50 Idioms for Spending Money (Meanings & Examples)

Idioms are fun phrases where the words together mean something totally different from what they say one by one. People use them to make talking and writing more colorful and exciting. In this lesson, you will learn fifty handy expressions related to purchasing items, wasting cash, managing budgets, and spending money.

In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean paying up, splurging, or letting cash flow. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.

Idioms for Spending Money

1. Burn a hole in your pocket

Definition: Having money that you are so eager to spend right away that it feels like it will burn through your clothes.

Used in a Sentence: The allowance cash from his birthday was burning a hole in his pocket. / She wanted to use her savings to buy comic books, with the money burning a hole in her pocket.

Similar Expressions: Eager to spend / Restless cash

2. Cost an arm and a leg

Definition: To be extremely expensive and cost a massive amount of money.

Used in a Sentence: Buying a brand-new bicycle of that size would cost an arm and a leg. / The tickets for the concert cost an arm and a leg, so they saved up for months.

Similar Expressions: Very expensive / Super costly

3. Break the bank

Definition: To spend all your savings or cost so much that you have no money left.

Used in a Sentence: Buying a small snack at the museum wouldn’t break the bank. / They wanted a vacation that wouldn’t break the bank.

Similar Expressions: Cost too much / Exhaust savings

4. Splash out

Definition: To spend a lot of money freely on something special or luxurious.

Used in a Sentence: They decided to splash out on a large box of ice cream after winning the game. / She wanted to splash out on a new set of colored markers.

Similar Expressions: Splurge / Spend freely

5. Paint the town red

Definition: To go out and spend money on a lively, fun night of entertainment.

Used in a Sentence: After finishing their exams, the friends went out to paint the town red. / The festival celebrated the end of term by painting the town red.

Similar Expressions: Celebrate big / Go on a spending spree

6. Pay through the nose

Definition: To pay an unfairly high or exorbitant price for something.

Used in a Sentence: He had to pay through the nose to get the rare video game online. / Buying snacks at the airport means you always pay through the nose.

Similar Expressions: Overpay / Pay too much

7. Penny pincher

Definition: Someone who is extremely careful, tight-fisted, and hates spending money.

Used in a Sentence: Grandpa was a bit of a penny pincher, saving every coin in a jar. / You don’t have to be a penny pincher just to buy a simple notebook.

Similar Expressions: Miser / Frugal person

8. Throw money down the drain

Definition: To waste money completely on something foolish or useless.

Used in a Sentence: Buying broken toys at the flea market was just throwing money down the drain. / He realized playing rigged carnival games was throwing money down the drain.

Similar Expressions: Waste cash / Foolish spending

9. Money to burn

Definition: Having so much extra cash that you can afford to spend it on anything.

Used in a Sentence: Winning the grand prize made him feel like he had money to burn. / She didn’t actually have money to burn, so she saved most of her allowance.

Similar Expressions: Wealthy / Excess cash

10. Live beyond your means

Definition: Spending more money than you actually earn or have in your budget.

Used in a Sentence: Buying fancy gadgets every week meant he was living beyond his means. / Families must budget carefully to avoid living beyond their means.

Similar Expressions: Overspend / Spend too much

11. Tighten your belt

Definition: To start spending less money and cut back on expenses during hard times.

Used in a Sentenceology: When allowance was reduced, they had to tighten their belts on snack purchases. / The club had to tighten its belt to save for new sports gear.

Similar Expressions: Cut spending / Budget strictly

12. Nest egg

Definition: A sum of money saved up over a long time for future use.

Used in a Sentenceology: She kept a small nest egg in her piggy bank for college supplies. / Saving his weekly chores money built a nice nest egg.

Similar Expressions: Savings fund / Stash of cash

13. Pay top dollar

Definition: To pay the highest possible price for the best quality item.

Used in a Sentenceology: He was willing to pay top dollar for a sturdy skateboard that wouldn’t break. / The collector paid top dollar for the vintage comic book.

Similar Expressions: Pay maximum price / Premium cost

14. Shell out

Definition: To pay out money, often reluctantly, for something required.

