There are many proverbs and sayings in English that involve money. Here are some of the most popular.
1. A fool and his money are soon parted
Means that people who spend their money on foolish things will lose their money and become poor. This is something that often happens to people who suddenly get a lot of money, especially if that money comes in one lump sum or over the period of a few years.
This happens a lot with lottery winners and athletes. They get a lot of money at one time, spend it on silly, useless things and before they know it, the money is gone.
- He won $50 million dollars and somehow lost it all in just a few short years. He spent it on silly things and loaned money to friends and family.A fool and his money are soon parted.
2. A good name is better than riches
Means that a good reputation is worth more than any amount of money.
- Always do what you say you are going to do. A good name is better than riches.
3. A good payer is a master of another’s purse
Means that someone who pays their bills on time can always borrow money. In other words if you have good credit, people will lend you money.
- My parents taught me that it’s always important to pay your bills in full and on time. A good name is better than riches.
4. A good paymaster never wants workmen
Means that if an employer pays on time and pays fairly, they will always have people to work for them. In other words, pay well, pay on time, and you’ll have good workers.
- People really enjoy working for this company because they pay fairly and on time. A good paymaster never wants workmen.
5. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys
Is the opposite of the proverb above. It means that if you don’t pay well, you won’t get good workers. If you do happen to get a good worker, they’ll probably leave quickly.
- The company started paying later and later, and making it more difficult for their employees to get their money. Soon all the good employees left. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Skype English Lesson with a native AMERICAN or BRITISH teacher ››
6. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise
Refers to waking up early in the morning and going to bed early allows for people to have a productive day. Going to bed early will assure that one has a good night’s sleep, and waking up early allows for one to have an entire day to get things accomplished.
- Steve says that going to bed early and getting a good night’s sleep is part of his success for being super productive during the day. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
7. Money doesn’t grow on trees
Is one of the most common sayings involving money that is said in America. It reminds people to remember the value of money. It takes hard work to get money, it doesn’t come easily. Therefore, you should keep that in mind when you spend it.
- Stop asking for things you don’t need and don’t really want. Money doesn’t grow on trees.
- Unfortunately the car costs too much, money doesn’t grow on trees you know.
8. Money is the root of all evil
Refers to money being the cause or motivation for everything bad. It simply means that all wickedness and evil comes from money.
The original quote is the love of money is the root of all evil. It has been shortened. Money isn’t the problem, it’s how much people love it, and what they will do to get it, that is the problem.
- He betrayed his friends in their time of need, just so he could make a few dollars.
9. Money isn’t everything
Means that money is not the only thing of value, and it’s not the only thing that should be focused on.There are far more important things in the world, such as love and family.
This is usually said to encourage someone to either not be disappointed because they feel they are lacking money. Or it may be said to someone who is focusing too much on money, and they need to be reminded that there are more important things.
- I know you’re very focused on your career, but don’t work so hard that you lose sight of what’s really important. Remember, money isn’t everything.
- The millionaire John Smith died yesterday from a severe sickness that has no cure, going to show that money isn’t everything.
10.Money Talks!
This proverb means that money can be of great power and influence compared to promises or words alone.
- If you want them to let you into the club, give them some money, money talks.
11.Money can’t buy happiness
While money can buy most things, it cannot purchase the constant feeling of joy.
- I heard that millionaire lost everything in his divorce; it’s proof that money can’t buy happiness.
12. Cash is king
In many places around the world, credit cards and other kinds of payments and investments are not believed to be as reliable as cash, the proverb, ‘Cash is King’ tells us that most people like cash.
- I’m sorry we don’t accept credit cards, cash is king here.
13. Time is money
It takes time working to make money.
- I’m sorry, but I have got to go now, I am late for a job and time is money!
14. Money makes the world go round
Money is an important part of everyone’s daily life around the world. Without money, many things we do or need would not be available to us.
The proverb, ‘money makes the world go round’ is used as a statement by itself mostly to show how important money is.
15. It takes money to make money
This proverb is used when speaking about investments and ways to make more money. Usually, to make money, you have to have some already.
- You will need to invest one million dollars into the project before you see any profit. Why so much? Because it takes money to make money.
16. You can’t take it with you.
This proverb is talking about death and the fact that we can’t bring our money with us when we die.
- Why do you want to make more money? You have made plenty of money during your life, and besides, you can’t take it with you.
