money doesn’t grow on trees
money doesn’t grow on trees
Meaning
- to have to put an effort in earning money
- money to be earned requires a lot of effort
- to work hard to earn money
Example Sentences
- The kids need to understand that even though they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, that money doesn’t grow on trees.
- I have been told over and over again as a child that money doesn’t grow on trees.
- You should listen to our parents and appreciate their hard work because they’re right, money doesn’t grow on trees.
- You know money doesn’t grow on trees and that you cannot stay at your friends’ mercy either.
- I cannot emphasize enough on the fact that money doesn’t grow on trees.
- His kids probably don’t know that money doesn’t grow on trees seeing how much he pampers them with expensive toys and gifts.
Origin
The phrase comes from the fact that things that grow on trees is usually easy to pick out but money is not in the same league. Parents often say this to their children to make them aware of the issues they face in putting food on the table. The phrase may have originated in the late 19th century although no literary origin could be traced with accuracy.
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.
Share your opinions3 Opinions
If money doesn’t grow on trees and why do bank have branches?
‒ Sinclair February 26, 2024
The quote, “money doesn’t grow on trees” is wrong, seriously, dead wrong!
Money does come from trees.
From the very trees that provides oxygen for humans to breathe to live and provide shade and coolness from the hot, scorning sun on bright summer days. And if orchard trees, they provides food. As such, existence of comfort lasts a lifetime.
If it’s money, it’s more likely spend on oxygens to breathe, electric fans foe coolness, a bag of groceries, and other useless fads and even scammed by human parasities.
Yes, money made from dead trees, only give you a “quickie,” on instant gratification, then — poof, it’s gone.
‒ Ashley Mann May 26, 2023
When I was growing up, I never receive any allowance for doing any chores at home. It was part of my responsibility to contribute to our household. Parents provides what we need including a college education. I do hear my mother telling me and my siblings “we buy what is essential as money just do not grow on trees”. I’m reminded of this idiomatic expression since we are now facing recession!
‒ Lourdes Dacuma June 20, 2022