money makes the world go round
Meaning: Money is what drives everything.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The charity runs on goodwill, but money makes the world go round.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A play on the older "love makes the world go round." It was popularized by the song "Money, Money" in the 1972 film Cabaret.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Le nerf de la guerre — literally: The sinew of war
More idioms — Daily Life
- cut the Gordian knot — To solve a complicated problem with a bold, simple action.
- pick a fight — To deliberately start an argument or fight.
- in someone's good books — In favor with someone.
- send someone packing — To dismiss someone abruptly.
- money burns a hole in someone's pocket — Someone cannot keep money without spending it.
- a parting shot — A final sharp remark made while leaving.
More English idioms
- an eye for an eye — Punishment should match the injury; revenge in kind.
- scream blue murder — To protest very loudly.
- jump through hoops — To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.
- grease someone's palm — To bribe someone.
- set the record straight — To correct a mistaken account or misunderstanding.
- a damp squib — Something expected to be impressive that turns out a disappointment.
From our proverbs
- Trust not still water nor a silent man. — Stillness can mask danger; silence often conceals intentions, schemes, or untapped depths…
- Keep me from still water; from that which is rough I can keep myself. — Stagnation breeds invisible danger while active struggle naturally sharpens survival inst…
- Whoso lacketh a stock, his gain's not worth a chip. — Without capital to reinvest profits, modest earnings disappear into daily expenses rather…