Money Idioms

9 English idioms built around money words, each with a full page covering meaning, origin, examples, and common mistakes.

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A penny for your thoughtsA penny for your thoughts — A gentle, friendly way of asking someone what they are thinking about, especially when they seem quiet or… Bang for Your BuckBang for your buck — good value for the money spent; a high return or benefit relative to the cost or effort invested. Break the bankBreak the bank means to cost far more money than someone can afford, or to use up all of someone's money. Cost a pretty pennyCost a pretty penny — To be very expensive; to cost a large amount of money. Cost an arm and a legCost an arm and a leg means to be extremely expensive — so costly that it feels like a massive, even painful sacrifice. Give Someone a Run for Their MoneyWhat does "give someone a run for their money" mean? On the moneyOn the money — Exactly right or accurate, especially about a prediction, judgment, guess, or estimate. Pass the BuckPass the buck — to shift responsibility for a problem, task, or decision to someone else, especially to avoid dealing with it yourself. Pay lip service toPay lip service to means to claim to support, agree with, or uphold a principle, idea, or cause — but only with words, not with real…
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does English have so many money idioms?

Money words describe things every English speaker experiences directly, so they make vivid, easy-to-picture comparisons. Over centuries, phrases built around money words became fixed idioms because the images are so memorable and universally understood.

What does "A penny for your thoughts" mean?

"A penny for your thoughts" means a penny for your thoughts — a gentle, friendly way of asking someone what they are thinking about, especially when they seem quiet or…. See the full page on this idiom for its origin, example sentences, and common mistakes.

Are money idioms common in everyday spoken English?

Yes. Many money idioms — like "Bang for Your Buck" — are used constantly in casual conversation, films, and news headlines. Learning a handful of the most common ones will noticeably improve your listening comprehension.

How many money idioms are on this page?

This page currently links to 9 money idioms from LexFizz's full idiom collection, each with its own page covering meaning, origin, examples, and common mistakes.

What CEFR level should I be to learn money idioms?

Most money idioms are introduced from B1 (intermediate) level onward, with some appearing as early as A2 in simplified form. Check the CEFR badge on each individual idiom page for its specific level.

Can I use money idioms in formal writing?

Generally no. Like most idioms, money-themed expressions are best suited to spoken English, casual writing, and creative texts. In formal essays, reports, or official correspondence, plain and precise language is usually preferred.

What is the best way to memorise money idioms?

Learn them in context rather than as a word list: read an example sentence, picture the literal money image behind the idiom, and then try writing your own sentence. LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises use spaced repetition to help this stick.

Do money idioms have equivalents in other languages?

Often, yes — many languages have their own money-based sayings for similar ideas, though the exact wording rarely translates literally. Comparing the English idiom to a phrase you already know in your own language can make it easier to remember.

Where can I practise money idioms?

Each idiom page linked below includes example sentences and common mistakes. You can also use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises to actively test yourself on the idioms in this list.

Are there more idiom themes besides money on LexFizz?

Yes — LexFizz groups idioms into several themed collections, including weather, animal, food, colour, body, money, sports, and time idioms. Visit the main <a href="/idioms/">Idioms hub</a> to browse by theme or see the full alphabetical list.