a cheapskate = someone who is tight or stingy and doesn't like to spend money

Example: “He said he would take me out for dinner, but he was a real cheapskate. He took me to McDonalds.”

a deadbeat = a person who doesn't pay his debts

Example: "Apparently he's a real deadbeat, so I've no chance of getting the money he owes me."

a dime a dozen - very cheap because there are lots of them

Example: “You won't get much for your second-hand computer. They're a dime a dozen.”

a down and out = someone with very low financial resources in a sorry state

Example: He was a real down and out until he managed to find a job.

a Dutch treat - ESL money idioms = where each person pays his/her share

Example: “The couple went for a meal but it was a Dutch treat so it didn't cost him much.”

a fast buck = money earned very quickly (and sometimes dishonestly)

Example: "He hoped to make a fast buck selling cut-price sledges, but it didn't snow for six years."

a fool and his money are soon parted = someone who acts unwisely with money soon loses it

Example: "He bought everything on credit. A fool and his money are soon parted."

a hand-out- ESL money idioms = a gift of money, usually from the government

Example: “The government hand-outs were so good that they had little incentive to look for work.”

a kickback = money paid in order to receive favourable treatment

Example: “Conducting business in many countries throughout the world is impossible if kickbacks aren't given to influential people, frequently politicians.”

a layaway plan = pay a deposit then pay bit by bit. The shop or store keeps the article until the full amount has been paid

Example: Example: I had a layaway plan with the shopkeeper. When I paid the final instalment I became the proud owner of a Hornby railway set.

a nest egg- ESL money idioms = money saved up

Example: "She has saved money all her life and now she has a nice little nest egg."

a payoff = a bribe

Example: "When the company finally received permission it was obvious that someone had received a payoff."

a penny for your thoughts = tell me what you are thinking about

Example: “Give me a penny for your thoughts,” she said to her son, who was sitting there very quietly.

a penny saved is a penny earned = if you save money this like working to receive the same amount

Example: “You don't need to work such long hours if you don't spend a lot. A penny saved is a penny earned.”

a piggy bank = a small money box for children, often in the shape of a pig.

Example: “How much money have you got in your piggy bank?” he asked his son.

a quick buck- ESL money idioms = to make money quickly, sometimes dishonestly

Example: "The company wasn't interested in quality and long term benefits, they only wanted to earn a quick buck."

a rake-off = an amount of money gained illegally

Example: "When he realised I'd been using his flat to deal drugs he demanded a rake-off."

a rain check = the promise to repeat the invitation at a later date

Example: “I wasn't able to keep my promise so I did a rain check and offered to take her for a meal the following week.”

a red cent = a very small amount of money

Example: “I wouldn't give a red cent for a large car.”

a tidy sum of money = a fairly large amount of money

Example: “He got a tidy sum of money when his father died.”

above par- ESL money idioms = more than average, above normal

Example: “The currency was selling above par at the hotel.”

almighty dollar = money being regarded as more important than anything else

Example: “In the US, for most people, the almighty dollar rules.”

ante up = pay, produce a necessary amount of money

Example: “When booking my holiday I had to ante up 20% of the cost.”

as false as a nine bob note - UK money idioms = not genuine

Example: “He said he was collecting for charity but he was as false as a nine bob note.”

as phoney as a three dollar bill - US money idioms = not genuine

Example: “He said he was collecting for charity but he was as phoney as a three dollar bill.”

as poor as a church mouse = very poor

Example: “When he was 20 he was as poor as a church mouse but now he's one of the richest men in the country.”

at a premium = at a higher price than usual because of something special

Example: “It was the first time that Rochdale had reached the Champions League Final and tickets were selling at a premium.”

at all costs- ESL money idioms = at any expense of time, effort or money

Example: “It is essential that our company wins this contract at all costs.”

back on one's feet = to return to good health (in this case financial

Example: “Now my brother's working again he's back on his feet.”

below par = less than face value of shares, bonds or currency, below average, less than normal.