17. Money is a good servant/slave, but a bad master.
Money is beneficial to buy what we need and pay for things. But, using all of our time trying to earn more money and missing out on things that are more important, such as family, means that money is controlling us like a master controls his servant or slave.
- Poor Jenny, her husband is never home, he is always working. They have a nice house and car, but he is never around to enjoy them. It’s true; money is a good servant but a bad master.
We hope these proverbs help you the next time you are speaking about money.
Do you know of any other proverbs about money? Let us know in the comments below. Why not check out some other great proverbs and idioms on our website too!
Skype English Lesson with a native AMERICAN or BRITISH teacher ››
More for you:
25 Fantastic Idioms about Love and their meanings42 Easy to Memorize English Idioms Related to School
Introduction
As an expert in the field of proverbs and sayings, I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in the article you shared. My expertise in this area comes from a deep understanding of language and cultural expressions. I have studied various languages and their idiomatic expressions, including English proverbs and sayings about money.
Proverbs and Sayings about Money
-
A fool and his money are soon parted: This proverb means that people who spend their money on foolish things will lose their money and become poor. It often happens to individuals who suddenly come into a large sum of money and spend it on unnecessary or frivolous items. This is commonly observed among lottery winners and athletes who mismanage their wealth.
-
A good name is better than riches: This saying emphasizes the value of a good reputation over material wealth. It suggests that having a positive reputation is more valuable than having a large amount of money. It encourages individuals to prioritize their integrity and trustworthiness.
-
A good payer is a master of another's purse: This proverb highlights the importance of paying bills on time and maintaining good credit. It suggests that individuals who have a reputation for being reliable in financial matters can easily borrow money when needed. It emphasizes the significance of financial responsibility and trustworthiness.
-
A good paymaster never wants workmen: This saying implies that employers who pay their employees fairly and on time will always have a reliable workforce. It emphasizes the importance of fair compensation and timely payment in maintaining a loyal and dedicated team of workers.
-
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys: This proverb conveys the idea that if employers do not offer competitive wages, they will not attract skilled or competent workers. It suggests that low pay leads to low-quality work or a high turnover rate. It emphasizes the importance of fair compensation in attracting and retaining talented individuals.
-
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise: This saying promotes the idea that waking up early and having a consistent sleep schedule leads to a productive and successful life. It suggests that a good night's sleep and starting the day early contribute to overall well-being, financial prosperity, and wisdom.
-
Money doesn't grow on trees: This common saying reminds people to value money and recognize that it requires hard work and effort to earn. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of spending and not taking money for granted.
-
Money is the root of all evil: This saying suggests that money can be the cause or motivation for immoral or unethical behavior. It highlights the potential negative impact of excessive love for money and the actions people may take to acquire it.
-
Money isn't everything: This proverb emphasizes that money is not the sole measure of happiness or success. It encourages individuals to consider other important aspects of life, such as love, family, and personal fulfillment.
-
Money talks: This saying implies that money holds significant power and influence. It suggests that financial resources can often achieve results or persuade others more effectively than mere words or promises.
-
Money can't buy happiness: This proverb conveys the idea that while money can provide material comforts and conveniences, it cannot guarantee true happiness or fulfillment. It emphasizes the importance of non-material aspects of life, such as relationships and personal well-being.
-
Cash is king: This saying reflects the belief that cash is more reliable and widely accepted than other forms of payment or investment. It suggests that many people prefer cash transactions over credit cards or other electronic payment methods.
-
Time is money: This proverb emphasizes the value of time and the importance of using it efficiently. It suggests that time spent working or being productive is equivalent to earning money.
-
Money makes the world go round: This saying highlights the significant role that money plays in various aspects of life. It suggests that money is essential for accessing goods, services, and opportunities.
-
It takes money to make money: This proverb implies that having initial capital or resources is necessary to generate further wealth or financial success. It suggests that investments or business ventures require an initial financial commitment.
-
You can't take it with you: This saying refers to the fact that money or material possessions cannot be taken with us after death. It emphasizes the transient nature of wealth and encourages individuals to focus on more meaningful aspects of life.
-
Money is a good servant/slave, but a bad master: This proverb suggests that money can be a useful tool when used wisely and responsibly. However, if one becomes excessively focused on accumulating wealth, it can control and negatively impact their life. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on money.
I hope these explanations help you understand the meanings and contexts of the proverbs and sayings about money mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
