Idioms about Money and Finance: Everyone in the world needs money to fulfil their fundamental necessities. For this reason, the social upliftment and the development of a country strongly depend on finance or money management. For any English Learner, it is vital to know about easy money idioms to make oneself clear when it comes to using suitable and creative language to refer to any financial subject. For this specific reason, we have made a long list of money expressions in English which include money idioms UK, to make idioms about being rich a fun and interactive subject of learning.
Enrich your Vocabulary by practicing the English Idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversations and understand their actual meaning.
Names of Idioms about Money and Finance
List of idioms about Money and Finance
- Worth your salt
- Worth its weight in gold
- Two sides of the same coin
- Turn up like a bad penny
- To take at face value
- Time is money
- Tighten your belt
- A tidy sum of money
- Throw money at
- Throw money around
- Throw good money after bad
- Take up a collection
- Take them to the cleaners
- Take the money and run
- Take it to the bank
- Spend a penny
- Soft money
- Sock away
- Smart money
- Sitting on a gold mine
- Shell out
- Shake them down
- Rolling in money
- Red cent
- Rake in the money
- Raincheck
- Quick buck
- Put Your money where your mouth is
- Put in your two cents
- Pour money down the drain
- Pony up
- Play the market
- Pick up the tab
- Penny-wise and pound foolish
- Penny pincher
- Penny for one’s thoughts
- Pennies from heaven
- Paycheck to paycheck
- Pay one’s own way
- Pay up
- Pay top dollar
- Pay through the nose
- Pay the piper
- Pay a king’s ransom
- Pass the hat
- Pass the buck
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
- On the money
- On the house
- Not made of money
- Not for love nor money
- Nickel and dime
- Nest egg
- Monopoly money
- Money talks
- Money is the root of all evil
- Money is no object
- Money grubber
- Money doesn’t grow on trees
- In mint condition
- Make ends meet
- Make an honest buck
- Make a killing
- Make a buck
- Mad money
- Lose money hand over fist
- Loaded with cash
- Live within your means
- Live from hand to mouth
- Live beyond your means
- Let the buyer beware
- Kickback
- Keep the wolf from the door
- Keep our heads above water
- Jack up the price
- It’s a steal
- In the red
- In the money
- In the hole
- In the black
- Pay in kind
- In for a penny, in for a pound
- Ill-gotten gains
- Pay an arm and a leg
- If I had 1 million dollars
- I don’t have two pennies to rub together
- Hush money
- Hit the jackpot
- Highway robbery
- Heavy money
- Heads or tales
- Head over heels in debt
- He who pays the piper calls the tune
- Have the penny drop
- Have the Midas touch
- Have sticky fingers
- Burning a hole in one’s pocket
- Hard-up
- Grease their palm
- Gravy train
- Golden handshake
- Going rate
- Go Dutch
- Go broke
- Give someone a run for their money
- Get Your money’s worth
- Get off scot-free
- Get along on a shoestring
- Get a run for your money
- Front money
- From rags to riches
- Free and clear
- Fork out / fork over
- For peanuts
- Foot the bill
- Fool’s gold
- Float a loan
- Flat broke
- Feel like a million dollars
- Feel the pinch
- Fast buck
- Easy money
- Earn a living
- Early bird
- Down-and-out
- Don’t take any wooden nickels
- Dollars for doughnuts
- Dollar for dollar
- Dirt cheap
- A dime a dozen
- Daylight robbery
- Deadbeat
- Cut-rate
- Cut off
- Cut a check
- Cut your losses
- Cost an arm and a leg
- Cost a pretty penny
- Cook the books
- Control the purse strings
- Color of their money
- Cold hard cash
- Close-fisted
- Clean up
- Chip in
- Chicken feed
- Cheapskate
- Caught short
- Cash in the barrelhead
- Cash in your chips
- Cash in on
- Cash in
- Cash cow
- Cash-and-carry
- By check
- Buy someone off
- Burn a hole in your pocket
- Bring home the bacon
- Break-even
- Break the bank
- Breadwinner
- Bread and butter
- Bottom dollar
- Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
- Blank check
- Big bucks
- Beyond your means
- Bet your bottom dollar
- Bet on the wrong horse
- Below par
- Bang for your buck
- Balance the books
- Back on your feet
- At the drop of a dime
- At all costs
- At a premium
- As sound as a dollar
- As poor as a church mouse
- As phony as a $3 bill
- Ante up
- Almighty dollar
- All that glitters is not gold
- A penny saved is a penny earned
- A light purse is a heavy curse
- A fool and his money are soon parted
- A day late and a dollar short
Meaning and examples of few commonly used idioms about Money and Finance
Worth your salt
Meaning: This idiom describes a commodity that is as valuable as salt is in food items.
