101 Money Idioms And Phrases (Meaning & Examples)

Looking for idioms that deal with money?

Be sure to check out these money idioms below!

101 Money Idioms And Phrases (Meaning & Examples)

A bad debt

• Meaning: When someone is owed money, but it is not likely to be paid.
• Example Sentence: Matt said he got into a bad debt with Mark and does not expect to be paid back.

A blank check

• Meaning: To have as much money that is wanted or needed to spend.
• Example Sentence: The manager seems to think he has a blank check for this project, but the boss does not see it that way.

A dime a dozen

• Meaning: Used to describe something that is common and available everywhere.
• Example Sentence: Stray dogs are a dime a dozen in South America.

A fool and his money are soon parted

• Meaning: Some people are good with money, others aren’t.
• Example Sentence: Josh is not good with money. He definitely lives up to the saying “a fool and his money are soon parted.”

A license to print money

• Meaning: When one makes a lot of money by little or no effort.
• Example Sentence: James new venture in the insurance field is giving him a license to print money.

A penny for your thoughts

• Meaning: What are you thinking about?
• Example Sentence: I must ask, a penny for your thoughts?

A penny saved is a penny earned

• Meaning: By not spending money, it’s as if you are earning more money because you still have it in your pocket.
• Example Sentence: Dad says he is saving money because a penny saved is a penny earned.

A pretty penny

• Meaning: Something that is very expensive
• Example Sentence: Well that car cost me a pretty penny, but it was worth it!

A quick buck

• Meaning: Money that was easily made.
• Example Sentence: Tommy made a quick buck at the yard sale this morning.

An arm and a leg

• Meaning: Used to describe something very expensive.
• Example Sentence: The new washer and dryer cost an arm and a leg.

Big/High roller

• Meaning: A person who gambles or spends a lot of money.
• Example Sentence: Ivy could be considered a high roller when it comes to shopping at the mall.

Blood money

• Meaning: Money inherited or gift because of the death of a loved one.
• Example Sentence: Nate bought that new ranch off of blood money.

Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

• Meaning: A way of describing a person who was born with a lot of money.
• Example Sentence: Joshua was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

Born into money

• Meaning: A person who was born rich because of their parent’s financial situation.
• Example Sentence: Kasha was born into money.

Bread and Butter

• Meaning: The source of one’s income.
• Example Sentence: Photography is his bread and butter.

Break the bank

• Meaning: To use up all of one’s own money.
• Example Sentence: John broke the bank buying that new house of his.

Bring home the bacon

• Meaning: To earn a salary, or make money for one’s family.
• Example Sentence: Dad always brings home the bacon, even when times seem to be tough.

Cash Cow

• Meaning: A product or business that produces a regular income or profit.
• Example Sentence: That new hairdryer is a cash cow.

Cash in one’s chips

• Meaning: To sell something in order to buy or pay for something else.
• Example Sentence: Well, if I have to, I’ll cash in my chips so you can get that new watch you want.

Cheapskate

• Meaning: A person known for not wanting to spend a lot of money.
• Example Sentence: I hate to say it, but you are a cheapskate!

Daylight Robbery

• Meaning: To be overcharged for something.
• Example Sentence: When I saw the bill, I couldn’t help but think a daylight robbery had just occurred.

Dough

• Meaning: A slang word used to describe money.
• Example Sentence: That new tv cost me a lot of dough, but I’d still say it was worth it.

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

• Meaning: When you get sufficient rest and are an early riser, you tend to be more successful.
• Example Sentence: Sulley gets up early every morning, because you know what they say “early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Easy money

• Meaning: Money earned with very little work or effort.
• Example Sentence: Many people think blogging is easy money, but I don’t agree.

Foot the bill

• Meaning: To help with fees or expenses.
• Example Sentence: My mom and dad will foot the bill for my college tuition.

From rags to riches

• Meaning: To go from poverty to wealth.
• Example Sentence: Mary has a classic “from rags to riches” story.

Funny money

• Meaning: Counterfeit money.
• Example Sentence: Luke was caught trying to pay with funny money.

Get a run for one’s money

• Meaning: To be challenged, generally by another person or business.
• Example Sentence: Katherine’s clothing store is certainly getting a run for its money with that new second-hand shop in town.

Give no quarter

• Meaning: To give or show no mercy.
• Example Sentence: The teacher gave no quarter when it came to Sue’s homework being turned in late.

Go dutch

• Meaning: To split the bill.
• Example Sentence: Amy asked Rainer to go dutch on their trip to Germany.

Gravy train

• Meaning: To receive high pay for doing minimal work.
• Example Sentence: People ride the gravy train every day in corporate America.

Hard cash

• Meaning: Real money in the form of paper or coins.
• Example Sentence: Stores don’t seem to know what to do when they receive hard cash these days.

Have sticky fingers

• Meaning: To be a pickpocket or thief
• Example Sentence: No one believed me when I said Crystal had sticky fingers.

He who pays the piper calls the tune

• Meaning: The person who has the money should decide how it is spent
• Example Sentence: He who pays the piper calls the tune, so Kyle, it’s up to you.

