ENGLISH
REFERENCE

let the buyer beware

idiom
Meaning

It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure the soundness of goods or services prior to their purchase.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Latin caveat ēmptor.

Examples
SIMPLE

Always check the car before buying; let the buyer beware.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the store does not offer refunds on used electronics, you must let the buyer beware.

COMPLEX

In the unregulated world of online auctions, the principle of let the buyer beware remains the only protection for the consumer.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy to let

    To purchase a property as in investment, and to let it out for rental instead of living in it

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    let a sleeping dog lie

    Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.

  4. 04

    let bygones be bygones

    To disregard or ignore a past difficulty in a relationship or an offence (when dealing with another individual).

  5. 05

    let crazy stick its dick in you

    To have sex with a male deemed insane.

  6. 06

    let down

    To disappoint; to betray or fail somebody.

  7. 07

    let drive

    To aim a blow; to strike with force; to attack; to shoot (an arrow or firearm).

  8. 08

    let fly

    To strike or release a projectile with great force.

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