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

Still, the fact the team is even entertaining a meeting with this year’s top free agent suggests the Dodgers, for all the spending they did last offseason, aren’t tightening their purse strings yet.

From Los Angeles Times

We all want it, but those who control the purse strings refuse to pay for it.

From Los Angeles Times

The House Speaker carries no portfolio for enforcing or bypassing military regulations; but the House does control the Pentagon’s purse strings.

From Salon

Looming large over Reeves' decisions is a desire not to create an overbearing strategy that leverages its power over the purse strings to dictate policy, as occurred on occasion in Gordon Brown’s Treasury.

From BBC

Not fiscal recklessness, not mad gambles, but a loosening of the purse strings to reflect a club wishing to win more games in Europe as well as winning the domestic prizes.

From BBC