a hard bargain
Meaning
A deal or agreement that is difficult to achieve because one party is unwilling to compromise much on the terms or price.
Origin
The word "bargain" itself carries a rich history, rooted in Old French "bargaignier," meaning to haggle or discuss terms. By the 14th century, English had adopted it to describe a negotiated agreement or contract. The adjective "hard," long used to denote difficulty, severity, or firmness, found its natural partner in the world of commerce. As trade routes expanded and markets grew more competitive in the 18th and 19th centuries, the ability to secure advantageous terms became paramount. A "hard bargain" thus vividly depicted a deal that was challenging to achieve, where every concession felt like a struggle, or, by extension, a person who was unyielding in their demands, refusing to give an inch. It's a phrase that conjures images of shrewd merchants in bustling marketplaces, relentlessly negotiating until the very last coin.
Examples
- The antique dealer was a notoriously hard bargain, rarely dropping prices more than a few dollars, no matter how much you pleaded.
- After hours of intense discussion, they finally settled on terms, but it was certainly a hard bargain for both sides to strike.