Money is an essential part of our lives, but describing it isn’t always easy. Sometimes we want to talk about money in creative ways to convey how it feels whether it’s the joy of having it, the stress of not having enough, or the value it holds. One way to do this is by using similes. A simile compares two things using “like” or “as” to create a clearer picture. For example, saying something is “as valuable as gold” helps emphasize how important it is.
In this article, we’ll explore 50 similes for money, from the common to the creative. These similes will help you talk about money in different ways, making it easier to express your feelings about wealth, spending, saving, or even losing it. Let’s dive into how similes can enhance your conversations about money.
Similes for Money
1. As valuable as gold
Meaning: Something is extremely valuable or precious.
Samples: That old coin is as valuable as gold. / His advice was as valuable as gold when I started my business.
To Put it Another Way: It’s highly treasured. / It’s worth a lot, both materially and emotionally.
2. As rare as a unicorn
Meaning: Something very rare or hard to find, often referring to money or opportunities.
Samples: A deal like that is as rare as a unicorn. / Opportunities to earn money like this are as rare as a unicorn.
To Put it Another Way: It’s almost impossible to find. / Something extremely uncommon.
3. As easy as finding a penny in the street
Meaning: Something is simple or easy to do, often referring to money.
Samples: Making a small profit felt as easy as finding a penny in the street. / Earning a quick dollar was as easy as finding a penny in the street.
To Put it Another Way: Earning money was effortless. / It was easy to get what I needed.
4. As tight as a drum
Meaning: Referring to someone who is very careful or stingy with their money.
Samples: He was as tight as a drum when it came to spending money. / She’s as tight as a drum with her savings.
To Put it Another Way: He’s very frugal or stingy. / She’s reluctant to spend.
5. As much as the ocean’s worth of pearls
Meaning: A huge amount of money, suggesting great wealth.
Samples: He inherited as much as the ocean’s worth of pearls from his grandfather. / She spends as much as the ocean’s worth of pearls on her jewelry.
To Put it Another Way: A vast amount of money. / An enormous fortune.
6. As smooth as a polished diamond
Meaning: Referring to money that is easy to manage or a financial transaction that goes smoothly.
Samples: The deal went as smooth as a polished diamond, without any complications. / Managing my investments was as smooth as a polished diamond.
To Put it Another Way: Everything went effortlessly. / The process was simple and clear.
7. As cold as cash in a vault
Meaning: Something is securely or safely stored, often referring to money.
Samples: The money he saved was as cold as cash in a vault, locked away for a rainy day. / Her wealth felt as cold as cash in a vault.
To Put it Another Way: The money is secure. / It’s safely hidden or locked away.
8. As quick as a dollar bill passing hand to hand
Meaning: Something happens quickly or the movement of money is fast.
Samples: The transactions were as quick as a dollar bill passing hand to hand. / Money moved through the business as quick as a dollar bill passing hand to hand.
To Put it Another Way: Money exchanged hands very fast. / The process was fast and efficient.
9. As golden as a treasure chest
Meaning: Something is very valuable, often referring to money or wealth.
Samples: His savings felt as golden as a treasure chest. / The investment opportunities were as golden as a treasure chest.
To Put it Another Way: It’s worth a lot. / Extremely valuable and precious.
10. As hard to get as a diamond in the rough
Meaning: Referring to something that is difficult to achieve or find, often in terms of wealth or success.
Samples: A good business opportunity is as hard to get as a diamond in the rough. / Finding a valuable job offer is as hard to get as a diamond in the rough.
To Put it Another Way: It’s rare and difficult to come by. / Very challenging to find.
11. As sweet as honey
Meaning: Referring to money or wealth that brings happiness or comfort.
Samples: That bonus was as sweet as honey, making everything better. / The profits felt as sweet as honey after a long year of hard work.
To Put it Another Way: It was a delightful or rewarding amount of money. / It brought a sense of joy.
12. As golden as the sunset
Meaning: Something is highly desirable or rare, like money.
Samples: The opportunity to buy a home in this area is as golden as the sunset. / The investment was as golden as the sunset, too good to pass up.
To Put it Another Way: The opportunity is very rare and precious. / It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
13. As rich as Croesus
Meaning: Extremely wealthy, referencing the ancient King Croesus, known for his vast wealth.
