shop around

shop (something) around

To offer to sell something to various prospective buyers. They've developed a working prototype that they're shopping around to a few different tech companies. He's shopping his screenplay around to every big movie studio he can get ahold of.
See also: around, shop

shop around (for something)

To browse different stores, vendors, or selections to find the best price or option for something one wants to buy. They're offering the computer for $500, but I think I'm going to shop around a bit. I'm shopping around for a dress I can wear to Claire's wedding.
See also: around, shop
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shop around (for something)

to shop at different stores to find what you want at the best price. I've been shopping around for a new car, but they are all priced too high. You can find a bargain, but you'll have to shop around.
See also: around, shop
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

shop around

1. Look for the best bargain, opportunity, or the like, as in This job offers only minimum wage so she decided to shop around for one with better pay . This expression alludes to looking in different stores in search of bargains or a particular item. [c. 1920]
2. Look for a buyer for, offer for sale to various parties, as in The company is now being actively shopped around. [Second half of 1900s]
See also: around, shop
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

shop around

v.
1. To go from store to store in search of merchandise or bargains: We shopped around for the best price before buying. Don't buy the first pair of shoes you see; shop around first.
2. To look for something better: I think the receptionist is shopping around for a new job.
3. To offer something, such as a large block of common stock, for sale to various parties: They shopped the deal around for a couple of months but couldn't find a buyer.
See also: around, shop
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • shop (something) around
  • be/come up against a brick wall
  • come up against a brick wall
  • up against a brick wall
  • side with
  • side with (someone or something)
  • in evidence
  • room at the top
  • slip into something more comfortable
  • know about (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
The survey also revealed more than a quarter of UK drivers never shop around for fuel and UK women are the most likely to buy a bar of chocolate as well.
Four tips to help you save on fuel
"Businesses also need to shop around, looking for as much advice and information as they can to get the best deal.
SMEs paying PS520m too much for energy
We are arguing that savers need more help to shop around, so that everyone is getting a good deal.
Failing to search for the best annuity after saving for years
It blamed the situation on the way the product was typically sold alongside credit agreements, as well as the fact that it was difficult for consumers to shop around.
Help to find the best PPI; FINANCE: Comparison tables in insurance row
And with an average saving of pounds 127.52 made by those motorists with maximum no claims discount at their last renewal, those who don't shop around run the risk of missing out on a combined total of pounds 1.4bn in savings compared to those who do research their insurance premiums at renewal time.
Motors: Millions missing out on millions
A third of us could be losing out on car and home insurance, as we can't be bothered to shop around.
Shop around and save on insurance
MILLIONS of motorists are paying far too much for their car insurance because they fail to shop around.
Motor Max: Prudence is best policy
The Office of Fair Trading has just launched a campaign urging people to shop around. It said: 'Explore the options, think what you really want and make sure you get it don't just accept the first thing that's offered.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET BURNED THIS SUMMER; How to save pounds 700 on a holiday
And,according to one web-based insurance specialist,many of them will end up paying more than they need to,by failing to shop around for more competitive rates.
Wise up on insurance and shop around
It says seven out of 10 people who have released pensions since the freedoms were introduced in April 2015, stuck with their existing provider and did not shop around.
Cashpoint
The Financial Services Authority wants to find out how the market could be shaken up to encourage retirees to shop around more when they buy an annuity, which sets the size of their income for life.
Initiative to shake up annuities market amid fears many people are losing out on retirement income
In the majority of cases it is better to 'shop around' for the best annuity rate in the market.
Retirement is the time to get out and start shopping
The company now has an annuity purchase service for retirees who want to shop around the whole market to obtain the best possible income when they withdraw their pension.
RMT launches new pensions service; A four-page plain-speaking guide on how to get the best guaranteed income from your pension plan when you withdraw your pension benefits
Half of people who do not shop around for cover said they did not think they would be able to get a better deal with another provider, while the rest admitted they simply could not be bothered to compare policies, according to moneysupermarket.
Chance to save money
"Our advice to people is to know exactly what they can afford to pay.": GET THE BEST MONEY DEALS: SHOP AROUND:The Citizens Advice Bureau offers the following tips...
Credit card bills crisis warning for new year