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On the (adjective) side

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.

7 November 2025

On the (adjective) side

We use this expression to say that something is too (cheap/expensive) etc. It is an intensifying structure.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

Do you like the blouse, madam?

No. It's on the small side. Do you have a larger one?

Example 2

You're not going to buy the car, then?

I don't think so. It's a bit on the expensive side for me at the moment.

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Oct2025
07