money for old rope: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘money for old rope’ mean?
The idiom money for old rope means easily earned money from a task that requires little effort or skill, often referring to a job that involves selling or reusing something of little value.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "two ha'pennies for a penny" means getting a poor or unfair trade. It implies receiving less value for what is given or having a disadvantageous exchange.
The idiom "on the ropes" means being in a difficult or vulnerable position, usually in a competition or struggle.
The idiom "on the money" means to be exactly correct or accurate.
The idiom "old wine in a new bottle" means presenting something familiar or unchanged in a new or different way.
The idiom "old stick" is a colloquialism used to affectionately refer to an old or familiar person. It conveys a sense of familiarity, companionship, and sometimes even nostalgia.
The idiom "old saw" refers to a well-known saying or piece of advice that has been repeated many times. It can also describe a cliché or a trite expression.
The idiom "old salt" refers to a seasoned and experienced sailor or seaman. It implies that the person has spent many years at sea, acquiring knowledge and skills related to sailing and navigation.
The idiom "old money" refers to the inherited wealth and social status that comes from being born into a wealthy family and having a long-standing history of wealth. It implies a sense of established tradition, exclusivity, and privilege.
The idiom "old head on young shoulders" means that a person is wise, mature, or responsible beyond their years.
Decoding Vintage Wealth
The idiom "money for old rope" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in British English. It has several possible origins, one of which suggests that it refers to the practice of buying old, used rope from sailors and selling it to people for a profit. Another theory suggests that it may have come from the practice of selling noose ropes used for hangings as souvenirs after executions. These ropes were often reused, which could explain the association with old rope and making money.
Today, "money for old rope" is commonly used to describe a profitable or easy endeavor that requires minimal effort or skill. It implies that the person doing the task is making a significant amount of money for something that is perceived to have little value or difficulty. This idiom is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is making money easily or deriving excessive profit without much effort or deserving it. It suggests that the person or entity involved is taking advantage of a situation or exploiting others to make money.
The idiom "money for jam" is related to "money for old rope". It is used to describe a situation where someone is making money without much effort or difficulty. While "money for old rope" implies that the task being done is easy and profitable, "money for jam" suggests that the money being made is as easy as when making jam, which requires minimal effort or skill. Both idioms convey the idea of making money easily or deriving excessive profit without deserving it.
Another related idiom is "on the ropes". While "money for old rope" and "money for jam" focus on making money easily, "on the ropes" has a different meaning. It is used to describe someone who is in a difficult or vulnerable position, often in a fight or competition. The image evoked is of a boxer who is near defeat and hanging onto the ropes for support. This idiom suggests that someone is struggling or in a weak position and may soon be defeated or overwhelmed.
The idiom "money for old rope" originated in the early 19th century and is commonly used in British English. It describes a profitable or easy endeavor that requires minimal effort or skill. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is making money easily or exploiting others for profit. The related idioms "money for jam" and "on the ropes" further emphasize the ideas of making money easily and being in a vulnerable position, respectively. These idioms serve as interesting examples of how language evolves and conveys meaning in different ways.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *money for old rope* can be used in a sentence:
- 1. He paid $100 for that vintage shirt? That's definitely money for old rope!
- 2. She sold her old used books for a high price, truly making money for old rope.
- 3. The company decided to charge exorbitant prices for their basic services, essentially making money for old rope.
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