purse strings

NOUN

monetary power

Synonyms

WEAK

almighty dollar financial control money belt money power power of the purse wallet

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

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

From Barron's • Dec. 15, 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

Shoppers in Los Angeles are turning to more affordable brands, seeking deals and making their own presents to save money this holiday season, as many tighten their purse strings in anticipation of a weak economy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

The banker pulled the purse strings of his mouth taut.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck