ˈmʌni ˈdʌznt ɡroʊ ɒn triːz
Money & Finance
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Currency does not grow on tree branches
What does "money doesn't grow on trees" mean?
- Money is not easily acquired; it must be earned
- One should not waste money carelessly
Examples
- We can't buy everything you want—money doesn't grow on trees.
- Remember, money doesn't grow on trees, so budget wisely.
- I wish money grew on trees, but it doesn't.
Origin
A parental saying emphasizing that money requires effort to earn. Unlike fruit, money cannot simply be picked from trees.
How to use it
Often used by parents teaching children about money. Can sound condescending to adults.
Similar expressions
money is hard to earn
watch your spending
be frugal
Opposites
money is plentiful
spend freely
Related idioms
- pay an arm and a leg
To pay an extremely high price
- make ends meet
To earn just enough money to cover basic expenses
- cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive
- break the bank
To cost too much money
- hit the jackpot
To achieve great success or win something valuable
- go through the roof
To increase dramatically or to very high levels
Use it in a practice answer
Try "money doesn't grow on trees" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.