Money makes the world go round, and it certainly makes our conversations more colorful! Whether you’re talking about your finances, discussing business deals, or just chatting about everyday expenses, using metaphors can make you sound more natural and fluent. Let’s explore 55 vivid metaphors that native speakers use when talking about money.
Why Metaphors Matter
Before we dive into our list, it’s worth noting that metaphors aren’t just fancy language tricks. They’re actually how we naturally think and talk about abstract concepts like money. When you use these expressions, you’ll sound more native-like and better understand the cultural attitudes toward finances in English-speaking countries.
The Metaphors
1. Money burns a hole in your pocket
Meaning: When you can’t resist spending money as soon as you have it.
In a Sentence: “Every time Sarah gets paid, the money burns a hole in her pocket and she goes shopping.”
Other Ways to Say: You can’t hold onto money; money slips through your fingers; you’re quick to spend.
2. Rolling in dough
Meaning: Having a lot of money or being very wealthy.
In a Sentence: “After his startup went public, Marcus was rolling in dough.”
Other Ways to Say: Swimming in money; loaded; filthy rich; rolling in it.
3. Money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: Money is limited and must be earned; it’s not easily obtained.
In a Sentence: “You can’t buy everything you want—money doesn’t grow on trees!”
Other Ways to Say: Money is hard to come by; you have to work for money; money isn’t free.
4. Throw money down the drain
Meaning: To waste money on something useless or unnecessary.
In a Sentence: “Buying that expensive gym membership you never use is just throwing money down the drain.”
Other Ways to Say: Waste money; flush money away; pour money into a black hole.
5. Cash cow
Meaning: A reliable source of income or a profitable business venture.
In a Sentence: “Their mobile app has become a real cash cow for the company.”
Other Ways to Say: Money maker; goldmine; breadwinner; profit center.
6. Break the bank
Meaning: To cost so much money that it causes financial hardship.
In a Sentence: “We can go out to dinner tonight—it won’t break the bank.”
Other Ways to Say: Cost a fortune; bankrupt yourself; spend beyond your means.
7. Money talks
Meaning: Wealth gives power and influence; money can persuade people.
In a Sentence: “They got the best table at the restaurant because money talks.”
Other Ways to Say: Money opens doors; wealth has power; money makes things happen.
8. Nest egg
Meaning: Savings set aside for the future, especially for retirement.
In a Sentence: “They’ve been building their nest egg for twenty years.”
Other Ways to Say: Savings cushion; retirement fund; rainy day fund; financial cushion.
9. Pinch pennies
Meaning: To be very careful with money; to spend as little as possible.
In a Sentence: “We had to pinch pennies when we were saving for our house.”
Other Ways to Say: Count every penny; be thrifty; watch your spending; scrimp and save.
10. Money is tight
Meaning: Having limited financial resources; being short on money.
In a Sentence: “Money is tight this month, so we’re eating at home more often.”
Other Ways to Say: Funds are low; strapped for cash; on a tight budget; financially squeezed.
11. Pay through the nose
Meaning: To pay an excessively high price for something.
In a Sentence: “We paid through the nose for those concert tickets.”
Other Ways to Say: Overpay; pay top dollar; pay a premium; get ripped off.
12. Money slips through your fingers
Meaning: Money is spent quickly without you realizing where it went.
In a Sentence: “I don’t know where my paycheck went—it just slipped through my fingers.”
Other Ways to Say: Money disappears; can’t hold onto money; money evaporates.
13. Rake in the money
Meaning: To earn or make a lot of money, especially quickly.
In a Sentence: “The new restaurant is raking in the money on weekends.”
Other Ways to Say: Make a killing; bring in big bucks; haul in cash; clean up financially.
14. Money to burn
Meaning: Having so much money that you can spend it freely without worry.
In a Sentence: “He must have money to burn if he’s buying another sports car.”
Other Ways to Say: Money to spare; deep pockets; flush with cash; plenty of money.
15. Time is money
Meaning: Time is valuable and shouldn’t be wasted because it could be used to earn money.
In a Sentence: “Let’s get straight to the point—time is money.”
Other Ways to Say: Every moment counts; time equals dollars; don’t waste time.
16. Strapped for cash
Meaning: Having very little money available; being in financial difficulty.
In a Sentence: “I’m strapped for cash until payday, so I can’t go out tonight.”
Other Ways to Say: Short on funds; broke; tight on money; cash-poor.
