IDIOMS ABOUT MONEY TALK

Live From Hand To Mouth Meaning: where someone has not got any money or regular job or savings and is unable to plan ahead more than a day at a time Example: People living on the street are unable to plan where there next meal is coming from. They have no savings or regular work and always live from hand to mouth.

To Make Ends Meet Meaning: your income/salary is just about enough to cover your expenditure Example: John had been working in the same job for several years without a pay increase. Inflation reduced his ability to save. He found it very difficult every month to make ends meet. He would have to get a job that paid more money.

To Be In The Red Meaning: you owe money to your bank and have a negative balance on your account Example: Peter received a letter from his bank manager. He had overdrawn his account and the bank needed him to repay the money owed as quickly as possible. He could not understand how he got into the red but remembered he had spent a lot on Christmas presents.

To Put Something By For A Rainy Day Meaning: you have some savings you will not touch (use) unless there is an emergency Example: Mary saved a little money every week. It was a small fund for some emergencies in case her family needed money urgently or she had to replace something in the house. She always advised her children when they got a job to put a little something by for a rainy day.

Out Of Pocket Meaning: you lose money in a transaction Example: The organiser of a concert was €10,000 out of pocket after the concert was cancelled.

Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees Meaning: there is only a limited supply of money. Usually, we say this to warn someone that it’s not easy to earn money. Example: You shouldn’t be spending money on expensive lunches. Afterall, money doesn’t grow on tree

To Spend Money Like Water Meaning: to spend money freely as if it were in endless supply Example: Jack has just bought himself a new car. He spends money like water!

Money Can’t Buy Happiness Meaning: neither wealth nor luxurious items can bring long-term happiness Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote in 1750: “Money buys everything, except morality and citizens.” Example: If somebody thinks that money can buy happiness then that is not true happiness.

Money For Old Rope Meaning: easy money, money earned with little effort Example: All you have to do is answer a few questions and smile at the camera. It’s money for old rope.