Example: “The government bonds were selling at a price below par.”

bottom dollar = your last dollar

Example: “He is a very generous man who would spend his bottom dollar on you.”

bottom line 1- ESL money idioms = line in a financial statement that shows net income or loss

Example: “It has been a poor year and the bottom line is much worse than expected.”

bottom line 2 = the result or the main point

Example: “We were influenced by the economic downturn and the bottom line was that we had to lay-off staff.”

bread and butter = the source of income that pays for your basics like food

Example: “He'll struggle if his business fails because it's his bread and butter.”

cash-and-carry- ESL money idioms = a retail or wholesale outlet where you pay cash and take the goods home yourself with no delivery by the shop or store

Example: "We always go to a cash-and-carry for our furniture because the prices are so much cheaper."

cash down = the amount you have to pay by cash (it can be all)

Example: "It cost me 500 euros, 250 cash down."

cash on the barrelhead = pay for something by cash

Example: "The car was a real bargain but I had to pay cash on the barrelhead."

chicken feed = a small amount of money

Example: “I managed to get a job delivering pizzas but the pay was chicken feed.”

cold hard cash = cash, coins and bills (US) notes (UK)

Example: "If I do a job for him I want to be paid in cold, hard cash."

cut-rate = sold for a bargain price which is much lower than usual

Example: "You can get fantastic deals at that new cut-rate furniture store."

dirt cheap- ESL money idioms = very cheap

Example: "I bought the suit in a sale. It was dirt cheap."

easy money = money that comes easily without much work

Example: "I made some easy money working part-time at the weekends."

face value- ESL money idioms = the value printed on the stamp, note, coin etc.

Example: The coin was worth a lot more than its face value because of its age and rarity.“

for a song = cheaply, for a very low price

Example: “We're very pleased with our car. We bought it for a song.”

for love (n)or money = for anything (usually negative)

Example: “I wouldn't have his job for love nor money.“

for my money = used to show you are expressing an opinion

Example: “For my money water shortages will lead to a lot of world unrest.“

gravy train- ESL money idioms = getting more money than the job is worth

Example: “Investment bankers were being paid fantastic bonuses so everybody wanted to jump on the gravy train.“

he who pays the piper calls the tune = a person who pays for something controls how the money is used

Example: “Since big business provides political parties with money politicians have very little power. He who pays the piper calls the tune.“

heads or tails = the two sides or faces of a coin

Example: “When the referee tossed up I called “heads” but it turned up “tails”.”

ill gotten gains = money acquired dishonestly or illegally

Example: “The majority of his wealth came from ill gotten gains connected with drug dealing.”

in the hole- ESL money idioms = in debt, owing money

Example: "Things are looking bad for the firm. We are going in the hole"

let the buyer beware = it's the duty of the buyer to make sure that the product is in good condition

Example: Even though goods are sold under the “buyer beware” condition there may be a legal liability on the seller not to sell faulty goods “unfit for purpose”.“

money doesn't grow on trees - it's hard to get money so you should be careful with it

Example: “No you can't keep having new clothes. Money doesn't grow on trees.”

money is no object - it doesn't matter how much it costs

Example: “It's our anniversary so we're going to stay in the very best hotel. Money is no object.“

money is the root of all evil = wrongdoings in life are caused by money

Example: “He became a changed person when he started gambling and finally was sent to prison because of attempted fraud. Money is the root of all evil.“

money talks- ESL money idioms = money gives you power or privilege

Example: “My uncle is a millionaire so we always get the best table in the restaurant when we go with him. Money talks.“

on a shoestring - on a very small budget, with little money to spend

Example: “The company was started on a shoestring but now its one of the largest in the city.“

on a sixpence (UK) or on a dime (US)= in a small space

Example: "These small city cars are brilliant. You can turn them on a sixpence."

on sale (UK) = at a discounted price

Example: "It was on sale so I managed to get it very cheaply."

on the house = paid for by the owner, usually of a pub or restaurant

Example: “This round is on the house.“

on the money- ESL money idioms = exactly right (might be concerning amount, place, time, an idea etc.