17. Born with a silver spoon
Meaning: Born into a wealthy family with financial advantages.
In a Sentence: “She was born with a silver spoon and never had to worry about money.”
Other Ways to Say: Born into wealth; privileged upbringing; born rich; silver spoon in mouth.
18. Money pit
Meaning: Something that continuously requires money to be spent on it with no return.
In a Sentence: “That old house turned out to be a money pit with endless repairs.”
Other Ways to Say: Financial drain; bottomless pit; endless expense; cash drain.
19. Living hand to mouth
Meaning: Having just enough money to survive with nothing left over.
In a Sentence: “After losing his job, he was living hand to mouth for six months.”
Other Ways to Say: Barely getting by; living paycheck to paycheck; scraping by; just surviving.
20. Strike gold
Meaning: To suddenly become wealthy or discover a profitable opportunity.
In a Sentence: “The investors really struck gold when they backed that tech startup.”
Other Ways to Say: Hit the jackpot; find a goldmine; make it big; hit pay dirt.
21. Tighten your belt
Meaning: To spend less money and live more frugally due to financial constraints.
In a Sentence: “We’ll have to tighten our belts until the business picks up again.”
Other Ways to Say: Cut back; economize; reduce spending; live more frugally.
22. In the red
Meaning: In debt or losing money; having a negative balance.
In a Sentence: “The company has been in the red for three consecutive quarters.”
Other Ways to Say: Operating at a loss; in debt; losing money; underwater financially.
23. In the black
Meaning: Profitable or having a positive financial balance.
In a Sentence: “After two tough years, we’re finally back in the black.”
Other Ways to Say: Making a profit; financially positive; showing gains; operating profitably.
24. Golden handshake
Meaning: A large payment given to someone when they leave a company.
In a Sentence: “The CEO received a golden handshake worth millions when she retired.”
Other Ways to Say: Severance package; golden parachute; exit package; departure bonus.
25. Penny pincher
Meaning: Someone who is extremely careful with money or unwilling to spend.
In a Sentence: “Don’t be such a penny pincher—let’s splurge on dessert!”
Other Ways to Say: Tightwad; cheapskate; miser; scrooge.
26. Make ends meet
Meaning: To have just enough money to pay for necessities.
In a Sentence: “With two part-time jobs, she barely makes ends meet.”
Other Ways to Say: Get by; cover expenses; stay afloat; manage financially.
27. Deep pockets
Meaning: Having substantial financial resources or wealth.
In a Sentence: “They hired lawyers with deep pockets to handle the case.”
Other Ways to Say: Well-funded; financially strong; wealthy; resource-rich.
28. Easy money
Meaning: Money obtained without much effort or work.
In a Sentence: “Online surveys seemed like easy money, but they paid very little.”
Other Ways to Say: Quick cash; money for nothing; effortless income; free money.
29. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be extremely expensive.
In a Sentence: “That designer handbag must have cost an arm and a leg!”
Other Ways to Say: Cost a fortune; extremely expensive; exorbitant price; sky-high cost.
30. Foot the bill
Meaning: To pay for something, especially on behalf of others.
In a Sentence: “The company will foot the bill for the team dinner.”
Other Ways to Say: Pick up the tab; cover the cost; pay for; settle the bill.
31. Cash strapped
Meaning: Having very limited financial resources.
In a Sentence: “Most college students are cash strapped and looking for part-time work.”
Other Ways to Say: Short on funds; financially tight; low on cash; money-poor.
32. Bring home the bacon
Meaning: To earn money to support your family.
In a Sentence: “Someone has to bring home the bacon in this household.”
Other Ways to Say: Earn a living; provide for the family; make money; support the household.
33. Money is no object
Meaning: Cost is not a concern; willing to spend whatever is necessary.
In a Sentence: “When money is no object, you can travel first class everywhere.”
Other Ways to Say: Price doesn’t matter; unlimited budget; cost is irrelevant; spare no expense.
34. Highway robbery
Meaning: An unreasonably high price; being grossly overcharged.
In a Sentence: “Twenty dollars for a sandwich? That’s highway robbery!”
Other Ways to Say: Rip-off; daylight robbery; overpriced; gouging.
35. A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common and of little value; inexpensive and easily available.
In a Sentence: “Used smartphones are a dime a dozen these days.”
Other Ways to Say: Common as dirt; abundant; plentiful; nothing special.
