1.
dirt cheap; a pittance; next to nothing
An extremely low price, implying something is almost worthless. Used to describe goods sold for very little money.
骨董品を二束三文で売ってしまった。
I sold the antiques for a pittance.
こんな二束三文の値段では売れない。
I can't sell it at such a ridiculously low price.
大切なものを二束三文で手放した。
I let go of something precious for next to nothing.
Literally "two bundles for three mon" (文 was an old currency).
ORIGIN:
Originally referred to straw sandals (草鞋) that were sold two pairs for three mon - an extremely cheap price.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 二束三文で売る: to sell for a pittance
- 二束三文の値段: a rock-bottom price
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 捨て値: throwaway price
- 格安: dirt cheap