Money Idioms : Meanings and Examples

money idioms examples and meanings

Using idioms in your daily conversation is not a simple job, as you have to use them properly and in the right situation. However, these idioms can really make your conversations colorful. Today, we are going to look at some of the most common money idioms, which are always used in situations or contexts where money is involved.

There are hundreds of money-related idioms in the English language, and you might have encountered some of them in movie dialogues without knowing their real meaning. It is important to know the real meaning behind these idioms so that you can use them in your conversations.

We have gathered some of the most popular money-related idioms and tried to explain them in the simplest possible way, along with real-life examples. Illustrations of money idioms can be a fun way to share these idioms with your friends and family, so they can also appreciate these expressions.

11 Popular Money Idioms And Their Meanings & Examples

  • A Penny For Your Thoughts
  • In the Red
  • In the Black
  • Money Talks
  • Grease Someone’s Palm
  • Cost a Pretty Penny
  • Cheapskate
  • Penny Pincher
  • Foot the Bill
  • Made of Money
  • A Penny Saved is Penny Earned

1. A Penny For Your Thoughts

Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking about.

“A penny for your thoughts” is used to inquire about someone’s thoughts, typically when they seem preoccupied or deep in thought.

Example: You’ve been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts?

2. In the Red

Meaning: Owing money; in debt.

“In the red” idiom refers to being in a financial deficit, where expenses exceed income.

Example: After the unexpected medical bills, we found ourselves in the red.

3. In the Black

Meaning: Profitable; not in debt.

“In the black” indicates a financial state where income exceeds expenses, resulting in a profit.

Example: Our business has been in the black for the past three years, which is a great achievement.

4. Money Talks

Meaning: Money can influence people and get things done.

“Money talks” idiom suggests that money has the power to persuade and facilitate actions or decisions.

Example: He got the best table at the restaurant because money talks.

5. Grease Someone’s Palm

Meaning: To bribe someone.

“Grease someone’s palm” idiom means to give someone money in order to gain favor or illicitly expedite a process.

Example: They had to grease the official’s palm to get the paperwork processed quickly.

6. Cost a Pretty Penny

Meaning: To be very expensive.

“Cost a pretty penny” is used to describe something that is very costly.

Example: That designer handbag cost a pretty penny, but she just had to have it.

7. Cheapskate

Meaning: A person who is unwilling to spend money.

“Cheapskate” idiom refers to someone who is extremely frugal or stingy with their money.

Example: Don’t be such a cheapskate; it’s okay to spend a little on a nice dinner once in a while.

8. Penny Pincher

Meaning: Someone who is very frugal or stingy with their money.

“Penny pincher” describes a person who is overly careful with their money and reluctant to spend it.

Example: As a penny pincher, she always looks for the best deals and discounts before making any purchase.

9. Foot the Bill

Meaning: To pay for something, usually something expensive.

“Foot the bill” means to cover the cost of something, often for someone else.

Example: When we go out for dinner, my dad usually foots the bill for everyone.

10. Made of Money

Meaning: To be very rich.

“Made of money” idiom is used to describe someone who appears to have a lot of money to spend.

Example: He buys new gadgets every week as if he’s made of money.

11. A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Meaning: Saving money is just as important as earning money.

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned” idiom emphasizes the value of saving money and being frugal.

Example: My grandmother always told me, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” so I’ve always been careful with my spending.

Illustrations of Money-Related Idioms

These pictures of idioms for money perfectly capture the meanings behind these common idioms. Just by looking at the images, you can easily guess which idiom is being depicted. With these clear and on-point idiom infographics, understanding the real meanings of money-related idioms becomes easy. The images bring life into these colorful phrases in an insightful way.

  1. Pay Through The Nose
pay through the nose money idiom

2. Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees

money doesnt grow on trees idiom for money

3. Golden Handshake

golden handshake money idiom

4. Cash Cow

cash cow money idiom

5. Break The Bank

break the bank idiom for money

Enjoying these idioms? We have a whole idioms collection for you to explore! Our massive idioms library is categorized into various themes, so you can find the perfect expression – whether it’s a side-splitting funny saying or a wise proverb.

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