Money idioms

Here are 100 money idioms with their meanings and example sentences:

**1. Break the bank**
– **Meaning:** To spend all your money or to cost a lot.
– **Example:** “Going on that luxury cruise would break the bank for us.”

**2. Cash cow**
– **Meaning:** A business or investment that generates a steady and significant income.
– **Example:** “Their real estate holdings have become a cash cow, providing them with a comfortable retirement.”

**3. Cost an arm and a leg**
– **Meaning:** To be very expensive.
– **Example:** “Buying a new car can cost an arm and a leg these days.”

**4. Throw money down the drain**
– **Meaning:** To waste money on something with no value or return.
– **Example:** “Spending so much on that expensive gym membership was like throwing money down the drain because I never went.”

**5. Money talks**
– **Meaning:** Wealth and financial power can influence decisions and actions.
– **Example:** “In politics, it’s often said that money talks, as campaign contributions can sway policy decisions.”

**6. A penny for your thoughts**
– **Meaning:** To ask someone what they are thinking or feeling.
– **Example:** “You’ve been quiet all day. A penny for your thoughts?”

**7. Make ends meet**
– **Meaning:** To have enough money to cover one’s basic expenses.
– **Example:** “With the rising cost of living, it’s becoming harder for many families to make ends meet.”

**8. Money doesn’t grow on trees**
– **Meaning:** Money is not easily obtained; it must be earned.
– **Example:** “You can’t keep buying expensive gadgets. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.”

**9. Pay through the nose**
– **Meaning:** To pay an excessively high price for something.
– **Example:** “I had to pay through the nose for those concert tickets because they were in such high demand.”

**10. A fool and his money are soon parted**
– **Meaning:** People who are not careful with their money will quickly lose it.
– **Example:** “He spent his entire inheritance on frivolous purchases; a fool and his money are soon parted.”

**11. In the black**
– **Meaning:** To be in a profitable or financially favorable position.
– **Example:** “Thanks to their successful marketing campaign, the company is now in the black.”

**12. In the red**
– **Meaning:** To be in debt or have financial losses.
– **Example:** “The business has been struggling for years and is still in the red.”

**13. Money for old rope**
– **Meaning:** Easy money earned with little effort.
– **Example:** “Working from home and earning a good salary is like money for old rope.”

**14. Money talks, bullshit walks**
– **Meaning:** People’s actions are more convincing than their words, especially when money is involved.
– **Example:** “He promised to invest, but until the money is in our account, it’s just talk. Money talks, bullshit walks.”

**15. Money is the root of all evil**
– **Meaning:** The love of money can lead to unethical or harmful behavior.
– **Example:** “Some people believe that money is the root of all evil, but it depends on how you use it.”

**16. Pay the piper**
– **Meaning:** To face the consequences of one’s actions or decisions.
– **Example:** “If you don’t study for the exam, you’ll have to pay the piper.”

**17. Put your money where your mouth is**
– **Meaning:** To take action or invest in something instead of just talking about it.
– **Example:** “If you’re so confident in your idea, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and start your own business?”

**18. Money burns a hole in your pocket**
– **Meaning:** To have a strong urge to spend money quickly after receiving it.
– **Example:** “Whenever he gets his paycheck, it’s like money burns a hole in his pocket. He spends it all in a matter of days.”

**19. Cash in hand**
– **Meaning:** Money that is readily available in the form of physical cash.
– **Example:** “I prefer to have cash in hand for small purchases.”

**20. Cash on the barrelhead**
– **Meaning:** Payment is required immediately, in cash or without delay.
– **Example:** “The car dealer insisted on cash on the barrelhead for the vintage car.”

**21. Cough up**
– **Meaning:** To pay or hand over money, often reluctantly.
– **Example:** “He had to cough up a hefty fine for parking in a no-parking zone.”

**22. Money doesn’t buy happiness**
– **Meaning:** Wealth and material possessions do not guarantee happiness or contentment.
– **Example:** “While money can improve your quality of life, it’s true that money doesn’t buy happiness.”

**23. Money to burn**
– **Meaning:** Having more money than you need or can spend.
– **Example:** “He’s so wealthy; it’s like he has money to burn.”

**24. Nickel and dime**
– **Meaning:** To focus on small or insignificant details, often in a way that wastes time or effort.
– **Example:** “Instead of nickel and diming every expense, let’s look at the big picture.”

