born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Meaning
To be born into a wealthy, privileged family and have advantages from the start of life.
Origin
From an old custom where wealthy families gifted infants a silver spoon, symbolizing status and prosperity; it came to mean being born into privilege.
Notes
Often implies privilege and can carry envy or criticism, though it may be neutral. Used in conversation and writing. Saying it directly to someone can sound rude or accusatory.
Examples
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He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so he never worried about paying for college.
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People assume she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she worked hard to build her career.
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He acts like everyone was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and he can’t understand why money is tight for others.
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Not being born with a silver spoon in your mouth can make you more resourceful and resilient.
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Even if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you still have to earn people’s respect.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” (often “in his/her/your mouth”). “Silver spoon” is fixed; may appear as “born with the silver spoon in his mouth” but less common.
Synonyms
- born into privilege
- born with a golden spoon
- born to wealth
- from a wealthy background
- silver-spoon kid
Antonyms
- born into poverty
- from humble beginnings
- born on the wrong side of the tracks