In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most commonly used English sayings related to money. It’s no surprise that there are plenty to choose from—after all, we use it every day. Given its importance, it’s only natural that people have coined numerous proverbs to capture the many facets of financial and other matters. Let’s explore these colorful sayings together and uncover the wisdom they hold.

Saying	Meaning	Example
A penny saved is a penny earned.	It is wise to save money.	By switching to a more energy-efficient lightbulb, I’ve reduced my electricity bill. It’s true that a penny saved is a penny earned.
Money doesn’t grow on trees.	Be careful how much money you spend because there is only a limited amount.	I know you want the latest gadgets, but remember, money doesn’t grow on trees. We need to budget carefully.
Time is money.	You should not waste time because you could be using it to earn money.	We need to speed up this project because, as they say, time is money, and we’re losing potential revenue with every delay.
Money talks.	said about people or organizations that are rich, and can therefore get or do what they want	When it came to the negotiations, the company’s large financial offer proved that money talks.
The love of money is the root of all evil.	An excessive desire for money can lead to unethical behavior and moral corruption.	The corruption scandal shocked everyone; it’s a harsh reminder that the love of money is the root of all evil.
Money makes the world go round.	Money is a key driving force behind many of the world’s activities and economies, influencing various aspects of life.	With all the financial transactions happening daily, it’s clear that money makes the world go round.
In for a penny, in for a pound. (mainly British English)	Since you have started something or are involved in it, you should complete the work although it has become more difficult or complicated than you had expected.	Now that we’ve invested so much in this new venture, we might as well go all in—after all, in for a penny, in for a pound.
A fool and his money are soon parted.	People who are not wise with their money will quickly lose it.	He fell for a fraudulent investment scheme and lost everything—just goes to show that a fool and his money are soon parted.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.	The person who is paying someone to do something can decide how it should be done.	Since the donors are funding the event, they have the final say on how it’s organized. As they say, he who pays the piper calls the tune.
Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves. (mainly British English)	By managing small amounts of money carefully, you will accumulate significant amounts over time.	By being frugal with small expenses, I’ve managed to save a significant amount over time. It’s true that if you take care of the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch.	Nothing is truly free; everything has a cost or a catch.	The free trial of the software seemed great, but they later tried to upsell us. As they say, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.	If you offer low compensation, you can expect to get lower-quality work or workers.	The quality of the work was subpar, which confirms that if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
A rising tide lifts all boats.	When conditions improve for one group, they generally improve for others as well. This often refers to how economic growth benefits everyone in society.	The economic growth has benefited not just the top earners but also the average worker, proving that a rising tide lifts all boats.
You can’t take it with you.	Material wealth and possessions cannot be taken with you after death. The emphasis is on living a meaningful life rather than accumulating wealth.	He’s been saving money his whole life, but he’s starting to realize that you can’t take it with you. It’s time to enjoy it a bit more.
The best things in life are free.	Some of the most valuable things in life, such as love, friendship, and happiness, do not have a monetary cost.	Spending the weekend with my family at the park was amazing—reminds me that the best things in life are free.

Practice

Complete the sentences with a money-related saying. The suggested answers are given below.

1. By refinancing our mortgage, we’ve reduced our monthly payments. It’s a perfect example of how ___ .
2. I keep track of every small expense in my budget, and it’s really helped me save more. It’s true that ___ .
3. He spent a fortune on overpriced collectibles that aren’t worth much—just a reminder that ___ .
4. The company’s unethical practices were driven by their obsession with profits, demonstrating that ___ .
5. When they offered us a ‘free’ consultation, I knew there would be a catch. As the saying goes, ___ .
6. The sudden change in policy was influenced by the large donations from major investors. In politics, ___ .
7. If we keep having these lengthy meetings without making decisions, we’re wasting time and money. Remember, ___ .
8. Since the major sponsor is funding the event, they get to decide on the theme and activities. ___ .
9. The job’s low salary attracted inexperienced applicants, proving once again that ___ .
10. I’d love to buy you that new game, but remember, ___ . We need to prioritize our expenses.
11. The economic recovery has led to better job opportunities for everyone, not just those at the top proving that ___ .
12. We spent the day hiking and enjoyed breathtaking views, proving that ___ .
13. From international trade to local businesses, it’s evident that ___ .
14. He decided to donate a significant portion of his wealth to charity because he knows that ___ .
15. Since we’ve already committed to renovating the kitchen, we might as well update the entire house. ___ .

Suggested answers 🔑

1. a penny saved is a penny earned
2. if you take care of the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves
3. a fool and his money are soon parted
4. the love of money is the root of all evil
5. there’s no such thing as a free lunch
6. money talks
7. time is money
8. He who pays the piper calls the tune
9. if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys
10. money doesn’t grow on trees
11. a rising tide lifts all boats
12. the best things in life are free
13. money makes the world go round
14. you can’t take it with you
15. In for a penny, in for a pound