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15 money idioms

15 Money Idioms

15 money idioms

Talking about money in some cultures is not something they do every day. That’s why it’s a great idea to use idioms as an indirect way to talk about money. While idioms often mean something different than they appear, money idioms are usually directly related to financial topics. Let’s explore some common money idioms that can make talking about finances a little easier and less direct.

Break the bank

Spend more money than you can afford or is necessary.

Buying that car will break the bank.
They went on a shopping spree that nearly broke the bank.

Cost an arm and a leg

Very expensive.

That designer dress cost an arm and a leg.
Renovating the kitchen cost them an arm and a leg, but it was worth it.

Make ends meet

Have just enough money to cover expenses.

He’s working two jobs to make ends meet.
With the rising cost of living, many people find it hard to make ends meet.

Penny pincher

A person who is very careful with money and reluctant to spend it.

He’s a real penny pincher when it comes to eating out.
As a penny pincher, she always looks for the best deals and discounts.

Cash cow

A business, investment, or product that consistently makes a lot of money.

Their new product turned out to be a cash cow.
The company’s main software product has been a cash cow for years.

Dime a dozen

Anything that is common and easy to get.

Ideas like his are a dime a dozen.
In this industry, skilled workers are a dime a dozen, unfortunately.

Money talks

Money gives one power and influence.

In politics, money talks more than anything else.
He learned quickly that money talks when it came to getting prime real estate.

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Nest egg

Savings set aside for future use.

They’ve built up a nice nest egg for retirement.
It’s wise to start a nest egg early in your career.

Money is no object

Having enough money to do anything without worrying about the cost.

If money is no object, then why not buy the dream house?
They planned the luxury cruise where money was no object.

Tighten your belt

Spend less money than usual.

We’ll have to tighten our belts to get through these tough times.
After the budget cuts, the department had to tighten its belt.

Go for broke

To risk everything in hope of achieving great success.

He decided to go for broke and bet all his money on the last race.
In her startup venture, she’s going all out and going for broke.

Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

Born into a rich family.

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so he’s never had to worry about money.
She went to private schools and lived a privileged life, truly born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

Not worth a dime

Worthless or of no value.

The car he sold me broke down within a week; it wasn’t worth a dime.
Those promises turned out to be not worth a dime when it came to the crunch.

Money doesn’t grow on trees

Money is not easily obtained and should be spent wisely.

Remember, money doesn’t grow on trees, so think before you buy that expensive phone.
He always tells his kids that money doesn’t grow on trees when they ask for extravagant gifts.

On the money

Exactly right or accurate.

His prediction about the election results was on the money.
The estimate for the repair costs was on the money.

Has learning these money idioms made it easier for you to talk about finances? If you enjoyed reading about them, you might also like our collection of technology-related idioms!

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