Example: “I think it's worth about $500.“ “You're right on the money.”

(one's) money is on (someone or some team etc.) = you think that someone will win a competition, election, match etc.

Example: “If Rochdale play Manchester United my heart is with Rochdale, but my money is on United.“

out-of-pocket expenses = money of your own that you spend (usually on a business trip and paid back later by your company)

Example: “It was a long trip but out-of-pocket expenses were surprisingly low.“

pay dirt = a valuable discovery, the dirt in which much gold is found

Example: “When we got sole distribution rights we hit pay dirt“.

pennies from heaven = money received unexpectedly

Example: “I was pretty short of money so the tax rebate came like pennies from heaven“.

penny-wise and pound foolish- ESL money idioms = very careful about small things but neglectful about larger ones

Example: Always switching off the lights but driving a 4 x 4 is penny wise but pound foolish.

pound for pound (UK) or dollar for dollar (US) = considering the price

Example: “Pound for pound I think this is the best restaurant in town.“

the last of the big spenders = someone who spends a lot of money (but often said sarcastically about someone who doesn't

Example: “Would you believe it? He's bought a round. He’s the last of the big spenders“

the going rate = the current cost or rate

Example: “The going rate for a second hand computer is not very much.“

the smart money is on (something) = the most likely thing to happen (usually concerning money or business)

Example: “The smart money is on the Tories winning the next election.“

time is money- ESL money idioms = time is valuable

Example: Most Americans can't understand the relaxed Latin attitude towards appointments. To them time is money .“

two bits = a quarter of a dollar, not worth a lot, or not very good

Example: “The newspaper only cost two bits.“ or “He's only a two–bit singer in a rubbish band“.

to balance the books or to balance the accounts = to add up the debits and credits of an account and determine the difference; also, bring the two sides into equilibrium.

Example: “Jim has the job of balancing the books every year.“

to be as sound as a pound- ESL money idioms or to be as sound as a dollar = to be very secure and dependable.

Example: “I think we can do business with him. He's as sound as a pound.“

to be back on your feet = return to good health, in this case financial

Example: “I have been really struggling for money, but now I've found a job I'll soon be back on my feet.“

to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth = born into a rich, well-connected family

Example: “As an aristocrat, with royal connections, he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never did a day's work in his life. “

to be caught short = not have enough money when you need it

Example: "I spent a lot of money and by the end of the month I was caught short and had to borrow from my mother."

to be flat broke = to be penniless or have no money at all

Example: "I'm sorry I can't go out tonight. I'm flat broke until I get paid at weekend.“

to be hard up- ESL money idioms = to have little money

Example: “My sister's always hard up and asking me for money.“

to be head over heels in debt = to be head over heels in debt

Example: “He buys everything on credit and is head over heels in debt.“

to be in clover = to be in a good financial position

Example: “Since being left money in my uncle's will I'm in clover.“

to be in debt- ESL money idioms = to owe money

Example: “Since he bought the car he's in debt with everybody.“

to be in the black = making money, profitable

Example: “Good sales before Christmas put our company firmly in the black.“

to be in the chips = to have a lot of money

Example: “My grandfather's in the chips since he sold the farm.“

to be in the money- ESL money idioms = to be wealthy or suddenly get a lot of money

Example: “He's in the money now his uncle has died.“

to be in the red = losing money, unprofitable

Example: “The company has been in the red, trading at a loss for the past six months.“

to be loaded = got lots of money

Example: "She's a very fortunate girl. Her boyfriend is loaded."

to be not made of money = to not have a lot of money (usually said to someone who is asking for money or something e.g. by parents to their children)

Example: "No, you can't have another ice-cream. I'm not made of money."

to be not worth two cents/a dime/a plugged nickel/a cent or to be not worth a cent- ESL money idioms = worth very little

Example: “Why they signed that footballer, I don't know. He's not worth two cents“.

to be on the take = to accept bribes

Example: “The mayor seems to have a lot more money recently. I'm sure he's on the take.“

to be rolling in money = to have lots of money

Example: “Since his business became successful he's been rolling in money.“

to be sitting on a goldmine- ESL money idioms = to have something which could be very valuable (usually without realising it)

Example: “If they converted their premises into an Indian restaurant they'd make a fortune. They're sitting on a goldmine.”

to be skint = to have no money

Example: “I'm sorry mate, I can't go out tonight. I'm skint.“

to be stony broke = to have no money at all.

