ON THE CHEAP, adv. phr. (colloquial).—At a low rate [of money]; economically; keeping up a showy appearance on small means.
1884. Cornhill Magazine, June, p. 614. His being’s end and aim, both by day and night, is to obtain as much drink as possible ON THE CHEAP.
CHEAP AND NASTY, adv. phr. (colloquial).—Said of articles which, though pleasing to the eye, are ‘shoddy’ in fact. For special application, see quot.
1864. Athenæum, Oct. 29. CHEAP AND NASTY, or, in a local form, ‘CHEAP AND NASTY, LIKE SHORT’S IN THE STRAND,’ a proverb applied to the deceased founder of cheap dinners.
TO FEEL CHEAP, verb phr. (common).—To ‘have a mouth on’; to be suffering from a night’s debauch.
DIRT CHEAP or DOG CHEAP, adv. phr. (colloquial).—Inexpensive; as cheap as may be. DOG CHEAP is the earliest form in which this colloquialism appears in English literature, DIRT CHEAP not being found earlier than 1837.
1577. HOLINSHED, Chronicles and Description of Ireland, iii. They afourded their wares so DOGGE CHEAPE, that, etc. [M.]
1837. DICKENS, Oliver Twist, xxxvii. ‘I sold myself,’ said Mr. Bumble … ‘I went very reasonable. Cheap, DIRT CHEAP!’
