money doesn't grow on trees

Meaning

This common idiom is used to warn someone to be careful with their money because it is limited and hard to earn. It is often said by parents to children or between family members to discourage wasteful spending.

Examples

• You can't just buy a new video game every week; money doesn't grow on trees, you know.

  You can't just buy a new video game every week; money doesn't grow on trees, you know.

• Turn off the lights when you leave the room; money doesn't grow on trees.

  Turn off the lights when you leave the room; money doesn't grow on trees.

• My parents always reminded me that money doesn't grow on trees when I asked for expensive toys.

  My parents always reminded me that money doesn't grow on trees when I asked for expensive toys.

• We need to stick to our budget because money doesn't grow on trees.

  We need to stick to our budget because money doesn't grow on trees.

• He spends cash like money doesn't grow on trees, and now he's in debt.

  He spends cash like money doesn't grow on trees, and now he's in debt.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Money doesn't grow in trees.

  ✓ Money doesn't grow on trees.

  The correct preposition is always 'on,' since fruit, leaves, and hypothetical money grow 'on' branches.

• ✗ We must save because money is not growing on trees.

  ✓ We must save because money doesn't grow on trees.

  This idiom is a proverb and is always used in the simple present tense, never in the continuous form.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Stop wasting food! Remember that ___.

  💡 A common saying used to discourage wasteful spending.

  Show answer

  money doesn't grow on trees

• I'd love to go on a luxury vacation, but ___.

  💡 Idiom reminding someone that money is limited and hard to earn.

  Show answer

  money doesn't grow on trees