Samples: After his successful investment, he felt as rich as Croesus. / She was as rich as Croesus after selling her business.
To Put it Another Way: They are very wealthy. / They have a massive fortune.
14. As much as a treasure chest full of gold
Meaning: A large, valuable amount of money.
Samples: The inheritance left to him was as much as a treasure chest full of gold. / The business deal brought in as much as a treasure chest full of gold.
To Put it Another Way: A vast fortune. / An enormous amount of wealth.
15. As scarce as hen’s teeth
Meaning: Something extremely rare, often referring to opportunities to make money.
Samples: Finding a job like that is as scarce as hen’s teeth. / Good investment opportunities are as scarce as hen’s teeth.
To Put it Another Way: It’s something that hardly ever happens. / It’s extremely rare.
16. As green as dollar bills
Meaning: Referring to money, especially large sums.
Samples: He made a fortune in real estate, and now he’s as green as dollar bills. / The profits were as green as dollar bills, flowing in rapidly.
To Put it Another Way: The money is rolling in. / It’s all about money and wealth.
17. As thin as a penny
Meaning: Referring to a small amount of money, often not enough.
Samples: The paycheck was as thin as a penny, barely covering the bills. / My savings are as thin as a penny right now.
To Put it Another Way: It’s not much money. / The amount of money is very small.
18. As sweet as a gold coin
Meaning: A valuable and desirable sum of money.
Samples: The reward for finishing the project was as sweet as a gold coin. / That unexpected bonus felt as sweet as a gold coin.
To Put it Another Way: The money was a delightful reward. / It was a pleasant and valuable sum.
19. As steady as a bank account balance
Meaning: Something that remains reliable or consistent, like money in a bank account.
Samples: His income was as steady as a bank account balance, never fluctuating. / The savings account balance grew steadily, as steady as a bank account balance.
To Put it Another Way: It’s predictable and reliable. / The money keeps coming in consistently.
20. As high as a skyscraper
Meaning: Referring to a large amount of money or a big financial goal.
Samples: His ambition to earn more money was as high as a skyscraper. / The goal to build wealth seemed as high as a skyscraper.
To Put it Another Way: It’s an ambitious or large goal. / It’s a very high target to reach.
21. As shiny as a silver coin
Meaning: Something valuable or attractive, often used to describe money.
Samples: The idea of earning more money seemed as shiny as a silver coin. / The investment opportunity felt as shiny as a silver coin.
To Put it Another Way: It looked appealing and valuable. / It was an attractive financial opportunity.
22. As fluid as cash in hand
Meaning: Money that is easily accessible or can be spent right away.
Samples: The payment was as fluid as cash in hand, quick and easy. / Having a bit of cash on hand felt as fluid as cash in hand.
To Put it Another Way: The money was readily available. / It was easy to spend and use immediately.
23. As loud as a cash register
Meaning: Money being earned or spent in a noticeable, frequent manner.
Samples: The sound of the cash register was as loud as a cash register, ringing up constant sales. / The business was making money as loud as a cash register.
To Put it Another Way: Money was coming in quickly and often. / Sales were frequent and noticeable.
24. As long as a bank statement
Meaning: A large sum of money or a long list of expenses.
Samples: The bill was as long as a bank statement, and it was a struggle to pay. / His savings account was as long as a bank statement, filled with entries.
To Put it Another Way: The list of expenses or income was long. / The money matters were detailed and extensive.
25. As fast as a credit card swipe
Meaning: Money being spent quickly or transactions happening fast.
Samples: The funds left my account as fast as a credit card swipe. / The purchases were made as fast as a credit card swipe.
To Put it Another Way: Money was spent quickly. / The transaction process was rapid.
26. As big as a bank loan
Meaning: A large sum of money, often a loan or investment.
Samples: The investment opportunity was as big as a bank loan, with large amounts of money involved. / The loan I took out was as big as a bank loan.
To Put it Another Way: A large financial amount. / A significant sum of money.
27. As empty as a wallet at the end of the month
Meaning: Referring to a lack of money, especially after expenses.
Samples: My wallet was as empty as a wallet at the end of the month after all those bills. / His account was as empty as a wallet at the end of the month.
