B2 Collocation محايد 2 دقيقة للقراءة

small fortune

ثروة صغيرة

حرفيًا: A tiny amount of great wealth

تدرّب عليها

في 15 ثانية

  • Used to describe something that is very expensive.
  • Commonly follows the verbs 'cost' or 'spend'.
  • An ironic way to say a lot of money.

المعنى

This phrase describes something that costs a lot of money, usually more than you expected or wanted to pay. It sounds like a contradiction because a 'fortune' is huge, but calling it 'small' is a common way to emphasize that it's still a significant amount of cash.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

Talking about a new gadget

I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.

I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Discussing home renovations

Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.

Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

In a professional but relaxed meeting

The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.

The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

The British use this phrase frequently as a form of 'stiff upper lip' understatement. It allows them to complain about high prices without appearing overly emotional or aggressive. In the US, the phrase is often used in the context of the 'American Dream'—making a small fortune through hard work or innovation. Australians might use this phrase when discussing the 'cost of living' or 'property prices', often with a sense of dry, 'larrikin' humor. In international business English, this phrase is a safe way to indicate that a project is expensive without using potentially offensive or overly dramatic language.

🎯

Use it for complaints

It's the perfect phrase for complaining about bills or prices without sounding like you're actually angry.

⚠️

Don't forget the 'A'

Always include the article 'a'. 'Cost small fortune' is a common error for non-native speakers.

في 15 ثانية

  • Used to describe something that is very expensive.
  • Commonly follows the verbs 'cost' or 'spend'.
  • An ironic way to say a lot of money.

What It Means

Small fortune is a classic English idiom for something very expensive. It doesn't mean a literal pile of gold. It just means a price tag that makes you wince. Think of it as 'a lot of money' but with more personality. It highlights that while the cost might not bankrupted a billionaire, it certainly hurts your wallet.

How To Use It

You usually use it after verbs like cost, spend, or worth. You can say a car cost a small fortune. Or you might say your new hobby is costing you a small fortune. It acts like a noun in a sentence. It’s perfect for complaining about prices without sounding too aggressive. It adds a touch of drama to your story.

When To Use It

Use it when discussing everyday luxuries or unexpected bills. It fits perfectly when talking about weddings, car repairs, or designer shoes. If you’re at a restaurant and the steak is $100, tell your friend it costs a small fortune. It’s great for bonding over the high cost of living. Use it in emails to friends or casual chats at the office.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for truly small amounts, like a $5 coffee. That just sounds confusing. Also, avoid it in very serious financial reports or legal documents. It’s a bit too colorful for a bank loan application. If someone actually loses their entire life savings, don't use this phrase. It might sound like you are downplaying their tragedy. Keep it for things that are expensive but not life-ending.

Cultural Background

English speakers love using understatements and contradictions. Calling a large sum 'small' is a form of ironic humor. It dates back to the mid-19th century. It reflects a middle-class perspective where 'fortune' is relative. It’s a very common phrase in the UK, US, and Australia. It shows a shared cultural understanding that everything is getting more expensive!

Common Variations

You might hear people say it cost an absolute fortune for even more emphasis. Sometimes people just say it cost a fortune. However, adding small actually makes it sound more idiomatic and conversational. You won't hear big fortune used this way. Stick to small or absolute to sound like a native speaker.

ملاحظات الاستخدام

The phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable in most social and workplace settings, but avoid it in highly technical financial reporting where precise figures are required.

🎯

Use it for complaints

It's the perfect phrase for complaining about bills or prices without sounding like you're actually angry.

⚠️

Don't forget the 'A'

Always include the article 'a'. 'Cost small fortune' is a common error for non-native speakers.

💬

Irony is key

Remember that the 'small' is ironic. If you use it for something actually cheap, people will be confused.

أمثلة

6
#1 Talking about a new gadget
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.

I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.

A classic way to express that a purchase was a big investment.

#2 Discussing home renovations
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.

Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.

Used here to express stress about an unavoidable high expense.

#3 In a professional but relaxed meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.

The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.

Acceptable in business when discussing budgets informally.

