born with a silver spoon in one's mouth

Definition

Born rich, or into a wealthy family.

Etymology

* According to some, the original nautical expression is just born with a silver spoon and describes those young gentlemen who were able to enter the Royal Navy without examination and whose promotion was assured. The converse was born with a wooden ladle. * However, the phrase is first recorded as a Scottish proverb in the form "Every Man is no born with a Silver Spoon in his Mouth" (1721).

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: born to the purple, to the manor born"
• "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and probably never had to work a day in his life."