What does “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” mean?
"Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" means that someone is born into a wealthy or privileged family.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never had to worry about money.
Example
She's always had everything handed to her on a silver platter because she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Example
Growing up, he never had to work a day in his life because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth
Is “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” effectively in context?
You can use "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" to describe someone who is born into a wealthy or privileged family. It emphasizes that they have never had to worry about money or work for their basic needs. For example, if you meet someone who has never had to work a day in their life because their family is extremely wealthy, you might say, 'He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.'
- 1Wealth and Privilege
She's always had everything handed to her on a silver platter because she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
- 2Lack of Financial Struggles
Growing up, he never had to work a day in his life because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
- 3Inherited Wealth
He inherited a fortune from his parents and never had to worry about money because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Similar phrases to “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth”:
Being raised in a wealthy or advantaged environment
Example
She had a privileged upbringing and never had to worry about financial struggles.
Inherited wealth
Receiving a large sum of money or assets from one's family
Example
He lived a life of luxury due to his inherited wealth.
Silver-spoon kid
A person who is born into a wealthy or privileged family
Example
He's always been a silver-spoon kid, never having to work for anything in his life.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" dates back to the 17th century. In the past, it was common for wealthy families to give their newborns a silver spoon as a symbol of their wealth and social status. The phrase came to represent being born into a privileged or wealthy family.
Is “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who comes from a wealthy background or has never experienced financial struggles.
What tone does “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” have?
"Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" conveys a tone of privilege and entitlement. It is often used to highlight the advantages and lack of hardships that come with being born into a wealthy family.
Can “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known expression that describes a specific concept. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or written articles.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never had to worry about money.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Must be nice to be "born with a silver spoon in your mouth"!' to express envy or sarcasm.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- born into privilege
- born into wealth
- born with a golden spoon in your mouth
- born with a diamond spoon in your mouth
- born with a platinum spoon in your mouth
Antonyms
- self-made
- started from nothing
- came from humble beginnings
- worked their way up
- made their own fortune
