At a great bargain make a great pause.
At a great bargain make a great pause.
Meaning in plain English
Pause before accepting an offer that promises an unusually large advantage. The bargain and the pause should match in scale: the more attractive the proposal, the more useful it may be to examine its terms.
Example
A community group offered a large discount on equipment checks its condition and compatibility before agreeing to collect it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The repeated great connects the apparent benefit with the care it deserves. An exciting bargain can direct attention towards what might be gained and away from conditions, suitability or what remains uncertain. The proverb suggests allowing time to understand those points before committing. It does not mean every generous offer is deceptive, nor that delay always improves a decision. The useful pause has a purpose: check relevant information, consider actual needs and ask questions that could change the choice. A smaller decision may warrant a smaller check, while a consequential commitment may need more help. The saying offers no particular investment or purchasing strategy.
When to use it
Use it when an unusually attractive offer is encouraging a hurried commitment.
Keep in mind
Examine the terms and relevance; attractiveness is neither proof of value nor proof of deception.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-03. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 69 · 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 ↗