A bargain is a bargain.
A bargain is a bargain.
Meaning in plain English
An agreement should be taken seriously once it has been made. The repetition gives the commitment weight, while leaving room to examine whether the terms were understood, fair and within the participants’ ability to fulfil.
Example
Two volunteers agree to exchange shifts; when one becomes unavailable, they explain the problem promptly and help find another arrangement instead of silently withdrawing.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A bargain is a bargain repeats the same word to insist that a commitment does not become trivial simply because someone later finds it inconvenient. The saying can support reliability where people have made a clear, voluntary arrangement and are depending on one another. It does not settle whether any particular agreement is fair, lawful or enforceable. Misunderstanding, pressure or changed circumstances may require a discussion, correction or different arrangement. The useful reading asks what was actually agreed and what others reasonably relied upon, then addresses difficulties openly. Keeping faith can include renegotiating responsibly rather than pretending that the original terms can still be met.
When to use it
Use it when stressing responsibility for a clearly understood commitment.
Keep in mind
The saying does not determine legal enforceability or justify coercive terms; misunderstandings and changed circumstances need attention.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-04. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 68 · Bargain
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