Last week my roommates and I decided it was time to get a new couch because our old one was a disaster and barely usable. So, we went to the mall and as we were all checking out our options, we came to the conclusion that most of them cost an arm and a leg (1).
Suddenly, my roommate, Laura, said, “Hey you two! Let’s wait until Cyber Day so we can get more bang for our buck!” (2) My other roommate, Carlos, and I both agreed that this a was an awesome idea.
“I mean, money doesn’t grow on trees (3), so it’d be better to wait to buy a couch on sale so we don’t pay more than we have to,” Carlos chimed in.
So, in order for us to not break the bank (4) we decided to split the cost of the couch between the three of us and wait until the Cyber Day sales. After we decided on the perfect couch and ordered it online the next week, I said, “I’m starving! Do you all wanna grab something to eat?”
“Let’s do it!” Carlos enthusiastically replied. “I have to finish some work now so I can’t go, but bring me back something, will ya?” Laura asked. “Sure thing,” I said as Carlos and I were walking out the door.
We walked to a sushi joint near our apartment that both of us are huge fans of. After we finished eating delicious sushi rolls and drinking some tea I said, “My treat (5) Carlos. I think I owe you from last week when we went out for pizza together.”
“No, you paid me back for that when you bought the cleaning supplies and trash bags last Thursday, remember?” he responded.
“Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that. Let’s go Dutch (6) then,” I said.
“Sounds like a plan!” Carlos agreed.
Money Expressions and Definitions
1. Cost an arm and a leg (costar un ojo de la cara/costar un dineral/costar un riñón):
to be extremely expensive
This coat is really cozy and cute but it’s too bad it costs an arm and a leg.
2. More bang for your buck (relación calidad-precio):
you get more value for something than the amount you paid for it
This monthly cell phone plan gives you the most bang for your buck.
3. Money doesn’t grow on trees (el dinero no cae de los árboles o del cielo):
saying there is only a limited amount of money and to spend it wisely
I told my niece, “Money doesn’t grow on trees” when she asked me to buy her a brand-new car.
4. Break the bank (dilapidar el dinero): to be very expensive or too expensive
I always try to buy a car that’s reliable but it won’t break the bank.
5. My treat (yo invito): to pay for something (usually for what someone else has bought)
Don’t worry about paying for dinner, it’s my treat.
6. Go Dutch (pagar a medias/cada una paga la suya):
if two or more people each pay their own bill (usually at a restaurant)
My boyfriend and I always go Dutch.
What other topics do you want to learn about in English?! Write in the comments below or write me at monicajones4276@gmail.com / @monicayourprofe 😊