36. Worth your weight in gold
Meaning: Extremely valuable or useful.
In a Sentence: “A good assistant is worth their weight in gold.”
Other Ways to Say: Invaluable; priceless; extremely valuable; worth a fortune.
37. Nickel and dime
Meaning: To charge small amounts repeatedly, or to deal with trivial expenses that add up.
In a Sentence: “The airline nickels and dimes you with baggage fees and seat charges.”
Other Ways to Say: Charge incrementally; death by a thousand cuts; bleed dry with fees.
38. Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: To support your statements with action or financial commitment.
In a Sentence: “If you really believe in this project, put your money where your mouth is.”
Other Ways to Say: Back up your words; prove it; show commitment; invest in your beliefs.
39. Money for jam
Meaning: Money earned very easily for little effort (British expression).
In a Sentence: “That freelance gig was money for jam—I finished it in an hour.”
Other Ways to Say: Easy money; money for nothing; piece of cake for pay; effortless earnings.
40. Born on the wrong side of the tracks
Meaning: Coming from a poor or disadvantaged background.
In a Sentence: “Despite being born on the wrong side of the tracks, she built a successful career.”
Other Ways to Say: From humble beginnings; disadvantaged background; poor upbringing.
41. Feather your nest
Meaning: To accumulate wealth for yourself, sometimes through questionable means.
In a Sentence: “He used his position to feather his nest with profitable side deals.”
Other Ways to Say: Line your pockets; enrich yourself; build personal wealth; take care of yourself financially.
42. Gravy train
Meaning: A situation where money is obtained easily and regularly.
In a Sentence: “He rode the gravy train until the company went bankrupt.”
Other Ways to Say: Easy ride; cushy deal; meal ticket; sweet deal.
43. Go Dutch
Meaning: To split the cost of something equally, each person paying their share.
In a Sentence: “Let’s go Dutch on dinner tonight.”
Other Ways to Say: Split the bill; pay separately; divide the cost; each pay their own way.
44. On a shoestring
Meaning: Done with very little money; a minimal budget.
In a Sentence: “They started their business on a shoestring budget.”
Other Ways to Say: On a tight budget; with limited funds; cheaply; bare-bones budget.
45. Golden opportunity
Meaning: A perfect chance to make money or succeed financially.
In a Sentence: “Investing in that property was a golden opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”
Other Ways to Say: Prime opportunity; perfect chance; once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; lucrative chance.
46. Rob Peter to pay Paul
Meaning: To take money from one area to pay another, creating a cycle of debt.
In a Sentence: “Using credit cards to pay off loans is just robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Other Ways to Say: Shift debt around; borrow from one to pay another; juggle finances.
47. Cheap as chips
Meaning: Very inexpensive (British expression).
In a Sentence: “I got this jacket on sale—it was cheap as chips!”
Other Ways to Say: Dirt cheap; bargain-priced; rock-bottom price; very affordable.
48. A king’s ransom
Meaning: An extremely large amount of money.
In a Sentence: “That antique vase is worth a king’s ransom.”
Other Ways to Say: A fortune; vast sum; enormous amount; exorbitant price.
49. Cream of the crop
Meaning: The best or most profitable part of something.
In a Sentence: “They only hire the cream of the crop, and pay accordingly.”
Other Ways to Say: The best; top-tier; finest quality; premium selection.
50. Money spinner
Meaning: A successful business or product that generates substantial profit.
In a Sentence: “Their online course became a real money spinner.”
Other Ways to Say: Profit generator; revenue stream; moneymaker; lucrative venture.
51. Down and out
Meaning: Having no money and no prospects; completely broke.
In a Sentence: “After the business failed, he was down and out for months.”
Other Ways to Say: Destitute; broke; penniless; at rock bottom.
52. A pretty penny
Meaning: A large or significant amount of money.
In a Sentence: “That renovation must have cost a pretty penny.”
Other Ways to Say: Substantial amount; considerable sum; hefty price; significant cost.
53. Seed money
Meaning: Initial investment to start a business or project.
In a Sentence: “They used their savings as seed money for the startup.”
Other Ways to Say: Startup capital; initial investment; founding funds; launch money.
54. Throw good money after bad
Meaning: To waste more money trying to fix something that’s already a financial loss.
In a Sentence: “Repairing that old car again would be throwing good money after bad.”
