more than one bargains for—
1. said of an unpleasant surprise at the negative consequences of one’s action:
- A crook got more than he bargained for when he tried to rob a 77-year-old woman. That woman was a former deputy sheriff … and fought back.
2. said when the outcome of one’s action is even better or more favorable than one had expected:
- I found myself leafing through the book…. To say the least, I got more than I bargained for—an emotional connection with a brave and inspirational author.
more than one can shake a stick at—said of a large number or quantity of smth.:
- Don’t worry about seeing islands. On the ferry to Sweden you’ll see more than you can shake a stick at.