Money pit is an informal expression for a project, possession, or activity that absorbs money repeatedly. It conveys continuing financial drain rather than a single high purchase price.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
A “money pit” is something that keeps consuming large amounts of money, often with little sign that the spending will end.
Key details
Canonical Formmoney pit
Core Meaningan activity, project, or possession that continually requires large amounts of money
Further guidance
History Boundary
This guide does not claim an inventor or absolute first use; it focuses on the current documented meaning.
Meaning
an activity, project, or possession that continually requires large amounts of money
Usage Boundary
The expression is informal and often critical or humorous; avoid it when a neutral technical cost description is required.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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