"Gives away the store" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation wherein someone excessively or unwisely reveals or surrenders everything they have, usually in a negotiation, transaction, or conflict. This phrase implies a sense of recklessness or naivety in giving up one's advantages, positions, or resources too easily or without securing an equitable outcome.
Typically, the term is employed when discussing business deals, political negotiations, or bargaining scenarios, where one party, often due to lack of strategic thinking, desperation, inexperience, or undue generosity, compromises too much or accepts unfavorable terms. The idiom's origin can be associated with the concept of a store here indicating the complete surrender or depletion of a seller's inventory.
When someone "gives away the store," they relinquish essential or valuable aspects of their position without receiving adequate or reasonable compensation. This expression suggests a lack of negotiation skills or inadequate understanding of the value of their assets or interests. The consequences might range from financial loss to compromising one's advantage, reputation, or dignity. Moreover, "giving away the store" can also be used metaphorically to describe a personal situation where an individual freely gives away their assets, personal power, or self-respect, yielding to others' demands or manipulation.
Overall, "gives away the store" emphasizes the notion of imprudence, carelessness, or shortsightedness in negotiations or interactions, portraying an action that leads to undesirable outcomes or unfair deals due to a lack of strategic thinking or self-advocacy.
