purse strings

plural noun

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

   in control of the family purse strings.

purse strings

plural noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse strings¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Idioms and Phrases

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.

More idioms and phrases containing purse strings

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 hold or tighten or loosen the purse strings , 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]

Example Sentences

These are longer than traditional ads, mini-stories, designed to pull at heart- as well as purse strings.

From The Daily Beast

Without a doubt, it will loosen the purse strings of nervous investors.

From The Daily Beast

But would it help the movie if the studio loosened up the purse strings?

From The Daily Beast

The problem extends far beyond the politicians who hold sway over the nation's purse strings.

From The Daily Beast

Seems their parents, shell-shocked by their brokerage statements, have tightened the purse strings.

From The Daily Beast

He was a magnificent paymaster to his sneaks; and bound them to him with the strongest of all ties—his purse-strings.

From Project Gutenberg

"It would take more than a gallon of rum to make old Cameron loosen his purse strings," she remembered having heard Conal say.

From Project Gutenberg

I should have to coax my parents into loosening their purse-strings, and get them to buy me a beautiful new jacket.

From Project Gutenberg

The only one that could be called so was Don Pedro Miranda, and he would rather have a tooth drawn than loosen his purse-strings.

From Project Gutenberg

The young voevoda whom the people loved had the art of opening purse-strings as well as of forcing strongholds.

From Project Gutenberg