Some things in life make us feel fancy or rich. When people talk about luxury, they often mean things that are extra special, like shiny cars, big houses, or fancy vacations. But instead of always saying “this is expensive” or “that is fancy,” people sometimes use idioms. Idioms are phrases that have a different meaning than the words sound like. They make talking more fun and interesting.
In this article, you’ll learn about idioms people use when they talk about luxury. These idioms help describe things that feel rich or over-the-top. You might hear them in movies or read them in books. They help show how someone is living a life of comfort, spending a lot of money, or enjoying things most people don’t have. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Idioms About Luxury
1. Live in the lap of luxury
Meaning: To live in great comfort with many expensive things.
Example Sentence:
• After winning the lottery, they lived in the lap of luxury.
• She spends her days in the lap of luxury at the beach house.
Other ways to say: Live richly, enjoy a fancy lifestyle
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of being held gently, like a baby in someone’s lap, but surrounded by riches.
Usage: Used when someone has a very comfortable and rich life.
2. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
Meaning: Born into a rich family.
Example Sentence:
• He never had to work hard; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
• She went to the best schools because her family is wealthy.
Other ways to say: Born rich, privileged from birth
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, rich families gave silver spoons to babies as gifts.
Usage: Used to describe someone who grew up with money and comfort.
3. Dressed to the nines
Meaning: Wearing very fancy or stylish clothes.
Example Sentence:
• Everyone was dressed to the nines at the wedding.
• She came to the party dressed to the nines in a sparkly dress.
Other ways to say: Dressed up, looking sharp
Fun Fact/Origin: The number nine has long been used to mean “the best” or “perfect.”
Usage: Used when someone is dressed in their nicest clothes.
4. Rolling in dough
Meaning: Having a lot of money.
Example Sentence:
• After her business took off, she was rolling in dough.
• That actor is rolling in dough now!
Other ways to say: Rich, loaded
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dough” is slang for money, like “bread.”
Usage: Used to describe someone who has a lot of money.
5. Champagne taste on a beer budget
Meaning: Wanting expensive things but not having the money for them.
Example Sentence:
• He wants a sports car but can only afford a bike—champagne taste on a beer budget!
• Her shopping list shows champagne taste on a beer budget.
Other ways to say: Wants more than they can afford
Fun Fact/Origin: This compares liking fancy (champagne) stuff when you can only afford cheap (beer) items.
Usage: Used when someone wants things beyond their means.
6. A rich man’s playground
Meaning: A place where wealthy people go to have fun.
Example Sentence:
• That island is a rich man’s playground with yachts and private beaches.
• Aspen is known as a rich man’s playground during winter.
Other ways to say: Luxury spot, place for the wealthy
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that rich people treat certain places like a playground.
Usage: Used to describe fancy places visited by wealthy people.
7. Money to burn
Meaning: Having extra money to spend.
Example Sentence:
• They just bought another car—they must have money to burn.
• He goes on trips every month. That’s money to burn.
Other ways to say: Plenty of money, spend freely
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom means someone has so much money, they could just set it on fire.
Usage: Used when someone has a lot of extra money.
8. A cut above the rest
Meaning: Better or fancier than others.
Example Sentence:
• That restaurant is a cut above the rest.
• Her clothes are always a cut above the rest.
Other ways to say: Higher quality, top level
Fun Fact/Origin: “Cut” can mean level, so a “cut above” means a higher level.
Usage: Used when something is fancier or better than usual.
9. Fit for a king
Meaning: Very luxurious or special.
Example Sentence:
• The hotel room was fit for a king.
• This meal is fit for a king!
Other ways to say: Fancy, royal treatment
Fun Fact/Origin: Kings are known for having the best, so this phrase shows high quality.
Usage: Used to describe something very grand or rich.
10. Break the bank
Meaning: To cost a lot of money.
Example Sentence:
• That designer bag will break the bank.
• A trip to Paris might break the bank.
Other ways to say: Very expensive, cost a fortune
Fun Fact/Origin: “Breaking the bank” means spending more than you can afford.
Usage: Used when something is too pricey.
11. Live like a king
Meaning: To live in great luxury and comfort.
Example Sentence:
• He lives like a king in his big mansion.
• They ate steak and lobster and lived like kings.
