In the world of English idioms, expressing the act of spending money can be as colorful and creative as the language itself. Whether you’re trying to sound like a local or just want to spice up your vocabulary, here are some idiomatic expressions that can help you talk about “spending money” in a more natural and engaging way.
1. Break the Bank
When something costs a lot of money, you might say it “breaks the bank.” This phrase is used to describe an expense that is so high it could potentially empty one’s savings.
- Example: “That new car I bought really broke the bank. I can’t believe how much it cost!”
2. Burn a Hole in Your Pocket
This idiom is used when something is so appealing or expensive that it causes you to spend a lot of money on it.
- Example: “I saw those new shoes, and they really burned a hole in my pocket. I just had to buy them.”
3. Drip with Money
If someone is known for spending a lot of money, you might describe them as “dripping with money.”
- Example: “She’s always dripping with money. I don’t know how she afford those designer clothes.”
4. Dollars to Donuts
This phrase is often used to express certainty. If you’re confident about something, you might say you “know it like dollars to donuts.”
- Example: “I’m sure that restaurant will have the best sushi in town. I know it like dollars to donuts.”
5. Drool Over
When you’re looking at something that you really want but can’t afford, you might “drool over” it.
- Example: “I drool over those expensive watches, but I just can’t justify spending that much money on one.”
6. Go for Broke
To spend all of your money in an attempt to win big or to take a huge risk is to “go for broke.”
- Example: “He decided to go for broke and invest all his savings in that new tech startup.”
7. Haul Out the Cash
When you’re paying for something expensive, you might say you’re “hauling out the cash.”
- Example: “I had to haul out the cash to pay for my vacation. It was quite a chunk of change.”
8. Knock It Out of the Park
If you spend money in a way that is impressive or exceeds expectations, you might “knock it out of the park.”
- Example: “Her birthday party was incredible. She really knocked it out of the park with the decorations and the food.”
9. Not Worth the Paper It’s Printed On
This idiom is used to say that something is not worth the money it costs.
- Example: “That book I bought was not worth the paper it’s printed on. It was a waste of money.”
10. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
This expression means to actually spend money on something you’ve said you would do.
- Example: “He talks a big game, but when it comes to action, he’s always putting his money where his mouth is.”
Using these idiomatic expressions will not only help you communicate more effectively but also make your English sound more natural and conversational. Remember, idioms are a part of the language that reflect the culture and the way people speak in everyday life. So, next time you’re chatting with friends or engaging in business conversations, don’t hesitate to throw in a few of these phrases to add some flavor to your vocabulary.