In the United States, people often talk about money in creative ways. Instead of just saying someone is rich, they might use fun phrases or expressions. These sayings are called idioms. Idioms are words that work together to mean something different from what they say. They make everyday talking more fun and colorful. For example, instead of saying “He has a lot of money,” someone might say, “He’s rolling in dough.”
These idioms help people in America talk about wealth without sounding boring. Kids hear them on TV, in books, and even at the dinner table. Learning these idioms is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English. In this article, we’ll explore some common idioms that people in the USA use when talking about being rich. Get ready to learn some fun new ways to talk about money.
Idioms for Rich
1. Rolling in dough
Meaning: Having a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• That new neighbor is rolling in dough with all those fancy cars.
• My uncle must be rolling in dough—he just bought a lake house.
Other ways to say: Very rich, loaded
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dough” has been slang for money in the U.S. since the 1800s.
Usage: Used to describe someone with a lot of money.
2. Filthy rich
Meaning: Extremely wealthy
Example Sentence:
• That celebrity is filthy rich and lives in a mansion.
• He must be filthy rich to afford three sports cars.
Other ways to say: Super rich, mega-rich
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “filthy” adds humor, not dirt—it just means “very.”
Usage: Used to talk about someone who has a huge amount of money.
3. Made of money
Meaning: Having a lot of money to spend
Example Sentence:
• Stop asking for toys—I’m not made of money.
• She acts like she’s made of money, buying everything.
Other ways to say: Rich, wealthy
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s used to tell someone money isn’t endless.
Usage: Often said when someone spends or asks for a lot.
4. Money to burn
Meaning: Having more money than you need
Example Sentence:
• He must have money to burn—he goes on vacation every month.
• They bought another TV? They’ve got money to burn.
Other ways to say: Extra cash, spare money
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase means you have so much, you could waste it.
Usage: Used when someone spends money without worry.
5. Born with a silver spoon in their mouth
Meaning: Born into a rich family
Example Sentence:
• She never had to work—she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
• Kids at that private school were born with silver spoons in their mouths.
Other ways to say: Born rich, privileged
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, rich babies were given silver spoons as gifts.
Usage: Describes someone who had wealth from birth.
6. Sitting on a gold mine
Meaning: Owning something very valuable
Example Sentence:
• That old land they own is now worth millions—they’re sitting on a gold mine.
• His idea for an app could be a gold mine.
Other ways to say: Very valuable, hidden wealth
Fun Fact/Origin: Gold mines are rare and worth a lot, like good ideas or land.
Usage: Used when someone has something that can make them rich.
7. Loaded
Meaning: Having a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• Her dad is loaded—he owns five restaurants.
• That guy must be loaded to wear those expensive shoes.
Other ways to say: Rich, well-off
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of having pockets “loaded” with cash.
Usage: Commonly used to talk about people with lots of money.
8. Big bucks
Meaning: A large amount of money
Example Sentence:
• He makes big bucks working in tech.
• That house must have cost big bucks.
Other ways to say: Tons of money, lots of cash
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bucks” is American slang for dollars.
Usage: Used when talking about high pay or expensive items.
9. Minted
Meaning: Very rich
Example Sentence:
• She’s totally minted after selling her company.
• He became minted after winning the lottery.
Other ways to say: Wealthy, rolling in it
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from money being made in a mint.
Usage: Popular in casual conversations.
10. Cash cow
Meaning: Something that brings in a lot of money regularly
Example Sentence:
• That online store is their cash cow.
• His rental homes are cash cows.
Other ways to say: Moneymaker, profit source
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from cows being milked daily—like getting steady money.
Usage: Used for things that keep making money.
11. In the money
Meaning: Recently gained a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• He’s in the money after selling that painting.
• They’re in the money now that the business is booming.
Other ways to say: Rich now, recently wealthy
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized by a 1930s song during the Great Depression.
Usage: Used when someone’s money situation improves fast.
12. Worth a fortune
Meaning: Extremely valuable
Example Sentence:
• That baseball card is worth a fortune.
• Her necklace is worth a fortune.
Other ways to say: Very expensive, high-priced
Fun Fact/Origin: “Fortune” means a large amount of wealth.
Usage: Used when something costs a lot.
13. Deep pockets
Meaning: Having a lot of money available
Example Sentence:
• That company has deep pockets for marketing.
