# power of the purse

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/power-of-the-purse
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The control of finances by one group used as a check on the power of another group.

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.