Definition of the word bargain on

The phrase "bargain on" has its origins in the world of business and commerce, where it is used to express confidence in the likelihood of a favorable outcome in a negotiated agreement. The term "bargain" in this context refers to a mutually beneficial exchange or transaction, and "on" simply serves as a preposition linking the verb (usually "expect" or "rely") to the object being bargained for. The expression "bargain on" has been in use since at least the 16th century, as the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) reports its first recorded instance in the early 1590s. At the time, it was typically employed in legal or financial contexts, such as promises made by merchants or agreements between parties involved in commercial transactions. As the use of the phrase expanded beyond the realm of commercial activity over time, it came to be applied more broadly to many different types of situations involving uncertainty or chance. Today, we see "bargain on" used in a wide variety of contexts, from sports betting and weather forecasting to political predictions and personal opinions expressed in everyday conversation. In each instance, the meaning of "bargain on" remains rooted in its original sense of expressing a sense of assurance or confidence in a positive outcome. It is a phrase that continues to reflect our enduring faith in the power of careful negotiation, shrewd planning, and good judgment to ensure a favorable result.