spend (redirected from spending a penny)

*king's ransom

Fig. a great deal of money. (To pay an amount as large as one might have to pay to get back a king held for ransom. *Typically: cost ~; pay ~; spend~.) I would like to buy a nice watch, but I don't want to pay a king's ransom for it. It's a lovely house. I bet it cost a king's ransom.

See also: ransom

Don't spend it all in one place.

Prov. a phrase said after giving someone some money, especially a small amount of money. Fred: Dad, can I have a dollar? Father: Sure. Here. Don't spend it all in one place. "Here's a quarter, kid," said Tom, flipping Fred a quarter. "Don't spend it all in one place."

See also: one, place

spend something for something

to pay out an amount of money for something. I spent nearly forty dollars for that vase! How much did you spend for this house—if I may ask?

spend something on someone or something

to pay out an amount of money for the benefit of someone or something. How much did you spend on him for his birthday? I spent a lot on Mary's gift.

spend money like it's going out of style and spend money like there's no tomorrow

Fig. to spend money recklessly; to spend money as if it were worthless or will soon be worthless. Extravagant? she spends money like it's going out of style! I can't control it. I spend money like there is no tomorrow.

See also: going, like, money, out, style

spend time in something

to stay in something or some place for a period of time. I spent time in Barbados when I was younger. I am afraid that you will have to spend some time in the hospital until the infection is cleared up.

See also: time

spending money

cash, as opposed to money in the bank. I'm a little short of spending money at the present. Could I borrow ten dollars? I don't have any spending money either.

See also: money

tax-and-spend

spending freely and taxing heavily. (Referring to a legislative body that repeatedly passes expensive new laws and keeps raising taxes to pay for the cost. Fixed order.) I hope that people do not elect another tax-and-spend Congress this time. The only thing worse than a tax-and-spend legislature is one that spends and runs up a worsening deficit.

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spend a penny  (British & Australian informal)

if you say you are going to spend a penny, you mean you are going to go to the toilet Excuse me, I must go and spend a penny.

See also: penny

spend money like water

of someone spends money like water, they spend too much Carol spends money like water - no wonder she's always broke.

See also: like, money, water