Be Worth the Price of Admission: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 7, 2023

"Be worth the price of admission" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone that is so entertaining, impressive, or valuable that it justifies the cost or effort required to experience or witness it.

In short:

  • The idiom means something or someone that is highly entertaining, impressive, or valuable.

What Does "Be Worth the Price of Admission" Mean?

This idiom conveys the idea that a particular experience, event, performance, or person is so extraordinary that it justifies the expense or effort involved in participating or observing. It is commonly used to express satisfaction and delight after encountering something truly remarkable.

Some important aspects of the idiom's meaning include:

  • The subject must possess qualities that go beyond ordinary expectations.
  • The enjoyment or value derived from the subject outweighs any associated cost or effort.
  • It can refer to a wide range of experiences, from watching a captivating movie to attending a remarkable concert.

When something or someone is worth the price of admission, it means that the experience or encounter was so memorable and valuable that it made the investment, whether monetary or time-related, completely worthwhile.

Where Does "Be Worth the Price of Admission" Come From?

The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely has roots in the world of entertainment. The phrase became popular in the early 20th century and has since been widely used to describe exceptional experiences in various contexts. While its exact origins may remain a mystery, the idiom's meaning has been consistent throughout its usage.

Historical Examples:

In a newspaper review from 1925, the play 'The Great Gatsby' was described as being 'worth the price of admission' due to its captivating storyline and exceptional acting.

10 Examples of "Be Worth the Price of Admission" in Sentences

Below are ten examples showcasing the varied usage of the idiom:

  • The movie was said to be worth the price of admission – its stunning visuals and gripping storyline captivated the audience.
  • Attending the concert was expected to be worth the price of admission – the band's electrifying performance left everyone in awe.
  • Exploring the ancient ruins was anticipated to be worth the price of admission – the historical significance and architectural marvel were truly remarkable.
  • Meeting her favorite author was likely to be worth the price of admission – the insightful conversation and personal touch made it an unforgettable experience.
  • The theme park's new roller coaster ride was said to be worth the price of admission – the adrenaline rush and excitement seem like the best experience ever.
  • The restaurant's gourmet tasting menu was predicted to be worth the price of admission – each dish was a delightful masterpiece.
  • The museum's special exhibit was thought to be worth the price of admission – the rare artifacts that I inquire about were a true treasure.
  • The sports event was foreseen to be worth the price of admission – witnessing the athlete's record-breaking performance was a privilege.
  • The theater production was expected to be worth the price of admission – the talented cast and captivating storyline held the audience spellbound.
  • The art gallery showcased a collection that was intended to be worth the price of admission – each piece that most people take a peek at was a work of art worth savoring.

Examples of "Be Worth the Price of Admission" in Pop Culture

Many instances of this idiom can be found in movies, television shows, songs, and literature.

Here are ten examples of its usage in pop culture:

  • In the blockbuster movie "Avatar," the breathtaking 3D visuals and immersive world of Pandora are anticipated to be worth the price of admission for any moviegoer.
  • In the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the dynamic composition and powerful vocals are thought to be worth the price of admission to any concert where it's performed.
  • In J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, the magical world and compelling characters are established to be worth the price of admission to dive into the entire book series.
  • The movie "Interstellar" is a mind-bending sci-fi epic that is expected to be worth the price of admission for its awe-inspiring visual effects and emotional storytelling.
  • The Broadway musical "Hamilton" is an extraordinary theatrical experience, and witnessing its innovative blend of history and hip-hop is anticipated to be worth the price of admission.
  • In the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the profound themes and memorable characters are forecasted to be worth the price of admission into the world of Maycomb.
  • The TV series "Stranger Things" is packed with nostalgic references and thrilling plotlines that are thought to be worth the price of admission for any binge-watcher.
  • In the movie "Inception," the mind-bending plot and stunning visuals were said to be worth the price of admission to experience the dream world.
  • The rock band Queen's live performance at Wembley Stadium in 1986 was legendary, and the energy of the concert was extraordinarily expected to be worth the price of admission.
  • The critically acclaimed novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary masterpiece that is predicted to be worth the price of admission for its poetic prose and insightful commentary on society.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Be Worth the Price of Admission"

While the idiom "be worth the price of admission" is commonly used, there are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning:

  • Be worth it
  • Be a must-see/must-experience
  • Be an unforgettable experience
  • Be a value for money
  • Be worth every penny
  • Be worth the investment
  • Be worth the time and effort
  • Be worth the wait
  • Be a hidden gem
  • Be worth checking out

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Be Worth the Price of Admission"

  • What is the origin of the idiom "be worth the price of admission"?

While the exact origin is uncertain, the phrase gained popularity in the early 20th century, likely in the world of entertainment.

  • Can this idiom be used for people as well?

Yes, the idiom can be applied to people when describing their extraordinary qualities or talents, making them stand out as truly remarkable individuals.

  • Is "be worth the price of admission" used globally?

Yes, this idiom is used in English-speaking countries and is well understood in various cultural contexts, reflecting the universal appreciation for extraordinary experiences.

  • Can the idiom be used for negative experiences?

While it is more commonly used for positive experiences, it can be used ironically or sarcastically to describe a disappointing event that did not meet expectations, indicating the speaker's dissatisfaction.

  • Is there a gender-specific version of the idiom?

No, the idiom is not gender-specific and can be used for both men and women, highlighting the equal potential for remarkable qualities and experiences regardless of gender.

  • Are there variations of this idiom in other languages?

Yes, many languages have similar idioms to describe exceptional experiences or individuals, demonstrating the cross-cultural appreciation for extraordinary encounters.

  • Can "be worth the price of admission" refer to intangible experiences?

Yes, the idiom can apply to emotional, intellectual, or spiritual experiences, to name a few, which leave a profound impact, emphasizing the value of these intangible aspects in our lives.

  • Does the idiom always refer to positive experiences?

While it is generally used for positive experiences, it can be used sarcastically to describe a disappointing event, indicating a negative encounter that did not meet expectations.

  • Can the idiom be used in written form, such as in articles or essays?

Yes, the idiom can be used in both spoken and written contexts, allowing writers to capture the essence of remarkable experiences in their prose.

  • Is there a difference between "be worth the price of admission" and "be worth the admission price"?

The two expressions are interchangeable and have the same meaning, emphasizing the value of an experience in relation to its cost or effort.

Final Thoughts About "Be Worth the Price of Admission"

In conclusion, the idiom "be worth the price of admission" captures the essence of experiencing something truly extraordinary, be it an event, performance, person, or place. This expression signifies the joy and satisfaction derived from encounters that surpass expectations and become cherished memories. Whether used in everyday conversations or referenced in pop culture, this idiom reminds us of the power of remarkable experiences to enrich our lives and make the journey worthwhile.

  • The idiom describes something or someone highly entertaining, impressive, or valuable.
  • It justifies the cost or effort required to experience or witness the subject.
  • The origin is unclear, but it gained popularity in the early 20th century.
  • The idiom is widely used in pop culture to describe exceptional experiences.
  • Alternative expressions convey similar meanings.

In our pursuit of meaningful experiences, let us appreciate the moments that truly are worth the time and effort. In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, the idiom "be worth the price of admission" serves as a gentle reminder to savor and cherish the moments that bring us genuine joy and fulfillment. Embracing these exceptional experiences can add depth and richness to our lives, making them truly worth living to the fullest.

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