Expression "some money to go on holidays"

[Ahu TURKOZ]

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #121 "Synonyms for profit and benefit", question 3

I saved up all my pay to spend what I thought was a cheap two week holiday in Brazil but in the end I spent the equivalent to three months' ..........

(a) fees
(b) benefits
(c) earnings
(d) capitals

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #121 "Synonyms for profit and benefit", answer 3

I saved up all my pay to spend what I thought was a cheap two week holiday in Brazil but in the end I spent the equivalent to three months' earnings.

Correct answer: (c) earnings

Your answer was: correct
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It is hard for me to understand this sentence.

Ahu TURKOZ

[Conchita]

Let's try to express it differently:

First I put aside some money to go on holidays. It was my whole salary (usually what you earn in one month). The holiday was two weeks in Brazil. I hoped that it was not going to cost a lot of money. But the truth is that I had to pay three times as much: in the end the holiday cost me what I earn in three months.

Please let us know if you are still confused.