Burn a hole in your pocket Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Consumer Culture This phrase often critiques impulsive buying, reflecting consumerism in modern societies. Every mall visit makes the money burn a hole in his pocket. Pro Tip 2/3Impulse Spending Use when describing someone's urge to spend money as soon as they receive it. As soon as James got his bonus, it started burning a hole in his pocket. Pro Tip 3/3Money's Power Indicates the compelling feeling that money must be spent, not just the ability to do so. The lottery winnings were burning a hole in her pocket.