The phrase 'money talks' is a metaphor suggesting money has a voice that influences events or decisions. When the charity received a huge donation, it was clear that money talks.
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Negative Connotation
Sometimes used negatively to criticize the undue influence of wealth over fairness or ethics. In the court case, it seemed like money talks as the rich defendant avoided jail.
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Context-Specific
The phrase can be seen in diverse contexts, often where financial power affects outcomes. She got the lead role in the movie; again, money talks.