premium (redirected from premiums)

at a premium

at a high price; priced high because of something special. Sally bought the shoes at a premium because they were of very high quality. This new sports car sells at a premium because so many people want to buy it.

place something at a premium

to force up the value of something so that its price is higher. The rapid changes in the market placed all the medical stocks at a premium. The goods had been placed at a premium by the changing market conditions.

See also: place

put something at a premium

to make something available only at an extra cost or through extra effort. The scarcity of fresh vegetables at this time of year puts broccoli at a premium. The high demand for apples puts them at a premium.

See also: put

put a premium on something

to make something harder or more expensive to obtain or do. The recent action of the bank directors put a premium on new home loans. The scarcity of steel put a premium on the cost of new cars.

See also: put

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at a premium

1. not easy to get During the negotiations, sleep was at a premium.

Usage notes: usually said about something that is highly valued because it is hard to get

2. for a higher price It's possible to get a large apartment, but only at a premium.

put a premium on something also place a premium on something

to consider something important or valuable Busy shoppers put a premium on finding everything they need in one big store.

See also: put