Time and money are 2 of the most universal topics in human life. Every culture talks about them constantly. English has a rich collection of colorful idioms for both subjects. These expressions appear in daily conversation, business meetings, and casual small talk. Learning them will help you understand native speakers and sound more natural in your own English.
This article covers 20 essential time and money idioms. Each entry includes the meaning and a short example sentence. For a complete collection of over 200 English idioms organized by category, see the full English Idioms: Complete Guide with 200+ Examples.
Time Idioms in English
These 10 idioms describe how English speakers talk about time — from rushing to waiting to wishing things were different.
81. "Time flies" — This expression means time passes quickly. Example: "Time flies when you're having fun."
82. "In the nick of time" — This expression means just in time, at the last possible moment. Example: "We arrived at the airport in the nick of time."
83. "Kill time" — This expression means to do something to pass time while waiting. Example: "I killed time by reading a book at the cafe."
84. "Around the clock" — This expression means all day and night, 24 hours a day. Example: "The team worked around the clock to meet the deadline."
85. "Better late than never" — This expression means it is better to do something late than not at all. Example: "You finally started exercising? Better late than never!"
86. "Time is money" — This expression means time is valuable and should not be wasted. Example: "Let's not delay — time is money."
87. "Against the clock" — This expression means rushed, with very little time remaining. Example: "We're working against the clock to finish the report."
88. "Behind the times" — This expression means old-fashioned or outdated. Example: "Their website looks behind the times."
89. "Living on borrowed time" — This expression means continuing beyond an expected end point. Example: "That old laptop is living on borrowed time."
90. "Turn back the clock" — This expression means to return to an earlier time or situation. Example: "I wish I could turn back the clock and study harder."
Money Idioms in English
These 10 idioms describe how English speakers talk about money — from spending wisely to running out.
91. "Break the bank" — This expression means to cost too much money. Example: "A vacation doesn't have to break the bank."
92. "Make ends meet" — This expression means to earn just enough money to cover expenses. Example: "With the high rent, it's hard to make ends meet."
93. "Money doesn't grow on trees" — This expression means money is not unlimited and must be earned. Example: "I can't buy you everything — money doesn't grow on trees."
94. "Save for a rainy day" — This expression means to save money for future emergencies or difficult times. Example: "Always save a little for a rainy day."
95. "Pay through the nose" — This expression means to pay too much for something. Example: "We paid through the nose for concert tickets."
96. "Penny wise, pound foolish" — This expression means careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with large ones. Example: "Skipping maintenance to save money is penny wise, pound foolish."
97. "Go Dutch" — This expression means to split the bill equally between 2 or more people. Example: "Let's go Dutch on dinner tonight."
98. "Cash cow" — This expression means a reliable source of income. Example: "That product line is the company's cash cow."
99. "Tighten your belt" — This expression means to spend less money, usually because of financial difficulty. Example: "We need to tighten our belts until the next paycheck."
100. "Money talks" — This expression means wealth gives a person power and influence. Example: "In Hollywood, money talks."
Why Time and Money Idioms Matter for English Learners
The idiom "time is money" connects 2 important ideas that matter deeply for language learners. Every week you spend studying English is an investment. The question is not just whether you study, but how efficiently you use that time.
At Columbia West College (CWC) in Los Angeles, the English Speaking Success (ESS) program is designed around exactly this principle. Tuition starts at $260 per week — and 70% of CWC students choose to extend their program after the initial enrollment. That figure reflects a simple reality: when students see results, they stay. CWC's integrated curriculum links Grammar, Speaking, and Reading & Writing in a single connected system. A concept introduced in the morning Grammar class reappears in the afternoon Speaking class and again in Reading & Writing — 3 reinforcements in a single day. For a learner who wants to make the most of every hour, that structure makes a real difference. When you are truly working "against the clock" to improve your English, an efficient curriculum is worth more than a longer but fragmented one.
Ready to make your study time count? CWC's ESS program gives you 80 minutes of dedicated speaking practice every day — 6 times more than a typical ESL class. With tuition starting at $260/week and a curriculum that connects your grammar, speaking, and writing in a single day, your investment in English goes further. Learn more about CWC's programs.
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FAQ
What is the difference between "in the nick of time" and "just in time"?
Both expressions describe arriving or finishing at the last possible moment. "Just in time" is neutral and common in both formal and informal speech. "In the nick of time" is slightly more dramatic and is often used in storytelling or casual conversation. Both are correct and widely understood by native speakers.
Why does English use so many idioms about money?
English developed in a commercial culture where trade, work, and financial exchange were central to daily life. Many money idioms entered the language during periods of rapid economic growth — the industrial era, the rise of banking, and the expansion of trade. Expressions like "break the bank," "cash cow," and "make ends meet" reflect practical concerns that people dealt with every day. Learning these idioms also gives you insight into how English speakers think about financial responsibility and value.
Start your English journey in Los Angeles. CWC's student housing puts you 20 minutes from school in a fully furnished apartment — with all utilities and Wi-Fi included, private bathrooms, and in-unit laundry. Quad rooms start at $1,000/person per month. When you factor in what you get — a safe neighborhood, a supportive community, and a school that helps 70% of its students achieve enough progress to extend — the value is clear. Apply to CWC today.