Used in a Sentenceology: He had to shell out twenty dollars for the school field trip fee. / Parents often shell out for expensive sports equipment.

Similar Expressions: Fork over / Pay up

15. Fork over

Definition: To hand over money or possessions, usually because you have to.

Used in a Sentenceology: He reluctantly had to fork over his ticket at the movie theater entrance. / She asked him to fork over the money he owed for the shared snack.

Similar Expressions: Hand over / Pay

16. Cough up

Definition: To give up money or information reluctantly when asked.

Used in a Sentenceology: He had to cough up five dollars for the broken ruler replacement. / The thief finally had to cough up where the stolen items were.

Similar Expressions: Pay up / Relinquish cash

17. Foot the bill

Definition: To pay for the cost of a meal, event, or purchase for everyone.

Used in a Sentenceology: Uncle Bob kindly offered to foot the bill for the family dinner out. / Who is going to foot the bill for the party snacks?

Similar Expressions: Pay for all / Pick up the check

18. Pick up the tab

Definition: To pay the bill for someone else’s food, drinks, or shopping trip.

Used in a Sentenceology: She thanked her older sister for picking up the tab at the bookstore. / The manager offered to pick up the tab for the team lunch.

Similar Expressions: Pay the bill / Treat someone

19. Go Dutch

Definition: An arrangement where each person pays for their own share of a bill or meal.

Used in a Sentenceology: When the friends went to the diner, they decided to go Dutch on the milkshakes. / Going Dutch makes group outings fair for everyone.

Similar Expressions: Split the bill / Share costs

20. Dime a dozen

Definition: Something so common and inexpensive that it has very little value.

Used in a Sentenceology: Plain plastic pens like that are a dime a dozen at the store. / Old video game cartridges of that type were a dime a dozen.

Similar Expressions: Very common / Cheap and plentiful

21. Not worth a plugged nickel

Definition: Completely worthless; not worth spending even the smallest coin on.

Used in a Sentenceology: The broken plastic toy was not worth a plugged nickel. / His promise to fix the radio was not worth a plugged nickel.

Similar Expressions: Worthless / Zero value

22. Penny-wise and pound-foolish

Definition: Saving small amounts of money foolishly while wasting large amounts elsewhere.

Used in a Sentenceology: Walking three miles in the rain to save a dollar on bus fare, only to ruin an expensive jacket, is penny-wise and pound-foolish. / Careful budgeting shouldn’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Similar Expressions: Bad economy / Foolish savings

23. A penny for your thoughts

Definition: A polite way to ask someone what they are thinking about.

Used in a Sentenceology: Seeing him stare quietly out the window, she smiled and asked, “A penny for your thoughts?” / He looked deep in concentration, so she offered a penny for his thoughts.

Similar Expressions: What are you thinking? / Share your mind

24. Save for a rainy day

Definition: To put money aside in savings so you have it ready for future emergencies.

Used in a Sentenceology: Grandma always taught them to save a portion of their allowance for a rainy day. / Putting money in a piggy bank helps you save for a rainy day.

Similar Expressions: Save for emergencies / Put money aside

25. Throw good money after bad

Definition: To keep spending money on a failing project or lost cause that cannot be saved.

Used in a Sentenceology: Repairing the ancient broken bicycle for the fifth time was just throwing good money after bad. / He stopped buying upgrades for the broken computer, refusing to throw good money after bad.

Similar Expressions: Waste more cash / Foolish investment

26. Make a killing

Definition: To make a massive amount of money very quickly and successfully.

Used in a Sentenceology: The young entrepreneur made a killing selling handmade crafts at the fair. / The bake sale made a killing for the animal shelter.

Similar Expressions: Earn a fortune / Profit big

27. Hit the jackpot

Definition: To experience sudden, unexpected financial success or win a prize.

Used in a Sentenceology: Finding the rare vintage comic book at a yard sale felt like hitting the jackpot. / He hit the jackpot when his raffle ticket was drawn.

Similar Expressions: Strike it rich / Win big

28. Strike it rich

Definition: To become wealthy suddenly through unexpected luck or success.

Used in a Sentenceology: The prospector dreamed of heading west to strike it rich. / Winning the science competition felt like striking it rich in knowledge.

