1.

I just found out we could have gotten the same product for half the
price. I cant believe they ripped us _____ like that.
2. My consulting business didnt make money the first two years, but
fortunately were in the _____ this year.
3. Our profits werent very good this year. Were not quite in the _____,
but our profits are almost negligible.
4. I dont know if the price he quoted you is fair. Im not sure what the
_____ rate is for private English classes.
5. The company paid for my airfare and the hotel, but I still had quite a
few out of _____ expenses.
6. I agree that we need to make secondary education more affordable,
but I dont think that the taxpayers should be the ones to pick up
the _____.
7. Sam tried to _____ a living as a writer, but he was never successful
enough to make it a full-time career.
8. Some recent college graduates are working two jobs just to make
ends _____.
9. Many people _____ broke trusting Bernie Madoff with their money.
10. Its a very good insurance policy, but it cost us an _____ and a leg.
11. I like the iPhone, but I think you can get more bang for your _____
with other brands of smartphones.
12. Yes, saving for retirement is important, but you dont want to have to
_____ pennies and worry about every dollar you spend.
13. Were willing to pay top _____ to fill this position with a qualified
candidate.
14. Last week a rare stamp sold for $250,000. I guess some people
have more _____ than sense.
15. This change is going to be tough because were used to having two
incomes. Were just going to have to tighten our _____ and reduce our
standard of living.

16. These are really important clients with deep _____. Lets make sure
we impress them.
17. There werent many tourists here this year and many of the
restaurants and cafes are struggling just to _____ even.
18. Im looking for a reliable PC that wont _____ the bank.
19. Im not sure what it costs to lease an office in the downtown area. To
give you a ballpark _____, Id say about $15,000 per month. (two
possible answers)
20. Theyre not extremely wealthy, but they are definitely well _____.
21. Airlines frequently jack up the ______ of tickets during the holiday
season.
22. Its very valuable. Its worth its weight in _____.
23. After losing his job, Stan was down and _____. He lost his house and
narrowly avoided living on the street.
24. He served some time in jail, but now hes trying to get a job
and make an honest_____.
25. Im trying to teach my 20-year-old son to be responsible with money
and to live_____ his means.
26. Paying for a gym membership and then not using it is stupid. Dont
you want to get your moneys ______?
27. After years of saving, they finally have a _____ egg for retirement.
28. Trying to make a living as an artist didnt work out for Travis. Hes
moving back in with his parents until he gets back on his _____.
29. We cant just throw _____ at this problem and expect to resolve it.
Were going to need a real strategy.
30. Thats a really nice tie. How much did it _____ you back?
31. Right now the family is living from hand to _____ off of what their
father makes as a construction worker.
32. I had to pay my car insurance bill this month and the water heater in
my house broke. Im a little strapped for _____ right now.

33. Kevins totally broke. He doesnt have two nickels to _____ together.
34. During the Gold Rush, many people moved west hoping to strike
it _____.
35. Some companies have a slush _____ for paying off government
officials.
36. Carrie _____ a killing in the stock market this year. Shes either really
good or really lucky.
37. These tuition prices are outrageous. Students shouldnt have
to pay _____ the nose just to get a decent education.
38. I had to work hard for years to get where I am. I wasnt born with a
silver _____ in my mouth.
39. Unfortunately, if you want to do business here, youre going to have
to pay some people _____. Bribes are a part of doing business here.
40. They paid him with a briefcase full of cold, _____ cash.
41. Sure, the flight is cheap but they nickel and ____ you to death with
small charges for everything. You even have to pay for your drinks and
snacks during the flight.
42. There isnt a lot of regulation in this industry. Its _____ beware.
43. In the past, many men didnt like it if their wives were the
ones bringing home the_____ and providing financially for the family.
44. Some corporations only care about the almighty _____, but I get the
sense that this place is different.
45. In your culture, do the brides parents typically foot the _____ for the
wedding?
46. Drug cartels often grease the _____ of government officials to avoid
being arrested.
47. Lets hope the Olympics is good for the economy. The taxpayers are
already a couple of billion dollars ____ the hole.
48. Allen really needed the money, so he sold his website ____ peanuts.

49. Ive made bad investments before, but Ive never _____ my shirt like
I have on this deal.
50. I thought my insurance policy was going to cover this, but
unfortunately it looks like Im going to have to cough ____ the money.

CONVERSATION TOPICS ABOUT IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS ABOUT MONEY

Tell us about a time you got ripped off. What happened? Did you try to get your
money back? What was the end result?
Do you know anyone who makes a living doing something unusual? What does he or
she do? Do you think youd enjoy making a living doing what this person does?
Do you think its harder to make ends meet now than it was 25 years ago? Why or
why not?
What brand of smart phone do you think gives you the most bang for your buck?
Why?
Tell us about a time you felt like you werent getting your moneys worth?
Do people often pay off government officials in your country? Do these officials ever
get punished for their actions?