Money burns a hole in one's pocket
Meaning
To have a strong and immediate desire to spend money as soon as it is acquired.
Origin
In the late 18th century, as personal pockets became a common feature of clothing, this phrase perfectly captured the restless energy of unspent cash. Imagine coins or banknotes growing so 'hot' with the desire to be spent that they almost literally feel like they're scorching the fabric of your pocket. The image isn't of actual combustion, but of an overwhelming, almost physical compulsion to spend. It speaks to the impulsive nature of money in hand, an internal furnace that demands release, driving people to part with their wealth before it can truly settle.
Examples
- After getting his bonus, money burned a hole in his pocket, and he bought a new gaming console the very next day.
- She always meant to save up for a trip, but with money burning a hole in her pocket, she'd inevitably spend it on clothes and gadgets.