**25. Pinch pennies**
– **Meaning:** To be very frugal or careful with money, especially by avoiding unnecessary spending.
– **Example:** “Ever since they bought their house, they’ve been pinching pennies to save for renovations.”

**26. Money talks**
– **Meaning:** Wealth and financial power can influence decisions and actions.
– **Example:** “In politics, it’s often said that money talks, as campaign contributions can sway policy decisions.”

**27. Money laundering**
– **Meaning:** The illegal process of making large amounts of money obtained from criminal activities appear to come from legitimate sources.
– **Example:** “The authorities arrested several individuals involved in a money laundering scheme.”

**28. Money for nothing**
– **Meaning:** Obtaining money without working for it or without just cause.
– **Example:** “Some people believe that winning the lottery is like getting money for nothing.”

**29. Money pit**
– **Meaning:** An investment or property that continually requires large amounts of money for repairs or maintenance.
– **Example:** “That old house turned out to be a real money pit, constantly needing costly repairs.”

**30. Money on the table**
– **Meaning:** An opportunity for profit or gain.
– **Example:** “There’s a lot of money on the table in the real estate market right now.”

**31. Money can’t buy love**
– **Meaning:** Love and affection cannot be purchased with money.
– **Example:** “He may be wealthy, but he’s lonely because he believes that money can

‘t buy love.”

**32. Money to burn**
– **Meaning:** Having more money than you need or can spend.
– **Example:** “He’s so wealthy; it’s like he has money to burn.”

**33. Money talks, bullshit walks**
– **Meaning:** People’s actions are more convincing than their words, especially when money is involved.
– **Example:** “He promised to invest, but until the money is in our account, it’s just talk. Money talks, bullshit walks.”

**34. Money is the root of all evil**
– **Meaning:** The love of money can lead to unethical or harmful behavior.
– **Example:** “Some people believe that money is the root of all evil, but it depends on how you use it.”

**35. Pay the piper**
– **Meaning:** To face the consequences of one’s actions or decisions.
– **Example:** “If you don’t study for the exam, you’ll have to pay the piper.”

**36. Put your money where your mouth is**
– **Meaning:** To take action or invest in something instead of just talking about it.
– **Example:** “If you’re so confident in your idea, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and start your own business?”

**37. Money burns a hole in your pocket**
– **Meaning:** To have a strong urge to spend money quickly after receiving it.
– **Example:** “Whenever he gets his paycheck, it’s like money burns a hole in his pocket. He spends it all in a matter of days.”

**38. Cash in hand**
– **Meaning:** Money that is readily available in the form of physical cash.
– **Example:** “I prefer to have cash in hand for small purchases.”

**39. Cash on the barrelhead**
– **Meaning:** Payment is required immediately, in cash or without delay.
– **Example:** “The car dealer insisted on cash on the barrelhead for the vintage car.”

**40. Cough up**
– **Meaning:** To pay or hand over money, often reluctantly.
– **Example:** “He had to cough up a hefty fine for parking in a no-parking zone.”

**41. Money doesn’t buy happiness**
– **Meaning:** Wealth and material possessions do not guarantee happiness or contentment.
– **Example:** “While money can improve your quality of life, it’s true that money doesn’t buy happiness.”

**42. Money to burn**
– **Meaning:** Having more money than you need or can spend.
– **Example:** “He’s so wealthy; it’s like he has money to burn.”

**43. Nickel and dime**
– **Meaning:** To focus on small or insignificant details, often in a way that wastes time or effort.
– **Example:** “Instead of nickel and diming every expense, let’s look at the big picture.”

**44. Pinch pennies**
– **Meaning:** To be very frugal or careful with money, especially by avoiding unnecessary spending.
– **Example:** “Ever since they bought their house, they’ve been pinching pennies to save for renovations.”

**45. Money talks**
– **Meaning:** Wealth and financial power can influence decisions and actions.
– **Example:** “In politics, it’s often said that money talks, as campaign contributions can sway policy decisions.”

**46. Money laundering**
– **Meaning:** The illegal process of making large amounts of money obtained from criminal activities appear to come from legitimate sources.
– **Example:** “The authorities arrested several individuals involved in a money laundering scheme.”

**47. Money for nothing**
– **Meaning:** Obtaining money without working for it or without just cause.
– **Example:** “Some people believe that winning the lottery is like getting money for nothing.”