Other ways to say: Live richly, live large
Fun Fact/Origin: Kings are known to live in comfort, so this idiom means enjoying the best life.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys a very luxurious life.
12. Flash the cash
Meaning: To show off money in public.
Example Sentence:
• He likes to flash the cash when he goes shopping.
• At the party, she flashed the cash by buying everyone drinks.
Other ways to say: Show off wealth, spend loudly
Fun Fact/Origin: “Flash” here means quick and bright, just like showing money fast.
Usage: Used when someone spends or shows money to impress others.
13. Have deep pockets
Meaning: To have a lot of money or resources.
Example Sentence:
• That company has deep pockets.
• She has deep pockets and can fund many projects.
Other ways to say: Wealthy, lots of money
Fun Fact/Origin: Deep pockets suggest they can hold more money.
Usage: Used to describe people or groups with plenty of money.
14. Eat like royalty
Meaning: To eat very well or fancy meals.
Example Sentence:
• On vacation, we ate like royalty.
• At Thanksgiving, we ate like royalty.
Other ways to say: Eat fancy, eat rich meals
Fun Fact/Origin: Royal people often eat the best food.
Usage: Used when meals are luxurious or special.
15. High-end taste
Meaning: Liking only the best or most expensive things.
Example Sentence:
• He has high-end taste in clothes.
• Her high-end taste shows in her home decor.
Other ways to say: Fancy taste, luxury style
Fun Fact/Origin: “High-end” items are usually the best and most expensive.
Usage: Used when someone prefers premium things.
16. Big spender
Meaning: Someone who spends a lot of money.
Example Sentence:
• She’s a big spender at the mall.
• He’s known as a big spender at fancy restaurants.
Other ways to say: Spends freely, money spender
Fun Fact/Origin: “Big spender” is a casual term for people who like to buy a lot.
Usage: Used to describe someone who buys expensive things often.
17. Live it up
Meaning: To enjoy life in a fun or luxurious way.
Example Sentence:
• They went to Vegas to live it up.
• She lives it up every summer on a cruise.
Other ways to say: Enjoy to the fullest, party fancy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Live it up” means to make the most of life with fun or luxury.
Usage: Used when someone celebrates or lives in style.
18. Five-star treatment
Meaning: Getting the best or highest level of service.
Example Sentence:
• The hotel gave us five-star treatment.
• At the spa, she got five-star treatment.
Other ways to say: Best service, top care
Fun Fact/Origin: Five stars are used to rate the best hotels or restaurants.
Usage: Used when someone is treated very well.
19. On the house
Meaning: Given for free, usually by a business.
Example Sentence:
• Dessert was on the house at the fancy restaurant.
• The drinks were on the house to thank us.
Other ways to say: Free of charge, no cost
Fun Fact/Origin: “The house” means the business owner.
Usage: Used when something is free, usually in luxury spots.
20. Feather one’s nest
Meaning: To make oneself richer, often in a selfish way.
Example Sentence:
• He’s been feathering his nest with big bonuses.
• She used her job to feather her nest.
Other ways to say: Add to wealth, benefit oneself
Fun Fact/Origin: Birds line their nests with feathers for comfort—this idiom means building comfort with money.
Usage: Used when someone collects money or goods for personal comfort.
21. Money talks
Meaning: Rich people or money can influence decisions.
Example Sentence:
• In politics, money talks.
• He got the last ticket because money talks.
Other ways to say: Money has power, wealth wins
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom shows how money can make things happen.
Usage: Used when money changes outcomes or buys access.
22. All the bells and whistles
Meaning: Fancy extras or features.
Example Sentence:
• That car has all the bells and whistles.
• The new phone comes with all the bells and whistles.
Other ways to say: Full features, extra fancy
Fun Fact/Origin: Old machines sometimes had bells and whistles as add-ons.
Usage: Used when something has many fancy features.
23. Pay top dollar
Meaning: To spend a lot for something.
Example Sentence:
• He paid top dollar for those sneakers.
• They paid top dollar for front-row seats.
Other ways to say: Spend a lot, buy at high price
Fun Fact/Origin: “Top dollar” means the highest price.
Usage: Used when something costs more than usual.
24. Have it made
Meaning: To be in a very good and easy position.
Example Sentence:
• With that job, he has it made.
• She has it made living by the beach.
