1. Break the bank – to lose all of your money

Example: John wanted to get the oceanview apartment, but he knew it would break the bank so he settled for the smaller, city apartment.

2. Bring home the bacon – to earn the living for a family

Example: His wife chooses not to work, so Robert has to bring home the bacon.

3. Cash in on (something) – to make money from an opportunity

Example: The former athlete cashed in on his popularity to open a nightclub in his name.

4. Give (someone) a blank check – to let someone do whatever they want (as if the amount on the check were blank)

Example: The professor gave the students a blank check with the only requirement being that they turn in their project on time.

5. Turn on a dime – to turn in a very tight area

Example: The car handles very well and can turn on a dime.

6. Bet your bottom dollar – to bet all that you have because you are certain you will win

Example: I would bet my bottom dollar that Rachel will show up late again today.

7. Look like a million dollars – to look very good

Example: As she stepped out in her wedding dress, she looked like a million dollars.

8. Pinch pennies – to be very careful with money, to be thrifty

Example: My grandfather always pinches pennies and never spends money if he doesn’t have to.

9. Put in your two cents – to give your opinion about something

Example: You can put in your two cents after I am finished going over all the facts.

10. For peanuts – to do something for very little or no pay

Example: The students had very little money and were willing to work for peanuts.