Many people want to be smart with their money. They try to spend less, save more, and make wise choices. To talk about these smart choices, people often use special phrases. These are called idioms. Idioms are short sayings that mean something different from the exact words. For example, if someone says, “pinch pennies,” they don’t really mean they are squeezing coins.
Idioms about saving money are fun and helpful. They can teach us how to be careful with spending. These sayings come from everyday life and are easy to understand. In this article, we will look at some idioms that people use when they talk about saving money. You’ll learn what they mean and how to use them in real life.
Idioms About Saving Money
1. Pinch pennies
Meaning: To be very careful about spending money
Example Sentence:
• My dad always pinches pennies when we go shopping.
• She pinched pennies so she could save for a bike.
Other ways to say: Be frugal, cut back on spending
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying started in the 1800s, meaning people watched even the smallest coins.
Usage: Used when someone spends very little to save money.
2. Tighten your belt
Meaning: To spend less money than usual
Example Sentence:
• After losing his job, he had to tighten his belt.
• We’re tightening our belts to save for vacation.
Other ways to say: Cut costs, reduce spending
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from people eating less during hard times, so they tightened their belts.
Usage: Used when someone needs to be more careful with money.
3. Live on a shoestring
Meaning: To live with very little money
Example Sentence:
• In college, she lived on a shoestring and shared everything.
• They lived on a shoestring while saving for a house.
Other ways to say: Be thrifty, live cheaply
Fun Fact/Origin: “Shoestring” meant a very small budget, like the thin string for shoes.
Usage: Used when someone has to manage with very little money.
4. A penny saved is a penny earned
Meaning: Saving money is just as valuable as earning it
Example Sentence:
• I didn’t buy the toy because a penny saved is a penny earned.
• She brings lunch from home. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Other ways to say: Saving is like earning, hold on to your money
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often linked to Benjamin Franklin, who believed in saving wisely.
Usage: Used to encourage people to save money instead of spending.
5. Cut corners
Meaning: To do something the easiest and cheapest way
Example Sentence:
• They cut corners by using cheap supplies.
• He cut corners to save money on the school project.
Other ways to say: Take shortcuts, save money the easy way
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from building or driving where skipping corners saves effort or money.
Usage: Used when people spend less but may also reduce quality.
6. Make ends meet
Meaning: To have just enough money to pay for what you need
Example Sentence:
• My parents work hard to make ends meet.
• She saved on snacks to help make ends meet.
Other ways to say: Get by, manage with little
Fun Fact/Origin: It refers to bringing the two ends of a budget together—income and spending.
Usage: Used when someone is barely managing with their money.
7. Save for a rainy day
Meaning: To save money for when something bad or unexpected happens
Example Sentence:
• Grandma always said to save for a rainy day.
• He kept some cash just in case—a rainy day fund.
Other ways to say: Keep money for emergencies, be prepared
Fun Fact/Origin: “Rainy day” means a time of trouble or need.
Usage: Used when putting money aside for future problems.
8. Break the bank
Meaning: To cost more money than you can afford
Example Sentence:
• Buying that phone will break the bank.
• A trip to the theme park could break the bank.
Other ways to say: Spend too much, go over budget
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from gambling, when someone wins more money than the casino has.
Usage: Used when something is way too expensive.
9. Nest egg
Meaning: Money saved for the future
Example Sentence:
• Mom has a nest egg for emergencies.
• They built a nest egg to buy a car.
Other ways to say: Savings, money put away
Fun Fact/Origin: Farmers would leave an egg in a nest to encourage hens to lay more—symbolizing growth.
Usage: Used to talk about money saved for later use.
10. Money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: You shouldn’t waste money because it’s not easy to get
Example Sentence:
• I can’t buy another video game—money doesn’t grow on trees.
• When I left the lights on, dad said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees!”
Other ways to say: Don’t waste money, be careful with money
Fun Fact/Origin: Since trees produce leaves, not dollars, it means money is limited and needs effort.
Usage: Used to remind others that money should be spent wisely.
11. Put away for a rainy day
Meaning: To save money for later use
Example Sentence:
• I put away some birthday money for a rainy day.
• They put away cash each week just in case.
Other ways to say: Save up, set aside money
Fun Fact/Origin: Like saving something special for when things aren’t going well.
Usage: Used when saving money just in case something bad happens.
12. Stretch a dollar
Meaning: To make a small amount of money last a long time
Example Sentence:
• She knows how to stretch a dollar at the grocery store.
• He stretched a dollar by buying snacks on sale.
Other ways to say: Be careful with money, spend wisely
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of making one dollar do the work of two.
Usage: Used when someone gets the most from a little money.
13. Budget-friendly
Meaning: Something that doesn’t cost too much
Example Sentence:
• They picked a budget-friendly place to eat.
