ENGLISH
REFERENCE

old money

idiom
Meaning

Families that have been wealthy for generations or members of such families.


Examples
SIMPLE

She comes from old money, so she never worries about rent.

CONTEXTUAL

The club only accepts members from old money, not people who got rich last year.

COMPLEX

Though the estate had crumbled, the family clung to the manners and pride of old money, as if breeding could pay the mounting debts.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    any old nook or cranny

    Alternative form of any nook or cranny.

  2. 02

    bad old days

    The past, seen as a time when things were worse.

  3. 03

    bees and honey

    [Cockney slang]money

  4. 04

    big money

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

  5. 05

    big old

    Emphatically or impressively big; really big.

  6. 06

    bread and Honey

    [Cockney slang]money

  7. 07

    chip off the old block

    Someone who takes after one of their parents; (generally) a person similar to another.

  8. 08

    clean money

    Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.

Last updated April 17, 2026