play with house money
To be in a situation where little or no personal risk can be incurred.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Now that I have saved enough, I am playing with house money.”
“I use my bonus for risky stocks because I am playing with house money.”
“After winning the first three rounds of the tournament, the champion felt like she was playing with house money.”
“Since the company already paid for my flight and hotel, I am playing with house money during this extra weekend in the city.”
“The candidate felt he was playing with house money during the debate because he had already secured enough votes to win the election.”
“With his initial investment already secured in a high-yield account, he felt he was playing with house money while taking risks on the volatile stock market.”
The phrase originates from the operations of a casino, which is colloquially identified as the house. It refers to the psychological shift that occurs when a gambler bets winnings rather than their own initial capital. Because the funds were provided by the establishment, the player treats the risk as negligible, acting as though they are merely returning the house’s property rather than losing their own.
- 01
basket house
A cafe or similar establishment where musical performances are given and the performers are then paid with money placed in a basket by members of the audience.
- 02
bees and honey
[Cockney slang]money
- 03
bet the house
Synonym of bet the farm.
- 04
big money
A large amount of money, especially a significant source of revenue or income.
- 05
bottom the house
To clean a house from top to bottom; to clean a house extremely thoroughly.
- 06
bread and Honey
[Cockney slang]money
- 07
bring down the house
To garner enthusiastic or wild applause or laughter.
- 08
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
Last updated August 10, 2026