go for a song

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does go for a song mean? In what situations is go for a song used?

Meaning of "go for a song"

Meaning

The idiom 'go for a song' is used to describe something that is very inexpensive and easy to acquire. It implies that the item is so cheap that it only requires a small payment equivalent to a song, suggesting it is worth very little. The idiom implies that someone may be able to acquire something of great value or worth with little or no effort.

Etymology

The idiom 'go for a song' is believed to have originated in the United States sometime in the early 20th century. It is thought to be derived from the much older English idiom 'go for a penny', which has been around since the 1500s. The phrase 'go for a penny' implies that something is worth very little and is of low quality, which is what later became the phrase 'go for a song'.

Usage

The idiom 'go for a song' is used to refer to any item or object that is inexpensive and easy to acquire. It can be used to refer to a physical item or object such as furniture, clothing, or electronic items, or can be used to refer to services such as lawn care or snow removal. The idiom 'go for a song' can also be used to refer to something intangible such as a skill, a talent, or knowledge, which can be acquired in exchange for little effort or cost.

Example Sentences

• I was able to purchase this desk for a song, it was a great deal!
• The snow removal service was so cheap, it seemed to go for a song.
• I was able to learn to play the guitar for a song.
• We were able to get our lawn care services for a song.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.