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Wealth & Luxury

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from rags to riches
2-
to be rolling in it
3-
filthy rich
4-
high on the hog
5-
to be in clover
6-
in the lap of luxury
7-
to live large
8-
number better off
9-
a beggar on horseback
10-
to have it made in the shade
11-
deep pockets
12-
creature comforts
13-
to strike it rich
14-
to live the life of Riley
15-
to rake in the money
from rags to riches
From rags to riches
[ phrase ]
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/fɹʌm ɹˈæɡz tə ɹˈɪtʃᵻz/
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used to refer to the action of rising from the depth of poverty to the highest of riches

example
Example
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During his early years, he was working relentlessly to transform his life from rags to riches.
She came from a poor family, but through hard work and determination, she has gone from rags to riches.
What is the origin of the idiom "from rags to riches" and when to use it?

The idiom "from rags to riches" has been used for centuries to describe a remarkable journey of transformation and success. It originates from the contrast between poverty "rags" and wealth or prosperity "riches". It is used to describe a significant upward social or financial mobility, where someone starts with very little or in poverty and achieves remarkable success, often involving significant wealth and prosperity.

to [be] rolling in (it|money)
To be rolling in it
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/biː ɹˈoʊlɪŋ ɪn ɪt mˈʌni/
Idiom
Informal

to have a great deal of money

What is the origin of the idiom "rolling in it" and when to use it?

The phrase "rolling in it" is an informal expression that likely originated in the United States in the 19th or early 20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely wealthy or has an excessive amount of money.

filthy rich
Filthy rich
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/fˈɪlθi ɹˈɪtʃ/
Idiom

possessing an excessive amount of money

What is the origin of the idiom "filthy rich" and when to use it?

The idiom "filthy rich" likely originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The term "filthy" is used in this context as an intensifier, emphasizing the excessive or overwhelming amount of wealth possessed by someone. It is used to describe someone who is extremely wealthy, often to the point of being considered excessively or outrageously rich.

high (on|off) the hog
High on the hog
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/hˈaɪ ˌɑːn ˈɔf ðə hˈɑːɡ/
Idiom

in a very comfortable, expensive, and luxurious way

What is the origin of the idiom "high on the hog" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "high on the hog" can be traced back to the United States in the 19th century. The phrase comes from the way pork was divided and consumed among different social classes. It is used to describe someone who is living in a luxurious or privileged manner, often enjoying the best things in life.

to [be|live|keep] in clover
To be in clover
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/biː lˈaɪv kˈiːp ɪn klˈoʊvɚ/
Idiom

to be living a comfortable and luxurious life

What is the origin of the idiom "be in clover" and when to use it?

The idiom "be in clover" has its roots in rural traditions, particularly in agriculture. Clover is a plant that is commonly used as fodder for livestock. Livestock that grazed in clover fields were considered to be well-fed and content. This phrase is used to describe someone who is living in a state of luxury, comfort, or great prosperity.

in the lap of luxury
In the lap of luxury
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/ɪnðə lˈæp ʌv lˈʌkʃɚɹi/
Idiom

in a very comfortable condition due to an abundance of wealth

What is the origin of the idiom "in the lap of luxury" and when to use it?

The phrase "in the lap of luxury" originated in the 18th century and has its roots in the practice of wealthy individuals or royalty reclining or sitting in a comfortable position with lavish fabrics and cushions. This idiom is used to describe someone who is living in a state of extravagant comfort, enjoying all the finest and most luxurious things that life has to offer.

to [live] large
To live large
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/lˈaɪv lˈɑːɹdʒ/
Idiom

to have a very luxurious and comfortable lifestyle

What is the origin of the idiom "live large" and when to use it?

The idiom "live large" likely originated in the United States in the 20th century. The term "large" here is used figuratively to refer to a life of abundance, extravagance, and living in an impressive manner. This phrase is used to describe someone who is living a lavish and extravagant lifestyle, often characterized by displays of wealth and indulgence.

{num} better off
number better off
[ phrase ]
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/nˈʌm bˈɛɾɚɹ ˈɔf/

used to refer to a financially superior situation than before or when compared to others

a beggar on horseback
A beggar on horseback
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/ɐ bˈɛɡɚɹ ˌɑːn hˈɔːɹsbæk/
Idiom

someone who has suddenly gained great wealth or high status and has become arrogant or corrupt

What is the origin of the idiom "a beggar on horseback" and when to use it?

The idiom "a beggar on horseback" has its origins in the early 17th century. The phrase is often attributed to John Heywood, an English playwright and poet, who used it in his works. It is used to describe someone who, after experiencing a significant change in fortune or status, becomes arrogant, wasteful, or irresponsible due to their newfound power or wealth.

to [have] it made in the shade
To have it made in the shade
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/hæv ɪt mˌeɪd ɪnðə ʃˈeɪd/
Idiom

to be in a very good position and be living a luxurious life

What is the origin of the idiom "have it made in the shade" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "have it made in the shade" is uncertain, but it likely emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a highly favorable or advantageous position, often characterized by prosperity, success, and a lack of worries or difficulties.

deep pockets
Deep pockets
[ noun ]
uk flag
/dˈiːp pˈɑːkɪts/
Idiom

a person or thing such as a business with significant financial resources

What is the origin of the idiom "deep pockets" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "deep pockets" is uncertain, but it likely originated in the United States during the early 20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone or an organization that has significant financial resources and can afford to spend large amounts of money, particularly in legal matters or business ventures.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
creature comforts
Creature comforts
[ noun ]
uk flag
/kɹˈiːtʃɚ kˈʌmfɚts/
Idiom

a set of things that make life comfortable and more enjoyable for one

What is the origin of the idiom "creature comforts" and when to use it?

The idiom "creature comforts" originated in the early 19th century. The phrase "creature" here refers to living beings, particularly humans, and "comforts" refer to things or conditions that provide a sense of physical ease, well-being, and contentment. This phrase is used to describe the basic physical amenities, conveniences, and luxuries that contribute to a person's comfort, well-being, and contentment in their daily life.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
to [strike] it rich
To strike it rich
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/stɹˈaɪk ɪt ɹˈɪtʃ/
Idiom

to come into possession of a great sum of money in a very sudden or unexpected way

What is the origin of the idiom "strike it rich" and when to use it?

The idiom "strike it rich" has its origins in the United States during the mid-19th century, specifically during the California Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s. This phrase is used to describe someone who becomes suddenly and unexpectedly wealthy, often through a stroke of luck or a fortunate opportunity.

to [live] the life of Riley
To live the life of Riley
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/lˈaɪv ðə lˈaɪf ʌv ɹˈaɪli/
Idiom

to be enjoying a luxurious and comfortable life

What is the origin of the idiom "live the life of Riley" and when to use it?

The phrase "live the life of Riley" has its origins in American slang, dating back to the early 20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone who is living a life of ease, luxury, and comfort, often without facing any significant challenges or difficulties.

to [rake] in the money
To rake in the money
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/ɹˈeɪk ɪnðə mˈʌni/
Idiom

to earn a large amount of money, usually quickly or easily

What is the origin of the idiom "rake in the money" and when to use it?

The phrase "rake in the money" likely originated in the early 20th century. This idiom is used to describe someone or something that is generating or earning a large amount of money, especially in a steady and impressive manner.

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