drive a hard bargain

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who is very good at negotiating and making deals to their own advantage. It implies that the person is demanding and uncompromising, but ultimately fair enough that a deal is still reached.

Examples

• She drove a hard bargain, but we finally agreed on a price for the car.

  She drove a hard bargain, but we finally agreed on a price for the car.

• You drive a hard bargain, alright, I'll let you have it for fifty dollars.

  You drive a hard bargain, alright, I'll let you have it for fifty dollars.

• My landlord drives a hard bargain and refused to lower the rent even a little.

  My landlord drives a hard bargain and refused to lower the rent even a little.

• If you want to get a good deal with them, you'll need to drive a hard bargain.

  If you want to get a good deal with them, you'll need to drive a hard bargain.

• He's known to drive a hard bargain in business meetings, so prepare yourself.

  He's known to drive a hard bargain in business meetings, so prepare yourself.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He made a hard bargain during the negotiation.

  ✓ He drove a hard bargain during the negotiation.

  The verb 'drive' is fixed in this idiom. You cannot substitute it with 'make' or 'do'.

• ✗ She drives a difficult bargain.

  ✓ She drives a hard bargain.

  'Hard' is the specific adjective used here to mean tough or strict. 'Difficult' sounds unnatural and is incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I managed to get the laptop for $400, but the seller really ___.

  💡 Past tense of the idiom.

  Show answer

  drove a hard bargain

• You have to ___ if you want to get a decent salary increase.

  💡 Base form.

  Show answer

  drive a hard bargain