champagne taste on a beer budget

The phrase "champagne taste on a beer budget" is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone who has expensive or luxurious preferences or desires, but does not have the financial means to afford or satisfy those preferences. It suggests that the person has extravagant tastes and desires to enjoy high-quality or luxurious things, similar to champagne, which is associated with luxury and class. However, they are limited by a smaller budget, like that associated with the affordability of beer. In essence, it expresses a desire for something more extravagant and luxurious than what one can afford.