rolling in dough
Definition
The meaning: Rolling in dough means having a lot of money or being very wealthy.
La signification: L'expression anglaise rolling in dough, qui signifie "plein aux as" ou "hyper riche", est utilisée pour décrire quelqu'un qui a beaucoup d'argent. Par exemple, une personne qui vient d’hériter d’une grande fortune pourrait être dite rolling in dough.
Note :
“Rolling in dough” is a familiar expression often used in a humorous or exaggerated tone. It's typically said with a wink, implying that someone has a lot of money—sometimes ridiculously so. While it's slang for being very wealthy, the phrase is not meant to be taken literally and is frequently used to paint a playful or ironic picture of someone's financial success.
The word dough, in its literal sense, refers to a thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid (usually water), used to make bread or pastry. In slang, however, dough has come to mean money—similar to the French informal terms pognon or thune. This metaphor likely comes from the idea of dough being essential to “make bread,” another slang term for money in English, just as it is in some expressions in French (gagner son pain).
So, when you say someone is rolling in dough, you're playfully suggesting they're surrounded by so much money it's like being knee‐deep in bread dough—sticky, abundant, and maybe even a bit ridiculous.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Plein aux as
» Pété de thunes
» Nager dans l’argent
» Crésus moderne
A: Elle a encore acheté une nouvelle voiture ?
B: Normal, elle est pleine aux as.
English synonyms
» Loaded
» Filthy rich
» Flush with cash
» Sitting on a fortune
A: Did you see his new yacht?
B: Yeah, he’s definitely rolling in dough.
Dialogue
Naomi: "He just bought a mansion and a sports car in the same week!"
Kevin: "Wow, he must be rolling in dough!"
Etymology
Origin: The phrase rolling in dough plays on the slang use of "dough" to mean money – a usage that dates back to the early 20th century in American English. The image of someone rolling in a mass of money suggests great abundance.
Audience
The phrase "rolling in dough" is common in casual, spoken English and often used playfully or exaggeratively.
When to use: Use this expression to describe someone who is clearly very wealthy. Example: "She’s been on three luxury holidays this year – she’s obviously rolling in dough."
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says that it means "Exceptionally wealthy; having large amounts of money to spend." Here's a provided example of use:
"I hear her father is rolling in dough, so I wouldn't be too worried about her future."
News Snippet
"On a transatlantic cruise ship sailing from Spain to Mexico, some of the entertainment crew discover that one of the passengers on board with his family is rolling in dough, having recently won the lottery. Inevitably, everyone on board wants a piece of the old chap’s loot. What follows is a battle royale in which various fraudsters compete furiously to rope this sweet old man into grand and ridiculous schemes, hoping to dupe him out of his millions.
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Read the full article at the Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Rolling in Dough"
Rolling in Dough
To be very wealthy or to have a lot of money.
Example: "After landing that big contract, he’s really rolling in dough."
Loaded
To be extremely rich or wealthy.
Example: "She’s loaded after selling her startup for millions."
Filthy Rich
To have a lot of money, often implying excess or wealth gained through questionable means.
Example: "He became filthy rich after winning the lottery."
Cash Cow
A business or product that generates a steady and significant profit.
Example: "Their new app turned out to be a cash cow for the company."
Money to Burn
To have more money than one needs or can spend wisely.
Example: "With his new job, he has money to burn."
Rolling in It
To be very wealthy; similar to "rolling in dough."
Example: "Ever since he started his own business, he’s been rolling in it."
Deep Pockets
To have a lot of money or financial resources.
Example: "The organization has deep pockets, allowing them to fund many projects."
Well-Heeled
To be wealthy or affluent.
Example: "The well-heeled guests enjoyed an extravagant evening."
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