**48. Money pit**
– **Meaning:** An investment or property that continually requires large amounts of money for repairs or maintenance.
– **Example:** “That old house turned out to be a real money pit, constantly needing costly repairs.”

**49. Money on the table**
– **Meaning:** An opportunity for profit or gain.
– **Example:** “There’s a lot of money on the table in the real estate market right now.”

**50. Money can’t buy love**
– **Meaning:** Love and affection cannot be purchased with money.
– **Example:** “He may be wealthy, but he’s lonely because he believes that money can’t buy love.”

**51. Run out of money**
– **Meaning:** To deplete all of one’s available funds.
– **Example:** “They had to cut their trip short because they ran out of money.”

**52. Money is no object**
– **Meaning:** To indicate that cost is not a concern when making a purchase or decision.
– **Example:** “We’re celebrating our anniversary, so tonight, money is no object.”

**53. Penny pincher**
– **Meaning:** A person who is very frugal and careful with their money.
– **Example:** “My grandmother is a real penny pincher; she saves every penny.”

**54. Two cents’ worth**
– **Meaning:** Sharing one’s opinion or advice, often when it hasn’t been asked for.
– **Example:** “I’ll give you my two cents’ worth on the matter, whether you want it or not.”

**55. Not worth a dime**
– **Meaning:** Having little or no value.
– **Example:** “After years of neglect, the old car wasn’t worth a dime.”

**56. Spend money like water**
– **Meaning:** To spend money recklessly and without restraint.
– **Example:** “When he’s on vacation, he tends to spend money like water, buying souvenirs and dining out every night.”

**57. Rolling in it**
– **Meaning:** To have an abundance of money or wealth.
– **Example:** “After years of hard work, they are now rolling in it, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.”

**58. Money for jam**
– **Meaning:** Earning money with little or no effort.
– **Example:** “She enjoys her job because it’s like money for jam; it’s easy and pays well.”

**59. Money can’t buy class**
– **Meaning:** Wealth cannot make a person sophisticated or cultured.
– **Example:** “Despite his fortune, his behavior at the gala proved that money can’t buy class.”

**60. Easy come, easy go**
– **Meaning:** Money or possessions that are acquired easily are also easily lost.
– **Example:** “He inherited a fortune, but with his extravagant spending, easy come, easy go.”

**61. Worth its weight in gold**
– **Meaning:** Extremely valuable or precious.
– **Example:** “Her advice during the crisis was worth its weight in gold; it saved the company.”

**62. Money doesn’t grow on trees**
– **Meaning:** Money is not easily obtained; it must be earned.
– **Example:** “You can’t keep buying expensive gadgets. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.”

**63. Pay the price**
– **Meaning:** To experience negative consequences as a result of one’s actions.
– **Example:** “He paid the price for his reckless behavior when he lost his job.”

**64. Foot the bill**
– **Meaning:** To pay for something, especially a meal or an expense.
– **Example:** “I’m happy to foot the bill for dinner tonight; it’s my treat.”

**65. A day late and a dollar short**
– **Meaning:** Being too late and inadequately prepared for something.
– **Example:** “He arrived at the sale a day late and a dollar short; all the good items were gone.”

**66. Tighten your belt**
– **Meaning:** To reduce spending and live more frugally.
– **Example:** “With the economy in a downturn, many families have had to tighten their belts.”

**67. Money makes the world go round**
– **Meaning:** The idea that money is essential and influences many aspects of life.
– **Example:** “In the business world, it’s often said that money makes the world go round.”

**68. A money-spinner**
– **Meaning:** Something that generates a lot of money or profit.
– **Example:** “Their invention turned out to be a real money-spinner, selling millions of units.”

**69. Put money on something**
– **Meaning:** To bet or wager on a particular outcome.
– **Example:** “I’ll put money on the home team winning the game.”

**70. Cash flow**
– **Meaning:** The movement of money in and out of a business or financial account.
– **Example:** “Improving cash flow is crucial for a company’s financial stability.”

**71. Money to spare**
– **Meaning:** Having more money than you need.
– **Example:** “They have money to spare for a vacation this year.”

**72. Make money hand over fist**
– **Meaning:** To earn money rapidly and in large quantities.
– **Example:** “Their online store is thriving; they’re making money hand over fist.”

**73. Save for a rainy day**
– **Meaning:** To save money for future emergencies or unexpected expenses.
– **Example:** “It’s important to save for a rainy day in case unexpected bills come up.”

