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# careful with money

adjective phrase (careful with money)

«careful with money» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, polite) stingy, mean, not liking to spend or share money.
2. (literal, praise) sensible about spending and saving.

### In the lessons

Said kindly or with a wink about someone who never pays for a round or buys cheap gifts; it can be genuine praise too. Polite, everyday; all regions; very British understatement.

### Examples

- Uncle Jim is very careful with money — he still has his first pound.
- She's careful with money, so she always has some saved.
- Gossip: «He's a bit careful with money, if you know what I mean.»
- My dad's careful with money; we never buy anything at full price.
- Being careful with money is a good habit.
- He's careful with money: he split the bill to the penny.

### Note

Trap: it can praise («sensible») or mock («stingy»); the tone tells you which. Plain word for the bad sense: stingy, mean (UK), tight.