borrow money

Meaning

To receive money from a person or bank with the agreement that you will pay it back in the future. The direction of the transaction is to you (you take the money), which is the opposite of lending money.

Examples

• I had to borrow money from my parents to fix my car.

  I had to borrow money from my parents to fix my car.

• Is it a good idea to borrow money to start a new business?

  Is it a good idea to borrow money to start a new business?

• He hates having to borrow money because he dislikes being in debt.

  He hates having to borrow money because he dislikes being in debt.

• You can borrow money from the bank, but you will have to pay interest.

  You can borrow money from the bank, but you will have to pay interest.

• She asked if she could borrow some money until next payday.

  She asked if she could borrow some money until next payday.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Can you borrow me some money until tomorrow?

  ✓ Can you lend me some money until tomorrow? / Can I borrow some money from you?

  'Borrow' means to take, while 'lend' means to give. You cannot 'borrow someone' money; they must lend it to you.

• ✗ I borrowed money to my brother so he could buy a laptop.

  ✓ I lent money to my brother so he could buy a laptop.

  If you are the person giving the money, you 'lend' it. You only 'borrow' money from someone.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Many students have to ___ to pay for their university tuition.

  💡 Take out loans or get funds they must repay.

  Show answer

  borrow money

• Never ___ from people you don't trust.

  💡 Receive cash with the intention of paying it back.

  Show answer

  borrow money