princely sum
The phrase 'princely sum' can be used either literally to describe a large amount of money or ironically to refer to a surprisingly small amount.
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Definition
B2General
(literal)A large amount of money.
Example
- Their summer house cost a princely sum.
- He inherited a princely sum from his grandfather.
B2General
(ironic)A surprisingly small amount of money, used sarcastically.
Example
- They paid me the princely sum of $50 for nearly a week's worth of work.
- For all his efforts, he received the princely sum of a single dollar.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "princely sum":