Example: “I can't take you to the cinema. I'm stony broke..“

to be strapped for cash = to have no money available

Example: “I won't be going away this year. I'm strapped for cash.“

to be tightfisted or to be closefisted = to be very stingy

Example: “He never spends a penny. He's the most tightfisted person I know.“

to be worth its weight in gold - ESL money idioms = to be worth a graet deal

Example: “She does a fantastic job for the company. She's worth her weight in gold.“

to be worth your salt - ESL money idioms = worth what you are paid

Example: “She's an excellent worker and certainly worth her salt.“

to bet on the wrong horse base your plans on a wrong guess about the results of something

Example: “American companies who heavily financed McCain realised they had bet on the wrong horse when Obama was elected.“

to bet your bottom dollar = bet everything you have got on something that appears a certainty

Example: “You can bet your bottom dollar that either Barcelona or Real Madrid will win the Spanish league.“

to bottom out = to reach the lowest level

Example: “House prices have been falling for the last three years but I think they have bottomed out.“

to break even = where income is equal expenses

Example: “My day at the races started badly. After four races I was losing quite a lot, but I then picked two winners and managed to break even.“

to break the bank - ESL money idioms = take all the money (originally by winning all the money from a casino)

Example: “Let's go to that new restaurant for a meal tonight. It's expensive but it won't break the bank.“

to bring home the bacon = earn money for the family

Example: “Now that your father's unemployed we are relying on you, son, to bring home the bacon.“

to burn a hole in your pocket- ESL money idioms = money that one intends to spend quickly (often for something frivolous)

Example: “His uncle gave him money for Christmas but it was burning a hole in his pocket, so instead of saving it he spent it on computer games.“

to buy off = to bribe or pay money to someone to stop them doing their duty

Example: “Things looked bad for the drug dealer until he bought off the policeman and all charges were dropped.“

to buy (something) for a song = to buy cheaply

Example: “They needed cash badly so I was able to buy the car for a song.“

to buy (something) on credit = to buy using credit and not cash

Example: “I didn't have enough money to pay outright so I had to buy on credit.“

to cash in- ESL money idioms = exchange coupons, bonds or shares for their value in money

Example: He cashed in all his shares to pay for a second home in the country.

to cash in on = make money from an opportunity

Example: “He cashed in on his spell as Prime Minister by lecturing to business leaders and joining several Boards of Directors.”

to cash in your chips = exchange something for money (as in a casino where you exchange your gambling chips for money).

Example: “If I'm going to have money for a world tour I'll need to cash in some chips.”

to chip in - ESL money idioms = contribute money or pay jointly

Example: “When she left her job all her workmates chipped in and bought her a lovely necklace.“

to chisel (someone) out of (something) = to cheat someone out of money or something

Example: “The crook tried to chisel him out of his shares.“

to clean up = make a lot of money, make a big profit

Example: “If you invest in this company you will really clean up.“

to control the purse strings - ESL money idioms = to be in charge of the money in a household or business

Example: “His wife was always the one who controlled the purse strings.“

to cook the books = illegally change information in the accounts of a company

Example: The fraud went unnoticed because nobody realised he had cooked the books.

to cost a pretty penny = to cost a lot of money

Example: “My son crashed the car and it cost a pretty penny to have it repaired.“

to cut one's losses - ESL money idioms = to try to stop losing more money

Example: “He realised that his business was losing money so he tried to sell it to cut his losses.“

to cut (someone) a check = to write a check (usually automatically by computer)

