at a price

1. For a fee (often an expensive one). In the big city, you can get anything you want—at a price. Well, first-class seating is always an option, but it does come at a price. I wish I could hire an assistant, but they come at a price, and our business still isn't making much of a profit.

2. With negative consequences. Freedom of speech came at a price for those protestors, as the crowd responded to them violently. I got the promotion, but at a price—my ruthless behavior alienated a lot of people. That skateboard jump sure came at a price, now that you have two broken legs.

at a price

COMMON

1. If something can be obtained at a price, it is available but you have to pay for it, often a lot of money. Guests can always find a meal of sorts in the hotel restaurant, but at a price. It came as no surprise that this individual was willing to betray his master at a price.

2. If you get something you want at a price, you get it but you have to accept something unpleasant as well. He began to realise that fame comes at a price.

at a ˈprice

(get something) only by paying a high price, by spending a lot of time, effort, etc: Accommodation is only available in the city centre at a price. ♢ He knew he could be a successful businessman, but at a price — he’d hardly ever see his family.