born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
Born rich, or into a wealthy family.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”
“You act like you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”
“They were born with silver spoons in their mouths and own three houses.”
“She never had to work, since she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.”
“The politician struggles to connect with workers because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never faced financial hardship.”
“Many people assume the new CEO was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she actually grew up in a very poor neighborhood.”
“Though born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he chose to build his own company rather than rely on family wealth.”
first recorded 18th c.
* According to some, the original nautical expression is just born with a silver spoon and describes those young gentlemen who were able to enter the Royal Navy without examination and whose promotion was assured. The converse was born with a wooden ladle. * However, the phrase is first recorded as a Scottish proverb in the form "Every Man is no born with a Silver Spoon in his Mouth" (1721).
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026