power of the purse
The control of finances by one group used as a check on the power of another group.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The committee uses the power of the purse to control spending.”
“By threatening to cut the budget, the legislature used its power of the purse to force the governor to negotiate.”
“The constitution grants the elected assembly the power of the purse, ensuring that the executive branch cannot fund its initiatives without legislative approval.”
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brown power
The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.
- 02
come to power
To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.
- 03
common purse
A shared or community fund.
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cut one's cloth to suit one's purse
To settle for less when money or resources are limited.
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grey power
The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.
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hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
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lighten someone's purse
to take money from someone.
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loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
Last updated August 10, 2026