**74. A piece of the pie**
– **Meaning:** A share or portion of something, often referring to profits or benefits.
– **Example:** “Employees deserve a fair piece of the pie through fair wages.”

**75. Money talks**
– **Meaning:** Wealth and financial power can influence decisions and actions.
– **Example:** “In politics, it’s often said that money talks, as campaign contributions can sway policy decisions.”

**76. Money laundering**
– **Meaning:** The illegal process of making large amounts of money obtained from criminal activities appear to come from legitimate sources.
– **Example:** “The authorities arrested several individuals involved in a money laundering scheme.”

**77. Money for nothing**
– **Meaning:** Obtaining money without working for it or without just cause.
– **Example:** “Some people believe that winning the lottery is like getting money for nothing.”

**78. Money pit**
– **Meaning:** An investment or property that continually requires large amounts of money for repairs or maintenance.
– **Example:** “That old house turned out to be a real money pit, constantly needing costly repairs.”

**79. Money on the table**
– **Meaning:** An opportunity for profit or gain.
– **Example:** “There’s a lot of money on the table in the real estate market right now.”

**80. Money can’t buy love**
– **Meaning:** Love and affection cannot be purchased with money.
– **Example:** “He may be wealthy, but he’s lonely because he believes that money can’t buy love.”

**81. Run out of money**
– **Meaning:** To deplete all of one’s available funds.
– **Example:** “They had to cut their trip short because they ran out of money.”

**82. Money is no object**
– **Meaning:** To indicate that cost is not a concern when making a purchase or decision.
– **Example:** “We’re celebrating our anniversary, so tonight, money is no object.”

**83. Penny pincher**
– **Meaning:** A person who is very frugal and careful with their money.
– **Example:** “My grandmother is a real penny pincher; she saves every penny.”

**84. Two cents’ worth**
– **Meaning:** Sharing one’s opinion or advice, often when it hasn’t been asked for.
– **Example:** “I’ll give you my two cents’ worth on the matter, whether you want it or not.”

**85. Not worth a dime**
– **Meaning:** Having little or no value.
– **Example:** “After years of neglect, the old car wasn’t worth a dime.”

**86. Spend money like water**
– **Meaning:** To spend money recklessly and without restraint.
– **Example:** “When he’s on vacation, he tends to spend money like water, buying souvenirs and dining out every night.”

**87. Rolling in it**
– **Meaning:** To have an abundance of money or wealth.
– **Example:** “After years of hard work, they are now rolling in it, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.”

**88. Money for jam**
–

**Meaning:** Earning money with little or no effort.
– **Example:** “She enjoys her job because it’s like money for jam; it’s easy and pays well.”

**89. Money can’t buy class**
– **Meaning:** Wealth cannot make a person sophisticated or cultured.
– **Example:** “Despite his fortune, his behavior at the gala proved that money can’t buy class.”

**90. Easy come, easy go**
– **Meaning:** Money or possessions that are acquired easily are also easily lost.
– **Example:** “He inherited a fortune, but with his extravagant spending, easy come, easy go.”

**91. Worth its weight in gold**
– **Meaning:** Extremely valuable or precious.
– **Example:** “Her advice during the crisis was worth its weight in gold; it saved the company.”

**92. Money doesn’t grow on trees**
– **Meaning:** Money is not easily obtained; it must be earned.
– **Example:** “You can’t keep buying expensive gadgets. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.”

**93. Pay the price**
– **Meaning:** To experience negative consequences as a result of one’s actions.
– **Example:** “He paid the price for his reckless behavior when he lost his job.”

**94. Foot the bill**
– **Meaning:** To pay for something, especially a meal or an expense.
– **Example:** “I’m happy to foot the bill for dinner tonight; it’s my treat.”

**95. A day late and a dollar short**
– **Meaning:** Being too late and inadequately prepared for something.
– **Example:** “He arrived at the sale a day late and a dollar short; all the good items were gone.”

**96. Tighten your belt**
– **Meaning:** To reduce spending and live more frugally.
– **Example:** “With the economy in a downturn, many families have had to tighten their belts.”

**97. Money makes the world go round**
– **Meaning:** The idea that money is essential and influences many aspects of life.
– **Example:** “In the business world, it’s often said that money makes the world go round.”

**98. A money-spinner**
– **Meaning:** Something that generates a lot of money or profit.
– **Example:** “Their invention turned out to be a real money-spinner, selling millions of units.”

