money talks
1
5.0
- idiom
- Informal
:
el dinero habla
- During the negotiations, it became clear that money talks, as those with deep pockets had the most influence.
The doors are open because yes, it's it's who you know, but money talks a lot.
- The doors are open because yes, it's it's who you know, but money talks a lot.
- So when we say money talks and bullshit walks, money is power.
- And because as we keep buying this stuff so that that market keeps growing and the money talks.
Examples
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It's still the old adage that money talks and BS walks.
Blog text (11) -
In politics, it is often said that money talks, influencing decisions in favor of wealthy donors.
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The company's success proved that money talks, attracting offers from investors eager to capitalize on its growth.
How Influential
- Informal
1
5.0
806
2.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase personifies 'money' as able to 'talk', which is a metaphorical way to say money has influence or can persuade; a B1 learner who knows 'money' and 'talk(s)' can plausibly infer this persuasive/ influential meaning. Because the mapping is metaphorical rather than literal but conceptually accessible (and many languages express the same idea), the expression is partially predictable but not fully compositional.
Etymology
The idiom money talks comes from the clear image of money actually talking to get things done. Imagine paying people or giving gifts so the money seems to 'speak' and makes people listen or change their mind. That's why it means 'have power' or 'persuade people'.