To Put it Another Way: There’s no money left. / It’s time to tighten the budget.
28. As sparkling as diamonds
Meaning: Something of high value or something that attracts attention, often used for money.
Samples: The new job offer felt as sparkling as diamonds, with a huge salary. / The savings account balance was as sparkling as diamonds.
To Put it Another Way: The money or offer is highly attractive. / It’s precious and shining.
29. As simple as a coin flip
Meaning: Referring to a decision or action involving money that is easy to make.
Samples: Making that decision was as simple as a coin flip, and I quickly decided to invest. / Choosing to spend the money was as simple as a coin flip.
To Put it Another Way: The decision was easy to make. / It was a quick, simple choice.
30. As lucky as a lottery winner
Meaning: Referring to money gained unexpectedly or through luck.
Samples: Winning that small amount of money felt as lucky as a lottery winner. / She felt as lucky as a lottery winner after landing the big contract.
To Put it Another Way: It felt like an unexpected windfall. / The money came from pure luck.
31. As heavy as a gold bar
Meaning: Referring to a large, valuable sum of money.
Samples: The weight of my savings felt as heavy as a gold bar. / The financial burden was as heavy as a gold bar.
To Put it Another Way: The amount of money is substantial. / It feels like a significant burden or asset.
32. As loud as a cash drawer opening
Meaning: The sound or feeling of money being earned or spent, often in large amounts.
Samples: The money started pouring in as loud as a cash drawer opening. / With all those sales, it was as loud as a cash drawer opening.
To Put it Another Way: Money was being collected or spent frequently. / The exchange was fast and noticeable.
33. As fast as a paycheck
Meaning: Money coming in quickly, often from a job or income.
Samples: The money I made was as fast as a paycheck, rolling in regularly. / The extra income came as fast as a paycheck every month.
To Put it Another Way: The money arrived quickly. / Income was steady and rapid.
34. As precious as silver
Meaning: Something valuable and important, often referring to money.
Samples: That opportunity was as precious as silver, and I couldn’t pass it up. / The savings felt as precious as silver in hard times.
To Put it Another Way: The money or opportunity was very important. / It had great value.
35. As thin as paper
Meaning: A very small or insignificant amount of money.
Samples: My wallet felt as thin as paper, with almost no cash left. / The amount I saved was as thin as paper after paying bills.
To Put it Another Way: There’s barely any money. / The amount is minimal.
36. As fleeting as a passing dollar
Meaning: Money that is spent or earned quickly, often fleetingly.
Samples: The money I saved was as fleeting as a passing dollar, disappearing quickly. / The opportunity to invest felt as fleeting as a passing dollar.
To Put it Another Way: The money didn’t last long. / The opportunity came and went quickly.
37. As deep as a piggy bank
Meaning: A small amount of money, often referring to savings.
Samples: The savings felt as deep as a piggy bank, though it wasn’t much. / I’ve only got as much money as a piggy bank.
To Put it Another Way: The amount is small. / It’s just a little savings.
38. As free-flowing as a river
Meaning: Refers to money or income that is easily accessible or abundant.
Samples: Her cash flow was as free-flowing as a river, always coming in with ease. / The business was as free-flowing as a river, making money every day.
To Put it Another Way: Money was coming in easily. / There’s a constant stream of income.
39. As hard to find as a needle in a haystack
Meaning: A large sum of money that is very hard to obtain or a rare financial opportunity.
Samples: Finding a job like that is as hard to find as a needle in a haystack. / That type of investment opportunity is as hard to find as a needle in a haystack.
To Put it Another Way: It’s extremely difficult to come by. / It’s a very rare chance.
40. As tight as a vault
Meaning: Referring to someone who is extremely careful with their money.
Samples: He kept his finances as tight as a vault, not sharing any details. / She was as tight as a vault when it came to saving money.
To Put it Another Way: They are very protective of their money. / Their savings are secure and locked away.
41. As valuable as a rare coin
Meaning: Something very precious, often referring to money or assets.
Samples: That antique is as valuable as a rare coin. / The investment felt as valuable as a rare coin.
To Put it Another Way: It’s very valuable and sought after. / The asset is highly prized.