Example: “The company cut me a check to pay for the invoice.“

to cut (someone) off without a penny or to cut (someone) off without a cent (US) = to leave someone out of a will or to stop paying them money

Example: “He wasn't happy about his son's lifestyle so he cut him off without a penny.“

to draw interest = to earn interest for money deposited in a bank

Example: “We switched from a current account to a deposit account so that we could draw interest.“

to feed the kitty - ESL money idioms = to contribute money to a collection

Example: “Everyone was asked to feed the kitty for the leaving party.“

to feel like a million dollars = to feel absolutely wonderful

Example: "Now I've got rid of my cold I feel like a million dollars."

to fleece someone = to get money or something by cheating someone

Example: “He was fleeced out of his life savings by a fraudster."

to fleece someone = to get money or something by cheating someone

Example: “He was fleeced out of his life savings by a fraudster."

to float a loan = to get or arrange for a loan

Example: “I had to float a loan to buy furniture."

to foot the bill - ESL money idioms = to pay

Example: "She deserves a holiday. Book one and I'll foot the bill."

to fork out or to fork over = pay or pay out

Example: “I had to fork out a lot of money for your education, son. The least you could do is get a job.“

to get (or give them) a run for one's money = to be in a close competition or give them a close race or good challenge (probably from horseracing)

Example: “We may not win the game but we should give them a run for their money.”

to get along on a shoestring = to survive or live off very little money

Example: “When we were students we had to get along on a shoestring.”

to get one's money's worth - ESL money idioms = to get good value for money

Example: “You really get your money's worth at that new Chinese restaurant.”

to give (someone) a blank cheque (check – US) = to give someone complete power to act as they think best (like giving someone a blank cheque to fill in the amount themselves)

Example: “He was given a blank cheque to organize the event as he wanted.”

to go broke - ESL money idioms = lose all your money or have no money

Example: “You'll soon go broke spending all your money on girlfriends.”

to go to the expense (of doing something) = to pay the cost of doing something

Example: “I went to the expense of a party for my daughter and all she did was complain.“

to grease your palm = pay someone extra money for a special favour, a bribe

Example: "He was refused planning permission until he greased the palm of the town hall employee."

to have an itchy palm = to be asking or looking for tips or money

Example: "The hotel clerk has an itchy palm. I don't think he'll leave until he gets a tip."

to have money to burn - ESL money idioms = a lot more money than is needed

Example: "He's just bought his fourth car. He has money to burn."

to have sticky fingers = to be a thief

Example: “Since we employed that new barman the stock seems to be going down. I'm sure he's got sticky fingers.“

to have the Midas touch = to have an ability to make money very easily (Everything King Midas touched turned into gold)

Example: “He's the most successful businessman I’ve ever seen. He certainly has the Midas touch.“

to hit the jackpot - ESL money idioms = make a lot of money or gain something valuable suddenly (the jackpot is the top prize in a lottery or game of cards)

Example: “He didn't have a girlfriend for a long time but then he hit the jackpot and met his wife-to-be.“

to honour someone's cheque or honor someone's check (US) = to accept someone's cheque

Example: “I paid by cheque but the bank refused to honour it, just because I was slightly overdrawn.“

to jack up the price - ESL money idioms = to raise the price

Example: “The shopkeeper was selling his stock very quickly so he jacked up the price.“

to keep books = keep a record of money earned and spent

Example: “This company needs a good accountant to keep a careful book of all our transactions.“

to lay away money = to save money

Example: It is a very good idea to lay away money for a rainy day.

to lay out - ESL money idioms = spend

Example: “If we go to Jamaica for our holidays we'll have to lay out a lot of money.“

to live beyond one's means = to be spending more than one can afford

Example: “ He was spending lots of money and living way beyond his means.“

to live hand to mouth = only having enough money to pay for the basic necessities of life