Example: Are you sure the purchase is worth your salt?
Worth its weight in gold
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where something is so valuable that an individual cannot live without it.
Example: The dress I bought is worth its weight in gold.
Turn up like a bad penny
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual shows up at a certain place where they are unwelcomed.
Example: I never want to turn up like a bad penny in the future.
To take at face value
Meaning: This idiom describes paper money or some counterfeit of the original product.
Example: Are you sure you want to take it at face value? I feel like you should investigate more into it.
Time is money
Meaning: This idiom describes the idea that time is as valuable and precious as money; both of these ideas are interlinked.
Example: Dear Martha, please do not forget time is money.
Tighten your belt
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual is living their life on a very minimum amount of money.
Example: Once you tighten your belt, it will get way worse, so beware from now on.
A tidy sum of money
Meaning: This idiom describes a relatively large sum of money an individual has their hands on.
Example: My brother made a tidy sum of money in his first job.
Throw money at
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of investing a large sum into getting something done.
Example: Throw money at him, and he will say yes after a few approaches.
Throw money around
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of squandering money without thinking of the waste.
Example: If you still throw money around, you should be ashamed of yourself, Paul.
Throw good money after bad
Meaning: This idiom describes the repeated action of wasting money on the same thing.
Example: Once you are addicted to throwing good money after bad, there’s no going back.
Take up a collection
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of gathering more money to fulfil a charitable purpose.
Example: My recent business will take up a collection for the orphanage I visited last year.
Take them to the cleaners
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of creating an individual out of their money.
Example: It was funny how you took them to the cleaners without them finding out.
Take the money and run
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of accepting an offer before the situation shows any sudden, unexpected change.
Example: I think she should just take the money and run before things get negative.
Take it to the bank
Meaning: This idiom describes any statement which is proved to be true.
Example: Fine then, please take it to the bank; I don’t care because I know she’s not lying.
Spend a penny
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual needs to use the bathroom.
Example: I think you can go on without me; I need to spend a penny real quick.
Soft money
Meaning: This idiom describes a sum of money one can earn without putting in a lot of effort.
Example: Be happy with your soft money, and it isn’t this easy every time.
Sock away
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of saving or storing money.
Example: Sock away your first income, and you can use it later for good.
Smart money
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who finds the best option concerning investments.
Example: I will keep my smart money saved for travelling in future.
Sitting on a gold mine
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual does not realize the value of their money.
Example: It looks like you’re sitting on a gold money, James.
Shell out
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual pays for a commodity.
Example: Once you shell out, let me know as soon as possible.
Shake them down
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s attempt to blackmail someone else into drawing money from them.
Example: If she doesn’t give it up, shake them down, so she surrenders soon.
Rolling in money
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual has so much money that they can practically rest their bodies on the money pile.
Example: His head is occupied with the idea of acquiring a job that will let him roll in money.
Red cent
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual makes very little money.
Example: I tell you to treasure your red cent till you get somewhere better.
Rake in the money
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who makes an increased sum of money than their initial income.
Example: I enjoyed the rake in the money, but it sure comes with a lot of effort.
Raincheck
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual missed a crucial appointment.
Example: It’s time for the meeting, but Jason’s in for a raincheck.
Quick buck
Meaning: This idiom describes the sum of money an individual makes every fast.
Example: Just go down to Florida, and my friend will help you with some quick buck.
Put Your money where your mouth is
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of shutting an individual up and asking them to start working first.
Example: Rather than fooling around for months, just put your money where your mouth is.
Put in your two cents
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of expressing one’s opinion or idea in a discussion.
Example: Maria, why don’t you put in your two cents? I want to hear your idea.
Pour money down the drain
Meaning: This idiom describes a person who wastes money within a thought.
Example: If all you do is pour money down the drain, why come to me begging for more?
Pony up
Meaning: This idiom describes an act of paying an individual the amount they deserve.
Example: As soon as the salary comes into the bank, I will pony up.
Play the market
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of playing in the stock market to determine a game of win or loss through a match.
