Money Idioms: Meaning, Usage, and Exercise!

When preparing for the IELTS exam, mastering idiomatic expressions can significantly enhance your language skills and overall score. Idioms are a vital part of English language proficiency, and incorporating them into your IELTS Vocabulary can make your communication more effective and natural. In this blog, we will explore a variety of common money idioms that will not only enrich your language but also elevate your IELTS Band Score.

20 Most Famous Idioms Based Around ‘Money’

Learn the most acknowledged money idioms that are used worldwide as a part of the general speech. Here’s the list of money idioms with meanings:

• Break the bank: To spend a lot of money, often more than you can afford.

Eg. Sarah’s decision to buy the latest designer handbag almost broke the bank.

• Penny pincher: Someone who is extremely frugal and reluctant to spend money.

Eg. Even though Mark earns a good salary, he’s known for being a penny pincher and rarely splurges.

• Cash cow: A reliable source of continuous income or profits.

Eg. The online course became a cash cow for the company, bringing in consistent revenue.

• Cost an arm and a leg: Something that is very expensive.

Eg. The tickets to the concert cost an arm and a leg, but the experience was worth it.

• Make ends meet: To have enough money to cover basic expenses.

Eg. Despite her modest income, Maria manages to make ends meet by budgeting wisely.

• Tighten one’s belt: To reduce spending due to financial difficulties.

Eg. After the unexpected medical expenses, the family had to tighten their belt to manage finances.

• Money talks: The idea that money can influence and motivate people.

Eg. The allure of a high-paying job can often make money talk louder than other considerations.

• Burn a hole in one’s pocket: To have money that you’re eager to spend.

Eg. After receiving her bonus, Emily felt like there was money burning a hole in her pocket.

• Go Dutch: To split the bill equally in a group setting.

Eg. When we went out for dinner, we decided to go Dutch, and each paid for our own meal.

• In the red: To be in debt or owe money.

Eg. Due to excessive spending, the company found itself in the red at the end of the fiscal year.

• Live within one’s means: To spend only what you can afford.

Eg. Despite her desire for luxury, Sarah prefers to live within her means and save for the future.

• Rolling in dough: To be very wealthy.

Eg. The tech entrepreneur became wealthy through his innovative ideas and is now rolling in dough.

• A dime a dozen: Something that is common and easy to find.

Eg. In the city, coffee shops are a dime a dozen, so choosing the best one is a challenge.

• Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth: Born into a wealthy family.

Eg. Being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, James had access to all the privileges of wealth.

• Money doesn’t grow on trees: Money is not unlimited and should be spent wisely.

Eg. As a parent, I often remind my children that money doesn’t grow on trees, so they should spend wisely.

• Hit the jackpot: To achieve great success or make a lot of money suddenly.

Eg. Sarah hit the jackpot when her startup idea gained immense popularity and attracted investors.

• Rob Peter to pay Paul: To take from one source to cover another debt.

Eg. John had to rob Peter to pay Paul, taking a loan to cover his existing debt.

• Feather one’s nest: To save money for the future.

Eg. With careful investments, Lisa managed to feather her nest and secure her retirement.

• Money to burn: Having more money than you need.

Eg. After winning the lottery, Mike suddenly had money to burn and indulged in luxurious vacations.

• Throw money down the drain: To waste money on something unnecessary.

Eg. Buying an expensive gym membership and never using it is like throwing money down the drain.

Changes in Usage

Humans evolve over time so does the way things are interpreted. The meaning of the money idioms also changed and now with a certain alteration people use it differently. Here’s a table highlighting the changes in the usage of these money idioms:

Practice Exercise

Instruction: Apply your newfound knowledge with this exercise. Match the money idioms with their appropriate situations.

• Sam’s extravagance always amazes me. He seems to __________________ with his lavish spending.

• Despite the economic downturn, Sarah manages to __________________ by working two part-time jobs.

• After winning the lottery, Jenny felt like she had __________________.

• The new smartphone model __________________, but I think it’s too expensive for its features.

• Lisa’s uncle is a successful entrepreneur, and he’s truly __________________.

• Jack lost his job and had to __________________, cutting back on non-essential expenses.

• Emma wants to buy a car, but she’ll have to __________________ to save up enough money.

• In today’s world, __________________ – it influences decisions and opens doors.

• We decided to __________________ at the restaurant last night and split the bill equally.

• Alex always avoids going out to eat. He’s such a __________________.

Answer Key

• Burn a hole in his pocket

• Make ends meet

• Hit the jackpot

• Cost an arm and a leg

• Rolling in dough

• Tighten his belt

• Feather her nest

• Money talks

• Go Dutch

• Penny pincher

Conclusion

By incorporating these money idioms into your vocabulary, you’ll not only sound more fluent but also impress the IELTS examiners with your grasp of natural English expressions. Regular practice, coupled with real-world application, will help you integrate these idioms seamlessly into your speech and writing, ultimately boosting your IELTS score and advancing your language skills. So, go ahead, start using these idiomatic expressions, and watch your language proficiency reach new heights!