# cheaper by the dozen

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cheaper-by-the-dozen
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Handled more efficiently as a group, rather than individually.

## Examples

- We buy eggs in bulk because they are cheaper by the dozen.
- The office manager ordered pens in large boxes since they are cheaper by the dozen.
- While the initial investment for the software licenses seemed high, the company realized that the units were cheaper by the dozen, justifying the bulk purchase for the entire department.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.