be considered inexpensive but does not really live up to the quality expected.

Imagine if you go shopping and you find a T-shirt at a 50% discount which still costs $300... its cheaper at half price! Its a sarcastic way of saying its not as cheap as you are saying it is!

Answer 4

It's a rather silly way of saying you got a good deal. I think it would make more sense to say "cheap at even twice the price" meaning that even if you paid double it would Still be a good buy.
Cheap at half the price is a sort of weak attempt at humour.

Answer 5

It suggests that the price being asked is not cheap, but it would be IF it was half the price!

Answer 6

It is a satirical twist on an advertising cliche 'Cheap at twice the price', which implies you would still be getting a bargain even if they doubled the price. This version implies it is no bargain at all!

Answer 7

The item is cheaper by half its usual price.

Answer 8

The art of sarcasm is lost.
When you barter with a stall holder in an eastern country, would you feel sorry for him if he said, 'At that price, I'm not making any profit?' You would? Better stay at home.

Answer 9

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Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.

Answer 10

Well in its self, it's a bit of a riddle, isn't it? It simply means you got a steal! Oops ... another misnomer! But what about 'cheap as chips' ..... stupid or what?