steal
STEEL
/stiːl/
A bargain; something acquired at a very low price.
Hyperbolic; implies the price was so low it felt like you didn't even pay for it.
The story behind the word. While the verb 'to steal' is ancient, using it as a noun to mean a bargain is a 19th-century Americanism. The idea is that the price is so low, you've practically committed a crime by taking it.
Word relationships
- bargain: A steal is much more informal and implies a much better price than a bargain.
- rip-off: Something that is far too expensive.
Commonly confused with
- theft: Theft is the crime; a 'steal' is a metaphorical way to describe a great price.
Collocations
- absolute steal
- real steal
- at that price, it's a steal
Example sentences
- "I got this designer bag for fifty dollars—it was an absolute steal!" A casual conversation about shopping.
- "At this price point, the software is a steal compared to its competitors." A review of a budget product.
Memory hook
The price is so low, you feel like you're 'stealing' it from the store. Almost free.
When not to use
Never use in formal writing or legal documents unless you are quoting someone.
Fun facts
- In baseball, a 'stolen base' is also called a 'steal,' though the context is completely different.
Related words
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