More than one bargained for Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmɔɹ/ /ˈðæn/, /ðən/ /ˈwən/ /ˈbɑɹɡənd/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

MOR-than-wun-BAR-guhnd-for

UK

mˈɔː/ /ðˈɐn/ /wˈɒn/ /bˈɑːɡɪnd/ /fˈɔː

MAW-than-won-BAA-gind-faw

Definition

Used to describe a situation that is more difficult, complicated, or overwhelming than someone expected or was prepared for.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, often humorous expression, typically used after a surprising challenge. Frequently follows 'got'/'getting', as in 'I got more than I bargained for.' Not used for positive surprises.

• Spanish: más de lo que uno esperaba
• Portuguese (BR): mais do que se esperava
• Portuguese (PT): mais do que se esperava
• Chinese (Simplified): 超出预期
• Chinese (Traditional): 超出預期
• Hindi: जितनी उम्मीद थी उससे अधिक
• Arabic: أكثر مما كان متوقعاً
• Bengali: প্রত্যাশার চেয়েও বেশি কঠিন কিছু - যতটা চেয়েছিলাম তার চেয়ে বেশি সমস্যা
• Russian: неожиданно сложнее, чем ожидал - больше, чем рассчитывал
• Japanese: 予想以上の大変さ
• Vietnamese: vượt quá những gì mong đợi - khó hơn tưởng
• Korean: 생각보다 더 힘든 일 - 기대 이상으로 어려운 상황
• Turkish: beklediğimden fazlası - umduğumdan zor
• Urdu: جتنا سوچا تھا اُس سے زیادہ مشکل
• Indonesian: lebih dari yang saya perkirakan - lebih sulit dari yang dibayangkan

Example Sentences

I got more than I bargained for when I started this new job.

basic

The exam was more than I bargained for; it was very hard.

basic

This project turned out to be more than I bargained for.

basic

I thought babysitting would be easy, but looking after twins was more than I bargained for.

natural

He realized he was in for more than he bargained for when things started going wrong.

natural

Moving abroad was exciting, but all the paperwork was more than I bargained for.

natural