Significado
Money has a great influence on people and can persuade them.
Contexto cultural
In the US, 'Money talks' is often associated with the 'American Dream' and the pragmatic belief that financial success is the ultimate goal. It is used both as a boast by the successful and a complaint by those who feel the system is unfair. The British use the phrase similarly, but often with a more understated or dry sense of irony. It might be used to explain why a historic building was torn down to make way for a luxury apartment complex. While 'Money talks' is understood, the Chinese cultural equivalent involving ghosts (有钱能使鬼推磨) reflects a long history of bureaucracy where 'gifts' were often necessary to get things done. In Brazil, the phrase 'O dinheiro fala mais alto' (Money speaks louder) is frequently used to describe social inequality and the way the wealthy can avoid legal consequences.
Use it for 'Why'
Use this phrase when someone asks 'Why did that happen?' and the answer is clearly 'because of money.'
Don't be too cynical
Using this phrase too often can make you sound like you don't believe in hard work or honesty.
Significado
Money has a great influence on people and can persuade them.
Use it for 'Why'
Use this phrase when someone asks 'Why did that happen?' and the answer is clearly 'because of money.'
Don't be too cynical
Using this phrase too often can make you sound like you don't believe in hard work or honesty.
The 'Louder' variation
If you want to be more emphatic, say 'Money talks LOUDER than words.'
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best situation to use the phrase 'Money talks.'
Which of these scenarios best fits the proverb?
The phrase 'Money talks' is used when wealth influences a decision that should be based on other factors, like merit.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the proverb.
I tried to argue with the landlord, but he just wanted the rent. I guess ______ ______.
The proverb is a fixed phrase: 'Money talks.' No article is needed, and it uses the simple present tense.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'How did he get that promotion? He's the least experienced person in the office!' B: 'His father is the company's biggest investor. ______.'
In this context, B is explaining that the promotion was due to the father's financial influence.
Match the phrase variation to its meaning.
Match 'Money talks, bullshit walks' to its definition.
This variation emphasizes that financial action is more important than words.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Money vs. Words
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWhich of these scenarios best fits the proverb?
The phrase 'Money talks' is used when wealth influences a decision that should be based on other factors, like merit.
I tried to argue with the landlord, but he just wanted the rent. I guess ______ ______.
The proverb is a fixed phrase: 'Money talks.' No article is needed, and it uses the simple present tense.
A: 'How did he get that promotion? He's the least experienced person in the office!' B: 'His father is the company's biggest investor. ______.'
In this context, B is explaining that the promotion was due to the father's financial influence.
Match 'Money talks, bullshit walks' to its definition.
This variation emphasizes that financial action is more important than words.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's not necessarily rude, but it is cynical. It suggests that people are easily bought or that the world is unfair.
No, that sounds like a literal description of a talking coin. Stick to the simple present: 'Money talks.'
It means that people who have money can get things done, while people who only have empty promises (bullshit) have to leave (walk).
Yes, very often. It's used to describe why a deal was won or why a certain company has so much power.
Yes, they are very similar. 'Money talks' is just a more idiomatic and colorful way of saying it.
It is very popular in America, but it is used and understood throughout the English-speaking world.
Probably not. It's better to use 'financial influence' or 'economic power' in formal writing.
It's a metaphor. Just as a person uses their voice to persuade others, a rich person uses their money to 'persuade' the world.
Rarely. It's almost always used to point out a somewhat unfair advantage, though it can be used as a 'pro-success' statement in some business circles.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Principles over profit' expresses the opposite idea.
Frases relacionadas
Cash is king
similarHaving liquid cash is the most important thing in business.
Money is the root of all evil
contrastMoney causes people to do bad things.
Actions speak louder than words
similarWhat you do is more important than what you say.
Pay to play
specialized formYou must pay money to get access to an opportunity.
