IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishlive beyond one's means
Meaning: To spend more money than one earns.
Example: “The credit cards let them live beyond their means for years.”
Origin: "Means" here is one's income or resources. The phrase is common from the 18th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Indonesian: Besar pasak daripada tiang Literally: The peg is bigger than the post
More English idioms
- thin-skinned Easily offended or hurt by criticism.
- right-hand man Someone's most trusted and useful helper.
- a monkey's wedding A sunshower, when rain falls while the sun shines.
- off one's trolley Crazy or foolish.
- as scarce as hen's teeth Extremely rare.
- have a big mouth To talk too much, especially about things that should be kept secret.
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