42. As quick as a flash of lightning
Meaning: Referring to a quick exchange or a fast transaction of money.
Samples: The payment was made as quick as a flash of lightning. / The sale happened as quick as a flash of lightning, money changing hands immediately.
To Put it Another Way: The transaction was fast. / Money was exchanged swiftly.
43. As sound as a banknote
Meaning: Something is reliable and secure, like money.
Samples: The investment felt as sound as a banknote, a guaranteed return. / His financial plan was as sound as a banknote.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a safe and reliable investment. / The decision was backed by certainty.
44. As empty as an overdrawn bank account
Meaning: A lack of money, indicating that an account is empty or funds are insufficient.
Samples: My account felt as empty as an overdrawn bank account after paying all the bills. / After spending so much, his wallet was as empty as an overdrawn bank account.
To Put it Another Way: There’s no money left. / Funds have run out.
45. As quick as cash in hand
Meaning: Money that is immediately available or ready to use.
Samples: The loan approval process was as quick as cash in hand. / Once the check cleared, the money was as quick as cash in hand.
To Put it Another Way: The money was ready to be used immediately. / It was accessible right away.
46. As clear as a bank statement
Meaning: Something is easy to understand or transparent, like clear finances.
Samples: His explanation was as clear as a bank statement, no hidden details. / The financial report was as clear as a bank statement.
To Put it Another Way: The situation was straightforward. / Everything was easy to comprehend.
47. As valuable as the last dollar
Meaning: Referring to money or an item that’s extremely important, especially when finances are tight.
Samples: Every penny felt as valuable as the last dollar in my wallet. / When money is tight, each dollar becomes as valuable as the last dollar.
To Put it Another Way: Every bit of money is essential. / The money is highly important.
48. As fleeting as a paycheck
Meaning: Referring to money that is spent quickly or disappears fast.
Samples: The cash disappeared as fleeting as a paycheck, spent as soon as it came. / The money was as fleeting as a paycheck, gone in no time.
To Put it Another Way: The money didn’t last long. / It was quickly used up.
49. As rich as the king
Meaning: Extremely wealthy or prosperous, like royalty.
Samples: After selling his startup, he became as rich as the king. / She lives as rich as the king, traveling the world with endless funds.
To Put it Another Way: They are very wealthy. / They live in luxurious comfort.
50. As fleeting as a dollar bill in a crowd
Meaning: Money that disappears quickly, often through spending.
Samples: My savings were as fleeting as a dollar bill in a crowd, disappearing fast. / It felt like my money was as fleeting as a dollar bill in a crowd.
To Put it Another Way: The money quickly went away. / It vanished almost immediately.
Find the Topics: Similes for Money
Reading Passage: “The Business Deal”
Last week, I closed a big deal, and it felt as valuable as gold. I was as excited as a lottery winner because the money was rolling in as quick as a flash of lightning. My bank account balance grew as steady as a bank account balance, with new income pouring in. It was like I was as rich as Croesus, and everything seemed possible.
But then, a few challenges popped up, and it felt like I was trying to climb as big as a mountain. I had to fix a mistake quickly, which was as complicated as a crossword puzzle, but I managed. When I received the final payment, it felt as sweet as a gold coin, and I was relieved. The money flowed as free-flowing as a river, but I knew I had to save it wisely.
Now, my savings account is as full as a treasure chest full of gold, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s important to manage money well, especially when it comes in as fast as a paycheck. All in all, I felt as lucky as a lottery winner, and this opportunity will be as precious as silver in the long run.
Your Task:
Can you underline or list all 12 similes for money used in the story?
Answer Key
- As valuable as gold
- As quick as a flash of lightning
- As steady as a bank account balance
- As rich as Croesus
- As big as a mountain
- As complicated as a crossword puzzle
- As sweet as a gold coin
- As free-flowing as a river
- As full as a treasure chest full of gold
- As fast as a paycheck
- As lucky as a lottery winner
- As precious as silver
Conclusion
Similes make it easier to express feelings about money and wealth in creative ways. Whether you’re talking about big deals, savings, or how quickly money comes and goes, using similes can help convey the emotions behind financial situations. Next time you want to describe money, try using one of these similes to make your point clearer and more relatable.
