This lesson trains 42 C2 idioms on Money. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
Money to burn
More money than one needs; plenty of money to spend.
After the successful stock sale, he could afford expensive cars and holidays.
Hard up
Having very little money.
After losing his job he could not afford basic expenses.
Not break the bank
To not cost too much money.
The new software subscription was reasonably priced for the whole team.
The bottom drops out of the market
A sudden and complete collapse in prices or demand.
When the housing bubble burst, property values fell dramatically overnight.
Half-measures
Actions that are not strong or complete enough to be effective.
The government introduced only small changes when a major reform was needed.
Feather your own nest
To make yourself rich or comfortable, often at the expense of others.
Some managers used company money to improve their own lifestyles.
Be the breadwinner
To be the person who earns the money to support a family.
After her promotion, she became the main earner in the household.
Laugh all the way to the bank
To make a lot of money easily and enjoy the success, especially after being doubted.
The singer ignored critics and sold millions of albums in the first month.
Be given the go-ahead
To receive permission to start.
The council finally approved the construction plans.
Throw money down the drain
To waste money on something useless.
Buying expensive equipment that was never used was a complete waste.
The Midas touch
The ability to make money easily or turn everything into success.
Every business he started became profitable.
Golden handshake
A large payment given to someone when they leave a company.
The retiring executive received a generous compensation package.
Cold cash
Money in the form of cash, not credit or promises.
The buyer insisted on paying the full amount immediately in notes.
Bring home the bacon
To earn money to support a family or provide for basic needs.
After years of training, the young athlete finally secured a professional contract.
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Nothing is truly free; everything has a cost.
The company offered a "free" seminar but expected participants to buy their products afterwards.
A world of difference
A very big difference.
The new software was far superior to the old version.
Golden hello
A large payment or bonus given to someone when they start a new job.
The company offered a substantial signing bonus to attract the top candidate.
Pound of flesh
A payment or punishment that is demanded even though it causes suffering.
The bank insisted on immediate repayment even though it would bankrupt the small business.
Fall on hard times
To experience financial or personal difficulties.
After the factory closed, many families struggled to survive.
Gravy train
A situation in which someone can make a lot of money with very little effort.
Some people saw the government contract as an easy way to make money.
Make ends meet
To have just enough money to live on.
With rising prices it was becoming harder to pay all the bills.
Would sell your own grandmother
Used to say that someone is willing to do anything for money.
He was so greedy that he would betray even his closest family.
Eat sb out of house and home
To eat so much that it causes financial problems for the host.
The teenage boys consumed enormous amounts of food every day.
Be on the fiddle
To be involved in dishonest or illegal activity, especially to make money.
The accountant was suspected of manipulating the books for personal gain.
Straight from the horse's mouth
From the most reliable or direct source.
The information came directly from the CEO himself.
Be getting nowhere
To make no progress.
After hours of discussion they still had not reached an agreement.
A small fortune
A large amount of money.
The new car cost him a huge sum.
Debt of honour
A debt that one feels morally obliged to repay even if not legally required.
He insisted on paying back the money his father had borrowed years earlier.
Have your hand in the till
To steal money from the place where you work.
The cashier was caught taking money from the cash register.
A mere pittance
A very small amount of money.
The salary offered for the demanding job was ridiculously low.
Not be short of a bob or two
To have plenty of money.
After the successful sale of his company, he could afford luxury cars and holidays.
No expense spared
Everything possible was done to make something as good as possible, regardless of cost.
The wedding was luxurious with the best food, flowers, and entertainment.
As poor as a church mouse
Extremely poor.
After losing his job he had almost no money left.
Live on a shoestring
To live with very little money.
The students had to be careful with every penny while at university.
Filthy rich
Extremely wealthy.
After the successful stock sale he could afford luxury cars and holidays.
Line your own pockets
To make money for yourself, often dishonestly.
Some officials used their positions to gain personal profit.
Take sb to the cleaner's
To cheat someone financially or defeat them completely.
The dishonest mechanic charged him far more than the repair was worth.
Not be worth a dime
To have no value at all.
The old machine was broken beyond repair and could not be sold.
Monopoly money
Money that seems unreal or worthless.
The huge bonus seemed too good to be true.
Have sth burning a hole in your pocket
To be eager to spend money one has just received.
As soon as he got his bonus he wanted to buy new gadgets.
Show your hand
To reveal your plans or intentions.
The negotiator finally told the other side what he really wanted.
Money for old rope
Money earned with very little effort.
The simple job paid surprisingly well.