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 with 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.
Common Idioms About Financial Savings
Saving money is a smart move, and there are many idioms to help express that! These common money saving idioms shows the importance of saving money and the benefits of being careful with spending. If you want to share your savings tips in a catchy way, these idioms are perfect for you!
1. Cut Corners
Meaning: To do something in the cheapest or easiest way, often by sacrificing quality.
When you “cut corners,” you try to save money or time by finding shortcuts, even if it means compromising on the quality of the outcome.
Example: To save money on their home renovation, they decided to cut corners by using cheaper materials.
2. Nest Egg
Meaning: A sum of money saved for the future, especially for retirement.
A “nest egg” refers to a reserve of money put aside for a specific purpose, like retirement or emergencies, providing financial security.
Example: She has been building a nest egg for years to ensure a comfortable retirement.
3. Squirrel Away
Meaning: To save or store something, especially money, for future use.
When you “squirrel away” money, you put it aside little by little over time, much like a squirrel stores nuts for the winter.
Example: He likes to squirrel away part of his salary each month for unexpected expenses.
4. Living on a Shoestring
Meaning: Living with very little money or on a tight budget.
To live “on a shoestring” means managing your expenses carefully because you have limited financial resources.
Example: When she was a student, she had to live on a shoestring and manage with minimal expenses.
Idioms to Describe Wealthy & Rich People
When it comes to talking about rich people, there are plenty of idioms to spice up the conversation! These money phrases highlight the traits of wealthy and rich individuals in a fun and memorable way. If you are curious about how to describe those living in luxury, check out these money expressions.
1. Rolling in Dough
Meaning: To be very rich or have a lot of money.
If someone is “rolling in dough,” it means they have a large amount of money and are financially well-off.
Example: After his business took off, he was rolling in dough and could afford anything he wanted.
2. Loaded
Meaning: To be very wealthy.
The term “loaded” is often used informally to describe someone who has a lot of money or is extremely rich.
Example: He doesn’t worry about the cost because he’s loaded and can easily afford it.
3. Born with a Silver Spoon in One’s Mouth
Meaning: To be born into a wealthy family.
When someone is “born with a silver spoon in their mouth,” it means they were born into privilege and wealth, often having a life of comfort without financial struggles.
Example: He never had to work hard for money, as he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Idioms for Financial Loss
Experiencing financial loss is tough, but there are idioms that can help explain those challenges. These expressions about financial loss convey the struggles of losing money and can add depth to conversations about setbacks. If you want to discuss financial pitfalls in a relatable way, check out these idioms!
1. Take a Hit
Meaning: To experience a financial loss or setback.
When someone “takes a hit,” it means they incur a significant loss, often unexpectedly, that affects their financial situation.
Example: The company took a hit after the product recall, resulting in substantial financial losses.
2. In the Red
Meaning: Operating at a financial loss.
Being “in the red” indicates that a business’s expenses exceed its revenues, resulting in a negative balance.
Example: After several months of low sales, the store found itself in the red and needed to cut costs.
3. Bleed Money
Meaning: To lose money continuously over time.
When a business is said to “bleed money,” it means that it is experiencing ongoing financial losses, often due to poor management or excessive expenses.
Example: Without a clear strategy, the startup began to bleed money and faced the risk of closing down.
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.
- Pay Through The Nose
2. Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
3. Golden Handshake
4. Cash Cow
5. Break The Bank
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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