The phrase "twice as little" is somewhat informal and can often be seen as a comparative expression used to indicate a quantity that is two times less than a reference point. However, it is important to note that using "twice as little" can be misleading mathematically. Typically, "twice as little" suggests that something is reduced significantly or to a very small fraction of something else.
In English, it is used in conversational contexts more than in formal written text. It is often preferred to use clearer language such as "half as much" to avoid confusion.
The new car costs twice as little as my old car.
El nuevo coche cuesta la mitad de lo que costó mi coche viejo.
In this sale, the shoes are twice as little compared to last year’s prices.
En esta venta, los zapatos son la mitad en comparación con los precios del año pasado.
If you save twice as little each month, you'll still reach your goal sooner than you think.
Si ahorras la mitad cada mes, aún alcanzarás tu objetivo antes de lo que piensas.
While "twice as little" itself isn't commonly used in idiomatic expressions, the concept of comparing quantities and making reductions is present in several phrases. Here are some related expressions:
Half as much
The dress is half as much as the one I saw in the store.
El vestido cuesta la mitad de lo que vi en la tienda.
Cut in half
We need to cut the budget in half to make our expenses manageable.
Necesitamos reducir el presupuesto a la mitad para hacer nuestros gastos manejables.
Twice the size, half the price
This promotion offers twice the size, half the price, making it a great deal.
Esta promoción ofrece el doble de tamaño, a la mitad del precio, lo que la convierte en una gran oferta.
Less is more
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to design.
A veces, menos es más cuando se trata de diseño.
Diminished returns
Investing too much time can lead to diminished returns on your efforts.
Invertir demasiado tiempo puede llevar a rendimientos disminuidos en tus esfuerzos.
Cut back
We need to cut back on expenses to save money.
Necesitamos reducir gastos para ahorrar dinero.
Downsize
They decided to downsize their home to have twice as little maintenance.
Decidieron reducir el tamaño de su hogar para tener la mitad de mantenimiento.
The phrase "twice as little" originates from the use of the word "twice," derived from the Old English twiga, meaning "two times." The term "little" comes from the Old English lytel, meaning "small in size, amount, or degree." The combination reflects a comparative structure used to quantify amounts.