Other ways to say: Set for life, very lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: “Made” means you don’t have to worry anymore.
Usage: Used when someone has comfort and success.
25. Be sitting pretty
Meaning: To be in a lucky or rich situation.
Example Sentence:
• After the deal, they’re sitting pretty.
• She’s sitting pretty with all that money.
Other ways to say: In a good spot, lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: “Sitting pretty” shows a picture of being relaxed and happy.
Usage: Used when someone is comfortable and wealthy.
26. Gold mine
Meaning: A source of great wealth.
Example Sentence:
• That idea turned out to be a gold mine.
• Their online store is a gold mine.
Other ways to say: Money maker, big profit
Fun Fact/Origin: A gold mine brings treasure—just like a rich idea or business.
Usage: Used when something brings a lot of money.
27. High roller
Meaning: Someone who spends or bets a lot of money.
Example Sentence:
• He’s a high roller at the casino.
• That high roller just booked the penthouse.
Other ways to say: Big spender, VIP guest
Fun Fact/Origin: Casinos call big spenders “high rollers.”
Usage: Used to describe rich people who spend boldly.
28. Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: To prove something by spending or investing.
Example Sentence:
• He said he loves the team, so he bought season tickets—putting his money where his mouth is.
• She backed her plan by investing—put your money where your mouth is.
Other ways to say: Show proof, support with cash
Fun Fact/Origin: It means not just talking, but acting—especially with money.
Usage: Used when someone supports their words with actions.
29. Rake in the money
Meaning: To earn a lot of money quickly.
Example Sentence:
• They’re raking in the money from their new app.
• He raked in the money during the holiday sales.
Other ways to say: Earn a lot, bring in cash
Fun Fact/Origin: “Rake in” means collecting quickly, like leaves.
Usage: Used when someone is making money fast.
30. The lap of indulgence
Meaning: Living a life full of pleasure and treats.
Example Sentence:
• Their cruise vacation was the lap of indulgence.
• She lives in the lap of indulgence with daily spa visits.
Other ways to say: Total comfort, rich life
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on “lap of luxury,” this version focuses more on pleasure and treats.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys constant pampering.
Quiz: Idioms About Luxury
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “live in the lap of luxury” mean?
A) To sit comfortably
B) To live with a lot of comfort and fancy things
C) To take a nap in a big chair
2. If someone was “born with a silver spoon in their mouth,” what does that mean?
A) They eat a lot of silver food
B) They had to work hard for money
C) They were born into a rich family
3. What does it mean when someone is “dressed to the nines”?
A) They are wearing old clothes
B) They are dressed in very nice clothes
C) They are getting ready for bed
4. If a car has “all the bells and whistles,” what does that mean?
A) It makes a lot of noise
B) It has many fancy features
C) It is broken and needs repair
5. What does “money to burn” mean?
A) Someone is starting a fire with money
B) Someone has no money left
C) Someone has extra money to spend
6. If someone “pays top dollar” for something, what did they do?
A) Bought something cheap
B) Spent a lot of money
C) Got it for free
7. When someone is a “big spender,” what do they often do?
A) Save their money
B) Spend lots of money on things
C) Count pennies carefully
8. If a place gives you “five-star treatment,” how do they treat you?
A) Just okay
B) Very kindly and with great care
C) They ignore you
9. What does it mean to “live it up”?
A) Sit quietly at home
B) Enjoy life in a fun or rich way
C) Sleep all day
10. If something is “fit for a king,” what is it like?
A) Very cheap and plain
B) Something a king would not like
C) Very fancy and special
Answer Key
- B — To live with a lot of comfort and fancy things
- C — They were born into a rich family
- B — They are dressed in very nice clothes
- B — It has many fancy features
- C — Someone has extra money to spend
- B — Spent a lot of money
- B — Spend lots of money on things
- B — Very kindly and with great care
- B — Enjoy life in a fun or rich way
- C — Very fancy and special
Wrapping Up
Idioms about luxury help describe lives that include fancy homes, rich food, or stylish clothes. These phrases make talking about money or comfort more fun. Some idioms show having too much. Others show enjoying special treats. When you hear them, think about how people use words in creative ways.
You don’t need to live in a mansion to enjoy these idioms. Learning them helps you understand books, shows, and conversations better. They also help you describe things in a fun way. Try using one the next time you see something fancy!
