Understanding idioms related to the economy can enrich your vocabulary and enhance your comprehension of economic discussions. These idioms encapsulate complex economic concepts in simple, memorable phrases. Here are 20 idioms that describe various aspects of the economy, along with their meanings and example sentences.
Idioms That Describe Economy
1. Boom and Bust
Meaning: Periods of economic growth and decline
Example: “The tech industry often experiences boom and bust cycles.”
2. In the Red
Meaning: Operating at a loss
Example: “After the downturn, the company is in the red.”
3. In the Black
Meaning: Operating profitably
Example: “By year-end, the business was finally in the black.”
4. Cut Corners
Meaning: Do something the cheapest or easiest way
Example: “To save money, they cut corners on quality.”
5. Tighten Your Belt
Meaning: Spend less money
Example: “With rising costs, families must tighten their belts.”
6. Break Even
Meaning: Neither profit nor loss
Example: “After expenses, they just managed to break even.”
7. Cost an Arm and a Leg
Meaning: Very expensive
Example: “Renovating the house cost an arm and a leg.”
8. Cash Cow
Meaning: A profitable business or product
Example: “Their new app turned out to be a cash cow.”
9. Penny Pincher
Meaning: Someone who is very careful with money
Example: “He’s a penny pincher, always looking for deals.”
10. Nest Egg
Meaning: Savings set aside for the future
Example: “They have a nest egg for retirement.”
11. Go Dutch
Meaning: Each person pays for themselves
Example: “We decided to go Dutch on our dinner date.”
12. Throw Money Down the Drain
Meaning: Waste money
Example: “Buying that old car was like throwing money down the drain.”
13. On a Shoestring Budget
Meaning: With very little money
Example: “They traveled the world on a shoestring budget.”
14. Money Talks
Meaning: Wealth can influence decisions
Example: “In politics, money talks more than words.”
15. A Penny for Your Thoughts
Meaning: Asking what someone is thinking
Example: “You seem quiet. A penny for your thoughts?”
16. Pay Through the Nose
Meaning: Pay too much
Example: “We had to pay through the nose for concert tickets.”
17. Living Beyond One’s Means
Meaning: Spending more than one can afford
Example: “He’s living beyond his means with that lifestyle.”
18. Bring Home the Bacon
Meaning: Earn a living
Example: “She works hard to bring home the bacon.”
19. Make Ends Meet
Meaning: Manage financially
Example: “It’s hard to make ends meet on a single income.”
20. Rolling in Dough
Meaning: Very wealthy
Example: “After the inheritance, they are rolling in dough.”
