quick buck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick buck" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common idiom that means to make money quickly and easily. Example: "I know you're looking for ways to make a quick buck, but remember that success takes hard work and perseverance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The quick buck was not his goal.

The Economist

He was looking for a quick buck.

The New York Times

"So we go for the quick buck.

The New York Times

WHAT IT'S AIMING FOR: A quick buck.

The New York Times - Books

"Out to turn a quick buck.

The Guardian - Business

"Is he just out to make a quick buck?

The New York Times

A canny way to make a quick buck?

Independent

They made a quick buck and didn't care.

Independent

"There's more opportunity to go after the quick buck".

The New York Times

"There's a quick buck to be made for Christ.

The New York Times

Both love nothing more than a quick buck, won dirty.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick buck" to describe situations where the primary motivation is rapid financial gain, often with less regard for long-term consequences or ethical considerations.

Common error

Don't use "quick buck" when describing long-term investments or strategies aimed at building sustainable wealth. The phrase implies a short-term, potentially risky approach, not a reliable income stream.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick buck" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "make a quick buck") or as a complement to a preposition (e.g., "for a quick buck"). It refers to a monetary gain achieved rapidly and with minimal effort, as confirmed by Ludwig and demonstrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quick buck" is a common noun phrase referring to money earned easily and rapidly, often implying a lack of long-term planning or ethical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing, opting for alternatives like "rapid profit" or "short-term gain". Remember that while pursuing a "quick buck" may seem appealing, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and consequences. Steer clear of confusing this short-term strategy with approaches aimed at building long-term, sustainable wealth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy money

Focuses on the lack of effort required.

fast money

Emphasizes the speed at which money is obtained.

easy profit

Focuses on the effortless nature of the financial gain.

painless profit

Emphasizes the absence of difficulty in making money.

windfall

Suggests an unexpected and sudden gain.

effortless income

Focuses on the lack of exertion needed to generate revenue.

get-rich-quick scheme

Implies a potentially deceptive or unrealistic method.

making a killing

Highlights a significant and rapid profit.

sudden wealth

Underscores the abrupt arrival of riches.

instant fortune

Highlights the immediate nature of gaining wealth.

FAQs

What does the idiom "quick buck" mean?

The idiom "quick buck" refers to a sum of money earned easily and quickly, often implying a lack of effort or ethical considerations.

How can I use "quick buck" in a sentence?

You can use "quick buck" to describe situations where someone is trying to make money rapidly. For example: "He was only interested in making a "quick buck", so he didn't care about the consequences."

What are some synonyms for "quick buck"?

Alternatives for "quick buck" include "easy money", "fast money", or "windfall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quick buck" in formal writing?

While "quick buck" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, you might prefer more neutral terms like "rapid profit" or "short-term gain", depending on the specific context.