Money pit

nounShop talkShop Slang

A machine, vehicle, or project that constantly consumes cash in repairs.

A piece of equipment or an ongoing job that requires endless financial investment just to remain operational. These are usually old, poorly maintained assets or ill-conceived projects that drain the maintenance budget. Eventually, management has to decide whether to scrap it or keep throwing funds at it.

Heard on the job

That old forklift is a total money pit, we spend more on hydraulic fluid than it's worth.

Also heard as

  • Hole in the water