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 when he settled his loan payment for him. That was over 2 years ago and he still hasn’t receievd a dime.
A blank check
- Meaning: To have as much money that is wanted or needed to spend.
- Example Sentence: Jaimie’s grandfather gave himba blank check to purchase his school supplies. Little did he know, Jaimie used some of the money to buy some new video games.
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. You just walk out the door and take your pick.
A fool and his money are soon parted
- Meaning: Some people are good with money, others aren’t.
- Example Sentence: A fool and his money are soon parted-Josh is living proof of that saying. He buys whatever he wants, whenever he wants, without giving it any thought.
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: The manager looked directly at Mike and asked, “A penny for your thoughts?” Mike replied, “I say, go for option one.”
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: Having a yard sale is an easy way to make a quick buck.
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 is born rich because of their parent’s financial situation.
- Example Sentence: Kasha was born into money. Therefore she buys what she wants, when she wants it. Her husband Phil, on the otherhand, takes a more casual approach to spending.
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: So many products that have been featured on Shark Tank are now cash cows. It’s really enocuraging to see their success.
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. However, I have to pay for my books and supplies.
From rags to riches
- Meaning: To go from poverty to wealth.
- Example Sentence: Mary has a classic “from rags to riches” story. She was born into a very poor family but after years of hard work has become one of the most successful women in Canada.
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 Susie’s homework. Even though she had a good reason for not arriving on time, it was still considered late.
Go dutch
- Meaning: To split the bill.
- Example Sentence: Amy asked Rainer to go dutch on their trip to Germany. He didn’t agree so they never went.
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.