We’ve all heard stories about people wanting more than they need, whether it’s money, power, or even the last slice of cake. But how do we describe this behavior more vividly and interestingly than just saying “greedy”? That’s where idioms for greed come in.
These colorful phrases paint pictures with words, helping us understand and talk about excessive desire uniquely and creatively.
For example, have you heard someone say, “He killed the goose that lays the golden eggs”? This idiom isn’t about poultry—it’s about greed destroying a valuable opportunity. Or how about “to have an itching palm,” which describes someone constantly hungry for money?
Idioms like these enrich conversations and give us a deeper appreciation for the quirks of the English language.
As an English teacher, I find idioms fascinating because they reflect how people think and feel. They often carry stories from history or culture, showing us how greed has been viewed across time. By learning these idioms, you’ll expand your vocabulary and gain insight into human behavior.
In this article, we’ll explore 28 idioms for greed, complete with meanings and examples to help you use them confidently. We’ll also discuss synonyms, antonyms, and quiz questions to make learning fun and engaging.
Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a student, or just someone curious about idioms, this guide will help you express yourself more vividly. So, let’s dive in and discover the expressive world of idioms for greed!
Learn More>>
29 Similes for Greed: Meaning, Examples, and Insights
Learn More>>
30 Metaphors for Greed: Powerful Ways to Describe Endless Desire
What Is an Idiom for Greed?
An idiom is a phrase that doesn’t mean precisely what the words say. For example, when someone is described as “having an itching palm,” it doesn’t mean their hand is itchy—it means they’re greedy for money!
Idioms for greed often capture the idea of wanting too much in a colorful, memorable way.
Let’s dive into some examples to see how greed has been described over the years.
28 Idioms for Greed: Meanings and Examples
1. To Have an Itching Palm
- Meaning: To be greedy for money, especially bribes.
- Example: The official was notorious for having an itching palm during contract approvals.
2. To Kill the Goose That Lays the Golden Eggs
- Meaning: To destroy a source of wealth due to greed or shortsightedness.
- Example: Overworking the best employees killed the goose that laid the golden eggs for the company.
3. To Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
- Meaning: To take on more than you can handle due to greed.
- Example: His greed made him bite off more than he could chew with multiple business deals.
4. To Be Money Hungry
- Meaning: To have an excessive desire for money.
- Example: Her money-hungry attitude made her prioritize profit over people.
5. To Be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
- Meaning: Being overly cautious with small amounts of money but careless with large sums.
- Example: Skipping regular maintenance to save money was penny-wise and pound-foolish.
6. To Be A Gold Digger
- Meaning: Someone who forms relationships for financial gain.
- Example: People accused her of being a gold digger after she married a wealthy older man.
7. To Have Greedy Eyes
- Meaning: To desire something excessively, especially material possessions.
- Example: He had greedy eyes for the party’s most significant slice of cake.
8. To Be Tight-Fisted
- Meaning: To be miserly and unwilling to spend money.
- Example: My uncle is so tight-fisted he reuses tea bags to save a few cents.
9. To Be A Glutton for Punishment
- Meaning: Someone willingly takes on unpleasant or complex tasks, often out of greed.
- Example: Agreeing to another high-stress project shows he’s a glutton for punishment.
10. To Be A Dog in the Manger
- Meaning: Someone who blocks others from using something they don’t need themselves.
- Example: He was being a dog to the Manager by refusing to let others borrow his tools.
11. To Be A Snake in the Grass
- Meaning: A deceitful or treacherous person motivated by greed.
- Example: Be careful; he’s a snake in the grass looking for ways to take advantage of you.
12. To Be A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
- Meaning: Someone who hides greedy or malicious intent under a kind appearance.
- Example: The salesman turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
13. To Be A Money-Grubber
- Meaning: Someone overly greedy for money.
- Example: His reputation as a money-grubber made people hesitant to trust him.
14. To Be A Judas
- Meaning: A betrayer motivated by greed.
- Example: Selling out his friend’s idea for profit made him a faithful Judas.
15. To Be A Back-Stabber
- Meaning: Someone who betrays others for personal gain.
- Example: His back-stabbing ways made him disliked at work.
16. To Be A Turncoat
- Meaning: Someone who changes sides or loyalties for personal gain.
- Example: The turncoat politician switched parties for a higher salary.
17. To Be A Shylock
- Meaning: A ruthless moneylender who charges exorbitant interest rates.
