bid (some amount) on (something)

bid (some amount) on (something)

To say that one will pay a certain amount of money in exchange for an item, as at an auction. I can't believe I bid $500 on that necklace and still didn't win it! How much did you bid on that antique dresser? A: "Why would you bid such an outrageous amount of money for that beat-up old car?" B: "Because it will be worth twice as much after I restore it to pristine condition!"

See also: bid, on

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

bid on

v.

1. To offer some amount of money for something at an auction: I won't bid more than $10 on that sofa. Who would like to bid on this beautiful painting?

2. To respond to some business proposal with a bid: Four companies are bidding on this contract right now.

See also: bid, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.