Example: I am confident about playing the market; trust me on this.
Pick up the tab
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of paying for the whole bill or a total amount.
Example: You can go home, Julia; I’ll pick up the tab.
Penny-wise and pound foolish
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is very careful when handling a small sum of money but can be un-orderly and wasteful while handling big amounts.
Example: All my grandfather’s friends were penny-wise and pound foolish.
Penny pincher
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is very reluctant to spending and is over-possessive about their money.
Example: She’s always been such a penny pincher; it’s irritating.
Penny for one’s thoughts
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual is told to express their opinion in exchange for some money.
Example: Go ahead, all you need to do is talk, and I’ll pay for your thoughts.
Pennies from heaven
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual suddenly gains a lot of money.
Example: The offer came to me like pennies from heaven.
Paycheck to paycheck
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is capable of earning for themselves to survive in life.
Example: My paycheck to paycheck lifestyle is easier than her’s.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
Meaning: This idiom describes any resource that may hold no importance for someone but prove valuable to another person.
Example: Just because he does not like the color of the shit, he does not have the right to throw it in the trash; don’t forget, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
On the money
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual has a correct idea about something.
Example: He is always on the money about everything.
On the house
Meaning: This idiom describes a place paid for by the owner of it and free to any buyer.
Example: He kept his game on the house till he was satisfied.
Not made of money
Meaning: This idiom is a negative reference to an individual who does earn a lot of money to afford items of luxury.
Example: He may not be made of money, but he has a great heart.
Not for love nor money
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who does not believe in money or love.
Example: Maybe he sounds mean because he is not for love nor money.
Nickel and dime
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual is charged small amounts each time, which eventually sums up to a large aggregate.
Example: What about his nickel and dime working attitude?
Nest egg
Meaning: This idiom describes a sum of money one saves for the future (especially after retirement years).
Example: He is saving up for his nest egg to have a happy retired life.
Monopoly money
Meaning: This idiom describes a type of financial source or money that holds minor to almost no value.
Example: All he can do is show off this monopoly money.
Money talks
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual with the power of money to put them in a position where they can dictate to others.
Example: He convinced everyone with his skillful money talks.
Money is the root of all evil
Meaning: This idiom describes money as the source of all problems and negativity in the world.
Example: Do not learn to live for money because money is the root of all evil.
Money is no object
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual with a lot of money so far that they do not need to worry about the price of anything.
Example: To him, money is no object because he has so much wealth, he could buy all of it.
Money grubber
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is a miser and hates to spend too much money on anything.
Example: She is such a money-grubber; I don’t particularly appreciate going to the restaurant with her.
Money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: This idiom describes a typical scenario where money is earned through hard work and should not be wasted.
Example: How can you spend all your dollars? Money doesn’t grow in trees, Matthew.
In mint condition
Meaning: This idiom describes any item which is in its initial condition despite its age.
Example: His notes are still in mint condition.
Make ends meet
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who earns just the right amount to provide for his daily expenses.
Example: At least he does not sit idle and tries to make ends meet.
Make an honest buck
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has a stable and straightforward job and leads an everyday middle-class life.
Example: He is a man who makes an honest buck, and there is no doubt about it, officer.
Make a killing
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual suddenly makes a large amount of money.
Example: He made a killing in just two months into the market.
Make a buck
Meaning: This idiom describes any individual who earns a sum from their daily job.
Example: All he really requires to do is make a buck; how he does it is up to him.
Mad money
Meaning: This idiom describes the type of money people waste to entertain themselves.
Example: He has his pockets overflowing with mad money; still, he doesn’t clear his education fees.
Lose money hand over fist
Meaning: This idiom describes money which an individual loses too quickly.
Example: He was devastated because he lost money hand over fist.
Loaded with cash
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has a lot of wealth and money.
Example: He has got a lot to boast about, Ramson, for he is indeed loaded with cash.
Live within your means
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who lives their life on primary means without additionally purchasing anything.
Example: If you can still enjoy life while you live within your means, you are a great person.
Live from hand to mouth
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has no wish to save any money. These people spend money as soon as they have some.
Example: Her lifestyle is horrible because she lives from hand to mouth.
Live beyond your means
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who makes additional purchases that they cannot afford to make in real life.
Example: If you decide to live beyond your means, you will be a people pleaser forever.
