Shops are doing all they can to attract customers. But you must spend wisely! Here are 8 English idioms about spending money.
1. A penny saved is a penny earned
Meaning: if you don't spend your money now, you can save it to be used in the future
Example: Every year, I receive so many red packets, but since my parents always remind me that a penny saved is a penny earned, I put the money in my piggy bank.
2. Bring home the bacon
Meaning: to earn money for a family to live on
Example: Tim is a single parent with two children, so he needs to get a job to bring home the bacon.
3. Nest egg
Meaning: money saved for future goals, such as buying a home
Example: Grandpa and Grandma worked hard to build up a nest egg so they could retire and travel around the world.
4. Make ends meet
Meaning: to earn enough money to provide for basic needs
Example: During the pandemic, many workers were fired, so they had a hard time making ends meet.
5. Penny-pinching
Meaning: unwilling to spend money
Example: Even though Ricky comes from a wealthy family, he has become a penny-pinching miser who never gives to charity.
6. Put a dent in your wallet
Meaning: to reduce the amount of money you have
Example: Ellen's three-week trip to Europe put a dent in her wallet as she spent a lot on expensive food and souvenirs.
7. Save for a rainy day
Meaning: to save money for a time when it might be needed
Example: The dentist was expensive, but luckily I could pay with the money I've been saving for a rainy day.
8. Money doesn't grow on trees
Meaning: used to warn someone to be careful of how much they spend because there is only a limited amount of money Example: You can't keep asking for new toys all the time, Jessica! Money doesn't grow on trees.
Fun facts
Money can be coins, banknotes or bank balances. The first coins were made around 2,500 years ago. The benefit of metal coins is that they are easy to carry and they last a long time.
Quick questions
- Are you saving for a rainy day?
- Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong dollar. What other currencies have you seen?
- Can you think of any other idioms about money?
