Tidy sums is a phrase commonly used to refer to a significant amount of money or wealth. In phonetic transcription, its spelling can be represented as /ˈtaɪdi sʌmz/. The first syllable of the word tidy is pronounced with a long /aɪ/ sound, and the second syllable has a short /ɪ/ sound. The word sums is pronounced with a short /ʌ/ sound in the first syllable and a short /ʌmz/ sound in the second syllable. Overall, the spelling of tidy sums reflects its pronunciation in English.
Tidy sums refer to a significant or generous amount of money, typically earned, gained, or spent on various endeavors. This phrase is commonly used to denote a substantial and organized accumulation of financial resources or earnings. It implies an impressive quantity and suggests that the amount of money involved is noteworthy or substantial.
The term "tidy" conveys the notion of cleanliness and order, hence implying that the sums mentioned are not haphazard or irregular, but rather systematically amassed. It suggests that these funds have been carefully collected or spent with prudent management and attention to detail. Tidy sums may pertain to profits gained from successful investments, savings accumulated over time, substantial paychecks, or significant expenditures made to achieve a certain objective.
Furthermore, the phrase can also be figuratively extended to contexts other than finance. For instance, it can be used to describe a neat and well-organized collection of objects or ideas, emphasizing the meticulous arrangement and coherence.
In summary, the term "tidy sums" denotes a substantial and orderly amount of money, earned or spent with care and thoughtfulness. It conveys the idea of financial success and stability and can also be used metaphorically to describe a well-coordinated assemblage.
The etymology of the phrase "tidy sums" can be understood by exploring the origins of its constituent words.
1. Tidy: The word "tidy" originates from the Old English term "tidig", which means "in good condition" or "neat". It eventually evolved into "tidian" or "tider", both denoting "to put in order" or "to arrange". Over time, it took on the sense of being neat, organized, or well-maintained.
2. Sums: The word "sums" is derived from the Latin term "summa", meaning "total" or "aggregate". It is related to the Latin verb "summare", which signifies "to total" or "to add up". The word entered English through Old French and Middle English, eventually becoming associated with amounts, numbers, or calculations.