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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Recognize expressions for earning quickly, having very little, spending freely, or being careful with money.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis first part of a money-expression series follows a person whose finances change dramatically after a lottery win. This guide selects less-covered phrases for earning quickly, facing a cash shortage, spending without restraint, and choosing not to spend. The story is an illustration of idioms, not financial advice or a recommendation to gamble.
Cultural note: Some money expressions are judgmental: “cheapskate” criticizes a person, while “flat broke” describes having no money. Use specific, respectful language when discussing someone’s actual financial circumstances. A lottery story should not suggest that tickets are a reliable way to improve finances.
Keep exploringA short phrase can describe money arriving quickly, disappearing quickly, or being carefully protected.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe money coming in quickly or being in very short supply.
Meaning
Very quickly and in large amounts, often about earning or gaining money.
Tone & use
Usually appears with a verb such as “earn” or “make.” It describes the pace and amount, not whether the income is deserved or guaranteed.
Example
“After the bakery added online orders, it began selling hand over fist during the holiday week.”
Meaning
Short of money and finding it difficult to pay for things.
Tone & use
Informal. It can describe a temporary situation; avoid assuming why a person has limited money.
Example
“During the gap between contracts, she was hard up for cash and postponed buying a new laptop.”
Meaning
Having no money available.
Tone & use
Very informal and emphatic. Use a more precise description in formal or sensitive conversations.
Example
“After paying the deposit and moving costs, they were flat broke until payday.”
Talk about freely spending money or criticizing someone for avoiding spending.
Meaning
More money than someone needs or is willing to spend freely.
Tone & use
Informal and often critical or joking; it does not establish what a person can actually afford.
Example
“The team did not have money to burn, so they repaired the equipment instead of replacing it.”
Recognition caution
Meaning
A person criticized for being unwilling to spend money.
Tone & use
Informal and insulting. Use it only when that criticism is intended; “careful with money” is more neutral.
Example
“Rather than call him a cheapskate, she asked whether he wanted to split the restaurant bill differently.”
This is a negative label for a person. It can shame someone whose financial situation is unknown; prefer a neutral description when discussing real people.
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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