• He’s got deep pockets—he never runs out of money.
Other ways to say: Lots of funds, wealthy
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests you can keep pulling money out of your pocket forever.
Usage: Often used for people or businesses with lots of spending power.
14. High roller
Meaning: Someone who spends a lot of money, often gambling or shopping
Example Sentence:
• He’s a high roller in Las Vegas.
• Only high rollers stay in those fancy hotel rooms.
Other ways to say: Big spender, VIP
Fun Fact/Origin: Started in casinos, where big gamblers “roll” high stakes.
Usage: Used for flashy, big-spending people.
15. Make a killing
Meaning: To earn a lot of money quickly
Example Sentence:
• She made a killing selling sneakers online.
• He made a killing in the stock market.
Other ways to say: Earned big, got rich fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Means a big “win,” like a hunter getting a large prize.
Usage: Used for successful business or money moves.
16. Sitting pretty
Meaning: In a good, safe, or rich position
Example Sentence:
• After that promotion, he’s sitting pretty.
• She’s sitting pretty with her savings and no debt.
Other ways to say: Comfortable, in a good spot
Fun Fact/Origin: Implies being relaxed and well-off.
Usage: Used for people in a good financial place.
17. Have it made
Meaning: To be in a great and easy position
Example Sentence:
• Once he got that job, he had it made.
• With her new income, she’s got it made.
Other ways to say: All set, successful
Fun Fact/Origin: Means you don’t need to worry anymore.
Usage: Used when someone’s life is financially easy.
18. Bring home the bacon
Meaning: To earn money for a household
Example Sentence:
• Dad works hard to bring home the bacon.
• She brings home the bacon for the whole family.
Other ways to say: Earn money, support the family
Fun Fact/Origin: Came from old times when bacon was a prized food.
Usage: Used when someone is the money earner.
19. Rags to riches
Meaning: Going from poor to rich
Example Sentence:
• Her story is a true rags-to-riches tale.
• That basketball player went from rags to riches.
Other ways to say: Success story, major upgrade
Fun Fact/Origin: Rags mean being poor; riches mean wealth.
Usage: Used for people who worked their way up.
20. Fat cat
Meaning: A rich and powerful person
Example Sentence:
• The fat cats on Wall Street keep getting richer.
• He’s one of those fat cats in real estate.
Other ways to say: Big shot, wealthy boss
Fun Fact/Origin: Came from cartoons showing rich, lazy cats.
Usage: Sometimes used in a negative way.
21. Sitting on cash
Meaning: Having a lot of money saved or ready
Example Sentence:
• He’s sitting on cash and doesn’t know what to do with it.
• They’re sitting on cash from the house they sold.
Other ways to say: Saved up, flush with money
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of literally sitting on piles of money.
Usage: Used when someone has money saved up.
22. Born into money
Meaning: From a family that’s already rich
Example Sentence:
• She didn’t have to earn it—she was born into money.
• People born into money often live very differently.
Other ways to say: Inherited wealth, family riches
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to being wealthy since birth.
Usage: Used for people who didn’t earn their wealth.
23. Strike it rich
Meaning: To suddenly become very rich
Example Sentence:
• He struck it rich with that app idea.
• They struck it rich after discovering oil on their land.
Other ways to say: Hit the jackpot, got lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: From gold rush times when miners found gold.
Usage: Used for sudden wealth gain.
24. Money grows on trees
Meaning: Money is easy to get (often used sarcastically)
Example Sentence:
• You think money grows on trees? We can’t buy that.
• Money doesn’t grow on trees, so be careful spending.
Other ways to say: Be careful with money, don’t waste it
Fun Fact/Origin: Teaches kids that money isn’t endless.
Usage: Used when reminding someone not to spend too much.
25. Worth their weight in gold
Meaning: Extremely valuable
Example Sentence:
• That handyman is worth his weight in gold.
• Her help during the move was worth its weight in gold.
Other ways to say: Very useful, priceless
Fun Fact/Origin: Gold is heavy and expensive, so the more weight, the more value.
Usage: Used when something or someone is very helpful.
26. Pockets are full
Meaning: Having plenty of money
Example Sentence:
• After payday, my pockets are full.
• He left the casino with his pockets full.
Other ways to say: Rich, just got paid
Fun Fact/Origin: A visual way to show you have lots of cash.
Usage: Used casually after earning money.