Example: “Since my husband's retirement and because of his low pension we are forced to live hand to mouth.“

to live high off the hog = live in comfort with the best of everything

Example: “What a difference our lottery win has made. Now we're living high off the hog.“

to live within one's means = to only spend money that you can comfortably spend

Example: Because of our consumerist credit-ridden society only a minority of families are living within their means.“

to look like a million dollars - ESL money idioms = to look very well or very smart

Example: “You look like a million dollars in that dress.“

to lose your shirt = lose all, or nearly all, of your money

Example: "I lost my shirt on a bad financial deal."

to nickel and dime (someone) = to charge a lot of small amounts of money which add up to a large amount

Example: "My son is always asking for money for sweets or ice-cream or drinks. He's trying to nickel and dime me."

to make a bundle = make a lot of money

Example: “When the stock market rose he made a bundle on his shares.“

to make a cheque out to = to write a cheque to someone, or some company, with their name on it

Example: “When he'd finished the plumbing I paid by writing out a cheque to him.“

to make a killing - ESL money idioms - make a lot of money

Example: “He made a killing by investing in oil.“

to make a living = make money to live

Example: "Education usually helps you to make a better living."

to make ends meet = have enough money to pay your bills

Example: In times of crisis many people find it difficult to make ends meet.

to make good money = to make a lot of money

Example: “It's a difficult job but you can make good money.“

to make money hand over fist or spend or lose= make large amounts of money very quickly

Example: Many professional sportsmen today are making money hand over fist.

to not have two pennies to rub together (cents – US) = to not have two cents to rub together

Example: “He always dresses well and looks rich but really he hasn't got two cents to rub together.“.

to own something free and clear - ESL money idioms = to own something completely without owing any money

Example: I now own my house free and clear.

to pad the bill - to add false expenses to the bill

Example: “That electrician definitely padded the bill and overcharged us. We won't be using him again..

to pass the buck = blame someone else or make someone else take the decision

Example: She never accepts the responsibility for anything. She always passes the buck.

to pass the hat round = to collect money for something like a present or good cause

Example: “She's been great to work with, so the least we can do when she leaves is pass the hat round and buy her a present.

to pay a king's ransom (for something) = to pay a lot of money for it

Example: “I managed to get a Cup Final ticket but I had to pay a king's ransom“.

to pay an arm and a leg for something or to cost an arm and a leg = pay a lot of money for something

Example: “I paid an arm and a leg for this computer but it's always breaking down.“

to pay as you go = to pay as things occur (not in advance or on credit)

Example: “The classes seem quite expensive but luckily you can pay as you go.“

to pay in advance = - ESL money idioms to pay for something before you get it

Example: “It was expensive to join the health club and you had to pay in advance.“

to pay in kind = to pay with goods or a service instead of money

Example: “I didn't have enough money to buy the bicycle so I paid in kind by painting his flat.“

to pay off 1 = pay and discharge from a job

Example: “When times got bad the company closed down and paid of their workers.“

to pay-off 2 - ESL money idioms = a bribe

Example: “When they found out about the pay-off the politician was forced to resign.”

to pay-off something = to pay the final instalment for something

Example: “We're financially much more comfortable now we've paid off the mortgage.“

to pay money up front = to pay an amount or all in advance

Example: “I had to pay $500 and 250 of that was money up front.“

to pay one's own way = to pay for something yourself

Example: “She took a part-time job because she was determined to pay her own way through university.“

to pay through the nose = to pay too much, at a very high price

Example: He paid through the nose for his insurance after the accident.

to pay up = to pay now (usually a fine or debt with consequences for non-payment)

Example: “I was really annoyed to get a ticket for speeding but I didn't want to lose my driving licence so I had to pay up.“

to pick up the tab = pay the bill

Example: “You paid for the meal last time. It's my turn to pick up the tab.”

to pinch pennies - ESL money idioms = to be thrifty

Example: Her grandmother is very careful with her money and always pinches pennies.

to play the market = to invest in the stock market

Example: “House prices keep falling perhaps we should sell our properties and play the market.”

to pony up = pay

Example: “I had to pony up a lot of money for my daughter’s education.”

