tighten the purse strings

phrase

: to make less money available for spending
School administrators are already tightening the purse strings.

Examples of tighten the purse strings in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If any team chooses to tighten the purse strings and cut bait, the Broncos will have the necessary cap flexibility to pounce. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026 The government is likely to have tighten the purse strings this year — a stark contrast to last year’s budget, which was littered with one-off giveaways for taxpayers. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025 One of the big sticking points with government funding is from House Republicans who want to tighten the purse strings on Ukraine aid. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2022 The central bank has already taken steps to tighten the purse strings, in part by raising interest rates in March and in May. Rob Wile, NBC News, 3 June 2022 The Covid-19 pandemic has only heightened the need for partners, as venture capitalists tighten the purse strings on big bets like self-driving. Aarian Marshall, Wired, 7 July 2020

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Cite this Entry

“Tighten the purse strings.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten%20the%20purse%20strings. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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