"Spend money like dirt" literally means to squander wealth as if it were dirt, describing extreme wastefulness and unrestrained spending. This idiom originates from A New Account of Tales of the World (Shishuo Xinyu) by Liu Yiqing of the Song Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, which records the free-spirited and unconventional behavior of some famous scholars who despised material wealth. It later evolved into a vivid metaphor for extravagance and waste. In terms of deeper meaning, it criticizes the ruinous behavior of unrestrained squandering while also implying an attitude of indifference toward the value of money. It is mostly used in a derogatory sense, often to describe the extravagant behavior of wealthy heirs, nouveau riche, or lavish spending of public funds, and can also be used for self-deprecating remarks about spending too freely. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the traditional Chinese admiration for frugality and condemnation of waste, as seen in the concept of "cultivating virtue through frugality." In emotional coloring, it carries a clear sense of criticism, sarcasm, or regret, with a relatively strong tone. It should be noted that, unlike "generously giving away wealth for a righteous cause," "spend money like dirt" emphasizes waste rather than generosity; the latter is commendatory.
📝 Example
1. After inheriting the estate, he spent money like water and squandered the entire family fortune in less than three years. (Describing extreme wastefulness and spending money without any restraint.)
2. Some internet celebrities spend money like water during livestreams to show off their wealth, setting a bad example for teenagers. (Describing extravagant squandering and lack of care for money.)