Money, just like in our lives, holds an important place in idioms. Many idioms related to money carry meanings that reflect both economic situations and the values associated with money. These expressions are deeply rooted in culture and language, often offering unique insights into societal attitudes toward wealth, work, and financial prudence. They can be used to convey complex ideas about success, hardship, or opportunity in a way that is both relatable and memorable. These idioms are frequently used to describe financial conditions and everyday life occurrences, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and real-life experiences. To help you understand and use them effectively, we have compiled some common idioms related to money along with their meanings and examples.
20 Idioms About Money
These idioms related to money, along with their meanings, will be useful for you to know and use in your daily life.
1. Bring Home the Bacon
Meaning: To earn money for the household.
Example: Mark is the one who brings home the bacon in their household.
2. Look/feels Like a Million Bucks
Meaning: It is said for someone who feels or looks amazing.
Example: She recently got her hair done, she looks like a million bucks.
3. Money Talks
Meaning: This idiom is used to say that money has a strong influence on people and events.
Example: He got the best seat at the concert, money talks after all.
4. Balance the Books
Meaning: It means to keep a business’s financial situation in order, balancing income and expenses, and keeping the accounts in check.
Example: The company had to cut expenses to balance the books by the end of the year.
5. Tighten One’s Belt
Meaning: It means to reduce expenses and save money.
Example: I bought a phone yesterday, so I have to tighten my belt for the rest of the month.
6. Go Dutch
Meaning: It means that the bill is paid equally by everyone.
Example: We decided to go dutch for dinner since everyone is on a tight budget.
7. Born With a Silver Spoon in Mouth
Meaning: To be born into a wealthy family, to be born rich.
Example: He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so he never had to worry about money.
8. Time Is Money
Meaning: This idiom highlights that time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted just like money.
Example: She always works efficiently because time is money.
9. Gravy Train
Meaning: Gravy train symbolizes a situation where someone makes a lot of money with little effort or work.
Example: He got a job on the gravy train, he sits around all day and earns more money than me.
10. Cash Cow
Meaning: A product, business, or investment that generates a steady, reliable source of income.
Example: The company’s new product became a cash cow and brought in huge profits.
11. Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees
Meaning: It means that money is valuable and can’t be easily obtained. It is often used to warn someone to not overspend.
Example: Stop spending so much money, money doesn’t grow on trees!
12. Highway Robbery
Meaning: It means that something is overpriced and unfairly expensive.
Example: Charging 50 dollars for a simple meal like this is highway robbery!
13. Quick Buck
Meaning: Making a quick buck means to make money with little effort and time.
Example: Jayce made a quick buck by selling his old books.
14. Pick Up the Tab
Meaning: It means to pay for something that is shared with others, like a bill. When someone picks up the tab, they pay for the other person as well.
Example: I will pick up the tab today, it’s your birthday.
15. Cook the Books
Meaning: The act of intentionally falsifying financial records or manipulating accounts to make them appear more favorable than they actually are.
Example: The accountant was caught trying to cook the books to hide the company’s losses.
16. Fork Over
Meaning: To pay or give money to someone reluctantly or under pressure.
Example: He had to fork over a lot of money to settle his debt.
17. Nest Egg
Meaning: A nest egg is a saving that has been spared for the future, usually referring to retirement or a holiday trip.
Example: They used their nest egg to start a small business.
18. Money To Burn
Meaning: This idiom is used when someone has money to spend on things that are unnecessary or very expensive.
Example: After winning the lottery, he had money to burn.
19. On a Shoestring
Meaning: To do something or live with very little money or resources, often referring to a tight budget.
Example: They started their business on a shoestring, but they are rich now.
20. Saving for a Rainy Day
Meaning: This idiom means to save up for difficult days that may come.
Example: He decided to save up for rainy days when he started his new job.
Example Sentences of Idioms About Money
– She’s been bringing home the bacon ever since her husband lost his job.
– I feel like a million bucks after taking that vacation.
– She was able to get what she wanted because money talks.
– My dad is an accountant, his job is to balance the books.
– Because of the unexpected expenses, we’ll have to tighten our belts for a few months.
– We ate everything together, do you want to go dutch?
– You’re lucky to have that car, you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.
– Stop wasting time and do your homework quickly, time is money!
– He thought his job would be a gravy train, but it was harder than he expected.
– That app is a cash cow for them, it makes money every day.
– You can’t buy everything you want, money doesn’t grow on trees.
– I bought this drink and it’s a highway robbery to sell this for 10 dollars!
– I want to make a quick buck during the summer holiday, what should I do?
– If you’re done eating, let’s pick up the tab and leave.
– I can’t believe he cooked the books to hide his company’s debts.
– He wanted to borrow some money, so I forked over 20 dollars.
– His nest egg for retirement was very helpful to him.
– I wish I had some money to burn for that dress.
– I was living on a shoestring before I found this job.
– I can’t spend this money, I’m saving it for a rainy day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms About Money
Why should I learn money-related idioms?
Understanding and using money idioms can help you communicate effectively in conversations about finances, business, and daily life.
Where can I use money-related idioms?
You can use money idioms in daily conversations, business settings and in writing.
Are there idioms about saving or spending wisely?
Yes, the most common example would be: “A penny saved is a penny earned” – Saving money is as valuable as earning it.
How can I learn to use money idioms naturally?
You can practice in context, read or listen to native material and engage in conversation.
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