Easy money

Meaning

The idiom "easy money" refers to money that is obtained without much effort or risk. It often implies a quick and effortless way to earn cash, such as stealing, cheating, or taking advantage of someone. However, this usage is generally considered negative and can lead to ethical dilemmas and legal consequences.

Usage

• John decided to take the easy way out and embezzled funds from his company.
• Sarah's job as a stripper provided her with easy money every night.
• The hacker was able to access sensitive information and steal easy money from the bank.
• Tim's drug addiction led him to resort to stealing to support his habit, which he saw as an easy way out.
• The get-rich-quick scheme promised easy money without any work, but it turned out to be a scam. The usage of "easy money" can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may be used in a positive or humorous way, such as when referring to a successful investment or a luckily timed bet. However, in most instances, the idiom carries a negative connotation and suggests unethical behavior.

Roots and History

The exact origin of "easy money" is unclear, but it likely emerged in the early 20th century when people began to seek quick and easy ways to make cash. The phrase may have been influenced by earlier idioms such as "a dollar a day," which promised a steady income without much effort. As society became more urbanized and industrialized, opportunities for easy money increased, leading to the rise of the idiom. Over time, the meaning of "easy money" has become increasingly negative, reflecting changing social attitudes towards unethical behavior and illegal activity. Today, the phrase is generally used in a derogatory way to refer to illegal activities such as theft, fraud, or prostitution.

Synonyms in English

• Lazy money
• Cheap money
• Stolen money
• Scammed money
• Pocketed money

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Argent facile (easy money)
• Spanish: Dinero fácil (easy money)
• German: Geldleicht (easy money)
• Italian: Soldi facili (easy money)
• Russian: Простой деньги (easy money)

Similar Idioms

• like a duck to water

• lower the bar

• eat words