English Reference
Idiom idiom

expensive drunk


Someone who must drink a lot of alcohol in order to get intoxicated.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He is an expensive drunk because he needs many drinks to feel anything.

CONTEXTUAL

My friend is such an expensive drunk that we always end up spending a fortune at the bar before he even feels tipsy.

COMPLEX

Despite his reputation as an expensive drunk, he insisted on hosting the party, fully aware that the evening would require a significant investment in spirits.


Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    appeal from Philip drunk to Philip sober

    To ask someone to reconsider a decision or view they took while their judgment was swayed by momentary passion, excitement, etc.

  2. 02

    cheap drunk

    Someone who is easily intoxicated.

  3. 03

    good drunk

    A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.

  4. 04

    sad drunk

    A person who is gloomy or depressed when intoxicated, unable to retain reasonable control of their mental and emotional faculties.

Last updated August 10, 2026