English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Rags to riches

Meaning

The idiom "rags to riches" means rising from poverty or hardship to wealth, success, or prosperity. It is a metaphorical expression that suggests a dramatic change in one's financial status or social position. The phrase has a positive connotation and often implies that the person who achieved this feat did so through their own efforts and determination.

Usage

He started out with nothing but a suitcase full of rags and now he's worth millions.
From living in poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur, she truly went from rags to riches.
Against all odds, he rose from obscurity to become one of the most influential figures of his time.
The company that started as a small startup has grown into a global giant, symbolizing the American dream of rising from rags to riches.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, she remained determined and eventually achieved her goal of becoming financially independent.

Roots and History

The idiom "rags to riches" can be traced back to the early 20th century in American English. The phrase was popularized by various stories of individuals who overcame poverty and achieved success through their own efforts. One such example is the story of Horatio Alger Jr., an American writer who wrote a series of novels featuring young orphans who rose from poverty to become successful and prosperous. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include more than just financial success. It now encompasses any form of achievement, whether it be personal growth, career advancement, or social mobility. The phrase has also been used in various forms of popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and music.

Synonyms in English

From poverty to prosperity
Rising from humble beginnings
Climbing the ladder of success
Overcoming adversity
Achieving greatness

Synonyms in other languages

De raimes à l'or (French) - This phrase translates to "from rags to gold" and is used to describe a dramatic transformation from poverty to wealth.
Von der Niedrigkeit zum Glanz (German) - This phrase translates to "from humble beginnings to glory" and is used to describe someone who rose from low social standing to high status.
De la pobreza a la fuerza (Spanish) - This phrase translates to "from poverty to strength" and is used to describe someone who overcame hardship to achieve success or power.
Da rags to riches (Italian) - This phrase translates to "from rags to riches" and is used to describe a dramatic change in financial status or social position.
從貧積到富有的 (Chinese) - This phrase translates to "from poverty to wealth" and is commonly used to describe individuals who rose from humble beginnings to become successful and prosperous.