• We need a budget-friendly gift for the teacher.
Other ways to say: Cheap, low-cost
Fun Fact/Origin: Budget means the plan for how to spend money.
Usage: Used when something fits within a small budget.
14. Pay yourself first
Meaning: To save money before spending on anything else
Example Sentence:
• My mom says to pay yourself first each month.
• He paid himself first by putting money in a jar.
Other ways to say: Save first, save before spending
Fun Fact/Origin: This idea helps people build savings fast.
Usage: Used to talk about smart saving habits.
15. Keep the change
Meaning: To let someone keep small leftover money
Example Sentence:
• I gave the cashier $10 and said, “Keep the change.”
• He bought candy for $4.75 and let the clerk keep the change.
Other ways to say: Tip, give leftover money
Fun Fact/Origin: Common when giving a small tip or being generous.
Usage: Used when someone lets others keep extra money from a purchase.
16. On a budget
Meaning: To spend only a limited amount of money
Example Sentence:
• We’re on a budget, so we made dinner at home.
• She’s on a budget and can’t buy new clothes now.
Other ways to say: Spending less, low-cost plan
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from setting a plan for spending.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to save or spend less.
17. Money burns a hole in your pocket
Meaning: Wanting to spend money right after getting it
Example Sentence:
• His birthday money burned a hole in his pocket.
• Don’t let your money burn a hole in your pocket—save it!
Other ways to say: Spend quickly, can’t save
Fun Fact/Origin: Imagine hot money that you want to get rid of fast.
Usage: Used when someone wants to spend right away.
18. For a song
Meaning: For a very low price
Example Sentence:
• She bought the used bike for a song.
• The old video game was sold for a song.
Other ways to say: Very cheap, dirt cheap
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of trading something small, like a song, for a deal.
Usage: Used when something is sold very cheaply.
19. On the cheap
Meaning: Done in a low-cost way
Example Sentence:
• We decorated the party on the cheap.
• He planned the trip on the cheap.
Other ways to say: Cheaply, for less money
Fun Fact/Origin: A modern phrase that just means “without spending much.”
Usage: Used when something is done for little money.
20. Scrape by
Meaning: To live with just enough money
Example Sentence:
• They scraped by until Dad found a new job.
• We scraped by on leftovers all week.
Other ways to say: Get by, just manage
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of just barely getting what you need.
Usage: Used when someone has very little but makes it work.
21. Dirt cheap
Meaning: Very inexpensive
Example Sentence:
• These pencils were dirt cheap at the store.
• The secondhand books were dirt cheap.
Other ways to say: Very low-priced, bargain
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares the cost to something as worthless as dirt.
Usage: Used when something is super affordable.
22. Hand-me-down
Meaning: Something used before by someone else, usually in a family
Example Sentence:
• I wore my brother’s hand-me-down jacket.
• Most of my toys are hand-me-downs from cousins.
Other ways to say: Passed down, secondhand
Fun Fact/Origin: This idea comes from handing down clothes or items to younger kids.
Usage: Used when talking about used items that save money.
23. Get your money’s worth
Meaning: To get good value for the money you spent
Example Sentence:
• We got our money’s worth from that movie.
• This backpack lasted years—we got our money’s worth.
Other ways to say: Worth it, good deal
Fun Fact/Origin: It means getting full value from what you pay.
Usage: Used when something is a smart buy.
24. Bang for your buck
Meaning: A good deal for the amount of money spent
Example Sentence:
• That toy gives a lot of bang for your buck.
• We got more pizza for less—that’s bang for your buck!
Other ways to say: Great value, good return
Fun Fact/Origin: “Buck” is a slang word for dollar.
Usage: Used to describe something that’s a great deal.
25. Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: To be very expensive
Example Sentence:
• That phone costs an arm and a leg.
• Their rent costs an arm and a leg.
Other ways to say: Too pricey, very costly
Fun Fact/Origin: This funny phrase means something so costly, it’s like giving up a body part.
Usage: Used when something is way too expensive.
26. Daylight robbery
Meaning: Being charged way too much
Example Sentence:
• $10 for water? That’s daylight robbery!
• They said the snack price was daylight robbery.
Other ways to say: Overpriced, unfair price
Fun Fact/Origin: It means you’re being robbed in plain sight.
Usage: Used when something is shockingly expensive.
27. Money talks
Meaning: People with money can get what they want
Example Sentence:
• He got the best seat because money talks.
• In some places, money talks more than rules.
Other ways to say: Wealth has power, cash counts
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that money can make things happen.
Usage: Used to show that money can influence outcomes.
28. Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: Show you mean it by spending or saving money
Example Sentence:
• You say you care—put your money where your mouth is.
• He put his money where his mouth is and donated.
