- These English phrases can remind you to be wise about how you spend your cash
- After all, money doesn’t grow on trees, so keep a tight grip on your purse strings
It’s best to have some money stashed away for emergencies. Photo: ShutterstockAs Hong Kong’s latest round of consumption vouchers rolled out earlier this month, shops are doing all they can to attract customers. To keep you from impulsively falling into their promotions, here are 11 English idioms about wisely 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 bank account.
2. Bring home the bacon
Meaning: to earn money for a family to live on
Example: Tim is a single parent with three children, so he needs to secure a job to bring home the bacon.
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3. Cash on the barrelhead
Meaning: immediate payment
Example: Many shops no longer require cash on the barrelhead – you can pay in monthly instalments.
4. Nest egg
Meaning: money saved for long-term goals, such as buying a home or retirement
Example: Grandpa and Grandma worked hard to build up a nest egg so they could retire and travel around the world.
5. Keep a tight grip on your purse strings
Meaning: to be very careful with your money and not spend it on things you don’t need
Example: Since Irene works a minimum-wage job, she keeps a tight grip on her purse strings so she can continue supporting her children.
6. Make ends meet
Meaning: to earn enough money to provide for basic needs
Example: During the pandemic, many workers were laid off, and they had a hard time making ends meet.
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7. Penny-pinching
Meaning: unwilling to spend money
Example: Even though Ricky was born into a wealthy family, he has become a penny-pinching miser who refuses to give to charity.
8. 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.
9. Save for a rainy day
Meaning: to save money for a time when it might be needed for an unexpected emergency
Example: The surgery was expensive, but luckily, I could pay for it with the money I’ve been saving for a rainy day.
10. Stash away
Meaning: to keep something hidden away, often in a secret location
Example: My parents have stashed away some cash in the safe, so we can quickly grab it during an emergency.
11. 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 – Mom and Dad work hard to provide for you.