The spelling of the phrase "go for song" may seem straightforward, but understanding its pronunciation requires use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "go," is spelled with a hard g and an oh sound represented by the IPA symbol /oʊ/. The second word, "for," is pronounced with an "or" sound represented by /fɔːr/. The final word, "song," is spelled with the IPA symbol /sɔːŋ/, indicating a long "o" sound followed by the voiced "ng" consonant cluster.
The phrase "go for a song" is an idiomatic expression that means to acquire or buy something at a significantly low price or for a nominal amount. It implies that the item in question is being sold at a bargain or at a scarcely valuable cost. The phrase is often used in the context of auctions, marketplaces, or sales, where the seller is offering something for a price that is considerably less than its actual worth.
The term originated from the idea that a song can be obtained easily or inexpensively, similar to obtaining an item for a minimal cost. It implies that the buyer is fortunate or has managed to acquire something for a remarkably cheap price, similar to acquiring a valuable item simply by trading a song.
The phrase can also be used metaphorically, referring to acquiring or achieving something with very little effort or loss. In this sense, it suggests that one has managed to obtain or accomplish a goal with ease, without significant investment or struggle. It implies good fortune or a stroke of luck in obtaining or achieving something valuable, whether it be a physical item or a personal objective or accomplishment.
Overall, "go for a song" denotes obtaining something at a greatly reduced price or accomplishing a goal easily, often associated with luck or good fortune. It has become a familiar expression in describing situations where things or achievements are easily attainable with minimal cost or effort.