Definition

Noun: - A large quantity, number, or amount of something. It is an informal expression, often preceded by 'a' and followed by 'of' to specify the thing being described.

Usage

The phrase "a tidy sum" is used to emphasize that an amount, especially of money, is substantial or impressively large. It often carries a positive connotation of a neat, considerable amount.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She inherited a tidy sum from her grandfather. (This means she inherited a large amount of money.)
  • He made a tidy sum by selling his old comic book collection. (This indicates he earned a significant profit.)
  • Repairing the roof will cost a tidy sum. (This suggests the repair will be expensive.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can sometimes be used without "of" when the context is clearly about money.
  • After years of saving, he had accumulated a tidy sum.

Variants and Related Words

• Large sum: A more formal and direct synonym.
• Substantial amount: A more formal alternative.
• Considerable sum: Emphasizes the worth or size of the amount.

Synonyms

• A lot: A very common and general synonym for a large amount.
• A great deal: Similar in meaning and usage.
• A mint: Informal slang for a large amount of money.
• A wad: Informal, often referring to a bundle of paper money.
• Plenty: Indicates a more than sufficient amount.

Related Phrases

• A pretty penny: An idiom specifically meaning a large amount of money.
  • That designer handbag must have cost a pretty penny.
• A small fortune: An idiom meaning a very large amount of money.
  • They spent a small fortune renovating their kitchen.

Noun

1. (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
   • a batch of letters
   • a deal of trouble
   • a lot of money
   • he made a mint on the stock market
   • see the rest of the winners in our huge passel of photos
   • it must have cost plenty
   • a slew of journalists
   • a wad of money