27. Living the high life
Meaning: Living in luxury
Example Sentence:
• He’s living the high life in a fancy apartment.
• They travel first class and live the high life.
Other ways to say: Luxurious life, fancy lifestyle
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests living “above” others, in comfort.
Usage: Used for people enjoying luxury.
28. Making bank
Meaning: Earning a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• He’s making bank with that new job.
• She made bank selling those handmade bags.
Other ways to say: Earning big, making good money
Fun Fact/Origin: Slang used often by teens and young adults.
Usage: Used for people making great income.
29. Money coming out of their ears
Meaning: Having way too much money
Example Sentence:
• That guy has money coming out of his ears.
• She spends like she’s got money coming out of her ears.
Other ways to say: Overloaded with money, very rich
Fun Fact/Origin: A funny image of being filled with cash.
Usage: Used to exaggerate wealth.
30. Buy the moon
Meaning: So rich, you could buy anything—even the moon
Example Sentence:
• He’s rich enough to buy the moon.
• She makes enough to buy the moon twice.
Other ways to say: Super rich, can afford anything
Fun Fact/Origin: A playful way to talk about extreme wealth.
Usage: Used humorously.
31. Have a gold touch
Meaning: Everything they do makes money
Example Sentence:
• That investor has a gold touch—everything he buys goes up.
• She has the gold touch with small businesses.
Other ways to say: Lucky, skilled at making money
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on King Midas, who turned things into gold.
Usage: Used for people who always succeed financially.
32. Like a pig in clover
Meaning: Living in comfort and wealth
Example Sentence:
• They moved to a new mansion and are like pigs in clover.
• Ever since she got that job, she’s like a pig in clover.
Other ways to say: Comfortable, living well
Fun Fact/Origin: Pigs love clover; it means they’re happy and well-fed.
Usage: Used to describe someone enjoying a good life.
33. Bankrolled
Meaning: Financially supported
Example Sentence:
• His project was bankrolled by his rich uncle.
• She’s bankrolled by a big investor.
Other ways to say: Funded, backed financially
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from “bank” and “rolls” of money.
Usage: Used when someone is paying for another’s ideas or plans.
34. Have money to spare
Meaning: Extra money after paying everything
Example Sentence:
• After bills, they still have money to spare.
• I like that job—it leaves me with money to spare.
Other ways to say: Leftover money, extra cash
Fun Fact/Origin: Means your budget has room for fun stuff.
Usage: Used to describe a healthy money situation.
35. Walking wallet
Meaning: Someone always expected to pay
Example Sentence:
• I feel like a walking wallet with my friends.
• Don’t be a walking wallet—learn to say no.
Other ways to say: Always pays, money source
Fun Fact/Origin: A joke about someone only being seen for their money.
Usage: Often used when someone feels used.
36. Buy out the store
Meaning: Can afford to buy everything
Example Sentence:
• She could buy out the store if she wanted.
• He acts like he can buy out the store.
Other ways to say: Super rich, big spender
Fun Fact/Origin: Imagines someone buying all items in a shop.
Usage: Used to show someone has lots of spending power.
37. Loaded like a freight train
Meaning: Full of money and power
Example Sentence:
• He’s loaded like a freight train after that deal.
• They’re loaded like freight trains—unstoppable.
Other ways to say: Packed with cash, powerful
Fun Fact/Origin: Freight trains carry tons of stuff, like money.
Usage: Used when someone is both rich and strong.
38. Have a fat wallet
Meaning: Carry a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• That guy always has a fat wallet.
• I had a fat wallet on payday—now it’s empty.
Other ways to say: Rich, full of cash
Fun Fact/Origin: More money = a thicker wallet.
Usage: Often used in jokes or casual talk.
39. Swim in money
Meaning: Having so much money it feels endless
Example Sentence:
• She’s swimming in money since she sold that app.
• They’re swimming in money after winning the lottery.
Other ways to say: Overflowing with cash, rich
Fun Fact/Origin: Picture swimming in a pool of cash—just like cartoons.
Usage: Used to exaggerate being very rich.
40. Gold mine
Meaning: Something that brings huge profit
Example Sentence:
• That website is a gold mine for them.
• This business idea is a gold mine waiting to happen.
Other ways to say: Money-maker, jackpot
Fun Fact/Origin: Real gold mines made people rich fast.
Usage: Used for something valuable or successful.