Let the buyer beware
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of checking the commodity and making sure it is in good condition.
Example: It is the season of fraudulent acts; let the buyer beware.
Kickback
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of an individual who pays the money through illegal activities after receiving favourable treatment.
Example: He was jailed due to being involved deliberately in a kickback through the years.
Keep the wolf from the door
Meaning: This idiom describes the situation where an individual earns the bear minimum.
Example: Did you forget his condition? He can barely keep the wolf from the door.
Keep our heads above water
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s effort in keeping up with daily duties to carry financial burdens.
Example: You can never survive if you do not keep your head above water.
Jack up the price
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of heightening the cost of something more than its actual value.
Example: How dare he jack up the price? I do not deal with liars.
It’s a steal
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual is faced with a bargain.
Example: Don’t worry, my boy, it’s a steal; feel free to follow your heart.
In the red
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who loses a lot of money and has a large debt.
Example: I never want to be in the red, whatever happens.
In the money
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual suddenly gains a lot of money.
Example: He looks happy now that he is in the money.
In the hole
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual is in a lot of debt.
Example: Once he fell into the hole, he could not get out.
In the black
Meaning: This idiom describes any individual who is a profitable earner.
Example: His recent job set his status in the black, so he has more authority now.
Pay in kind
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of paying through resources to someone instead of money.
Example: If I choose to pay in kind, what are the requirements I have to meet?
In for a penny, in for a pound
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who wishes to observe a situation until its very end.
Example: I am in for a penny because the ending is crucial to me.
Ill-gotten gains
Meaning: This idiom describes any incident through which an individual collects money by illegal means.
Example: He showed off his bike he purchased with his ill-gotten gains.
Pay an arm and a leg
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s life situation that is usually recurring, from which they can repeatedly earn money.
Example: If they pay an arm and a leg for the trip, I will go with them.
If I had 1 million dollars
Meaning: This idiom is a comment made by people to confess about what they wish to do if they had a lot of money.
Example: If I had 1 million dollars, I would tour the world.
I don’t have two pennies to rub together
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who implies through their money that they are poor.
Example: I don’t think I can buy the estate because I don’t have a penny to rub together.
Pay one’s own way
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who can support themselves with their own money because they are financially independent.
Example: The loss did not stop her from paying her own way.
Pay up
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual in a situation where they can pay for a commodity that requires money.
Example: Once you pay up, you are free to go home.
Pay top dollar
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual pays a large sum of money for something that is not worth the price.
Example: You have to pay top dollar if you want to buy from them.
Pay through the nose
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual has to pay too much money.
Example: If you pay through the nose, you are likely to exhaust all your salary in a month
Pay the piper
Meaning: This idiom describes the situation where one needs to pay to escape punishment.
Example: Play the piper, or you will be prosecuted in no time.
Pay a king’s ransom
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who unnecessarily pays a large sum of money for a not solid reason.
Example: He was convinced to pay a king’s ransom for his daughter’s education.
Pass the hat
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who passes a raffle sheet for the purpose of raising funds for a cause.
Example: For this job, I need to pass the hat every day in various places of the town.
Pass the buck
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual forces another person to decide or hand their responsibility or blame on them.
Example: If they find out about your identity, professionally pass the buck to Julius.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Meaning: This idiom describes that portion of an individual’s bill to pay for medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.
Example: What about your out-of-pocket expenses? Does your salary cover those?
The other side of the coin
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s situation where they are in a place opposite to another person.
Example: Why did you comment on her situation when you had no idea about the other side of the coin?
Hush money
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of giving someone an illegal bribe to shut their mouth from telling the truth.
Example: We paid him a good deal of hush money, so he has no way to whine to the police.
Hit the jackpot
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual makes a large sum of money, especially from winning something.
Example: He celebrated his brother’s success, along with him hitting the jackpot at the casino.
Highway robbery
Meaning: This idiom describes an item that is exceptionally over-priced according to its initial condition and quality.
Example: Buying anything from his shop is like saying yes to highway robbery.
Heavy money
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has a lot of wealth.
Example: His high standards and heavy money make his personality this commanding.
Heads or tales
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of flipping a coin to decide between any two options.
Example: I am really worried about the result; I can’t decide between heads or tails.
Head over heels in debt
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s situation where they are under extreme financial burden.
Example: He will take a little while to recover from his head over heels in a debt situation.
