purse strings

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

But factors such as the flagging property market, deflation and youth unemployment have left consumers tightening their purse strings.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

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 • Nov. 21, 2025

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