expensive lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

"expensive lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone learned something valuable but at a high cost, either in terms of money or some other measure such as time, effort, or emotion. For example, "After years of struggling to make ends meet, he learned an expensive lesson about fiscal responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is an expensive lesson for her".

The Guardian

For many, it was an expensive lesson.

The New York Times

One "unfortunate tax event," she said, provided an expensive lesson.

The New York Times

It's an expensive lesson, offered here for nothing.

The Economist

"We have all learned a terribly tragic and expensive lesson.

The Guardian

Ms. Hinojosa also said that she learned an expensive lesson.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Its literature resounds with expensive lessons learned.

The New York Times

You learn some very expensive lessons as life goes on".

The Economist

He struggled for five years, learning expensive lessons.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unfortunately, there have been some expensive lessons learned on that".

The New York Times

simple answer — we screwed up in every way possible, learned lots of valuable expensive lessons".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expensive lesson", ensure the context clearly indicates both the value of the lesson learned and the significant cost involved. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "expensive lesson" when the cost is merely monetary. The phrase is most effective when the cost involves time, effort, emotional toll, or strategic disadvantage, making the lesson's impact more profound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expensive lesson" functions as a noun phrase, where 'expensive' modifies 'lesson'. Ludwig AI shows its use in describing situations where valuable knowledge is gained through significant cost or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expensive lesson" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation where significant knowledge is acquired through a costly experience. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, denoting both financial and non-financial costs. Related phrases include "costly learning experience" and "hard-won knowledge", emphasizing different aspects of the learning process. When using the phrase, ensure that both the value of the lesson and the cost involved are clearly articulated for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

costly learning experience

Replaces 'lesson' with 'learning experience', emphasizing the experiential aspect of learning something the hard way.

hard-won knowledge

Focuses on the effort required to gain knowledge, implying a difficult or costly path.

dear-bought wisdom

An older, more formal way to express that wisdom was acquired at a significant personal cost.

painful education

Emphasizes the negative emotional impact of the learning process.

valuable but costly insight

Highlights both the value and the expense associated with gaining a particular understanding.

pricey enlightenment

Uses a more metaphorical term ('enlightenment') to suggest a revelation that came at a high price.

unforgettable setback

Focuses on the setback aspect and its lasting impact on memory and future decisions.

regrettable insight

Highlights feelings of regret mixed with a new understanding.

hard knock lesson

Indicates that the lesson was obtained through a physical or metaphorical blow.

difficult lesson to learn

Emphasizes the struggle and challenge inherent in acquiring the knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "expensive lesson" in a sentence?

You can use "expensive lesson" to describe a situation where someone learned something important through a costly mistake or experience. For example, "Failing to diversify his investments taught him an "expensive lesson" about risk management."

What are some alternatives to saying "expensive lesson"?

You can use alternatives like "costly learning experience", "hard-won knowledge", or "dear-bought wisdom" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to learn an "expensive lesson"?

While the phrase implies a negative cost, the learning itself can be valuable and ultimately beneficial. The "expensive" part highlights the significant price paid for the knowledge gained. Despite its initial pain, it can still result in future growth and success.

What kind of costs qualify a lesson as an "expensive lesson"?

The "expensive" cost can be monetary, but it often refers to a loss of time, opportunities, relationships, or emotional well-being. It's about the significant price paid to acquire a specific piece of knowledge or understanding.