let the buyer beware
It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure the soundness of goods or services prior to their purchase.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Always check the car before buying; let the buyer beware.”
“Since the store does not offer refunds on used electronics, you must let the buyer beware.”
“In the unregulated world of online auctions, the principle of let the buyer beware remains the only protection for the consumer.”
A direct calque of the Latin phrase *caveat ēmptor*. The expression serves as a formalised warning in commercial transactions, placing the burden of due diligence upon the purchaser rather than the vendor.
- 01
buy to let
To purchase a property as in investment, and to let it out for rental instead of living in it
- 02
don't let the door hit you on the way out
Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.
- 03
let a sleeping dog lie
Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.
- 04
let bygones be bygones
To disregard or ignore a past difficulty in a relationship or an offence (when dealing with another individual).
- 05
let crazy stick its dick in you
To have sex with a male deemed insane.
- 06
let down
To disappoint; to betray or fail somebody.
- 07
let drive
To aim a blow; to strike with force; to attack; to shoot (an arrow or firearm).
- 08
let fly
To strike or release a projectile with great force.
Last updated August 10, 2026