Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.
ˈpurse ˌstrings, the — noun [plural] the way in which money is controlled and spent by a group or organization Who controls the purse strings?[/ex] … Dictionary for writing and speaking English
(the) purse strings — the purse strings UK US noun [plural] the way in which money is controlled and spent by a group or organization control the purse strings: She controls the family purse strings very tightly. tighten/loosen the purse strings (=reduce or increase… … Useful english dictionary
purse strings — n. a drawstring for closing certain purses hold the purse strings to be in control of the money tighten the purse strings or loosen the purse strings to make funds less (or more) readily available … English World dictionary
purse strings — purse′ strings n. pl. cvb the right or power to determine the disposition of financial resources: Who holds the purse strings in your family?[/ex] • Etymology: 1450–1500 … From formal English to slang
purse strings — 1. the right or power to manage the disposition of money: in control of the family purse strings. 2. hold the purse strings, to have the power to determine how money shall be spent. 3. loosen or tighten the purse strings, to increase or decrease… … Useful english dictionary
purse strings — 1. the right or power to manage the disposition of money: in control of the family purse strings. 2. hold the purse strings, to have the power to determine how money shall be spent. 3. loosen or tighten the purse strings, to increase or decrease… … Universalium
the purse strings — UK / US noun [plural] the way in which money is controlled and spent by a group or organization control the purse strings: She controls the family purse strings very tightly. tighten/loosen the purse strings (= reduce or increase the amount of… … English dictionary
purse strings — N PLURAL: the N If you say that someone holds or controls the purse strings, you mean that they control the way that money is spent in a particular family, group, or country. Women control the purse strings of most families... The bank has been… … English dictionary
purse strings — {n.} Care or control of money. * /Dad holds the purse strings in our family./ * /The treasurer refused to let go of the club s purse strings./ … Dictionary of American idioms
purse strings — {n.} Care or control of money. * /Dad holds the purse strings in our family./ * /The treasurer refused to let go of the club s purse strings./ … Dictionary of American idioms