Similar Expressions: Become wealthy / Hit success

29. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

Definition: Being born into an extremely wealthy family where money is never a worry.

Used in a Sentenceology: People joked that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth because he had every toy imaginable. / She worked hard for her goals, not being born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

Similar Expressions: Privileged / Wealthy background

30. Look like a million bucks

Definition: To look exceptionally stylish, wealthy, and impressive.

Used in a Sentenceology: Wearing his new tailored suit made him look like a million bucks at the party. / The freshly painted vintage car looked like a million bucks.

Similar Expressions: Look fantastic / Look wealthy

31. Put your money where your mouth is

Definition: To back up your words or opinions with actual financial support or action.

Used in a Sentenceology: If you care about the animal shelter, you need to put your money where your mouth is and donate. / He complained about the messy park, then decided to put his money where his mouth is and fund cleanup supplies.

Similar Expressions: Back claims with cash / Act on words

32. Ante up

Definition: To pay what you owe or contribute your share of money to a pool.

Used in a Sentenceology: Everyone had to ante up five dollars for the pizza party fund. / When it was time to buy group project supplies, they all anted up.

Similar Expressions: Pay your share / Contribute cash

33. Pass the hat

Definition: To collect money donations from a group of people for a cause or gift.

Used in a Sentenceology: They passed the hat around the office to buy a farewell gift for the retiring teacher. / The club members passed the hat to fund new art supplies.

Similar Expressions: Collect donations / Pool money

34. Chip in

Definition: To contribute a small amount of money along with others to buy something.

Used in a Sentenceology: All the friends chipped in to buy a birthday present for their classmate. / If everyone chips in two dollars, we can afford the giant puzzle.

Similar Expressions: Contribute / Share cost

35. Tightfisted

Definition: Unwilling to spend money; very stingy and reluctant to share cash.

Used in a Sentenceology: The grumpy shop owner was known for being tightfisted with discounts. / Don’t be so tightfisted when it’s time to support the charity bake sale.

Similar Expressions: Stingy / Miserly

36. Free spender

Definition: Someone who spends money freely, generously, and without much worry.

Used in a Sentenceology: He was a free spender when it came to buying gifts for his family. / Being a free spender can empty your savings account fast.

Similar Expressions: Big spender / Extravagant buyer

37. Big spender

Definition: A person who spends large sums of money on entertainment or luxury items.

Used in a Sentenceology: The vacation resort welcomed every tourist like a big spender. / He acted like a big spender when treating his friends to ice cream.

Similar Expressions: Wealthy buyer / Generous spender

38. Live high off the hog

Definition: To live in luxury, spending plenty of money on the finest things.

Used in a Sentenceology: Winning the prize allowed them to live high off the hog for a weekend. / The movie stars lived high off the hog during their tour.

Similar Expressions: Live luxuriously / Enjoy wealth

39. Rolling in dough

Definition: Having an abundant amount of money and wealth.

Used in a Sentenceology: The successful bakery owner joked that she was rolling in dough after the busy holiday season. / He felt like he was rolling in dough after cashing his paycheck.

Similar Expressions: Very rich / Wealthy

40. Filthy rich

Definition: Possessing an extreme, excessive amount of wealth and money.

Used in a Sentenceology: The cartoon villain in the movie was portrayed as filthy rich. / You don’t need to be filthy rich to enjoy simple hobbies.

Similar Expressions: Extremely wealthy / Multimillionaire

41. Flat broke

Definition: Having absolutely no money left at all; completely out of cash.

Used in a Sentenceology: After buying tickets to the concert, he was flat broke until next week’s allowance. / Spending all his savings left him flat broke.

Similar Expressions: Penniless / Out of money

42. On hard times

Definition: Experiencing financial difficulty, poverty, or money struggles.

Used in a Sentenceology: The small family-run store hit hard times during the winter months. / Helping neighbors who fall on hard times is a kind gesture.

Similar Expressions: Financial struggle / Poor period

43. Skint

Definition: A British informal term for having very little or no money left.

Used in a Sentenceology: He couldn’t go to the cinema because he was completely skint until payday. / Buying the new shoes left her feeling skint.

