These expressions are used to describe how people spend their money, from splurging to saving.
Spending Money Expressions
- Burn a hole in one’s pocket
Meaning: Eager to spend money quickly.
Example: The bonus burned a hole in Sarah’s pocket. - Pay through the nose
Meaning: Pay an excessive amount of money.
Example: We paid through the nose for that car. - Break the bank
Meaning: Spend more than one can afford.
Example: That vacation to Paris broke the bank. - Fork out
Meaning: Spend money reluctantly.
Example: He had to fork out for a new phone. - Shell out
Meaning: Pay a considerable amount.
Example: They shelled out big money for the house. - Splash out
Meaning: Spend extravagantly on something special.
Example: She splashed out on a luxury handbag. - Foot the bill
Meaning: Pay for something, often for others.
Example: My parents footed the bill for dinner. - Pick up the tab
Meaning: Cover the cost of a meal or outing.
Example: I’ll pick up the tab this time. - Drop a bundle
Meaning: Spend a large sum of money.
Example: They dropped a bundle on wedding gifts. - Throw money around
Meaning: Spend money freely and carelessly.
Example: The millionaire throws money around like water. - Blow one’s money
Meaning: Spend money recklessly or foolishly.
Example: He blew his money on casino gambling. - Save up for a rainy day
Meaning: Set aside money for future emergencies.
Example: She always saves up for a rainy day. - Tighten one’s belt
Meaning: Cut down on spending.
Example: After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt. - Cut back
Meaning: Reduce expenses or consumption.
Example: They decided to cut back on dining out. - Live within one’s means
Meaning: Spend only what one can afford.
Example: It’s important to live within one’s means. - Put aside
Meaning: Save money regularly.
Example: He puts aside a portion of each paycheck. - Pinch pennies
Meaning: Be very frugal with money.
Example: They had to pinch pennies to afford the trip. - Make ends meet
Meaning: Manage financially despite difficulties.
Example: It’s hard to make ends meet on her salary. - Go on a shopping spree
Meaning: Spend money extravagantly on shopping.
Example: They went on a shopping spree after payday. - Put money down
Meaning: Make a partial payment or deposit.
Example: They put money down on a new car.