Money is a language that all of us speak, and it's no surprise that the English language is filled with colourful expressions related to finances. Here we explore 10 common idioms about money and break down their meanings.
This phrase means to spend a lot of money, usually more than you can afford. It's like emptying out a bank vault because you're spending so much, often on expensive purchases or activities
Sarah’s holiday to Paris broke the bank when she flew first class, stayed in luxury hotels, and dined in Michelin-starred restaurants every night.
When something is very expensive, almost like the price is so high that it feels like you're giving up a part of your body to pay for it.
I can’t buy the new smartphone, it costs an arm and a leg!
This expression is a reminder that money is not unlimited and should be used wisely. Money is earned through hard work and should not be wasted on unnecessary things, so be mindful of your spending and to save for the future.
Nick wanted all of the latest gadgets for Christmas, but his parents reminded him that money doesn’t grow on trees.
This idiom means to waste money on something that doesn't have any value or benefit, like pouring money down a drain and watching it disappear. It's often used to criticise people for spending money on unnecessary or frivolous things.
I never go to the gym, I’m just throwing money down the drain with my membership.
This phrase comes from accounting terms, and means that you have more expenses than income, used to describe when a financial situation is not profitable.
Despite their efforts to cut costs, the company remained in the red for the third month.
On a more positive note, this phrase means the opposite, that you have more income than expenses.
After sales increased, the company finally turned a profit, putting them in the black.
Quite simply, bacon here refers to money, or a salary. This expression means to earn a living or to provide for one's family financially, and is often used to describe the primary breadwinner in a household.
After years of hard work, Nicole finally got the promotion she deserved and was able to bring home the bacon.
This means to just have enough money to cover your expenses, and that you have to manage finances carefully to ensure that income is sufficient to meet all necessary expenses.
Because of a rent increase, Tim had to take on a second job to make ends meet.
This idiom emphasises the importance of saving money, and to be frugal. It means that by saving even small amounts of money, you're essentially earning it because you're not spending it unnecessarily.
Maria decided to make her lunch at home to bring to work instead of eating out. After all, a penny saved is a penny earned.
This expression means that money has power and influence, and suggests that people with money can get what they want or have more control over situations. For example, in business, having a lot of money can give you an advantage in negotiations.
Despite his lack of experience, Mark got the job because of his family’s wealth. In his town, money talks.
Putting these idioms into practice will allow you to easily express more complex ideas and nuances, and maybe even help you to feel (linguistically) rich!
Choose the correct idiom for the following:
When Emily asked for a new car, her father reminded her that __________ and she needed to save up for it herself.
Going on a shopping spree during the holiday season can __________ if you're not careful with your budget.
By turning off lights when they are not needed, you can save on electricity bills and remember that __________.
Buying expensive clothes that you never wear is like __________.
Thanks to the successful product launch, the company is now __________ after several tough years.
With the rising cost of living, many families struggle to __________ each month.
The new designer handbag Kay wants __________, so she's saving up for it.
Due to poor sales, the small business has been __________ for the past year.
In many industries, __________ when it comes to making deals and closing contracts.
After graduating college, Jake found a good job and started to __________, much to his parents' relief.
money doesn't grow on trees
break the bank
a penny saved is a penny earned
throwing money down the drain
in the black
make ends meet
costs an arm and a leg
in the red
money talks
bring home the bacon