Similar Expressions: Broke / Penniless

44. Nickel and dime

Definition: To lose or spend small amounts of money continuously until it adds up to a lot.

Used in a Sentenceology: Buying small plastic toys every day can nickel and dime your savings away. / The repair costs started to nickel and dime his budget.

Similar Expressions: Drain funds slowly / Small expenses add up

45. Straight arrow

Definition: An honest person who manages finances and rules responsibly.

Used in a Sentenceology: He was a straight arrow who never wasted a single dollar of his savings. / You can trust her financial advice because she is a straight arrow.

Similar Expressions: Honest person / Responsible individual

46. Golden handshake

Definition: A large sum of money given to an employee when they leave a company or retire.

Used in a Sentenceology: The retiring manager received a generous golden handshake after thirty years of work. / Leaving the corporation came with a golden handshake.

Similar Expressions: Severance bonus / Retirement payout

47. Bread and butter

Definition: A person’s primary source of income or livelihood used to buy daily necessities.

Used in a Sentenceology: Teaching piano lessons was her bread and butter while studying art. / Making custom bookshelves was the woodworker’s bread and butter.

Similar Expressions: Main income / Livelihood

48. Bring home the bacon

Definition: To earn the family income or win financial success through work.

Used in a Sentenceology: Both parents worked hard to bring home the bacon for their children. / He stayed late at the office to bring home the bacon.

Similar Expressions: Earn a living / Support the family

49. Pay dirt

Definition: Finding a valuable source of money or success after a long search.

Used in a Sentenceology: After searching through dozens of old boxes, he finally hit pay dirt when he found his rare coin collection. / The researchers hit pay dirt with their new invention.

Similar Expressions: Find success / Strike gold

50. Money talks

Definition: Wealth and financial power can influence decisions and get things done faster.

Used in a Sentenceology: They say money talks when businesses sponsor community projects. / In many negotiations, people believe money talks.

Similar Expressions: Wealth has power / Cash influences

Exercise to Practice

1. Burning a hole in your pocket means having money you are eager to spend right away.
2. Costing an arm and a leg means an item is free and costs zero dollars.
3. Breaking the bank means spending all your savings or costing too much.
4. Splashing out means spending a lot of money freely on something luxurious.
5. Being a penny pincher means spending thousands of dollars carelessly on every luxury.
6. Throwing money down the drain means wasting cash completely on foolish things.
7. Living beyond your means means earning a million dollars every single week.
8. Tightening your belt means starting to spend less money during hard times.
9. Paying top dollar means getting the cheapest, lowest-quality discount item available.
10. Footing the bill means paying for the cost of a meal or purchase for everyone.
11. Going Dutch means one person pays for the entire group’s expensive dinner.
12. Being flat broke means having absolutely no money left at all.
13. Chipping in means contributing a small amount of money along with others.
14. Bringing home the bacon means earning an income or supporting your family.
15. Hitting the jackpot means experiencing sudden, unexpected financial success.

Answer Key

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. False
10. True
11. False
12. True
13. True
14. True
15. True

Conclusion

Learning these idioms helps you understand common English expressions about purchasing items, wasting cash, and spending money. Using them in your daily writing and conversations makes your speech much more colorful and fun.

Try picking one or two new expressions to use when talking with friends or writing stories this week. Practice makes perfect, and soon using these phrases will feel completely natural!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms for spending money?

Common expressions include burn a hole in your pocket, cost an arm and a leg, and splash out. People use these phrases to describe eager shoppers, expensive purchases, and splurging.

Why do we use idioms in English?

Idioms make our language more expressive, colorful, and engaging than plain literal words. They help us share complex ideas quickly using fun mental pictures.

What does burn a hole in your pocket mean?

Burn a hole in your pocket means having money that you are so eager to spend right away that it feels like it will burn right through your clothing.

How can I remember these idioms easily?

You can remember them best by making up fun sentences or drawing pictures for each phrase. Using them in daily conversations also helps lock them into your memory.

Are these expressions used in everyday conversation?

Yes, native speakers often use these idioms in books, movies, and regular chats. Knowing them helps you understand everyday English much better.