Other ways to say: Back it up, prove it
Fun Fact/Origin: It means actions speak louder than words, especially with money.
Usage: Used when encouraging others to support something with money.
29. Watch every penny
Meaning: Be very careful with every small expense
Example Sentence:
• She watches every penny when grocery shopping.
• We watched every penny while saving for the trip.
Other ways to say: Count coins, spend wisely
Fun Fact/Origin: Focuses on being careful with even the smallest amounts.
Usage: Used when someone is very cautious with spending.
30. No-frills
Meaning: Simple and cheap without extras
Example Sentence:
• We stayed in a no-frills hotel.
• That store sells no-frills food.
Other ways to say: Basic, plain, simple
Fun Fact/Origin: “Frills” are extra decorations or features—this means none of that.
Usage: Used when describing basic and affordable options.
31. Cut back
Meaning: To reduce spending
Example Sentence:
• We cut back on snacks to save money.
• Mom cut back on shopping this month.
Other ways to say: Spend less, reduce use
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase means to trim down, like cutting back plants.
Usage: Used when reducing spending to save money.
32. Go without
Meaning: To skip buying something to save money
Example Sentence:
• We went without new clothes this year.
• He went without soda to save for a toy.
Other ways to say: Skip, do without
Fun Fact/Origin: A simple phrase that means choosing not to spend.
Usage: Used when people choose to not buy something.
33. Live within your means
Meaning: To only spend what you can afford
Example Sentence:
• They live within their means by planning every dollar.
• He lives within his means and avoids debt.
Other ways to say: Spend wisely, stay in budget
Fun Fact/Origin: “Means” refers to income or money someone earns.
Usage: Used to describe smart and honest spending habits.
34. A steal
Meaning: Something that is a very good deal
Example Sentence:
• This jacket was a steal at five bucks!
• That used game was a steal.
Other ways to say: Bargain, amazing deal
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that the price is so low it feels like stealing.
Usage: Used when something is much cheaper than expected.
35. Be flat broke
Meaning: To have no money at all
Example Sentence:
• He was flat broke after buying concert tickets.
• I’m flat broke until I get allowance.
Other ways to say: Out of money, penniless
Fun Fact/Origin: “Flat” adds emphasis—completely without money.
Usage: Used when someone has no money left.
36. Rainy day fund
Meaning: Savings kept for emergencies
Example Sentence:
• We used our rainy day fund for car repairs.
• She has a rainy day fund in her drawer.
Other ways to say: Emergency savings, backup money
Fun Fact/Origin: “Rainy day” means bad times; this money helps during trouble.
Usage: Used when referring to money saved for problems.
37. Make do
Meaning: Use what you have instead of buying new
Example Sentence:
• We made do with leftovers for lunch.
• She made do with an old backpack.
Other ways to say: Get by, reuse
Fun Fact/Origin: It means to be okay with what’s available.
Usage: Used when people manage without buying something new.
38. Secondhand
Meaning: Something previously used by someone else
Example Sentence:
• I got a secondhand bike for Christmas.
• She wears secondhand jeans from her cousin.
Other ways to say: Used, hand-me-down
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of something being passed from one hand to another.
Usage: Used for items that are not new but still useful.
39. Freebie
Meaning: Something you get for free
Example Sentence:
• We got a freebie bag at the fair.
• That toy came as a freebie with the meal.
Other ways to say: Free item, giveaway
Fun Fact/Origin: “Freebie” is a fun term made from “free.”
Usage: Used when someone gets something without paying.
40. Get a deal
Meaning: Buy something at a lower price than usual
Example Sentence:
• I got a deal on these shoes.
• We got a deal on movie tickets.
Other ways to say: Bargain, save money
Fun Fact/Origin: A “deal” means a good price or trade.
Usage: Used when someone saves money while buying.
41. Money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning: Money is limited and must be spent wisely
Example Sentence:
• Mom said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees” when I asked for new toys.
• He was told money doesn’t grow on trees after losing his wallet.
Other ways to say: Be careful with money, it’s not endless
Fun Fact/Origin: It reminds us that money takes work to earn.
Usage: Used to teach children not to waste money.
42. Living paycheck to paycheck
Meaning: Using each paycheck just to cover basic needs
Example Sentence:
• They are living paycheck to paycheck with little savings.
• She can’t miss work—she lives paycheck to paycheck.
Other ways to say: Just getting by, no savings
Fun Fact/Origin: It means no extra money is left after paying bills.
Usage: Used when someone has no room to save money.
43. Blow your budget
Meaning: Spend more money than planned
Example Sentence:
• We blew our budget on the theme park.
• He blew his budget buying new sneakers.
Other ways to say: Overspend, go over budget
Fun Fact/Origin: “Blow” means to break or ruin the budget.
Usage: Used when someone spends more than they meant to.