#4 Texting a friend about a night out
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

That dinner last night was amazing but cost a small fortune! 💸

That dinner last night was amazing but cost a small fortune!

The emoji helps emphasize the 'money flying away' feeling.

#5 Humorous complaint about a pet
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

My cat's medical bills are costing me a small fortune; he lives better than I do!

My cat's medical bills are costing me a small fortune.

Uses humor to complain about the irony of spending money on a pet.

#6 Emotional realization about a wedding
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

We spent a small fortune on the flowers alone, but they looked beautiful.

We spent a small fortune on the flowers alone.

Reflecting on a significant life event expense.

اختبر نفسك

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.

I love my new apartment, but the deposit cost me a ______ ______.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: small fortune

The correct idiom is 'small fortune', which ironically means a lot of money.

Which verb is most commonly used with 'a small fortune' to describe spending money?

We ______ a small fortune on our holiday last year.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: spent

'Spent' is the standard verb for using money in this context.

Match the phrase with its meaning.

Match the items:

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: A small fortune -> A large sum of money; A pretty penny -> A significant cost; An arm and a leg -> Extremely expensive

These are all related to high costs but vary slightly in intensity.

Choose the best response for Speaker B.

Speaker A: 'Did you see the price of the new iPhone?' Speaker B: '______'

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Yes, it costs a small fortune!

This is the most natural idiomatic response to an expensive item.

In which situation would you NOT use 'a small fortune'?

Select the inappropriate situation:

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Buying a pack of chewing gum

Chewing gum is too cheap for this idiom to make sense, even ironically.

🎉 النتيجة: /5

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Cost Idioms by Intensity

Moderate
A pretty penny Pricey
High
A small fortune Very expensive
Extreme
An arm and a leg Shockingly expensive

بنك التمارين

5 تمارين
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank B1

I love my new apartment, but the deposit cost me a ______ ______.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: small fortune

The correct idiom is 'small fortune', which ironically means a lot of money.

Which verb is most commonly used with 'a small fortune' to describe spending money? Choose A2

We ______ a small fortune on our holiday last year.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: spent

'Spent' is the standard verb for using money in this context.

Match the phrase with its meaning. Match B2

طابق كل عنصر على اليسار مع زوجه على اليمين:

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: A small fortune -> A large sum of money; A pretty penny -> A significant cost; An arm and a leg -> Extremely expensive

These are all related to high costs but vary slightly in intensity.

Choose the best response for Speaker B. dialogue_completion B1

Speaker A: 'Did you see the price of the new iPhone?' Speaker B: '______'

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Yes, it costs a small fortune!

This is the most natural idiomatic response to an expensive item.

In which situation would you NOT use 'a small fortune'? situation_matching B2

Select the inappropriate situation:

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Buying a pack of chewing gum

Chewing gum is too cheap for this idiom to make sense, even ironically.

🎉 النتيجة: /5

الأسئلة الشائعة

12 أسئلة

There is no fixed amount. It depends on the context. For a coffee, $10 might be a small fortune. For a house, it might mean hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You can, but it's not an idiom. It sounds very literal and less natural than 'a small fortune'.

Yes, it's quite common in business to describe high costs or successful profits in a slightly less dry way.

'A pretty penny' is slightly more informal and often used for things that are expensive but not life-changingly so.

No, it only refers to money or the value of things.

It is used equally in both, though the ironic tone is very characteristic of British English.

No. You must say 'He *has* a small fortune' or 'He *made* a small fortune'.

Generally no, but be careful using it around people who are struggling financially.

Yes, it almost always refers to financial wealth or cost.

Yes: 'It cost a small fortune' or 'He made a small fortune'.

In this specific idiom, yes. 'A fortune' also means a lot of money, but 'a small fortune' is the specific idiomatic collocation.

No, that would sound like a joke or a literal small amount of money.

عبارات ذات صلة

🔄

A pretty penny

synonym

A large sum of money.

🔗

An arm and a leg

similar

Extremely expensive.

🔗

A king's ransom

similar

A huge amount of money.

🔗

Break the bank

similar

To cost more than one can afford.

🔗

Chicken feed

contrast

A very small amount of money.

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