Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
1st March 2024

Out of pocket

We use this expression to say that you have spent or lost money when you didn't expect to.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
Yes
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
We've had hardly any customers in the shop this Sunday.
Well I still have to pay the staff so I guess we'll be out of pocket again.
Example 2
Did the bus company pay you compensation for arriving so late?
Yes they paid me back the full cost of the ticket. But they won't pay me for the concert that I missed. So I'm still out of pocket.

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