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Difference between More than one bargains for and More than one can shake a stick at

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 atsaid 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.