money burns a hole in someone's pocket
Meaning: Someone cannot keep money without spending it.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Give him his allowance, and it burns a hole in his pocket by lunchtime.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: As if coins were so hot they had to be spent before they burned through. The phrase is found from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- Italian: Avere le mani bucate — literally: To have holed hands
- French: Un panier percé — literally: A pierced basket
More idioms — Daily Life
- a parting shot — A final sharp remark made while leaving.
- set the record straight — To correct a mistaken account or misunderstanding.
- a damp squib — Something expected to be impressive that turns out a disappointment.
- no contest — Said when one side is clearly better and there is no real competition.
- don't shoot the messenger — Don't blame the person who brings bad news.
- as old as Methuselah — Extremely old.
More English idioms
- jump through hoops — To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.
- grease someone's palm — To bribe someone.
- slow and steady wins the race — Patience and persistence succeed better than haste.
- go by shanks' mare — To walk; to travel on foot.
- like a duck to water — Naturally and easily, as if born to it.
- kill the goose that lays the golden eggs — To destroy a source of profit out of greed.