“Cheaper by the Dozen” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

You might have come across the term “cheaper by the dozen” in different contexts. This reference will explore its meaning and trace its origins. You’ll find examples of how the expression is used and also discover some alternative phrases. Exploring the background of this idiom can provide insight into its popular use today. Get ready to learn more about this intriguing expression!

Cheaper by the Dozen Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “cheaper by the dozen” means that buying things in larger quantities, specifically twelve at a time (a dozen), is more cost-effective than purchasing them individually. It suggests that bulk purchases often come at a lower price per item, making it more economical.
Cheaper by the Dozen Meaning
Cheaper by the Dozen Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Cheaper by the Dozen Meaning

The phrase “cheaper by the dozen” means that buying things in larger quantities, specifically by the dozen (twelve), is usually more economical or cost-effective than purchasing them individually. It implies that bulk purchases often come at a lower price per item.

Origin of this Idiomatic Expression

The idiomatic expression “cheaper by the dozen” originated from the practice of bulk pricing, where buying items in larger quantities, such as a dozen (twelve), results in a lower cost per item. Historically, many goods—like eggs, pastries, and other groceries—were sold in dozens, and sellers often offered discounts for buying in bulk. This made it literally “cheaper by the dozen.”

The phrase became more widely known and popularized after the publication of the book Cheaper by the Dozen (1948) by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. The book is a humorous, semi-autobiographical account of the authors’ large family with twelve children, where the title cleverly plays on the idea of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, much like in their parents’ work as efficiency experts. The success of the book, along with its film adaptations, helped cement the phrase in popular culture.

Usage of “Cheaper by the Dozen”

  1. Grocery Shopping:
    • “We always buy eggs cheaper by the dozen because it saves money in the long run.”
    • (Buying a dozen eggs is more economical than buying fewer at a time.)
  2. Clothing Purchases:
    • “The T-shirts are cheaper by the dozen, so we ordered them in bulk for the team.”
    • (Purchasing multiple shirts together brings down the cost per shirt.)
  3. Party Supplies:
    • “The bakery offered a discount if we bought the cupcakes cheaper by the dozen.”
    • (It’s more affordable to buy twelve cupcakes at once than to buy them individually.)
  4. General Bulk Buying:
    • “If you’re hosting an event, it’s cheaper by the dozen to get the paper plates in bulk.”
    • (Buying twelve or more plates at once reduces the overall cost.)

The phrase can be used literally to refer to actual bulk purchases, or more loosely to suggest that buying in larger quantities is usually more cost-effective.

Related Terms to “Cheaper by the Dozen”

  • Bulk discount – A reduced price offered when purchasing a large quantity.
  • Economies of scale – Cost advantages gained by producing or purchasing in larger quantities.
  • Wholesale pricing – Lower prices for goods purchased in bulk, often for resale.
  • Buy in bulk – Purchasing large quantities to reduce the overall cost.
  • Quantity discount – A price reduction given for buying a higher volume of goods.
  • Mass buying – Acquiring goods in large amounts, often leading to cost savings.
  • Volume pricing – Adjusting prices based on the amount purchased; buying more results in a lower price per unit.
  • Value pack – A larger package that offers better value than smaller ones.
  • Economy size – Larger-sized products that are more cost-effective per unit.
  • More bang for your buck – Getting more value or quantity for the money spent.

Other Ways to Say “Cheaper by the Dozen”

You might be able to say the term cheaper by the dozen in a different way.

Let’s now take a look at some other things you might say in its place.

  • Cheaper in bulk
  • More people get the job done quicker.

“Cheaper by the Dozen” Examples

Examples in Statements

We are now going to take a look at some sentences in which you might see the term cheaper by the dozen being used.

The first statement is one being made in an office.

  • We are all going to collaborate on this project after all things will be better if done cheaper by the dozen.

The next statement is being said by someone in a text message.

  • I am going to buy the wine in bulk, it is cheaper by the dozen.

Conversation Examples

There might be a variety of conversations which feature the term cheaper by the dozen, we are now going to take a look at some examples of things you might hear.

The first conversation is taking place between two friends organising a party.

  • Person 1: “Can you arrange the decorations and I will do the food?”
  • Person 2: “Yes, of course. But where shall I get them?”
  • Person 1: “Anywhere, and if you buy a lot they’re cheaper by the dozen.”

The next conversation is taking place between a project team.

  • Person 1: “How many of us are working on this?”
  • Person 2: “There are 15 in total.”
  • Person 1: “It’ll be done in no time, it’s definitely cheaper by the dozen.”
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