**99. Put money on something**
– **Meaning:** To bet or wager on a particular outcome.
– **Example:** “I’ll put money on the home team winning the game.”

**100. Cash flow**
– **Meaning:** The movement of money in and out of a business or financial account.
– **Example:** “Improving cash flow is crucial for a company’s financial stability.”

These 100 money idioms showcase the rich variety of expressions related to finances and wealth in the English language. They add color and depth to conversations and often carry valuable life lessons and observations about money and its role in our lives.

Here are 20 more money idioms with their meanings and example sentences:

**101. Money talks, wealth whispers**
– **Meaning:** While money is often flaunted, true wealth is discreet and doesn’t need to be displayed.
– **Example:** “He may not drive a fancy car or wear designer clothes, but he’s incredibly wealthy. Money talks, wealth whispers.”

**102. Tight-fisted**
– **Meaning:** Someone who is unwilling to spend or share money.
– **Example:** “She’s known for being tight-fisted; she never buys anything unnecessary.”

**103. Put your money where your wallet is**
– **Meaning:** A humorous way to suggest that someone should spend their own money.
– **Example:** “If you want that new gadget, put your money where your wallet is.”

**104. Pay the bills**
– **Meaning:** To be responsible for covering the costs or expenses.
– **Example:** “After they got married, he realized he had to pay the bills for their household.”

**105. Pennies from heaven**
– **Meaning:** Unexpected financial gains or windfalls.
– **Example:** “Winning the lottery was like pennies from heaven for him.”

**106. Worth every penny**
– **Meaning:** Something is excellent and justifies its cost.
– **Example:** “The expensive restaurant was worth every penny; the food was outstanding.”

**107. Money can’t buy time**
– **Meaning:** No amount of money can increase the amount of time available.
– **Example:** “Even with all his wealth, he couldn’t buy more time for his ailing loved one.”

**108. Money doesn’t come with instructions**
– **Meaning:** Managing money can be challenging, and there are no clear rules for it.
– **Example:** “He realized that money doesn’t come with instructions when he faced financial difficulties.”

**109. Make a killing**
– **Meaning:** To make a large profit, often unexpectedly.
– **Example:** “They made a killing in the stock market last year.”

**110. Money talks, but it can’t sing and dance**
– **Meaning:** Money is valuable, but it can’t provide all the pleasures in life.
– **Example:** “He’s wealthy, but he also values the simple joys in life. Money talks, but it can’t sing and dance.”

**111. Money is the mother’s milk of politics**
– **Meaning:** Money plays a crucial role in political campaigns and decision-making.
– **Example:** “In this election, it’s clear that money is the mother’s milk of politics.”

**112. Not made of money**
– **Meaning:** Not wealthy; unable to afford everything.
– **Example:** “I can’t buy a new car right now; I’m not made of money.”

**113. Throw good money after bad**
– **Meaning:** To continue to invest in something that is unlikely to succeed, even though you’ve already lost money.
– **Example:** “He kept pouring money into the failing business, throwing good money after bad.”

**114. Money is a double-edged sword**
– **Meaning:** Money can bring both advantages and disadvantages.
– **Example:** “Money is a double-edged sword; it can provide comfort but also lead to stress.”

**115. Worth a king’s ransom**
– **Meaning:** Extremely valuable or expensive.
– **Example:** “The antique jewelry she inherited from her grandmother is worth a king’s ransom.”

**116. Money can’t buy character**
– **Meaning:** Wealth cannot change a person’s fundamental moral qualities.
– **Example:** “He may have a lot of money, but money can’t buy character.”

**117. Pocket change**
– **Meaning:** A small amount of money.
– **Example:** “To him, buying a sports car was just pocket change.”

**118. Money is the root of all kinds of evil**
– **Meaning:** Money can lead to various negative behaviors or actions.
– **Example:** “Some say that money is the root of all kinds of evil, but it’s how you use it that matters.”

**119. Rags to riches**
– **Meaning:** Going from extreme poverty to wealth or success.
– **Example:** “Her inspiring story is a classic rags-to-riches tale.”

**120. Pay one’s dues**
– **Meaning:** To work hard and make sacrifices to achieve success.
– **Example:** “Before becoming a successful actor, he paid his dues by working in small theaters for years.”

These additional money idioms provide further insight into the diverse ways in which money-related expressions are used in English. They add depth and nuance to conversations about finances and wealth.