41. Live in the lap of luxury
Meaning: Living a very comfortable and rich life
Example Sentence:
• They live in the lap of luxury with chefs and drivers.
• He retired and now lives in the lap of luxury.
Other ways to say: Live rich, live easy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Lap” suggests comfort—being surrounded by nice things.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys a rich lifestyle.
42. Rich as Croesus
Meaning: Extremely rich
Example Sentence:
• That tech CEO is as rich as Croesus.
• She’s rich as Croesus with all that real estate.
Other ways to say: Super wealthy, richer than rich
Fun Fact/Origin: Croesus was an ancient king known for his wealth.
Usage: Mostly used in stories or fancy speech.
43. Stack of cash
Meaning: A lot of money
Example Sentence:
• He walked in with a stack of cash to buy that bike.
• She keeps stacks of cash in her safe.
Other ways to say: Bundle of money, pile of cash
Fun Fact/Origin: Stack means money arranged in piles.
Usage: Used when talking about visible piles of money.
44. Have dough to throw
Meaning: Able to spend money freely
Example Sentence:
• He’s got dough to throw—just look at his watch.
• If you’ve got dough to throw, buy the premium seats.
Other ways to say: Extra money, lots of spending money
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dough” has been slang for money in the U.S. for years.
Usage: Used casually about people with money to spend.
45. Like hitting the jackpot
Meaning: Gaining a lot of money fast
Example Sentence:
• Selling that car was like hitting the jackpot.
• He hit the jackpot with his new book deal.
Other ways to say: Big win, sudden money
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from gambling and winning big.
Usage: Used when someone gets lucky with money.
46. Make it rain
Meaning: Spend or give out money freely
Example Sentence:
• He made it rain at the party, handing out $20 bills.
• They’re making it rain on their vacation.
Other ways to say: Spend big, throw money
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized by music videos and pop culture.
Usage: Used in casual or party talk.
47. Be well-heeled
Meaning: Be rich or well-off
Example Sentence:
• That family is very well-heeled—they own two beach homes.
• The event was full of well-heeled guests.
Other ways to say: Wealthy, upscale
Fun Fact/Origin: “Heels” once showed class—only the rich wore them.
Usage: Formal way to describe someone rich.
48. Chasing the green
Meaning: Trying to get more money
Example Sentence:
• He’s always chasing the green with new businesses.
• She left her job to chase the green as a YouTuber.
Other ways to say: Seeking money, going after cash
Fun Fact/Origin: “Green” refers to U.S. dollar bills.
Usage: Used when someone focuses on making money.
49. Champagne taste
Meaning: Having expensive tastes
Example Sentence:
• She’s got champagne taste on a soda budget.
• He always wants the best—real champagne taste.
Other ways to say: Expensive style, fancy taste
Fun Fact/Origin: Champagne is known as a fancy drink.
Usage: Used when someone wants pricey things.
50. Have your pockets lined
Meaning: Getting money, often in secret
Example Sentence:
• That contractor must have his pockets lined.
• Politicians sometimes get their pockets lined quietly.
Other ways to say: Extra cash, side money
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from money hidden in clothing.
Usage: Often used when someone gains quietly or dishonestly.
51. Money magnet
Meaning: Someone or something that attracts money
Example Sentence:
• Her bakery is a money magnet.
• He’s a money magnet with every business he starts.
Other ways to say: Attracts wealth, brings in money
Fun Fact/Origin: Like magnets pull metal, this pulls cash.
Usage: Used when success or income keeps coming.
52. Blow money like it’s nothing
Meaning: Spend money carelessly
Example Sentence:
• He blows money like it’s nothing—new phone every month.
• She blows money like it grows on trees.
Other ways to say: Waste money, spend fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to show someone doesn’t care about saving.
Usage: Describes careless spending.
53. Million-dollar smile
Meaning: A great smile, like a rich person’s
Example Sentence:
• That actor has a million-dollar smile.
• Her million-dollar smile made everyone happy.
Other ways to say: Bright smile, charming look
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests something so nice, it’s worth money.
Usage: Often used in media or compliments.
54. Break the bank
Meaning: Cost a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• That jacket will break the bank.
• The vacation was fun, but it broke the bank.
Other ways to say: Too expensive, costly
Fun Fact/Origin: From casino games—losing more money than the house holds.
Usage: Used when something is really expensive.