to pour money down the drain = to waste money

Example: “To keep gambling on the horses is just pouring money down the drain.”

to put in your two cents worth = to give your opinion

Example: "He can never stay quiet in meetings. He always puts in his two cents worth."

to put the bite on someone = to try to get money from someone

Example: "I haven't got enough to go the pictures I'll have to put the bite on dad."

to put your money were your mouth is = to stop talking and put money on it

Example: "If you really think Real Madrid will beat Barcelona put your money where your mouth is. I'll bet 10 euros on Barcelona."

to quote a price = to say in advance how much it will cost

Example: "I want all the house painting, inside and out, can you quote me a price."

to raise up the ante or up the ante = to increase the costs or risks involved in an action (the ante is the initial stake when you are playing poker)

Example: When they said they were going to go on strike the company upped the ante by threatening to sack them all.

to rake in the money - ESL money idioms = make a lot of money

Example: The new restaurant was very popular and absolutely raked in the money.

to rake off some money = to steal a portion of a payment or money

Example: “The bar had poor takings last month because one of the employees was raking some of the money off.”

to salt away = to save money

Example: “My uncle salted away money all his life and left us a fortune when he died.”

to save up or to save up for something = to save money or save money to buy something specific

Example: “If you want a new dress don't keep asking me for money. Save up for it.“

to scrape together- ESL money idioms = to gather together small amounts of money, with difficulty

Example: “Even though we were quite poor my mother always scraped together enough to give us a good Christmas.“

to scrimp and save to buy very little in order to save

Example: “My grandmother scrimped and saved to pay for my sister's typing lessons.”

to see the colour of (someone's) money to make sure someone has enough money (usually for something you are selling them)

Example: “You're not taking this car until I see the colour of your money.“

to set one back - ESL money idioms = to cost

Example: “I bet that new dress set you back a bit.”

to settle up = to pay a bill, a debt or money outstanding

Example: “We had a great stay at the hotel and settled up at the end of the week.”

to shake (someone) down = to put pressure on someone in order to extract money from them illegally

Example: The protection racket involved shaking down shopkeepers and other small businesses.

to shell out = to pay

Example: “He had to shell out a lot of money for his daughter's wedding.”

to sock away money = to save money

Example: “He's socking away money for his old age.”

to splurge on something = pay more than you would normally do or than was strictly sensible

Example: “We'd worked hard all year so we splurged on a good holiday.“

to square up with (someone) or square up your account with (someone) = to settle your financial accounts with someone

Example: “Can I square up the newspaper bill with you now?”

to squirrel away some money = to save money

Example: “I get a good wage but it's so expensive in London I'm not able to squirrel any money away.”

to strike gold = to do or find something that gives you a lot of money

Example: “She struck gold when she found that wealthy boyfriend.“

to strike it rich - ESL money idioms = suddenly get a lot of money

Example: “He struck it rich in his grandfather's will.“

to take a beating = to lose a lot of money

Example: “I took a real beating at the races yesterday.”

to take the money and run = to accept what you are offered while you have the chance

Example: “He's given me a pretty good offer for the car so I think I'll take the money and run.”

to take up a collection = to collect money for something or someone

Example: “Since her husband was killed she has to bring up the children herself. It might be a good idea to take up a collection for her.“

to throw good money after bad - ESL money idioms = to continue wasting money on something

Example: “You're always spending money on repairing your car. You should sell it. You're just throwing good money after bad .”

to throw money around = to spend a lot of money recklessly

Example: “He throws money around as if there's no tomorrow .”

to throw money at something = to spend a lot of money on something, perhaps on a project

Example: “The local elections are coming up so they are throwing a lot of money at improving the roads.”

to tighten one`s belt = be very careful with money

Example: “Now you've lost your job we need to tighten our belts.“

to work for peanuts or to pay peanuts = to work for very little pay

Example 1: “He was short of money so he was prepared to work for peanuts.“

Example 2: “If you pay peanuts you only get monkeys.“