burn a hole in your pocket
Meaning
To make you eager to spend money quickly because you have it available.
Origin
From the image of hot coins burning through a pocket, implying money won’t stay put and is quickly spent; recorded in English by the early 20th century.
Notes
Often light, humorous, or mildly critical. Implies temptation and impulsive spending. Common in casual speech/writing; can sound judgmental if aimed at someone else.
Examples
-
That bonus is burning a hole in my pocket, so I might book a weekend trip.
-
If the money is burning a hole in your pocket, put it into savings before you spend it.
-
The kids’ allowance was burning a hole in their pockets, and they ran straight to the toy store.
-
His new credit card was burning a hole in his pocket, so he kept finding excuses to shop online.
-
I try not to let cash burn a hole in my pocket; I leave my wallet at home when I don’t need it.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with a form of “be”: “Money is burning a hole in my/your/his pocket.” Possessive pronoun varies; “money/cash” is typical subject. Can be past/progressive.
Synonyms
- itching to spend
- have money to burn
- shop till you drop
Antonyms
- save money
- be frugal
- tighten your belt