easy money

USAGE SUMMARY

'easy money' is an idiomatic expression that is used in written English and is considered to be grammatically correct.
It is typically used to refer to money that is obtained quickly and without much effort. For example, "He won the lottery and now he's living off of easy money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was easy money.

The Economist

Easy money it is not.

The New Yorker

"Easy money," Adrien Broner said.

The New York Times - Sports

The easy money didn't last.

The New Yorker

It's not easy money.

The Guardian

Easy money, they said.

The New York Times

Such easy money".

The Guardian

"Easy money, easy money," his deadpanned, looking straight ahead.

The New York Times

This guy is easy money.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Oh, the easy-money temptations that lurk!

Forbes

Has the easy money already been made?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial risks or unsustainable economic practices, use "easy money" to highlight the deceptive allure of quick profits and their potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid portraying "easy money" as a reliable long-term financial strategy. Emphasize that it often involves risk, ethical compromises, or unsustainable practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easy money" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes money acquired quickly and without much effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "easy money" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe money obtained quickly and with minimal effort. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly in News & Media, and neutral register. While alluring, contexts often imply ethical or sustainability concerns. Related phrases like "quick buck" or "windfall" capture similar, yet distinct, nuances. When writing, remember that portraying "easy money" as a long-term strategy can be misleading; its allure often masks underlying risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick buck

Focuses on the speed and ease of earning a small amount of money.

gravy train

Implies a continuous and effortless source of income, often undeserved.

windfall

Suggests a sudden and unexpected gain of money.

effortless income

Highlights the lack of work required to obtain the money.

unchallenging gains

Emphasizes the absence of difficulty in acquiring the money.

painless profits

Focuses on the lack of struggle or discomfort in making a profit.

simple earnings

Stresses the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the income.

no-sweat money

Informal term emphasizing the absence of hard work.

passive income

Highlights income generated with minimal ongoing effort.

easy pickings

Suggests a situation where obtaining money is exceptionally simple.

FAQs

How can "easy money" be used in a sentence?

"Easy money" is typically used to describe income acquired quickly and without much effort, such as in the sentence: "He thought he could get "easy money" by gambling, but he quickly lost everything".

What phrases are similar to "easy money"?

Alternatives to "easy money" include "quick buck", "gravy train", and "windfall", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the source and sustainability of the income.

Is there a negative connotation associated with "easy money"?

Yes, "easy money" often implies that the income is obtained through unethical or unsustainable means, or that it is not likely to last.

What's the difference between "easy money" and "passive income"?

"Easy money" suggests a quick, often one-time gain with minimal effort, while "passive income" refers to a more sustainable stream of income that requires minimal ongoing effort after the initial setup.