Head over heels in debt

• Meaning: When one owes so much money (generally to a credit card company, bank or a loan), it affects their daily life.
• Example Sentence: Don’t ask Tammy for money, she’s head over heels in debt.

I don’t have two nickels/pennies to rub together

• Meaning: When one is very poor.
• Example Sentence: I wish I could contribute, but I don’t have two nickels to rub together.

If I had a nickel/penny for every time (something happened)

• Meaning: Referring to something that happens often.
• Example Sentence: If I had a penny for every time I lost my keys, I would be a rich man!

In for a penny, in for a pound

• Meaning: When one is involved in a project or task no matter how much money, time or effort it involves.
• Example Sentence: You can count on me-in for a penny, in for a pound.

Keep the wolf from the door

• Meaning: To have enough money just to buy basic needs.
• Example Sentence: Even though I don’t make much money at my job, I’m glad to keep the wolf from the door.

Lion’s share

• Meaning: To have the majority of something, many times money.
• Example Sentence: Jack got the lion’s share of the money. All I got was a few hundred dollars.

Live from hand to mouth

• Meaning: To live on a small amount of money.
• Example Sentence: The truth is, Jackie lives from hand to mouth. Maybe we could help her out a bit.

Mint condition

• Meaning: When something is in perfect, like-new condition
• Example Sentence: The stereo is in mint condition.

Money doesn’t grow on trees

• Meaning: Money isn’t easy to obtain.
• Example Sentence: My dad always said, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ and now, I fully understand what he meant.

Money for old rope

• Meaning: A job that is an easy way to earn money.
• Example Sentence: Many people think being an investor is money for old rope.

Money isn’t everything

• Meaning: Money is not the most important thing in life.
• Example Sentence: My Grandpa always said “money isn’t everything”, and now that I’m older, I finally understand what he meant.

Money is no object

• Meaning: Used to say that someone is willing to spend a lot of money
• Example Sentence: Money is no object for Casey. She buys what she wants when she wants it.

Money talks

• Meaning: Money is powerful, it makes things happen or get done, even when it seems impossible.
• Example Sentence: The contractor said it would take a week more to get the loft finished, but when Sean offered him more money, he had it done within two days. What can I say? Money talks.

Money to burn

• Meaning: To spend money on unnecessary things just because you have the money to spend.
• Example Sentence: Keith always has money to burn, so ask him for a loan.

Have more money than sense

• Meaning: To describe a person who foolishly spends money.
• Example Sentence: I hate to say it, but Mitch has more money than sense.

Nest egg

• Meaning: To have savings in the bank.
• Example Sentence: Mrs. Turner has a large nest egg so she doesn’t have to work anymore.

On the money

• Meaning: To be correct about something or someone
• Example Sentence: Scott was always right on the money about Nicole.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

• Meaning: What one person considers worthless, could be considered valuable by another person.
• Example Sentence: Why don’t we go to the junkyard. You know what they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Other side of the coin/two sides of the same coin

• Meaning: Opposing views, referring to two people with different views.
• Example Sentence: Penny and James are the epitomai of the expression there are two sides of the same coin.

Pay a king’s ransom

• Meaning: To pay greatly for something.
• Example Sentence: I hate it when my brother pays a king’s ransom, but he just never seems to learn.

Pay an arm and a leg

• Meaning: To pay a large amount for something, usually an unreasonable amount.
• Example Sentence: I wanted the bike, but I didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for it.

Pay through the nose

• Meaning: To overpay for something.
• Example Sentence: That older couple paid throw the nose for that new house but to each their own.

Pay top dollar

• Meaning: To pay a lot of money for something.
• Example Sentence: Jorge paid top dollar for that new truck of his.

Pay your way

• Meaning: To pay for yourself instead of letting someone else pay for you.
• Example Sentence: I don’t care what they say, this vacation is a ‘pay your way’ trip.

Penny-pincher

• Meaning: Someone who is overly cautious about spending money, frugal.
• Example Sentence: My mother-in-law is a penny-pincher. She’s always looking for a good deal.

Penny-wise and pound foolish

• Meaning: A person who is conscientious of handling small amounts of money, but takes no consideration when large amounts are involved.
• Example Sentence: Herb is penny-wise and pound foolish. He is cheap with food but indulges in entertainment.

Pick up the tab/check

• Meaning: To pay for the bill.
• Example Sentence: This time, I’ll pick up the check.

Pin money

• Meaning: Used to describe a small amount of money that you earn and spend on yourself.
• Example Sentence: She works retail to make some pin money.

Pots of money

• Meaning: To have a lot of money.
• Example Sentence: Georgina has pots of money. She can buy anything she wants.

Pour money down the drain

• Meaning: To misuse money.
• Example Sentence: Tyler likes to pour money down the drain.

Put one’s money where one’s mouth is

• Meaning: To imply that someone should stop talking about ambition, and start taking action to realize it.
• Example Sentence: If you really want to go to Canada, then put your money where your mouth is.

Ready cash

• Meaning: Money that is ready and available to spend.
• Example Sentence: Paul has a lot of investments, but he needs ready cash.

