at a premium

Related to at a premium: insurance premium, ride off, put a premium on, on the chin

at a premium

1. For an expensive price (typically because the item in question is hard to find). If you don't go Christmas shopping early, you'll only get the most popular toys at a premium later.
2. Difficult to obtain. Quiet moments are at a premium when there's a toddler in the house.
See also: premium
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at a premium

at a high price; priced high because of something special. Sally bought the shoes at a premium because they were of very high quality. This new sports car sells at a premium because so many people want to buy it.
See also: premium
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

at a premium

At a higher price than usual owing to scarcity; also, considered more valuable, held in high esteem. For example, Since that article came out, the firm's stock has been selling at a premium and Space is at a premium in most stores. This idiom uses premium in the sense of "bounty" or "bonus." [Mid-1800s] Also see put a premium on.
See also: premium
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

at a premium

1. If something is at a premium, it is not easily available and because of this it has a high value. Space is at a premium in central London stores, as you can imagine. You can pick these carrots in June, when good vegetables are at a premium.
2. If you buy or sell something at a premium, you sell it for a higher price than is usual for that thing. People want organic foods so I can sell my eggs at a premium.
See also: premium
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

at a ˈpremium

having great value or importance; difficult or expensive to buy, find, obtain, etc: During a war, ordinary foods like bread or meat are often at a premium. Good mathematics teachers are always at a premium in this country.
See also: premium
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

at a premium

More valuable than usual, as from scarcity: Fresh water was at a premium after the reservoir was contaminated.
See also: premium
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • premium
  • get (something) for (someone or something)
  • want for
  • want for (something)
  • no mean
  • no mean (something)
  • take coals to Newcastle
  • Newcastle
  • carry coals to Newcastle
  • coals to Newcastle, to carry/bring