Greed is a powerful emotion that often leads to negative consequences. In this post, we’ll explore 20 idioms that vividly describe greed, each accompanied by a brief explanation and an example sentence. These phrases will enhance your understanding of how greed is portrayed in language.
Idioms That Describe Greed
1. Money-grubbing
Meaning: Obsessively pursuing wealth.
Example: He’s known as a money-grubbing CEO.
2. Penny pincher
Meaning: Someone who is very frugal.
Example: She’s a penny pincher at garage sales.
3. Gold digger
Meaning: Someone who forms relationships for money.
Example: He avoided the notorious gold digger.
4. Cash cow
Meaning: A consistent source of income.
Example: That property is a real cash cow.
5. Tight-fisted
Meaning: Unwilling to spend money.
Example: His tight-fisted approach saved thousands.
6. Money talks
Meaning: Money can influence people.
Example: In politics, money talks loudly.
7. Grease the palm
Meaning: To bribe someone.
Example: He greased the palm to win.
8. Filthy rich
Meaning: Extremely wealthy.
Example: They are filthy rich from oil.
9. Cheapskate
Meaning: A person who hates to spend money.
Example: She’s a cheapskate with tips.
10. Cost a pretty penny
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: That watch cost a pretty penny.
11. Rolling in dough
Meaning: Having a lot of money.
Example: He’s rolling in dough now.
12. Hoarder
Meaning: Someone who accumulates items excessively.
Example: She’s a hoarder of old coins.
13. Money is no object
Meaning: Money is not a concern.
Example: For her, money is no object.
14. Nickel and dime
Meaning: To charge for every little thing.
Example: They nickel and dime customers.
15. Born with a silver spoon
Meaning: Born into a wealthy family.
Example: He was born with a silver spoon.
16. Make a quick buck
Meaning: Earn money quickly.
Example: He aims to make a quick buck.
17. Break the bank
Meaning: To cost a lot of money.
Example: This purchase will break the bank.
18. Money for old rope
Meaning: Money earned for minimal effort.
Example: It’s money for old rope.
19. Worth its weight in gold
Meaning: Extremely valuable.
Example: This advice is worth its weight in gold.
20. Bet your bottom dollar
Meaning: Be very certain.
Example: You can bet your bottom dollar on it.
