/ɪkˈspens ||; ɪkˈspɛns/noun1 [C,U] the cost of sth in time or money （时间或金钱上的）代价，花费: Running a car is a great expense. 养一辆汽车花费很大。The movie was filmed in Tahiti at great expense. 这部电影是花了很大的代价在塔希提岛拍的。
2 expenses [pl] money that is spent for a particular purpose （作某用途的）开支，费用: You can claim back your travelling expenses. 你的旅费可以报销。
at sb's expense 1 with sb paying; at sb's cost 由某人付钱: My trip is at the company's expense. 我的旅费由公司支付。
2 against sb, so that he/she looks silly 捉弄: They were always making jokes at Paul's expense. 他们老是拿保罗开玩笑。
at the expense of sth harming or damaging sth 以…为代价:
He was a successful businessman, but it was at the expense of his family life. 他是个成功的商人，但却因此牺牲了家庭生活。