What does “Spend like a sailor” mean?
"Spend like a sailor" means to spend money extravagantly or recklessly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After winning the lottery, he started to spend like a sailor on luxury cars and vacations.
Example
She always spends like a sailor when she goes shopping.
Example
My friend went on a shopping spree and spent like a sailor on designer clothes
Is “Spend like a sailor” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Spend like a sailor” 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 “Spend like a sailor” effectively in context?
You can use "Spend like a sailor" to describe someone who spends money extravagantly or recklessly. It emphasizes the idea of spending without restraint or concern for the consequences. For example, if a friend is known for their extravagant shopping habits, you might say, 'She always spends like a sailor when she goes shopping.'
- 1Winning a large sum of money
After winning the lottery, he started to spend like a sailor on luxury cars and vacations.
- 2Shopping
She always spends like a sailor when she goes shopping.
- 3Indulging in luxury
My friend went on a shopping spree and spent like a sailor on designer clothes.
Similar phrases to “Spend like a sailor”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Spend like a sailor” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Spend like a sailor" is unknown.
Is “Spend like a sailor” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Spend like a sailor" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who spends money extravagantly or without restraint.
What tone does “Spend like a sailor” have?
"Spend like a sailor" conveys a tone of criticism or disapproval. It suggests that the person being described is not being responsible with their finances and is spending in a careless or reckless manner.
Can “Spend like a sailor” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Spend like a sailor" is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for more formal or professional settings.
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 and started to spend like a sailor.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "spend like a sailor"!' to imply readiness to spend extravagantly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- spendthrift
- live large
- splurge
- waste money
- go on a spending spree
Antonyms
- budget
- save money
- be frugal
- cut back on spending
- exercise financial restraint