Other Ways to Say: Waste more money; compound your losses; invest in a losing proposition.
55. On easy street
Meaning: In a position of financial comfort with no money worries.
In a Sentence: “Once they paid off their mortgage, they were on easy street.”
Other Ways to Say: Living comfortably; financially secure; sitting pretty; well-off.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Money Metaphors
Test your understanding of the money metaphors from the article! Each question is followed by its answer.
Question 1: What does “money burns a hole in your pocket” mean?
A) Your pocket is damaged by coins
B) You can’t resist spending money as soon as you have it
C) You keep your money in a safe place
D) You’re saving money for emergencies
Answer: B) You can’t resist spending money as soon as you have it
Question 2: If someone is “rolling in dough,” they are:
A) Working in a bakery
B) Very poor
C) Very wealthy
D) Making bread
Answer: C) Very wealthy
Question 3: What does “money doesn’t grow on trees” mean?
A) Money is easily obtained
B) Trees are expensive
C) Money is limited and must be earned
D) You should plant more trees
Answer: C) Money is limited and must be earned
Question 4: A “cash cow” refers to:
A) An expensive farm animal
B) A reliable source of income
C) A poor investment
D) A dairy business
Answer: B) A reliable source of income
Question 5: If something will “break the bank,” it will:
A) Cause financial hardship
B) Be free
C) Be affordable
D) Improve your finances
Answer: A) Cause financial hardship
Question 6: What is a “nest egg”?
A) A breakfast item
B) A bird’s home
C) Savings set aside for the future
D) An expensive egg
Answer: C) Savings set aside for the future
Question 7: To “pinch pennies” means to:
A) Steal money
B) Be very careful with money
C) Find coins on the ground
D) Damage currency
Answer: B) Be very careful with money
Question 8: If you “pay through the nose,” you:
A) Pay with a credit card
B) Pay an excessively high price
C) Get a good deal
D) Don’t pay at all
Answer: B) Pay an excessively high price
Question 9: Someone who was “born with a silver spoon” was:
A) Born in a restaurant
B) Born into a wealthy family
C) Born poor
D) Given silverware as a gift
Answer: B) Born into a wealthy family
Question 10: A “money pit” is:
A) A place to store money
B) A profitable investment
C) Something that continuously requires money with no return
D) A savings account
Answer: C) Something that continuously requires money with no return
Question 11: “Living hand to mouth” means:
A) Having plenty of money
B) Having just enough money to survive
C) Being extremely wealthy
D) Eating with your hands
Answer: B) Having just enough money to survive
Question 12: To “strike gold” means to:
A) Hit a metal object
B) Mine for gold
C) Suddenly become wealthy or discover a profitable opportunity
D) Paint something gold
Answer: C) Suddenly become wealthy or discover a profitable opportunity
Question 13: When you “tighten your belt,” you:
A) Lose weight
B) Spend less money and live more frugally
C) Buy new clothes
D) Go shopping
Answer: B) Spend less money and live more frugally
Question 14: Being “in the red” means:
A) Being profitable
B) In debt or losing money
C) Having a positive balance
D) Painting something red
Answer: B) In debt or losing money
Question 15: Being “in the black” means:
A) Being in debt
B) Losing money
C) Profitable or having a positive financial balance
D) Wearing black clothing
Answer: C) Profitable or having a positive financial balance
Question 16: A “penny pincher” is someone who:
A) Steals pennies
B) Is extremely careful with money or unwilling to spend
C) Collects coins
D) Works at a mint
Answer: B) Is extremely careful with money or unwilling to spend
Question 17: To “make ends meet” means to:
A) Connect two pieces of rope
B) Have just enough money to pay for necessities
C) Be very wealthy
D) Work in construction
Answer: B) Have just enough money to pay for necessities
Question 18: Having “deep pockets” means:
A) Wearing cargo pants
B) Having substantial financial resources
C) Being poor
D) Having holes in your pockets
Answer: B) Having substantial financial resources
Question 19: If something costs “an arm and a leg,” it is:
A) Related to medical expenses
B) Free
C) Extremely expensive
D) Moderately priced
Answer: C) Extremely expensive
Question 20: To “foot the bill” means to:
A) Step on a receipt
B) Pay for something
C) Refuse to pay
D) Walk away from a restaurant
Answer: B) Pay for something
Question 21: “Bring home the bacon” means to:
A) Buy groceries
B) Earn money to support your family
C) Cook breakfast
D) Work on a farm
Answer: B) Earn money to support your family
