money talks
Meaning
Money has power and influence; those with money can get things done or persuade others more easily.
Origin
Recorded in English from the late 1800s, the phrase personifies money as something that can “speak” by exerting influence—especially in business, politics, and decisions swayed by wealth.
Notes
Often used with a cynical tone about influence (sometimes implying corruption), but it can also neutrally mean funding enables action.
Examples
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He got a meeting with the mayor in a day—money talks in this town.
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They ignored our complaints until we threatened to cancel the contract; money talks.
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You may not like it, but money talks, and the best-funded campaign usually wins.
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The restaurant suddenly found a table for us when we offered to pay extra—money talks.
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In the art world, money talks louder than talent sometimes.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase usually as a standalone statement or clause. ‘Talks’ is typically present tense (Money talks). Less common variants: “money talks, bullshit walks.”
Synonyms
- cash is king
- money makes the world go round
- buy influence
Antonyms
- principles matter
- character counts
- money can't buy everything