He who pays the piper calls the tune
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where a person has the right to dictate how money that they earned should be spent.
Example: Why will he not listen to her? Have you really forgotten; he who pays the piper calls the tune?
Have the penny drop
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual has a realization about something.
Example: When she has the penny drop, she will resort back to work.
Have the Midas touch
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s ability to make money very quickly.
Example: He has the Midas touch to these business skills.
Have sticky fingers
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who earns money by pickpocketing, robbery, or being a thief.
Example: I do not like him; he seems to have sticky fingers.
Have money to burn
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of an individual where they are very eager to spend money on unnecessary things.
Example: The reason he has money to burn is because of his rich dad.
Hard up
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual in a financial situation where there is a lot of money involved.
Example: His hard-up job will be the reason for his bad depression one day.
Grease their palm
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s attempt to bribe someone to do illegal tasks with money.
Example: If it does not work the easy way, grease your palm to make him work.
Gravy train
Meaning: This idiom describes any job that pays a lot more than it should.
Example: The gravy train is the reason why he can go on trips so many times a year.
Golden handshake
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of paying a certain sum to an individual who is retiring or departing as a token of appreciation.
Example: We will now ask Mr. Otis to come forward for his golden handshake.
Going rate
Meaning: This idiom describes the current situation where a price point is at par with the prevailing rate.
Example: I planned to sell off my sofa at the going rate.
Go Dutch
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual splits the bill for the people around to pay equally.
Example: Yeah, she will plan to go dutch on every possible occasion.
Go broke
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual has no money.
Example: Why will you spend so much to the extent of going broke?
Give someone a run for their money
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of giving someone a challenge for what they earn.
Example: If he does not reconsider, give him a run for his money.
Get Your money’s worth
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s act of obtaining what one has paid for.
Example: Don’t even let anyone stop you from getting your money’s worth if you have done your job.
Get off scot-free
Meaning: This idiom describes an act of getting a leave from any fee or a punishment.
Example: Let’s test him and see if he can get off scot-free.
Get along on a shoestring
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of an individual where they can live a financially restricted life on very little.
Example: He got along on a shoestring very well early on in life.
Get a run for your money
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual getting their deserved share of the money.
Example: Sarah was happy to get a run for her money.
Front money
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of an individual paying money beforehand before obtaining something.
Example: He paid a good amount of front money to his lawyer.
From rags to riches
Meaning: This idiom describes the situation where an individual rises from poverty to being wealthy.
Example: He rose from rage to riches in a matter of a month.
Free and clear
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual owns something without investing any money in it.
Example: His share from the property was free and clear.
Fork out
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who pays for something by putting the money in front of them.
Example: What is the reason you always seem to fork out?
For peanuts
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual with a job that pays significantly less which is considered below payment level.
Example: He works for peanuts because if he stops, his family will fall apart.
Foot the bill
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who pays for everyone present.
Example: She gave me a sweet smile after we came to know she footed the bill.
Fool’s gold
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where something is not valuable at all but gives them the value of gold.
Example: I tell you to be very careful of all fool’s gold he offers.
Float a loan
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who gives a loan to a company or someone in need of money.
Example: Don’t worry, and I’ll float a loan to get them out of debt.
Flat broke
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who does not have any money left on them.
Example: I went flat broke from shopping so much while visiting the market today.
Feel like a million dollars
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual feels very lucky, wealthy and prosperous, and free of any financial difficulties.
Example: Look at him feel like a million dollars after he got the job he wanted.
Feel the pinch
Meaning: This idiom describes a financial situation where an individual meets heavy financial burdens and starts to save more than spending more.
Example: I think you can feel the pinch now that you will only be able to purchase the basics.
Fast buck
Meaning: This idiom describes the type of money earned by an individual that is quick and sometimes dishonest or illegally obtained.
Example: The flashy clothes she is wearing are purchase from her fast buck.
Easy money
Meaning: This idiom describes the type of money that does not need a lot of effort to acquire.
Example: His lavish life is all the cause for the easy money his father earns.
Earn a living
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who earns the bare minimum to meet his expenses and live a life.
Example: At least she is earning a living and not just sitting in the house without a job.
Early bird
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is the fastest in grabbing any sort of opportunity the get to live a healthy and wealthy life.
Example: He’s an early bird; no one in class could defeat him.
Down-and-out
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is in an impoverished state without any money.