Question 22: When “money is no object,” it means:
A) Money is invisible
B) Cost is not a concern
C) You have no money
D) Money is scarce
Answer: B) Cost is not a concern
Question 23: “Highway robbery” refers to:
A) An actual crime on a road
B) An unreasonably high price
C) A traffic fine
D) A car theft
Answer: B) An unreasonably high price
Question 24: If something is “a dime a dozen,” it is:
A) Expensive
B) Rare
C) Very common and of little value
D) Worth exactly ten cents
Answer: C) Very common and of little value
Question 25: Being “worth your weight in gold” means you are:
A) Overweight
B) Made of gold
C) Extremely valuable or useful
D) Working in jewelry
Answer: C) Extremely valuable or useful
Question 26: To “nickel and dime” someone means to:
A) Give them coins
B) Charge small amounts repeatedly
C) Pay them fairly
D) Give them a raise
Answer: B) Charge small amounts repeatedly
Question 27: “Put your money where your mouth is” means to:
A) Eat money
B) Support your statements with action or financial commitment
C) Be quiet
D) Save money
Answer: B) Support your statements with action or financial commitment
Question 28: To “feather your nest” means to:
A) Build a bird house
B) Accumulate wealth for yourself
C) Sleep comfortably
D) Decorate your home
Answer: B) Accumulate wealth for yourself
Question 29: A “gravy train” is:
A) A food delivery service
B) A situation where money is obtained easily and regularly
C) A type of transportation
D) A cooking method
Answer: B) A situation where money is obtained easily and regularly
Question 30: “Go Dutch” means to:
A) Travel to the Netherlands
B) Split the cost equally
C) Pay for everyone
D) Speak Dutch
Answer: B) Split the cost equally
Question 31: Doing something “on a shoestring” means:
A) Using actual string
B) Done with very little money
C) Wearing shoes
D) Being well-funded
Answer: B) Done with very little money
Question 32: “Rob Peter to pay Paul” means to:
A) Commit a crime
B) Take money from one area to pay another
C) Pay two people at once
D) Save money efficiently
Answer: B) Take money from one area to pay another
Question 33: “A king’s ransom” refers to:
A) A historical event
B) An extremely large amount of money
C) A small payment
D) A royal salary
Answer: B) An extremely large amount of money
Question 34: A “money spinner” is:
A) A carnival ride
B) A successful business that generates substantial profit
C) A coin trick
D) A gambling game
Answer: B) A successful business that generates substantial profit
Question 35: Being “down and out” means:
A) Being relaxed
B) Having no money and no prospects
C) Being successful
D) Going on vacation
Answer: B) Having no money and no prospects
Question 36: “A pretty penny” means:
A) A shiny coin
B) A large or significant amount of money
C) One cent
D) Counterfeit money
Answer: B) A large or significant amount of money
Question 37: “Seed money” is:
A) Money for gardening supplies
B) Initial investment to start a business
C) Agricultural subsidies
D) Savings for retirement
Answer: B) Initial investment to start a business
Question 38: To “throw good money after bad” means to:
A) Donate to charity
B) Waste more money trying to fix a financial loss
C) Invest wisely
D) Save money
Answer: B) Waste more money trying to fix a financial loss
Question 39: Being “on easy street” means:
A) Living on a specific road
B) In a position of financial comfort
C) Taking shortcuts
D) Being unemployed
Answer: B) In a position of financial comfort
Question 40: “Money talks” means:
A) Money makes sounds
B) Wealth gives power and influence
C) You should discuss finances
D) Financial education is important
Answer: B) Wealth gives power and influence
Putting It All Together
Now you have 55 colorful ways to talk about money! The key to sounding fluent is using these metaphors naturally in conversation. Don’t force them—let them flow when the situation calls for it. Start by incorporating a few favorites into your daily speech, and soon you’ll be using them as naturally as a native speaker.
Remember, these expressions aren’t just about vocabulary—they reveal cultural attitudes toward money, success, and financial responsibility. Understanding and using them will help you connect more deeply with English speakers and navigate financial conversations with confidence and flair.
Tony James is a skilled writer with over 5 years of experience specializing in the “noun” niche. He delves deep into the intricacies of language, exploring the significance and usage of nouns in everyday communication. Tony’s work simplifies complex linguistic concepts, making them accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.