See the colour of somebody’s money
phrase
To see or be shown that someone has enough money to pay for something.
I won't do any work until I see the colour of his money.
Often appears as...
- show me the colour of your money
- see the colour of their money
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To see or be shown that someone has enough money to pay for something.
I won't do any work until I see the colour of his money.
Often appears as...
- show me the colour of your money
- see the colour of their money
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Trust Issues
Used when you doubt someone's ability to pay and want assurance before providing goods or services.
Before I hand over this artwork, I need to see the colour of your money.
Pro Tip 2/3Before Action
This phrase often implies payment or proof of funds is required before action is taken.
The decorator said he wouldn't start painting until he'd seen the colour of our money.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
It's casual and mainly used in informal conversations, not formal agreements or legal terms.
Mate, I'll need to see the colour of your money before I agree to that bet.
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