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a small fortune
/ə smɔːl ˈfɔːtʃuːn/
a large amount of money
She spent a small fortune on her wedding dress.
She spent a large amount of money on her wedding dress.
informal
A large amount of money, often implying it is significant but not necessarily extreme.
He invested a small fortune in his startup.
He invested a large amount of money in his startup.
The antique vase cost a small fortune at the auction.
The antique vase was sold for a large amount of money at the auction.
This phrase is often used to emphasize the value or cost of something without implying it is the absolute maximum.
Collocations
spend a small fortuneto spend a large amount of moneycost a small fortuneto be very expensive
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use this phrase when describing something that is expensive or valuable, but not necessarily the most expensive thing imaginable.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While useful, overusing this phrase can make your speech sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like 'a hefty sum' or 'a considerable amount.'
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'small' with 'fortune,' which historically referred to wealth or luck. Over time, the phrase has come to mean a significant amount of money, even if not extreme.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe something that is costly or valuable. It does not necessarily imply that the amount is the largest possible, just that it is substantial.
Word Breakdown
small
relatively large in this context
adjectivefortune
a large amount of money
nounEnglish Dictionary