Cost of Living Idioms:

  1. Cost an arm and a leg: something is very expensive.
    • Example: "The rent in London costs an arm and a leg."
  2. Live beyond one's means: spend more money than one can afford.
    • Example: "She's always buying designer clothes, even though she's living beyond her means."
  3. Make ends meet: to have enough money to cover expenses.
    • Example: "With the rise in rent prices, it's getting harder to make ends meet."
  4. Penny pincher: refers to someone who is very careful with their money and hates to spend it.
    • Example: "My grandfather is a real penny pincher; he never buys anything he doesn't absolutely need."
  5. Belt-tightening: reducing spending and living more frugally.
    • Example: "During tough economic times, many families have to resort to belt-tightening to make their budgets work."
  6. In the red: to be in debt or have negative finances.
    • Example: "After buying a new car, I found myself deep in the red."
  7. On a shoestring: to manage with very little money.
    • Example: "They managed to start their business on a shoestring budget."
  8. Scrape by: to manage to live with barely enough money.
    • Example: "With my low-paying job, it's hard to scrape by each month."

 

Questions:

  1. What are some common expenses you have encountered since moving to the UK?
  2. Have you noticed any differences in the cost of living between the UK and your home country? What are some unexpected expenses you've encountered?
  3. What are some ways to save money on everyday expenses in the UK?
  4. Are there any cultural differences in spending habits between the UK and your culture?
  5. Are there any differences in spending habits between you and your parents?
  6. What's the weirdest thing you've ever done to save money?
  7. What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever bought that you later regretted due to its cost?
  8. What advice would you give to someone who is planning to move to the UK regarding managing living expenses?