- Example: Borrowing from that shylock was a terrible decision.
18. To Grasp at Straws
- Meaning: Making desperate attempts, often fueled by greed.
- Example: Investing in shady schemes showed he was grasping at straws.
19. To Scrape the Barrel
- Meaning: Using the worst or least desirable options out of greed or necessity.
- Example: Hiring unqualified candidates showed they were scraping the barrel.
20. To Be A Fat Cat
- Meaning: A wealthy and influential person who often profits at others’ expense.
- Example: The fat cat CEOs enjoyed bonuses while laying off workers.
21. To Be Green-Eyed
- Meaning: To be jealous or envious, often tied to greed.
- Example: His green-eyed attitude towards his colleague’s promotion was apparent.
22. To Be Grabby
- Meaning: Excessively eager to take or keep things.
- Example: Don’t be so grabby with the candy; share it with others!
23. To Be A Scrooge
- Meaning: A miserly or stingy person.
- Example: He’s such a Scrooge that he refuses to buy gifts for Christmas.
24. To Be A Leech
- Meaning: Someone who exploits others for personal gain.
- Example: She’s such a leech, constantly borrowing money without repaying.
25. To Be A Hoarder
- Meaning: Someone who accumulates possessions unnecessarily, often driven by greed.
- Example: His hoarding of supplies left none for others in need.
26. To Be A Land Grabber
- Meaning: Someone who acquires land illegally or greedily.
- Example: The land grabber was despised for displacing local farmers.
27. To Be A Loan Shark
- Meaning: A person who lends money at extremely high interest rates.
- Example: The loan shark preyed on those in desperate situations.
28. To Be A Barnacle
- Meaning: Someone who clings to others to benefit without contributing.
- Example: The barnacle colleague never pulls his weight in group projects.
Synonyms and Antonyms for Greed
Synonyms for Greed
- Avarice
- Covetousness
- Selfishness
- Materialism
Antonyms for Greed
- Generosity
- Contentment
- Selflessness
Why Idioms About Greed Are Important
Idioms about greed aren’t just about language—they reflect human behavior. They show us how societies have viewed the dangers of wanting too much. Whether through storytelling or everyday conversations, these phrases remind us to strike a balance in life.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Idioms for Greed
Let’s test your knowledge!
1. What does “to have an itching palm” mean?
a) To want to fight
b) To be greedy for money
c) To have a skin problem
2. Which idiom means “destroying a source of wealth due to greed”?
a) To bite off more than you can chew
b) To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
c) To be tight-fisted
3. What does “to bite off more than you can chew” mean?
a) To eat too much
b) To take on too much responsibility due to greed
c) To refuse to share
4. Which idiom describes someone who is highly stingy?
a) To be a Scrooge
b) To scrape the barrel
c) To grasp at straws
5. What does “a dog in the manger” mean?
a) Someone who enjoys luxury
b) Someone who prevents others from using something they don’t need
c) Someone who is constantly hoarding money
6. What does it mean “to have fingers in many pies”?
a) To be involved in too many things, often due to greed
b) To enjoy eating desserts
c) To have a lot of friends
7. Which idiom refers to someone seeking financial gain in relationships?
a) To be a gold digger
b) To be penny-wise and pound foolish
c) To have an itching palm
Answer:
1. b) To be greedy for money
2. b) To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
3. b) To take on too much responsibility due to greed
4. a) To be a Scrooge
5. b) Someone who prevents others from using something they don’t need
6. a) To be involved in too many things, often due to greed
7. a) To be a gold digger
Final Thoughts: Idioms for Greed
Looking back, I can’t help but think about a time when I saw someone pushing their way to the front of the line at a concert. It wasn’t just about getting a better spot—it was about them wanting more than everyone else.
I remember thinking, “Wow, they’re really ‘grasping at straws,’” just like one of those idioms for greed I learned about. That moment made me realize how much these phrases can help describe situations we see every day.
Using idioms for greed has made me think more carefully about the words I choose. Whether I’m talking about someone who’s always trying to get ahead or describing a character in a story, idioms bring a deeper meaning.
Instead of just saying someone is being greedy, I can say they’re “eating out of someone else’s bowl” or “having eyes bigger than their stomach.” It makes everything clearer and more fun.
Now that we’ve covered several idioms for greed, I encourage you to start using them in your conversations. These phrases can make your speech more interesting and help you explain things in a way that’s both creative and easy to understand.
So go ahead, and give these idioms a try!
