live in the lap of luxury

Meaning: To be very comfortable because one is well-off financially.

Example: “Since the book deal, they've lived in the lap of luxury.”

Origin: The lap of luxury means a very comfortable life because one is rich, whereas the life of Riley is an easygoing life because one doesn't have to work or isn't working. Someone who is poor can lead the life of Riley if he or she doesn't mind being poor.

More English idioms

leave someone out in the cold To shun someone; to exclude someone from a place or activity.
leave someone high and dry Abandoned or stranded; helpless.
leave someone holding the bag To leave someone else with the blame or responsibility.
leave well enough alone To accept a situation as it is; to avoid trying to improve a situation one's actions migh…
letter perfect Exactly right.
the life of Riley The good life; a comfortable life.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Pain Actually means 'bread'. The hurting kind of pain is la douleur.
Coin Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.
Caldo Actually means 'hot' (or a hot broth). Cold is freddo.

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