spend a fortune
spend a fortune (idiom)
/spɛnd ə ˈfɔːr.tʃən/
Meaning
- Pay an extremely large amount of money, often more than expected or reasonable.
- Use a great deal of money on something expensive or luxurious.
- Invest a significant sum in a product, service, or experience, usually with the hope of high quality or status.
- Lose or exhaust a substantial portion of wealth on a particular purchase or activity.
- Allocate a large budget or financial resource to fulfill a desire or need.
- Waste a considerable amount of money on something not worth the cost.
Example Sentences
- She spent a fortune on her wedding dress.
- They spend a fortune every year traveling to exotic places.
- He spent a fortune upgrading his car with custom features.
- I can’t believe you spent a fortune on that phone—it doesn’t even work well!
- The company spent a fortune revamping its office for just a few employees.
- You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great weekend.
Origin and History
Etymology of “Fortune” and Early Usage
The term “fortune” originates from the Latin word fortūna, meaning chance or luck, which evolved into the Old French fortune and entered Middle English around the 13th century. Initially, it referred to fate or destiny, but over time, it came to denote wealth or a large sum of money. The verb “spend” has been used in English since the Middle Ages, meaning to expend or use up resources. The combination of these words to form the idiom “spend a fortune” likely emerged as a natural extension of these meanings.
Emergence in English Literature
While the exact origin of the phrase “spend a fortune” is unclear, it is believed to have been in use since at least the 19th century. The idiom conveys the idea of expending a significant amount of money, often more than what is considered reasonable or necessary. This usage reflects societal attitudes towards wealth and expenditure during that period.
The Fortune Cookie Theory
An alternative theory suggests that the idiom may have been influenced by the concept of fortune cookies, which originated in the early 20th century. These cookies often contained messages about luck or wealth, and some believe that the association between “fortune” and monetary gain could have reinforced the idiom’s usage. However, this connection is speculative and lacks concrete evidence.
Variants and Related Expressions
The idiom “spend a fortune” has several variants that convey similar meanings, including:
- Spend a small fortune
- Pay a fortune
- Cost a fortune
- Cost a small fortune
These expressions are used interchangeably to describe situations involving significant expenditure.
Cultural and Linguistic Spread
The idiom “spend a fortune” is predominantly used in English-speaking countries, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States. Its usage reflects cultural attitudes towards spending and wealth. The phrase has also been translated into other languages, often retaining its connotation of excessive spending.
Synonyms
- blow money
- shell out
- burn a hole in one’s pocket
- pay through the nose
- cost an arm and a leg
Similar Idioms
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