by the (unit)

by the (unit)

For each unit, as of items sold in this manner. How much does this meat cost by the pound? My sewing machine isn't working at the moment, so I certainly don't need fabric by the yard right now! You can't just get one cupcake at that place—they only sell them by the dozen, like eggs.

See also: by

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

by the unit

Fig. each; per. (Used to designate the unit of measure, but not the rate of a measure.) Lettuce is sold by the head. Gas is sold by the gallon.

See also: by, unit

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

by the

bye/by

By the way; incidentally.

See also: by

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.