purse strings

American  

plural noun

1. the right or power to manage the disposition of money.

   in control of the family purse strings.

---

idioms

1. hold the purse strings, to have the power to determine how money shall be spent.

2. loosen / tighten the purse strings, to increase or decrease expenditures or the availability of money.

   The budget committee is in the process of tightening the purse strings.

purse strings British  

plural noun

1. control of finance or expenditure (esp in such phrases as hold or control the purse strings )

---

purse strings More Idioms  

1. Financial resources or control of them, as in His mother doesn't want to let go of the purse strings because he may make some foolish investments. This expression is often extended to, as in As long as Dad holds the purse strings, we have to consider his wishes, or The company is tightening the purse strings and will not be hiring many new people this year. The purse strings in this idiom are the means of opening and closing a drawstring purse. [Early 1400s]

---

Etymology

Origin of purse strings

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

Economists believe consumers continued to tighten their purse strings in October.

From Barron's

Shares in Dollar General gained, after the low-price retailer issued earnings and lifted its forecast for full-year sales growth, reflecting that American households are tightening their purse strings.

From The Wall Street Journal

In recent years, consumers in the eurozone have faced multiple deterrents to loosening their purse strings.

From The Wall Street Journal

U.K. consumer sentiment slipped in November, with households tightening the purse strings ahead of the budget and a crucial holiday season for retailers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The broadcast host said that while people have tightened their purse strings in China, they will still be willing to spend on certain things and experiences.

From Barron's