power of the purse

brown power

The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.

come to power

To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.

common purse

A shared or community fund.

cut one's cloth to suit one's purse

To settle for less when money or resources are limited.

grey power

The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.

hold the purse strings

To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.

lighten someone's purse

to take money from someone.

loosen the purse strings

To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.