Example: He is down and out after losing all his gambling bets.
Don’t take any wooden nickels
Meaning: This idiom describes a warning made to an individual to avoid the risks of being cheated by someone.
Example: His conditions are suspicious, and I would tell you not to take any wooden nickels.
Dollars for doughnuts
Meaning: This idiom describes an item that is undoubtedly going to be won as per one’s bets.
Example: If you subscribe to my policy, I can assure you dollar for doughnuts.
Dollar for dollar
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of considering multiple options based on the item’s cost.
Example: I agreed to go to the marketplace, mainly because they have a dollar-for-dollar system.
Dirt cheap
Meaning: This idiom describes an item that has an unbelievably low price for its quality.
Example: The sale prices for trousers at the mall were dirt cheap.
Dime a dozen
Meaning: This idiom describes something easy to get and is of little value.
Example: Him buying tissues at that rate is like a dime a dozen.
Daylight robbery
Meaning: This idiom describes an item that is over-priced and sold as a rip-off piece to an individual.
Example: His shop was closed due to constant reports of daylight robbery.
Deadbeat
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who doesn’t pay up the money they owe to another person.
Example: I am tired of accepting his requests, and he’s such a deadbeat.
Cut-rate
Meaning: This idiom describes an item on sale at a remarkably reduced price.
Example: I was so lucky today; I got a Givenchy shirt at an astonishing cut rate.
Cut off
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of stopping the payment of a fixed sum of money to someone.
Example: Why did our payment get cut off? Was there any major fault in the system?
Cut a check
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of supplying digital checks for a company.
Example: Can you just cut a check and complete the process?
Cut your losses
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of abandoning a plan that is seemingly going to be unsuccessful due to money loss.
Example: Do not invest more into it, Hoshi; cut your losses.
Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: This idiom describes an item that takes as much money as losing an arm or a leg to be purchased.
Example: Please do not ruin my car, and it cost an arm and a leg to buy.
Cost a pretty penny
Meaning: This idiom describes something that is highly expensive and needs a lot of money to be purchased.
Example: Be careful with the vase, and it cost a pretty penny.
Cook the books
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of illegally changing a company’s financial records.
Example: He was bribed to cook the books, I’m sure of it.
Control the purse strings
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is the head of a family or a business and in charge of the money.
Example: Will you be able to control the pulse string from now on?
Color of their money
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s attempt to know that someone else has enough money to go about their lives.
Example: I have to find out everything about the color of their money to make sure of her lifestyle.
Cold hard cash
Meaning: This idiom describes the physical form of cash, such as a stack of coins or a bunch of notes.
Example: Don’t forget, and you’re doing all of it for cold hard cash.
Close-fisted
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who keeps their money within extreme control.
Example: You claim to have a big heart; how are you so close-fisted?
Clean up
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is able to claim a significant profit, especially from winning an event that involves high stakes.
Example: He’s living fruitfully on clean-up cash, Ryan.
Chip in
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of contributing money together to pay for something.
Example: Please try to chip in some cash, and we can get this done faster.
Chicken feed
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who makes a minimal amount of money.
Example: What I earn is chicken feed; how can I pay so much at once?
Cheapskate
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is always reluctant to spend more money.
Example: He’s such as cheapskate, and I don’t like traveling with him.
Caught short
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who does not have enough money to pay for anything.
Example: While shopping, he was caught short on cash.
Cash in the barrel head
Meaning: This idiom describes a product that is purchased in cash.
Example: I’m so ready to cash in the barrel head.
Cash in your chips
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of selling something off to invest the money earned into something else.
Example: You can cash in your chips as an alternative.
Cash in on
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of making a sum of money fruitfully.
Example: You can do your best to cash in on it.
Cash in
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of exchanging coupons to get money.
Example: Have you tried to cash in as an alternative?
Cash cow
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who earns a large amount of money and has a continuous flow of income.
Example: Joshua asked the cash cow for some pocket money.
Cash-and-carry
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of selling commodities.
Example: How are you doing in your cash-and-carry job?
By check
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of furnishing a physical check to a company to pay for something.
Example: He paid the taxes by check.
Buy someone off
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s attempt to stop someone with a bribe from doing their duty.
Example: It will take five minutes to buy her off.
Burn a hole in your pocket
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has been influenced or convinced to spend their money very quickly.
Example: Due to your gambling addiction, you will soon burn a hole in your pocket.