Save money for a rainy day

• Meaning: To save money in case an emergency or an unfortunate event arises.
• Example Sentence: My car broke down, but fortunately I’ve been saving money for a rainy day so I can pay for the repairs.

Strapped for cash

• Meaning: When someone has little or no money.
• Example Sentence: Jackson is always strapped for cash.

Take a beating

• Meaning: To lose a large amount of money.
• Example Sentence: Jack took a beating during the recession.

The best things in life are free

• Meaning: A way to say that money can’t buy the most important things in life, such as family, friends or one’s health.
• Example Sentence: Money is important to an extent, but remember, the best things in life are free.

Ten a penny/A dime a dozen

• Meaning: Something that is so common it has no special value.
• Example Sentence: Those shoes are a dime a dozen.

Time is money

• Meaning: Time invaluable.
• Example Sentence: Let’s go girls! Time is money!

To bank on someone or something

• Meaning: To be certain of, or confident in someone or something.
• Example Sentence: I can always bank on Judy. She is always there for me when I need her.

To be broke

• Meaning: To be poor, have no money.
• Example Sentence: I wish I could help you out, but I am broke!

To cash in your chips

• Meaning: To sell something because you suspect the value of it will go down.
• Example Sentence: Parker, it’s time to cash in your chips and get rid of those baseball cards.

To chip in

• Meaning: To donate time or money toward something.
• Example Sentence: Sam said he could chip in on the gift for Kelsey.

To cook the books

• Meaning: To be dishonest with (someone’s) finances or accounts.
• Example Sentence: Tim was known to cook the books, so Johnny fired him.

To cut corners

• Meaning: To reduce spending.
• Example Sentence: Mom said we have to cut corners for a while so we can save money for our trip to Florida.

To cut your losses

• Meaning: To abandon a project or plan because it is obvious it will not end in success.
• Example Sentence: Cut your losses before it’s too late!

To earn a living

• Meaning: To make enough money to live comfortably.
• Example Sentence: I have to work in order to earn a living.

To feel the pinch

• Meaning: To experience financial problems.
• Example Sentence: I feel the pinch every time I open my credit card bills.

To foot the bill

• Meaning: To pay for everyone (such as at a restaurant, movie, etc.)
• Example Sentence: My mom said she will foot the bill this time.

To get off scot-free

• Meaning: To escape punish, or consequences.
• Example Sentence: Though he had a lot of debt, he was about to get off scot-free.

To give someone a run for their money

• Meaning: To be a challenging competitor
• Example Sentence: I must admit, she sure gave me a run for my money.

To go bust

• Meaning: To become bankrupt
• Example Sentence: Didn’t you hear? Mr. Powers went bust.

To go for broke

• Meaning: To risk everything in order to achieve the desired result.
• Example Sentence: Molly went for broke in order to pass her final exam.

To burn a hole in your pocket

• Meaning: When someone just acquired money and is eager to spend it.
• Example Sentence: This fifty dollar bill is burning a hole in my pocket. Let’s got to the mall.

To have the penny drop

• Meaning: To finally understand something.
• Example Sentence: When I saw Lola’s face, I could tell the penny had dropped.

To help one out

• Meaning: To borrow some money to someone in need.
• Example Sentence: Sam asked me if I could help him out, so I lent him twenty dollars.

To laugh all the way to the bank

• Meaning: To easily make money, oftentimes because of someone else’s stupidity.
• Example Sentence: Tracy’s stupidity makes it that much easier for Caleb to laugh all the way to the bank.

To make big bucks

• Meaning: To make a lot of money, especially at one’s job.
• Example Sentence: Drew makes big bucks at his corporate office job.

To not break the bank

• Meaning: To not be very expensive.
• Example Sentence: I told Val it would not break the bank to get a new truck, so she bought it that same day.

To spare some change/cash

• Meaning: To lend someone in need a small amount of cash.
• Example Sentence: Fortunately Paul was able to spare me some change when I realized I had left my wallet at home.

To spend a penny

• Meaning: To go to the restroom.
• Example Sentence: Justin said he needed to spend a penny and I didn’t ask any more questions.

To struggle to make ends meet

• Meaning: To struggle to survive on the small amount of money one earns.
• Example Sentence: I’m always struggling to make ends meet.

To take a bath

• Meaning: To lose a lot of money in a business agreement.
• Example Sentence: Amy took a bath on the Smith job, but she will hopefully make it up with her new client, Mr. Jones.

To take someone to the cleaners

• Meaning: When someone cheats another out of their money or possessions.
• Example Sentence: Unfortunately they took that little old lady to the cleaners.

To throw money around

• Meaning: To carelessly spend money on unnecessary things.
• Example Sentence: Damien is always throwing money around. If he would actually save some of it, he would be rich.

To turn up like a bad penny

• Meaning: To arrive or show up where one is not wanted.
• Example Sentence: Casey always turns up like a bad penny.

Two cents

• Meaning: To give one’s own opinion on an issue.
• Example Sentence: Do you want my two cents or no?

Worth their/its weight in gold

• Meaning: When something is very useful or valuable.
• Example Sentence: These books are worth their weight in gold.

There you have it, 101 money idioms. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below.