20+ Interesting Money Idioms in English

Money is a big part of everyday life — so it’s no surprise that English is full of idioms about money!

These expressions don’t always mean what they seem. Instead, they use “money words” to describe situations, emotions, or habits in a colorful and figurative way.

Learning money idioms will help you understand native speakers better and make your English sound more natural.

What Are Money Idioms?

Money Idioms

Idioms are fixed phrases whose meanings can’t be understood just by looking at the individual words.
For example:

“Break the bank” doesn’t mean you literally break a bank — it means something is too expensive.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees” means money is hard to earn, so don’t waste it.

Idioms like these are very common in movies, conversations, and even business settings.

Money Idioms List

List of 20+ money idioms in English.

All that glitters is not gold

Meaning: This phrase means that appearances can be misleading and that everything that looks priceless doesn’t have to be.
Example: I bought the expensive looking watch but it stopped working after a week. I realized that all that glitters is not gold.

Blank cheque

Meaning: To leave a cheque blank is to allocate unlimited funds to a project or a person.
Example: I was told that the project had to be successful and I would be given a blank cheque for the same.

Dime a dozen

Meaning: This phrase is used to refer to something that is very easy to procure and thus is of little value.
Example: Don’t bother with these, they’re available dime a dozen.

Easy money

Meaning: The phrase is used to refer to money that can be earned without much effort.
Example: The task was simple and got him easy money.

Feel like a million bucks

Meaning: The phrase is used to refer to a feeling of immense happiness.
Example: Now that I’m married, I feel like a million bucks.

Give somebody a run for their money

Meaning: This phrase is used for someone who is better than a professional in a particular sphere.
Example: Rajesh may not be well known but he can give most professional singers a run for their money.

Go broke

Meaning: This phrase is used to refer to a condition where someone loses all their money.
Example: Ravi spent all the money last night and now he’s broke.

Make ends meet

Meaning: This phrase is used to refer to a situation where there is not enough or just enough money for daily expenses and needs.
Example: I was unable to make ends meet with my meager income.

Not worth a cent

Meaning: This phrase is used to refer to an object that is worth nothing, not even a cent which is an exceedingly small amount of money.
Example: Don’t buy this house, it isn’t worth a cent.

Worth your salt

Meaning: this phrase is used when something is worth the amount it costs.
Example: Buy this car; it’s worth your salt.

To foot the bill

To pay for something

Money talks

Rich people can get what they want

Be made of money

If you are made of money, you are rich man

Banner Year

A year marked by strong successes

Money to burn

Extra money to spend however one likes

To cut your losses

To stop doing something for avoiding losing money

To make a killing

To earn a lot of money

As sound as a dollar

Very secure and dependable

Cash-and–carry

Selling something for cash only and with no delivery

Get a run for one’s money

To receive a challenge, to receive what one deserves

Examples in Sentences

I can’t afford that vacation — it would break the bank!
After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt.
My parents always say money doesn’t grow on trees.
She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, so she’s never worked a day.
The meal was on the house because it was our anniversary.
If you want to succeed in business, remember — time is money!

Tips for Learning Money Idioms

Learn in context — read or listen to stories that use money idioms.
Group them by meaning (e.g., idioms about spending, saving, debt, wealth).
Use them in conversation to make your English sound more natural.
Create flashcards with idioms on one side and meanings on the other.
Watch English shows — money idioms are common in TV series and movies.