purse strings

American  

plural noun

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

   in control of the family purse strings.

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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 )

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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]

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Etymology

Origin of purse strings

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

purse strings

Wednesday’s overall weak readings come as local governments cut back fiscal spending to curb debt risks while Chinese consumers tighten their purse strings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Many filmmakers told me that those who hold the purse strings don’t consider such filmmaking a good investment.

From Salon ● May 22, 2026

Basic economy passengers can upgrade when spending is strong, while business-class travelers can trade down to premium economy when purse strings tighten.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026

That’s a precarious model if middle-class Americans have to tighten their purse strings.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 17, 2026

No matter how she screamed and schemed, her husband refused to loosen his purse strings.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord

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