ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Monopoly money

idiom
Meaning

Money that does not exist; referring to fraudulent record keeping.


Examples
SIMPLE

That fake currency looks like Monopoly money.

CONTEXTUAL

The accountant realized the company's reported profits were just Monopoly money when the bank account turned out to be empty.

COMPLEX

Investors grew suspicious when they discovered the startup's valuation was based entirely on Monopoly money rather than actual revenue or tangible assets.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bees and honey

    [Cockney slang]money

  2. 02

    big money

    A large amount of money, especially a significant source of revenue or income.

  3. 03

    bread and Honey

    [Cockney slang]money

  4. 04

    clean money

    Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.

  5. 05

    coffee money

    A small amount of money given as a bribe or gratuity.

  6. 06

    conscience money

    Money which is voluntarily paid by a party who feels guilt, and seeks to provide compensation, for some past misdeed or negligence.

  7. 07

    dirty money

    Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized, especially money gained through forgery, bribery, prostitution, money laundering, or theft.

  8. 08

    easy money

    Money that is easily acquired.

Last updated April 17, 2026