# bargain on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bargain-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to expect or plan for something to happen. You often use this in the negative when something surprises you.

For teachers: to anticipate or include something in one's plans; most frequently used in negative constructions to indicate an unforeseen complication.

## Examples

- I didn't bargain on the traffic being this bad.
- The company hadn't bargained on such a sharp increase in raw material costs this quarter.
- The revolutionary forces had clearly not bargained on the level of international intervention that followed their initial success.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I didn't bargain for the rain." but "I didn't bargain on the rain." — while 'bargain for' is also used, 'bargain on' is the standard phrasal verb for anticipating a situation; avoid mixing the two in formal writing.

## Usage notes

- usually used in the negative ('didn't bargain on') or with 'more than'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'count on' (which implies reliance) and 'expect' (which is neutral); 'bargain on' often implies the thing expected is a difficulty or a cost.

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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.