B1idiominformalmoneyIELTS-friendly
money doesn't grow on trees
USUK
money is limited and hard to earn, so you should not waste it
Said by parents or partners as a warning about spending. Natural when talking about how you learned to manage money.
In context
Whenever I asked for new toys, my mum reminded me that money doesn't grow on trees.
Stop ordering takeaway every night. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know!
Common mistake
Incorrect: Money doesn't grow on tree.
Correct: Money doesn't grow on trees.
More idioms about money
- a nest eggan amount of money saved over time for the future, such as retirement
- a rip-offsomething that costs far more than it is really worth
- break the bankto cost more money than you can afford
- cost an arm and a legto be very expensive
- down the drainwasted or lost completely, especially money or effort