What does “Easy come, easy go” mean?
"Easy come, easy go" means that something that is easily obtained or achieved can also be easily lost or taken away.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He won the lottery, but easy come, easy go, he lost it all in a week.
Example
She got a promotion at work, but easy come, easy go, she was fired a month later.
Example
They found a rare antique at a garage sale, but easy come, easy go, it was stolen the next day
Is “Easy come, easy go” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Easy come, easy go” 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 “Easy come, easy go” effectively in context?
You can use "Easy come, easy go" to remind someone that things obtained or acquired easily are often lost or wasted just as easily. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and appreciating what we have and encourages us to work hard and be diligent to achieve our goals. For example, if a friend receives a large sum of money unexpectedly and starts spending it recklessly, you might say, 'Remember, easy come, easy go. It's important to manage your finances wisely.'
- 1Money
He won the lottery and spent all the money within a year. Easy come, easy go. He didn't appreciate the value of the money.
- 2Career
She got a promotion without putting in much effort, but she lost the job just as easily. Easy come, easy go. She didn't take it seriously.
- 3Inheritance
They inherited a large fortune but squandered it on extravagant purchases. Easy come, easy go. They didn't understand the importance of financial responsibility.
Similar phrases to “Easy come, easy go”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Easy come, easy go” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Easy come, easy go" is unknown.
Is “Easy come, easy go” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Easy come, easy go" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It serves as a cautionary reminder about the fleeting nature of things obtained easily.
What tone does “Easy come, easy go” have?
"Easy come, easy go" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It is used to highlight the importance of valuing and appreciating what we have and to encourage diligence and hard work.
Can “Easy come, easy go” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "easy come, easy go" is relatively informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be as commonly used in formal settings such as professional presentations or written correspondence.
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 won the lottery, but easy come, easy go, he spent it all within a year.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Easy come, easy go!' to imply the transient nature of something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- easily come, easily go
- quick come, quick go
- fleeting gains
- transient possessions
- instant gratification
Antonyms
- hard-earned
- long-lasting
- permanent gains
- valued possessions
- delayed gratification
