We must tighten the purse strings this month.
tighten the purse strings
idiomTo decrease spending or disallow increased spending; to increase control of spending.
After the company lost its biggest client, the manager decided to tighten the purse strings on all travel expenses.
Faced with a sudden economic downturn, the government chose to tighten the purse strings, effectively halting several ambitious infrastructure projects across the country.
- 01
common purse
A shared or community fund.
- 02
cut one's cloth to suit one's purse
To settle for less when money or resources are limited.
- 03
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 04
lighten someone's purse
to take money from someone.
- 05
loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
- 06
loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
- 07
make a silk purse of a sow's ear
To produce something refined, admirable, or valuable from something which is unrefined, unpleasant, or of little or no value.
- 08
no strings attached
Without conditions or obligations; without a catch.