small fortune
ثروة صغيرة
بهطور تحتاللفظی: A tiny amount of great wealth
Use it to complain about high prices in a relatable, slightly dramatic, and conversational way.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to describe something that is very expensive.
- Commonly follows the verbs 'cost' or 'spend'.
- An ironic way to say a lot of money.
معنی
This phrase describes something that costs a lot of money, usually more than you expected or wanted to pay. It sounds like a contradiction because a 'fortune' is huge, but calling it 'small' is a common way to emphasize that it's still a significant amount of cash.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Talking about a new gadget
I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.
I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.
Discussing home renovations
Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.
Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.
In a professional but relaxed meeting
The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.
The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase relies on British-style irony, where calling something 'small' actually highlights how large it is. It became widely popular in the 1800s as the middle class grew and started spending money on luxury goods. It reflects a cultural tendency to complain about prices in a slightly exaggerated, humorous way.
Pair it with 'Absolute'
If you want to sound even more like a native, use 'an absolute fortune' for things that are truly, ridiculously expensive.
Don't use it for cheap things
If you use it for a $2 item, people will think you are being extremely sarcastic or you don't know what the word means.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to describe something that is very expensive.
- Commonly follows the verbs 'cost' or 'spend'.
- An ironic way to say a lot of money.
What It Means
Small fortune is a classic English idiom for something very expensive. It doesn't mean a literal pile of gold. It just means a price tag that makes you wince. Think of it as 'a lot of money' but with more personality. It highlights that while the cost might not bankrupted a billionaire, it certainly hurts your wallet.
How To Use It
You usually use it after verbs like cost, spend, or worth. You can say a car cost a small fortune. Or you might say your new hobby is costing you a small fortune. It acts like a noun in a sentence. It’s perfect for complaining about prices without sounding too aggressive. It adds a touch of drama to your story.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing everyday luxuries or unexpected bills. It fits perfectly when talking about weddings, car repairs, or designer shoes. If you’re at a restaurant and the steak is $100, tell your friend it costs a small fortune. It’s great for bonding over the high cost of living. Use it in emails to friends or casual chats at the office.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for truly small amounts, like a $5 coffee. That just sounds confusing. Also, avoid it in very serious financial reports or legal documents. It’s a bit too colorful for a bank loan application. If someone actually loses their entire life savings, don't use this phrase. It might sound like you are downplaying their tragedy. Keep it for things that are expensive but not life-ending.
Cultural Background
English speakers love using understatements and contradictions. Calling a large sum 'small' is a form of ironic humor. It dates back to the mid-19th century. It reflects a middle-class perspective where 'fortune' is relative. It’s a very common phrase in the UK, US, and Australia. It shows a shared cultural understanding that everything is getting more expensive!
Common Variations
You might hear people say it cost an absolute fortune for even more emphasis. Sometimes people just say it cost a fortune. However, adding small actually makes it sound more idiomatic and conversational. You won't hear big fortune used this way. Stick to small or absolute to sound like a native speaker.
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable in most social and workplace settings, but avoid it in highly technical financial reporting where precise figures are required.
Pair it with 'Absolute'
If you want to sound even more like a native, use 'an absolute fortune' for things that are truly, ridiculously expensive.
Don't use it for cheap things
If you use it for a $2 item, people will think you are being extremely sarcastic or you don't know what the word means.
The 'Small' Secret
In English, adding 'small' to 'fortune' actually makes the complaint sound more polite and less like you are bragging about how much money you have.
مثالها
6I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.
I love my new laptop, but it cost a small fortune.
A classic way to express that a purchase was a big investment.
Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.
Fixing the roof is going to cost a small fortune this year.
Used here to express stress about an unavoidable high expense.
The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.
The marketing campaign was great, though it did cost a small fortune.
Acceptable in business when discussing budgets informally.
That dinner last night was amazing but cost a small fortune! 💸
That dinner last night was amazing but cost a small fortune!
The emoji helps emphasize the 'money flying away' feeling.
My cat's medical bills are costing me a small fortune; he lives better than I do!
My cat's medical bills are costing me a small fortune.
Uses humor to complain about the irony of spending money on a pet.
We spent a small fortune on the flowers alone, but they looked beautiful.
We spent a small fortune on the flowers alone.
Reflecting on a significant life event expense.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
That designer handbag ___ a small fortune!
The verb `cost` is the most common partner for `small fortune` when describing price.
Complete the idiom correctly.
I'm not buying that car; it's worth a ___ fortune.
The fixed idiom is always `small fortune`, not `tiny` or `little`.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality of 'Small Fortune'
Talking to family about bills.
This electricity bill is a small fortune!
Discussing prices with a shopkeeper.
It's a lovely watch, but it costs a small fortune.
In a legal contract or bank document.
Avoid. Use 'significant expense' instead.
Where to use 'Small Fortune'
Car Repairs
The mechanic charged a small fortune.
Weddings
The cake alone cost a small fortune.
Tech Gadgets
The new iPhone costs a small fortune.
Real Estate
That apartment is worth a small fortune.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNo, it actually means a lot of money! It is an ironic expression where 'small' emphasizes that the amount is significant to the speaker.
Not really. While 'a large fortune' is grammatically correct, it sounds like a literal description of a billionaire's wealth rather than a common idiom for high prices.
Yes, in a casual or semi-formal meeting. For example, The software license cost us a small fortune is a common way to discuss company expenses.
They mean the same thing, but a small fortune is more idiomatic and common in daily conversation. It sounds more natural.
No, it is used for the cost or value of things. You wouldn't say a person is a 'small fortune,' but you could say they *have* one.
It is not slang; it is a standard English idiom. It is safe to use with your boss, your parents, or your friends.
No, the phrase is fixed as small fortune. Using little or tiny will sound incorrect to native speakers.
It is used equally in both! It is a universal English expression across all major dialects.
Usually, it's a complaint about cost. However, you can say He inherited a small fortune, which is a positive thing for him!
The most common mistake is using it for very cheap items. Save it for things that actually make a dent in your bank account.
عبارات مرتبط
Cost an arm and a leg
Pay through the nose
Break the bank
Pretty penny
Big bucks
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