44. Cash-strapped
Meaning: Having very little money
Example Sentence:
• She’s cash-strapped after buying school supplies.
• He was cash-strapped until his next paycheck.
Other ways to say: Low on money, broke
Fun Fact/Origin: “Strapped” means tied up—money is tight.
Usage: Used when someone is short on cash.
45. Skimp on
Meaning: Spend less on something to save money
Example Sentence:
• Don’t skimp on quality just to save a few dollars.
• He skimped on snacks to save up for a game.
Other ways to say: Cut down, hold back
Fun Fact/Origin: Skimp means to give less than usual.
Usage: Used when saving money by not buying as much.
46. Low-cost
Meaning: Not expensive
Example Sentence:
• We took a low-cost bus to the museum.
• They found a low-cost way to decorate the room.
Other ways to say: Cheap, budget option
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple phrase that describes affordable things.
Usage: Used when something is not costly.
47. Get more for less
Meaning: Receive better value while spending less money
Example Sentence:
• We got more for less at the discount store.
• She bought a bundle and got more for less.
Other ways to say: Smart buy, save while shopping
Fun Fact/Origin: A shopping phrase used to show savings.
Usage: Used when someone saves money but still gets a lot.
48. Go Dutch
Meaning: Each person pays for their own part
Example Sentence:
• They went Dutch at lunch.
• We went Dutch on movie tickets.
Other ways to say: Split the bill, pay separately
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase may come from old customs where each person paid their way.
Usage: Used when people split the cost.
49. Coupon clipping
Meaning: Collecting coupons to save money
Example Sentence:
• My grandma loves coupon clipping on weekends.
• She clipped coupons to save on groceries.
Other ways to say: Use deals, save with discounts
Fun Fact/Origin: Coupons give small savings, but they add up.
Usage: Used when someone uses coupons to pay less.
50. Save a bundle
Meaning: To save a lot of money
Example Sentence:
• We saved a bundle by shopping early.
• He saved a bundle of school supplies.
Other ways to say: Save big, big discount
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bundle” means a large amount.
Usage: Used when someone saves a lot at once.
Quiz: Idioms About Saving Money
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 it mean to pinch pennies?
A) Save one penny every day
B) Be careful with spending
C) Lose coins often
2. When someone says money doesn’t grow on trees, what do they mean?
A) Trees give free money
B) Money is easy to find
C) You shouldn’t waste money
3. If you tighten your belt, what are you doing?
A) Wearing tight pants
B) Eating a big meal
C) Spending less money
4. What does it mean to live on a shoestring?
A) Live in a shoe store
B) Live with very little money
C) Buy lots of new shoes
5. What does save for a rainy day mean?
A) Buy an umbrella
B) Save money for hard times
C) Spend money fast
6. If something costs an arm and a leg, what does that mean?
A) It’s very cheap
B) It’s super expensive
C) It’s about body parts
7. What happens when you cut corners?
A) Drive in circles
B) Try to save money quickly
C) Do something with extra care
8. If you are flat broke, how much money do you have?
A) A lot
B) Just a little
C) None
9. What does make ends meet mean?
A) Connect two ropes
B) Have just enough money to live
C) Dance at a party
10. When something is a steal, what does it mean?
A) You stole it
B) It was a great deal
C) You returned it
11. If someone is cash-strapped, what does that mean?
A) They found extra money
B) They have very little money
C) They are saving too much
12. What does get your money’s worth mean?
A) You didn’t spend enough
B) You lost your money
C) You got something that’s worth what you paid
13. If someone says they went Dutch, what did they do?
A) Traveled to the Netherlands
B) Shared a dessert
C) Paid for their own part of the bill
14. What does stretch a dollar mean?
A) Make one dollar go a long way
B) Break a coin
C) Lose your money
15. When someone says they’re living paycheck to paycheck, what do they mean?
A) They have lots of savings
B) They go shopping every day
C) They use up all their money before the next payday
Answer Key
- B) Be careful with spending
- C) You shouldn’t waste money
- C) Spending less money
- B) Live with very little money
- B) Save money for hard times
- B) It’s super expensive
- B) Try to save money quickly
- C) None
- B) Have just enough money to live
- B) It was a great deal
- B) They have very little money
- C) You got something that’s worth what you paid
- C) Paid for their own part of the bill
- A) Make one dollar go a long way
- C) They use up all their money before the next payday
Wrapping Up
Learning idioms about saving money helps us talk about spending in fun and smart ways. These sayings teach us how people think about being careful with cash. Whether it’s “pinching pennies” or “saving for a rainy day,” they remind us that money choices matter.
These idioms are used in daily life, from families planning budgets to kids saving for toys. When you understand these phrases, you can use them too. Try them out when talking about money at home or in school. They’ll help you speak clearly and wisely about saving.
