money for old rope

be money for old rope

To be a very quick and easy way to earn money. Primarily heard in UK. A: "I'm getting paid to stay in my neighbour's mansion while they're on holiday." B: "Wow, that'll be money for old rope!" I love working on bicycles, so this job will be money for old rope.
See also: money, old, rope

money for old rope

A very quick and easy way to earn money. A: "I'm getting paid to stay in my neighbours' mansion while they're on holiday." B: "Wow, that'll be money for old rope!" Twenty quid for watching a movie while the kids are asleep? Sounds like money for old rope to me!
See also: money, old, rope
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

money for old rope

or

money for jam

BRITISH
If you say that someone is getting money for old rope or money for jam, you mean that they are getting money very easily and with very little effort. I had always believed that the fashion model's job was money for old rope. His only responsibilities will be to keep the fences in order and to maintain the grass. It sounds like money for jam. Note: In the past, sailors used to unpick lengths of old rope and sell the strands to shipyards where they were used to make the decks of ships watertight.
See also: money, old, rope
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

money for old ˈrope

(also money for ˈjam) (both British English, informal) money that is earned very easily and with very little effort: All I have to do in my job is answer the phone occasionally — it’s money for old rope.
See also: money, old, rope
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be money for old rope
  • be money for jam
  • money for jam
  • coin it
  • coin it (in)
  • make good money
  • a wide boy
  • earn a/your crust
  • earn a crust
  • earn a packet
References in periodicals archive
Yesterday, the 66-year-old said the "money for old rope" comment was intended to contrast how much easier Mastermind was for the presenter holding the answers than the contestants in the famous hotseat.
TV host: My job is money for old rope
It had all looked money for old rope when the first pint was quaffed in the early afternoon, but sadly it was the first step to the gallows.
Hand Crafted disaster just wasn't Fair
"Money for old rope that is what this is all about."
On the web
In the old days it was called "money for old rope", and the same kind of conjuring can be found elsewhere apart from the art world.
Final insult? LOOKING at some [...]; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
On the face of it, then, easy money for old rope and you would be right until you realise that often this pair must extend the hand of friendship and hospitality to guest pundit plonkers such as Robbie Savage or delusional managers like Sam Allardyce, who believes managing West Ham is merely a stepping-stone to his becoming the England boss.
Dull duo are earning money for old rope
TALK about money for old rope - or perhaps that should be money for old sycophants.
We expect more from the BBC than tears and tits
Edward Leigh, chairman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, called the initiative "money for old rope ...
Concerns raised over a pounds 200m green scheme
Humphrys, from Splott, Cardiff, told a rail industry awards dinner his Mastermind job was "money for old rope".
John's not to face action; NEWSBRIEF
It's money for old rope, really - those poor bookies!
Money does talk at york
As far as I was concerned it was money for old rope because I loved the job so much I would have done it for nothing.
WALES: Nothing stays the same and it does no good to dwell on things that are just too painful
The winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic had been heavily odds-on for the 1m2f contest for some time, and his starting price of 4-11 looked money for old rope as he treated his rivals with disdain.
Horse Racing: Monster Curlin sets tone for year with a swagger
It should be money for old rope. After all, he has the experience of having spent 10 years lecturing 60 million of us.
off the Record
Money for old rope thought Hafeez, on 95, only for him to hit a simple practice catch to Strauss at mid-wicket.
Cricket: Sorry England need weather to spare them
But you can get almost even-money about the French by backing them to win without conceding a goal - money for old rope.
NO FRENCH STRESSING; BETTING SPY; THE WORLD OF EASY BETTING
Money for old rope" - Bruce Forsyth on presenting TV game shows.
They say