1
general::
Turning over goods for an agent to sell, with the provision that payment is made only on completed sales and that unsold goods may be returned to the consignor. For example, This secondhand shop accepts items of clothing on consignment. [c. 1700]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): on consignment
[of goods] having been placed in a store for sale, with payments made for the goods by the operator of the store only if they are sold. • The artist placed his work in a gallery on consignment. • I will attempt to sell your clothing on consignment.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs