sticker shock

sticker shock

Shock or disappointment upon discovering that something costs much more than one expected or imagined. The "sticker" refers to the price tag. It was my first time ever having to replace a boiler, so I had quite the sticker shock when I learned how much a brand-new one would cost. My dad said he would buy me a car for my birthday, but I think he got a bit of sticker shock when we went down to the dealership.
See also: shock, sticker
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sticker shock

n. the shock at seeing just how much something new, usually an automobile, costs as determined by looking at the price tag or sticker. I went to a car dealer today, and I am still suffering from sticker shock.
See also: shock, sticker
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

sticker shock

Surprise at the high cost of an item. The term originated in the 1970s when government regulations substantially increased the cost of automobiles. It was soon transferred to any item or service regarded as unusually expensive. For example, “I had a case of sticker shock when I learned the annual cost of club membership exceeded $1,000.”
See also: shock, sticker
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • sticker
  • what do you know
  • what do you know!
  • What do you know?
  • (well) what do you know
  • take the Browns to the Super Bowl
  • slip across
  • never in (one's) wildest dreams
  • never in your wildest dreams
  • equal
References in periodicals archive
He finds markets that offer flexible payment options can help overcome "sticker shock." Other helpful markets are offering pay-by-the unit options, such as in the on-demand scooter space.
This cloud services sticker shock is often caused by mission-critical database applications, as these tend to be the most costly for a variety of reasons.
Moore said "sticker shock" has been a real issue for Chinese studios, particularly in paying for behind-the-camera talent.
WASHINGTON -- Inflation in medication costs eased last year due to spending controls and fewer new blockbusters, although there are still numerous cases of sticker shock.
Jon Kyi (R-Ariz.) stated openly that "Congress should fund operations in Iraq through emergency supplemental appropriations (because funding it through the regular appropriations process would unnecessarily inflate the defense budget)." Transparency in the Pentagon's finances, in other words, might lead to sticker shock and thus reduced support for the war effort.
The nearly $20,000 price tag could admittedly cause some sticker shock, but hey, it's a real-life hoverboard!
Although the central Arkansas market may not be described as 'hot' and we may not be experiencing the same level of sticker shock many landlords and investors across the U.S.
In addition to a ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL new look for the program's messaging, Project Sticker Shock participants will be able to take advantage of online training, event registration and post-event evaluation.
If you have been out to a pumpkin patch lately, you may be in for a sticker shock! While Halloween may not be ruined because of the poor pumpkin season, Thanksgiving pies may be in short supply.
She said developments byTsleil-Waututh Nation have included 100-year leases that residents "pay up front so you don't have a sticker shock. Most people would prefer that."
I went shopping for some deck balusters at a big-box store and came away with sticker shock. I knew there had to be a cheaper way to redo my deck!
The highest beef prices in almost three decades have arrived just before the start of grilling season, causing sticker shock for both consumers and restaurant owners--and relief is not likely anytime soon, explains Lee Schultz, assistant professor of economics at Iowa State University, Ames.
This week I signed up for two courses--one "live" and one on DVD--and am still suffering from sticker shock. The former was priced at $410, the latter a mere $302.
21 ( ANI ): After the initial sticker shock, market analysts and investors have been trying to make sense of the multi billion dollar acquisition deal between Facebook and WhatsApp and are cautiously optimistic of the future of the two companies.
Robert Stallard, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said Boeing stock's decline reflected "initial sticker shock" at the numbers, particularly cash flow.