THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Easy come, easy go
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Something gained easily, especially money, may be quickly spent or lost without much regret.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The unexpected gift money soon went on a weekend trip—easy come, easy go.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The unexpected gift money soon went on a weekend trip—________.
Show the answer
Easy come, easy go — Something gained easily, especially money, may be quickly spent or lost without much regret.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Easy come, easy go” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Something gained easily, especially money, may be quickly spent or lost without much regret.
Compare: The unexpected gift money soon went on a weekend trip—easy come, easy go.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal saying when reacting lightly to the loss or spending of something that came easily. It may sound insensitive about a serious loss.
More examples in context
- “Your small prize is already spent?” “Easy come, easy go,” he laughed.
- She shrugged when the free promotional credit expired: easy come, easy go.
Usage note
It is usually a comment on a situation rather than part of a verb phrase. Do not confuse it with easy-going, which describes a relaxed personality.
A short conversation
A: Did you save the money from the prize?
B: No, I spent it on tickets. Easy come, easy go.
A: I hope you enjoyed the show.
One more practice question
Which situation best fits “Easy come, easy go”?
A. A small unexpected windfall is quickly spent and the person reacts lightly.
B. A carefully saved essential payment is lost and the person is devastated.
Check your answer
A. The saying suits something acquired easily and let go without much concern.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.