挥金如土 squander money like dirt
Explanation
形容极其浪费,花钱大手大脚,像把钱财当成泥土一样随意挥霍。
describes someone who spends money lavishly and carelessly, as if it were worthless.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期,有个名叫李白的诗人,他不仅才华横溢,而且挥金如土。他经常出入酒楼,与朋友们把酒言欢,豪迈不羁。一次,他与朋友们在长安城郊的一家酒楼饮酒作乐,席间,他兴致勃勃地吟诵自己的诗歌,慷慨激昂,引来众人赞赏。酒过三巡,菜过五味,李白豪气干云,随手从怀里掏出一大锭金子,抛向空中,金子如雨点般洒落下来,顿时,酒楼里一片欢呼声。李白的朋友们连忙捡拾金子,而李白却哈哈大笑,继续高歌。他把钱财看得如同泥土一般,挥金如土,毫不吝啬。酒楼老板看到这一幕,惊呆了,心想:这李白真是个奇人,出手如此阔绰,真不愧是诗仙啊!从此,李白的挥金如土的故事便传遍了长安城,成为人们茶余饭后的谈资。
It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, there was a poet named Li Bai, who was not only talented but also known for his extravagant spending. He frequently visited taverns, drank with friends, and lived a carefree life. Once, while celebrating with friends in a tavern on the outskirts of Chang'an, he enthusiastically recited his poems, which drew much admiration. After several rounds of wine and food, Li Bai, in high spirits, threw a large gold ingot into the air. Gold pieces fell like raindrops, and the tavern erupted in cheers. Li Bai's friends scrambled to collect the gold, while Li Bai laughed and continued singing. He treated riches like ordinary dust, squandering them without hesitation. The innkeeper was stunned and thought, "Li Bai is truly an extraordinary man, so generous in his spending, he is truly a poet-god!" Since then, the story of Li Bai's extravagant lifestyle spread throughout Chang'an and became a topic of conversation.
Usage
作谓语、定语;形容极端挥霍浪费。
as predicate or attributive; describes extreme squandering and waste of money.
Examples
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他挥金如土,很快就把家产败光了。
ta hui jin ru tu, hen kuai jiu ba jia chan bai guang le.
He squandered his fortune in a short time.
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这位富商挥金如土,令人咋舌。
zhe wei fu shang hui jin ru tu, ling ren za she.
This wealthy businessman is known for his extravagant spending.