at a loss

ratlos

So verwirrt oder überrascht, dass man nicht weiß, was man tun oder sagen soll.

In einfachem Englisch: Unable to decide what to do or say because you are confused or surprised.

• I’m at a loss for words.
• His strange reply left us at a loss.
• We were at a loss to explain the missing money.

So benutzt man es: be at a loss for something (I was at a loss for words.); be at a loss to do something (We are at a loss to explain the delay.); be at a loss as to what/how… (She was at a loss as to what to do next.)

Synonyme: puzzled, unsure, bewildered

Häufige Wendungen: be at a loss, remain at a loss

mit Verlust

Für weniger Geld, als der Kauf oder die Herstellung gekostet hat.

In einfachem Englisch: For less money than something cost to buy or produce.

• We sold the car at a loss.
• The shop has been operating at a loss since January.
• Would you sell your shares at a loss?

So benutzt man es: sell something at a loss (They sold the car at a loss.); operate at a loss (The factory operated at a loss for three years.)

Synonyme: below cost

Gegenteile: at a profit

Häufige Wendungen: sell at a loss, operate at a loss