"How much for how little"

A dictionary user has asked about the idiom how much for how little, which is admittedly a tough one to figure out -- partly because it can mean two very different things!

It's a pretty informal idiom, but it is used from time to time.

First:

How much for how little = how much can I get for the least amount of money.

Here are some examples.

I had the sushi mix platter and I was impressed by how much for how little.

We were impressed with how much for how little we got.

Second:

How much for how little = how much will it cost for what small amount of things.

Here's the classic example:

You want me to pay how much for how little?!