Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

purse-strings

noun

ˈpɜrsˌstrɪŋz

Definition

The financial resources or budget of an individual or organization, often implying control or influence over spending.

Examples

“The board of directors held the purse-strings when it came to approving new projects.”
“Until she got her own job, she had to ask her parents to loosen the purse-strings for her expenses.”
“In the negotiations, it became clear that the investors were holding the purse-strings.”

Meaning

Purse-strings refer to the funds available for spending and the ability to decide how they are used. The term often indicates who has the power to make financial decisions.