on the cheap
Without spending much
On the cheap means without spending much money, often implying a sacrifice in quality or propriety.
Someone who does something on the cheap cuts corners or opts for the inexpensive option: They renovated the house on the cheap and now the plumbing leaks.
The phrase can suggest either resourcefulness or stinginess depending on context.
- affordableReasonably priced
- cost-cuttingReducing expenditures deliberately
- cutting cornersReducing effort improperly
- penny-pinchingExtreme reluctance to spend
- pinching penniesObsessive spending restraint
on a budget · couponing · shoestring · budgeting · cost-effective · no frills · jury-rigging · price comparison · rock bottom · bottom dollar · thrifting · freecycle · bargain · bargain bin · scrounge · upcycling · substandard · makeshift
on the cheapat a premium
Scarce and therefore valuable
expensively · lavishly · extravagantly · top dollar · luxuriously
on the cheapluxuriously
In an indulgent manner
properly · thoroughly · first-class · premium · deluxe