55. Be in the lap of money
Meaning: Surrounded by money or comfort
Example Sentence:
• Since getting that job, she’s been in the lap of money.
• He’s in the lap of money and doesn’t need to work.
Other ways to say: Surrounded by riches, very comfortable
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “lap of luxury” but focused on wealth.
Usage: Used when someone lives with ease and wealth.
Quiz: Idioms for Rich
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. Each question asks about an idiom that means someone is rich or has a lot of money. Pick A, B, or C.
Question Key
1. What does “rolling in dough” mean?
A) Playing with flour
B) Having lots of money
C) Sleeping on bread
2. If someone is “filthy rich,” they are:
A) Really dirty
B) Very funny
C) Extremely rich
3. What does “money to burn” mean?
A) Setting dollars on fire
B) Having extra money to spend
C) Saving every penny
4. If someone was “born with a silver spoon in their mouth,” it means:
A) They eat fancy food
B) They were born rich
C) They love shiny things
5. What does “make a killing” mean?
A) To hurt someone
B) To earn a lot of money
C) To lose money
6. What does “deep pockets” mean?
A) Wearing baggy jeans
B) Hiding coins
C) Having lots of money
7. A “cash cow” is something that:
A) Gives milk
B) Brings in money
C) Eats grass
8. “Sitting on a gold mine” means:
A) Sitting in dirt
B) Having something very valuable
C) Watching gold on TV
9. “Loaded” means:
A) Carrying books
B) Very rich
C) Full of food
10. “Stack of cash” means:
A) A pile of leaves
B) A bunch of toys
C) A lot of money
11. “In the money” means:
A) Wearing green
B) Just got rich
C) Counting pennies
12. “Live in the lap of luxury” means:
A) Sitting on pillows
B) Living a rich life
C) Watching TV
13. What does “rags to riches” mean?
A) A new fashion trend
B) Going from poor to rich
C) Wearing old clothes
14. If someone is a “high roller,” they:
A) Roll on the ground
B) Spend a lot of money
C) Ride a bike fast
15. “Buy the moon” means:
A) Go to space
B) Have a telescope
C) Be so rich you can buy anything
16. What does “break the bank” mean?
A) Rob a bank
B) Spend too much money
C) Count your savings
17. “Worth a fortune” means:
A) Tells the future
B) Is very valuable
C) Costs nothing
18. “Fat cat” refers to:
A) A heavy pet
B) A rich and powerful person
C) A sleepy animal
19. What does “champagne taste” mean?
A) Liking fancy things
B) Drinking juice
C) Wanting cheap food
20. If someone has a “million-dollar smile,” it means:
A) Their teeth are gold
B) Their smile is bright and valuable
C) They’re selling smiles
21. “Have it made” means:
A) Life is easy and successful
B) Something is baked
C) Money is missing
22. “Chasing the green” means:
A) Running in grass
B) Going after money
C) Planting trees
23. What does “pockets are full” mean?
A) Holding snacks
B) Full of coins
C) Having lots of money
24. “Money doesn’t grow on trees” means:
A) You can plant money
B) Don’t waste money
C) Trees are valuable
25. “Swimming in money” means:
A) Lost in the pool
B) Has a lot of money
C) Wet money in your pocket
Answer Key
- B) Having lots of money
- C) Extremely rich
- B) Having extra money to spend
- B) They were born rich
- B) To earn a lot of money
- C) Having lots of money
- B) Brings in money
- B) Having something very valuable
- B) Very rich
- C) A lot of money
- B) Just got rich
- B) Living a rich life
- B) Going from poor to rich
- B) Spend a lot of money
- C) Be so rich you can buy anything
- B) Spend too much money
- B) Is very valuable
- B) A rich and powerful person
- A) Liking fancy things
- B) Their smile is bright and valuable
- A) Life is easy and successful
- B) Going after money
- C) Having lots of money
- B) Don’t waste money
- B) Has a lot of money
Wrapping Up
Idioms make talking about money more fun. In the USA, people use these sayings to describe rich people or big money. Instead of just saying “he’s rich,” you might hear “he’s rolling in dough.” Learning these helps you understand conversations better.
Many of these expressions have cool backstories. Some come from old times, music, or everyday life. So next time you hear “she made a killing,” you’ll know they mean she made a lot of money—not something scary. Now you can sound more like a natural English speaker.
