Here you will learn 14 English idioms related to money: cost an arm and a leg, save for a rainy day, on the breadline, make ends meet.
You will also learn the meaning of ON A SHOESTRING – scroll down and watch a short video lesson.
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14 English Idioms Related to Money
“Money makes the world go round” is a well-known idiom. Money is an important part of our lives whether we realise it or not. Without money, not much can happen or not much can be done. Here are very common English idioms related to money.
cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: usually, something that is very expensive and outside our range
Example:
Michael wanted to buy the latest (newest) mobile phone with all the apps. When he got to the shop he saw that it was really expensive and he did not have enough money. It would cost him an arm and a leg to buy it.
Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon
INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
live from hand to mouth
Meaning: where someone has not got any money or regular job or savings and is unable to plan ahead more than a day at a time
Example:
People living on the street are unable to plan where there next meal is coming from. They have no savings or regular work and always live from hand to mouth.
to make ends meet
Meaning: your income/salary is just about enough to cover your expenditure
Example:
John had been working in the same job for several years without a pay increase. Inflation reduced his ability to save. He found it very difficult every month to make ends meet. He would have to get a job that paid more money.
14 English Idioms Related to Money
to be in the red
Meaning: you owe money to your bank and have a negative balance on your account
Example:
Peter received a letter from his bank manager. He had overdrawn his account and the bank needed him to repay the money owed as quickly as possible. He could not understand how he got into the red but remembered he had spent a lot on Christmas presents.
to put something by for a rainy day
Meaning: you have some savings you will not touch (use) unless there is an emergency
Example:
Mary saved a little money every week. It was a small fund for some emergencies in case her family needed money urgently or she had to replace something in the house. She always advised her children when they got a job to put a little something by for a rainy day.
On a Shoestring Idiom Meaning
on a shoestring meaning - video lesson
Help other students to improve English skills:
out of pocket
Meaning: you lose money in a transaction
Example:
The organiser of a concert was €10,000 out of pocket after the concert was cancelled.
money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: there is only a limited supply of money. Usually, we say this to warn someone that it’s not easy to earn money.
Example:
You shouldn’t be spending money on expensive lunches. Afterall, money doesn’t grow on trees.
to spend money like water
Meaning: to spend money freely as if it were in endless supply
Example:
Jack has just bought himself a new car. He spends money like water!
English Idioms related to Money
money is the root of all evil
Meaning: people do many evil things because of greed
Example:
Mary’s son was convicted of robbery last year. Money is the root of all evil.
money can’t buy happiness
Meaning: neither wealth nor luxurious items can bring long-term happiness
Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote in 1750: “Money buys everything, except morality and citizens.”
Example:
If somebody thinks that money can buy happiness then that is not true happiness.
Help other students to improve English skills:
English Idioms related to Money
on a shoestring
Meaning: do something with very little money
Example:
Marketing can be done on a shoestring budget.
money for old rope
Meaning: easy money, money earned with little effort
Example:
All you have to do is answer a few questions and smile at the camera. It’s money for old rope.
to have money to burn
Meaning: have a lot of money, spend unwisely
Example:
Why do they need 3 expensive cars?
They don’t, but they always have money to burn.
to spend money like water
Meaning: regularly spend large amounts of money, usually on luxuries
Example:
Tom’s wife spends money like water, she’s just bought a new expensive handbag.
More Information
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For more information on English idioms, English phrasal verbs and English grammar rules, check out the following links:
30 IDIOMS DESCRIBING CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY
Learn English idioms about Money with The Flatmates from BBC Learning English.
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