Bring home the bacon
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of bringing an individual’s salary home to contribute to expenses.
Example: I honor your hard work in trying to bring home the bacon.
Break-even
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who earns a sum equal to what they spend.
Example: Well, he is unable to save money due to this break-even situation.
Break the bank
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has the minimum balance left in their hands and will exhaust all the money soon.
Example: Be really careful not to break the bank with all those gambling.
Breadwinner
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who works very hard and earns money for their family.
Example: I want to take my brother’s place in being the breadwinner of the family.
Bread and butter
Meaning: This idiom describes the primary source of one’s household income that aids them to pay for food.
Example: What you will earn through this job is only bread and butter.
Bottom dollar
Meaning: This idiom describes the remaining dollar or the last bit of money.
Example: All I have now is my bottom dollar, so I’m looking for more jobs.
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual born in luxury having a lot of wealth.
Example: Change your attitude, and you were not born with a silver spoon in your mouth.
Blank check
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who has complete freedom of control over something or someone.
Example: His attitude completely changed once he got the blank check from our boss.
Big bucks
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who makes excess money.
Example: Are you happy; now that you make big bucks?
Beyond your means
Meaning: This idiom describes the action of living past one’s wealth limits.
Example: If you go beyond your means, I can’t guarantee you’d make it.
Bet your bottom dollar
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual that’s all they have to win something because they are sure of it.
Example: It’s fine to bet your bottom dollar for this win.
Bet on the wrong horse
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual places that bet on a wrong alternative.
Example: Be careful, Julia, don’t bet on the wrong horse.
Below par
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual’s position, which is sub-par or average.
Example: Do you think you can get anywhere with that below-par status of yours?
Bang for your buck
Meaning: This idiom describes an opportunity or advantage through which an individual can get more money.
Example: Please do not let this offer out; it is really a bang for your buck.
Balance the books
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of balancing financial situations.
Example: Go for it, Jim, and I believe you will do well balancing the books for the company.
Back on your feet
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is able to recover from financial difficulties and move forward.
Example: I congratulate your bravery and hard work that got you back on your feet.
At the drop of a dime
Meaning: This idiom describes the situation where a situation would take very little time to collapse or be demolished.
Example: At the drop of a dime, all the voters went against us.
At all costs
Meaning: This idiom describes a desperate situation where an individual needs to do something by all means.
Example: I cannot lie to her, and I want to keep our trust at all costs.
At a premium
Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where an individual is in a better position or state than others.
Example: Well, I think this is only possible because I’m at a premium.
As sound as a dollar
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual, an opportunity, or a source that is secure, like a dollar bill.
Example: Well, I believe you complete your theory is as sound as a dollar bill.
As poor as a church mouse
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who is highly poverty-stricken and cannot bear to afford any food for themselves.
Example: I felt terrible for the people in the neighboring village, and they were as poor as a church mouse.
As phony as a $3 bill
Meaning: This idiom describes a person or thing as untrustworthy and fake.
Example: I don’t know if he’s telling the truth; all these descriptions sound as phony as a $3 bill.
Ante up
Meaning: This idiom describes the gesture of placing the first bet or put up their antes.
Example: Come on, Jeffery ante up buddy, and you got this.
Almighty dollar
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who believes that money is the source of all success and prosperity in life.
Example: I am really so excited to get my hands on the almighty dollar.
All that glitters is not gold
Meaning: This idiom describes objects or things that may appear attractive but are not worth it.
Example: Just because the box is pretty does not mean it’s necessary, Carla; don’t you remember? All that glitters is not gold.
A penny saved is a penny earned
Meaning: This idiom describes the act of saving money or stopping oneself from spending more money.
Example: Please do not waste your money. A penny saved is a penny earned, don’t you know?
A light purse is a heavy curse
Meaning: This idiom describes individuals who are poor and have half-empty wallets due to poverty.
Example: She could not grab the opportunity because her family is poor, and a light purse is a heavy curse.
A fool and his money are soon parted
Meaning: This idiom describes an individual who acts foolishly and makes unwise decisions due to which they end up losing money.
Example: The look on his face really said he’s a fool, and his money is soon parted.
A day late and a dollar short
Meaning: This idiom describes an incident where an individual has missed a vital opportunity due to a lack of effort.
Example: Please do not give excuses; you are a day late and a dollar short, Mark.