This is lesson 18 from Idiom Part 3. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Idioms Related To Misunderstanding
English Idiom Part 3- Lesson 18- Idioms about Money
1- Save for a rainy day = To set aside money or resources for a time when they may be needed unexpectedly
I always save a bit of money for a rainy day in case of emergencies.
2- Spends money like there’s no tomorrow = to spend money recklessly without thinking of future consequences.
She spends money like there’s no tomorrow, buying designer clothes every week.
3- Piles of money = A large amount of money.
He must have piles of money to afford a new sports car every year.
4- Time is money = Time is valuable, and wasting time is the same as wasting money.
Let’s not waste time because time is money in this business.
5- Plough money into = To invest a lot of money into something, often continuously.
They’ve ploughed money into the new App development, hoping it will take off.
6- Living on the breadline = Having very little money to live on.
After losing his job, he was living on the breadline for months.
7- My account’s in the red = Having a negative bank balance or being overdrawn.
I checked my balance this morning and saw that my account’s in the red again.
8- Enough to get by on = Just enough money to survive or meet basic needs.
Her part-time job pays enough to get by on, but not much more.
9- A bit hard up = Having little money, especially temporarily.
I’m a bit hard up this month after paying all the bills.
10- Not very well off = Not having much money; financially limited.
They’re not very well off, but they afford to have a short trip annually.
11- Can’t make ends meet = Not having enough money to pay for basic expenses.
With rising prices, many families can’t make ends meet anymore.
12- Without a penny to his name = Having no money at all.
After the business failed, he was without a penny to his name.
13- Living from hand to mouth = Living with just enough money to survive, without saving any.
They’ve been living from hand to mouth since the factory closed.
14- Over the top = Excessive or more than what is necessary.
His reaction to the criticism was over the top; it was just a small mistake.
15- Dirt cheap = Very inexpensive or low in price.
I bought this jacket for dirt cheap at the clearance sale.
16- Pay through the nose = To pay a very high price for something.
We had to pay through the nose for tickets to the concert.
17- Cost an arm and a leg = Something very expensive.
That new smartphone cost an arm and a leg!
18- Tighten our belts = To spend less money and economize.
After losing his job, they had to tighten their belts for a while.
19- Rolling in it = Having a lot of money.
Since winning the lottery, she’s been rolling in it.
20- Stinking rich = Extremely wealthy.
He inherited a huge fortune and is now stinking rich.
21- Worth a fortune = Very valuable or expensive.
That antique vase is worth a fortune.
22- (He) could buy and sell (you) = Someone is much richer or more powerful than another.
Don’t argue with him; he could buy and sell you ten times over.
23- Make a good living = To earn a decent amount of money for a comfortable lifestyle.
She works as a lawyer and makes a good living.
24- In the lap of luxury = Living in great comfort and wealth.
After retiring, they live in the lap of luxury in their beachfront villa.
25- Got money to burn = Having more money than needed, willing to spend freely.
He’s always buying expensive cars; he really has money to burn.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
