1
general::
Phrase(s): shop around (for something)
to shop at different stores to find what you want at the best price. • I’ve been shopping around for a new car, but they are all priced too high. • You can find a bargain, but you’ll have to shop around.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Look for the best bargain, opportunity, or the like, as in This job offers only minimum wage so she decided to shop around for one with better pay. This expression alludes to looking in different stores in search of bargains or a particular item. [c. 1920] 2. Look for a buyer for, offer for sale to various parties, as in The company is now being actively shopped around. [Second half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms