When it comes to wealth and prosperity, language often reflects opulence, success, and the finer things in life. Idioms related to wealth offer a glimpse into the language of affluence, capturing the nuances of financial success and luxury.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 35 popular idioms used to describe rich people and situations, break down their meanings, and provide practical examples on how to use them.
Whether you’re discussing financial success or simply adding a touch of elegance to your vocabulary, these idioms will enrich your understanding and expression of wealth.
1. Rolling in Dough
Meaning: To have a lot of money.
Example 1: After his latest business venture, he’s really rolling in dough.
Example 2: They’re rolling in dough after winning the lottery.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of dough, a key ingredient in baking, to symbolize a large amount of money. It conveys a sense of financial abundance and success.
2. Living in the Lap of Luxury
Meaning: To live in very comfortable and luxurious conditions.
Example 1: They’ve been living in the lap of luxury since inheriting the family estate.
Example 2: She’s used to living in the lap of luxury with her five-star vacations and designer clothes.
Explanation: This idiom describes a lifestyle of great comfort and wealth. The “lap of luxury” evokes an image of indulgence and high status.
3. Money Talks
Meaning: Wealth can influence people and outcomes.
Example 1: In negotiations, it’s clear that money talks; the highest bidder usually wins.
Example 2: Money talks in politics, where financial contributions can sway decisions.
Explanation: This idiom highlights the power of money in affecting decisions and influencing outcomes. It reflects the impact that financial resources can have on various situations.
4. Born with a Silver Spoon in One’s Mouth
Meaning: To be born into a wealthy and privileged family.
Example 1: She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, growing up in a grand mansion.
Example 2: His opportunities were vast because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Explanation: This idiom conveys the idea of inheriting wealth and privilege from birth. It’s a way to describe someone who has always had financial advantages.
5. Cash Cow
Meaning: A business or product that generates a steady, significant profit.
Example 1: The new smartphone model is a cash cow for the company.
Example 2: Their real estate investments have become a cash cow.
Explanation: This idiom likens a profitable venture to a cow that provides a steady supply of cash. It emphasizes the financial reliability of the investment or product.
6. Foot the Bill
Meaning: To pay for something, especially a large expense.
Example 1: She had to foot the bill for the lavish wedding.
Example 2: The company will foot the bill for the business trip.
Explanation: This idiom uses the idea of paying the bill to describe covering expenses. It often implies a significant or unexpected cost.
7. Filthy Rich
Meaning: Extremely wealthy.
Example 1: They’re filthy rich after selling their tech startup.
Example 2: The celebrity is known for being filthy rich and living a lavish lifestyle.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes extreme wealth by using “filthy” to convey the abundance of money. It reflects a level of affluence that goes beyond average.
8. Strike It Rich
Meaning: To become wealthy suddenly.
Example 1: They struck it rich with their investment in cryptocurrency.
Example 2: He struck it rich after inheriting a large fortune.
Explanation: This idiom describes the sudden acquisition of wealth, often through luck or a fortunate event. It conveys the idea of achieving financial success unexpectedly.
9. Make a Fortune
Meaning: To earn a large amount of money.
Example 1: She made a fortune from her successful fashion line.
Example 2: He made a fortune by investing early in tech stocks.
Explanation: This idiom highlights the act of acquiring substantial wealth. It’s often used to describe successful ventures or investments that result in significant financial gain.
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10. Living Like a King/Queen
Meaning: Enjoying a life of great luxury and comfort.
Example 1: They’re living like kings with their private jets and luxury yachts.
Example 2: After her big promotion, she’s been living like a queen, traveling the world in style.
Explanation: This idiom uses royal imagery to describe a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. It conveys the idea of enjoying the highest levels of comfort and privilege.
11. Hit the Jackpot
Meaning: To achieve great financial success or win a large amount of money.
Example 1: They hit the jackpot with their innovative startup that became a market leader.
Example 2: Winning the grand prize in the lottery means they hit the jackpot.
Explanation: This idiom is derived from gambling, where hitting the jackpot signifies a major win. It’s used to describe any situation where someone experiences substantial financial success.
12. Sitting on a Gold Mine
Meaning: Having something with the potential to generate a lot of money.
Example 1: With their prime real estate, they’re sitting on a gold mine.
Example 2: The old comic book collection could be worth millions; they’re sitting on a gold mine.
Explanation: This idiom suggests possessing a valuable asset that can generate significant wealth. It conveys the idea of having untapped financial potential.
13. Raking in the Dough
Meaning: Earning a large amount of money.
Example 1: His new business venture is raking in the dough.
Example 2: They’re raking in the dough from their successful online store.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of raking to describe the act of collecting substantial money. It emphasizes the ease and abundance of financial gain.
14. In the Money
Meaning: Having a lot of money or being financially well-off.
Example 1: After the successful merger, the company is definitely in the money.
Example 2: She’s in the money now that her book has become a bestseller.
Explanation: This idiom indicates a state of financial abundance or success. It’s used to describe someone who has achieved financial stability or wealth.
15. Flush with Cash
Meaning: Having a lot of cash available.
Example 1: They’re flush with cash after the successful sale of their business.
Example 2: The company is flush with cash due to record profits this quarter.
Explanation: This idiom uses the concept of being “flush” to indicate having an ample amount of money. It reflects a temporary or significant increase in available cash.
16. Big Bucks
Meaning: Large amounts of money.
Example 1: The movie contract paid him big bucks.
Example 2: The new venture is expected to generate big bucks.
Explanation: This idiom refers to substantial amounts of money, often associated with high earnings or significant financial transactions.
17. High Roller
Meaning: Someone who spends or gambles a lot of money.
Example 1: As a high roller in the casino, he’s known for making big bets.
Example 2: The event attracted many high rollers willing to spend on luxury items.
Explanation: This idiom describes individuals who engage in significant financial activities, whether through gambling or spending. It conveys a sense of extravagance and wealth.
18. Wealth of Experience
Meaning: Having a great deal of valuable experience or knowledge, often metaphorically related to richness.
Example 1: She has a wealth of experience in the finance industry.
Example 2: His wealth of experience in marketing made him a valuable asset to the team.
Explanation: While not directly about money, this idiom uses the concept of wealth to highlight the richness of experience or knowledge. It suggests depth and value in expertise.
19. The Cream Rises to the Top
Meaning: The best people or things eventually become prominent or successful.
Example 1: In the competitive market, the cream rises to the top, and the best products succeed.
Example 2: His talent was evident, and eventually, the cream rose to the top.
Explanation: This idiom uses the imagery of cream rising to describe how excellence or high quality becomes apparent and successful over time.
20. Nest Egg
Meaning: Savings or investments set aside for future use.
Example 1: They’ve been building their nest egg for retirement over the years.
Example 2: The real estate investments are part of their nest egg for the future.
Explanation: This idiom refers to savings or investments accumulated for future financial security. It conveys the idea of financial planning and foresight.
21. Live Like There’s No Tomorrow
Meaning: To spend money freely and enjoy life without worrying about the future.
Example 1: They live like there’s no tomorrow, spending lavishly on vacations and luxury items.
Example 2: His approach to life is to live like there’s no tomorrow, indulging in all his passions.
Explanation: This idiom reflects a carefree attitude towards spending and enjoying life. It emphasizes a focus on the present without concern for future financial implications.
22. A Silver Lining
Meaning: A positive aspect in a difficult situation, often used metaphorically to highlight potential gains.
Example 1: Despite the economic downturn, the silver lining is the rise in investment opportunities.
Example 2: The company faced challenges, but the silver lining was a chance to innovate and grow.
Explanation: This idiom uses the concept of a silver lining to highlight positive aspects or opportunities that arise from difficult circumstances. It conveys optimism and potential.
23. The Upper Crust
Meaning: The highest social class, often associated with wealth and privilege.
Example 1: They are part of the upper crust, attending exclusive events and living in luxury.
Example 2: His family has always been part of the upper crust, with a long history of affluence.
Explanation: This idiom refers to the elite or most privileged segment of society. It conveys a sense of high status and wealth.
24. Cash in on
Meaning: To take advantage of a situation to make money.
Example 1: She cashed in on her celebrity status to launch a successful fashion line.
Example 2: The company cashed in on the new market trends to boost their profits.
Explanation: This idiom describes capitalizing on opportunities to generate income or profit. It reflects strategic financial advantage-taking.
25. A Golden Opportunity
Meaning: A highly favorable chance or situation.
Example 1: The merger presented a golden opportunity for expansion.
Example 2: They saw the new market as a golden opportunity for growth.
Explanation: This idiom uses “golden” to signify a rare and valuable opportunity. It conveys the exceptional nature of the chance presented.
26. Hit the Big Time
Meaning: To achieve major success or recognition.
Example 1: After years of hard work, he finally hit the big time with his breakthrough novel.
Example 2: The startup hit the big time when it went public and attracted major investors.
Explanation: This idiom refers to reaching a level of significant success or prominence. It highlights the achievement of major milestones or recognition.
27. Show One’s True Colors
Meaning: To reveal one’s true nature or intentions, often after financial success.
Example 1: After acquiring wealth, he showed his true colors by sharing his success with others.
Example 2: The company’s true colors were revealed when it started giving back to the community.
Explanation: This idiom describes revealing one’s true character or intentions. It can reflect the changes in behavior or values that emerge with financial success.
28. Set for Life
Meaning: Financially secure for the rest of one’s life.
Example 1: After selling his startup, he’s set for life with his newfound wealth.
Example 2: The investment gains were so substantial that they were set for life.
Explanation: This idiom conveys the idea of achieving a level of financial security that ensures long-term stability and comfort.
29. The Golden Goose
Meaning: A valuable asset that generates consistent income or profit.
Example 1: Their flagship product is the golden goose, providing steady revenue.
Example 2: The investment property has become their golden goose, yielding significant returns.
Explanation: This idiom uses the metaphor of a goose that lays golden eggs to describe a highly valuable and profitable asset. It emphasizes its ongoing value and financial benefits.
30. Rolling in Riches
Meaning: Experiencing great wealth or abundance.
Example 1: After the successful sale, they were rolling in riches.
Example 2: She’s rolling in riches thanks to her lucrative business deals.
Explanation: This idiom expresses a state of extreme financial abundance. It’s used to describe someone enjoying significant wealth.
31. Money is No Object
Meaning: Financial considerations are not a concern; money is not a limiting factor.
Example 1: For their dream vacation, money is no object; they’re going all out.
Example 2: In pursuing the best healthcare, money is no object for them.
Explanation: This idiom highlights a disregard for financial constraints, emphasizing the ability to spend freely or prioritize something regardless of cost.
32. Affluent Lifestyle
Meaning: A lifestyle characterized by wealth and comfort.
Example 1: They enjoy an affluent lifestyle with their luxurious home and peculiar vacations.
Example 2: His affluent lifestyle includes private schools and top-tier investments.
Explanation: This idiom describes a way of living that reflects significant wealth and comfort. It conveys the high standard of living associated with affluence.
33. The High Life
Meaning: A luxurious and enjoyable way of living.
Example 1: After her promotion, she’s been living the high life, attending exclusive events and dining in five-star restaurants.
Example 2: He’s enjoying the high life with his new yacht and global travels.
Explanation: This idiom refers to a life filled with luxury and pleasure. It emphasizes the enjoyment and indulgence that come with significant wealth.
34. The Lap of Luxury
Meaning: A life of extreme comfort and wealth.
Example 1: They live in the lap of luxury, with a grand estate and personal staff.
Example 2: His lifestyle in the lap of luxury includes private jets and luxury cars.
Explanation: This idiom uses imagery of sitting in the lap of luxury to describe a life of unparalleled comfort and opulence. It emphasizes the extravagance and high quality of living.
35. Fortune Favors the Bold
Meaning: Those who take risks are more likely to achieve success and wealth.
Example 1: Investing in startups might be risky, but fortune favors the bold.
Example 2: She made bold career moves, and indeed, fortune favored her with rapid success.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that taking risks or being adventurous can lead to financial success. It emphasizes the rewards of bold and daring actions.
Answer To Key Question
- What are some idioms that reflect extreme wealth?
- Idioms like “filthy rich” and “rolling in dough” vividly describe significant wealth and financial abundance.
- How can idioms enhance conversations about financial success?
- Using idioms like “strike it rich” or “hit the big time” adds flair and relatability to discussions about financial achievements.
- What idioms are used to describe a luxurious lifestyle?
- Phrases such as “living in the lap of luxury” and “the high life” effectively convey a life of comfort and opulence.
- Can idioms help in understanding financial risk-taking?
- Yes, idioms like “fortune favors the bold” highlight the potential rewards of taking financial risks and pursuing opportunities.
- How do idioms like “cash cow” reflect business success?
- Idioms such as “cash cow” describe reliable and profitable ventures, emphasizing their financial impact.
- Are there idioms that convey financial stability?
- Yes, phrases like “set for life” and “nest egg” reflect long-term financial security and stability.
Conclusion
Idioms related to wealth and affluence not only enrich our language but also provide insight into the world of financial success and luxury. From “rolling in dough” to “living in the lap of luxury,” these expressions capture the essence of wealth and the various ways it can manifest.
By incorporating these idioms into your vocabulary, you can add a touch of elegance and precision when discussing financial matters, making conversations about wealth both engaging and descriptive.
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